CCTV Cameras (Cord)

In the case of cable-bound surveillance cameras, the signals are not transmitted via radio, but via cable to the central station of the video surveillance system. The recorded videos and pictures can be played back or stored in the Live Stream on a monitor, in order to be able to view them at a later time. While the installation of a cable requires more effort, it is worth the effort in terms of the fact that wired cameras are not exposed to radio interference per se. They are permanently recording and are particularly suitable for long-term monitoring. While it is often argued that WLAN cameras achieve a higher range, this is not always the case. The ranges of WLAN cameras are limited. Often, the signals cannot be transferred through more than two solid walls. In addition, the speed of the WLAN connection is sometimes significantly affected. This is relevant if you also want to use the WLAN for streaming and the like.

For transmitting the signals, cable-bound surveillance cameras are often equipped with coaxial cables. You can transfer data more than 100 meters wide. Two-wire transmissions with twisted pair cables allow a range of over one kilometer. Fiber-optic cables (FOC) are even able to transfer information over several kilometers long distances.

Dome cameras are often designed as wireless WLAN cameras, but are also available with data and power cables. These are surveillance cameras located in a hemispherical housing with a plastic dome. The dome is usually tinted, which has the advantage that the camera's orientation is difficult to see. Due to their design, dome cameras are ideally mounted on the ceiling. Depending on the version, they are suitable for video surveillance in indoor or outdoor areas. Since dome cameras are quite compact, they can be placed in a space-saving way and therefore somewhat inconspicuously. They are often used in public places, in transport and, in principle, in risk areas. The reason for this is that dome cameras are usually better protected against vandalism than other cameras and can also cover a very large viewing area, especially when the camera can be swiveled and tilted behind the dome. This is the case when the cameras are so-called PTZ cameras. Pan Tilt Zoom (PTZ) cameras are equipped with a movable lens that can be swiveled in all directions and thus cover a 360° range. Since the cameras can be re-aligned over and over again, they are more flexible to use than fixed versions. PTZ cameras are usually designed in dome design, but also as bullet cameras (with motorized swivel arm).

Bullet cameras do not bear their name for no reason. The English word bullet is called a bullet in German and is indicative of the characteristic design of the cameras. They are equipped with a bracket that can be used to mount them on the wall or ceiling. Bullet cameras are clearly visible, which has the advantage that they can act as a deterrent to potential burglars. However, there are also mini-cameras that are less likely to catch your eye due to their smaller dimensions.

Box cameras are similar to bullet cameras, but are more box-shaped. In addition, their lens is mounted outside the housing, while the lenses in bullet cameras are protected by the housing. The advantage of Box cameras is that the lens can be replaced at any time. This is not easily possible with bullet cameras, as the lens is installed in the housing and is therefore difficult to access.

The advantage of IP cameras (also called network cameras) is that they can be integrated into an existing computer network or into the Smart Home. They offer the possibility to view the pictures and videos taken on the PC, Smartphone or tablet and can often be controlled via App . Some IP surveillance cameras also provide an alarm function and send a push message as soon as motion is detected indoors or outdoors. IP cameras are often part of complex alarm systems and systems. 

Although IP cameras (IP = Internet Protocol) are often used as WLAN surveillance cameras, they are also available in wired versions. They are connected to the router using an Ethernet or LAN cable. To ensure power supply, PoE IP cameras do not even require an additional power cable. You simply pull the operating current over the network cable (PoE = Power over Ethernet). 

To connect an IP camera, connect it (if necessary) to a power source and then via LAN cable to the network router. After entering the IP address, the IP camera is set up; for this purpose, a suitable software from the manufacturer is usually included. The IP camera can then be conveniently configured on the PC. Recorded videos and images can usually be backed up to a microSD card, FTP server, or cloud storage.

The focal length of the camera lens must also be observed. A short focal length is accompanied by a wide viewing angle. The image area will be larger and the recorded objects will appear smaller. Short focal length cameras are the right choice for monitoring large areas. Conversely, if the image section is to be small, the focal length must be large. As the recorded area becomes narrow, the objects appear larger. Surveillance cameras with varying focal lengths are practical to be able to set the appropriate viewing angle for each application.
Daylight cameras are usually not suitable for video recordings at night. Here you have to use devices that are specially designed for night vision. In order to be able to make good recordings in the dark, night vision cameras must be equipped with infrared LEDs, which illuminate the surveillance area almost invisibly. With small cameras, night vision is usually only possible in a few meters range, as there is simply no space to install sufficient LEDs. Professional night vision cameras are usually equipped with high-quality infrared sensors and an additional infrared filter, which blocks the IR rays as soon as the light conditions get better. In this way, they can also take pictures and videos in natural colors in daylight. 

Our practical tip: Place outdoor cameras inconspicuously

If you want to place your outdoor camera as hidden as possible, you can hide it under a sloping roof or under an excellent object. However, the viewing area must not be obstructed. If this is not possible, you can apply stickers to the camera or disguise it with a few branches or grasses to make it less noticeable. Alternatively, paint the casing in camouflage colors, as one knows from game cameras. Note: There are strict legal requirements and numerous restrictions on the use of surveillance cameras to ensure that people's privacy and privacy are respected. Before installing a camera, check the applicable laws and regulations.