FUNCTIONS AND USES

OF CCTV CAMERA
 WHAT IS CCTV?
• At its core, CCTV is a video system designed to only be
viewed by particular users; the picture is not broadcast,
but recorded or viewed on a specific monitor.
Originally, CCTV was designed for use in banks and
casinos. The signal recorded by the cameras is
transmitted in a scrambled form to a receiver that
unscrambles it. CCTV refers to a method of
transmitting any television signal, but the term is most
commonly used to refer to surveillance cameras.
 MAIN FUNCTION
• As mentioned, CCTV is most commonly used for
surveillance. Most major institutions, such as banks
or schools, have CCTV networks to reduce the need
for human security. Prisons use CCTV for monitoring
behavior from a central location in addition to regular
patrols. Video taken with CCTV can be recorded and
reviewed later.
OTHER USES
• CCTV has other practical applications beyond
surveillance and CCTV networks don't
necessarily feature security cameras. Any kind
of on-site video technology uses CCTV, such
as a video conference that is only accessible
for a select audience.
“What many people don’t know, however, is that
there are a variety of different types of 
CCTV camera which suit different situations or
premises, and that selecting the proper camera
for the right application really is vital.”
Different Types of CCTV
Here, we run through these types of camera and
what makes them unique and more suitable for
some venues over others.
DARK FIGHTER TECHNOLOGY CAMERAS
 These cameras can pick up coloured images in very low-light
conditions. Dark fighter technology can be used in the day and
night and offer optimal performance thanks to its wide range of
capabilities. They are equipped with ½” CMOS progressive scan
sensors which allows the device to pick up high-quality images
and doesn’t require an extra light source – which makes the
perfect night time security surveillance camera.
Other benefits of dark fighter technology cameras include:
• Smart features: line crossing, audio and face detection
• Can be used for a multitude of purposes
• High definition
ANPR/LPR CAMERAS
 ANPR and LPR cameras are used to read and store data on
registration plates. They offer a simple and efficient solution to
many organisations including tolling, hotel overstay management
and the obvious: car parking. ANPR stands for Automatic
Number Plate Recognition (LPR cameras stands for License
plate cameras) and these devices help to obtain copious
information in a high traffic area to keep any premises secure.
Other benefits of ANPR/LPR cameras include:
• Smart features: information storage
• Can identify cars that have been banned from a premises
• Allows a business to run smoothly
INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL DOME
CAMERA
 The dome camera is one most commonly used for indoor and
outdoor security and surveillance. The shape of the camera
makes it difficult for onlookers to tell which way the camera is
facing, which is a strong piece of design, deterring criminals by
creating an air of uncertainty. Other benefits of this type of
camera include:
Other benefits of internal and external dome cameras
include:
• Ease of installation
• Vandal-resistant features
• IR night vision
BULLET CAMERA
 Bullet cameras are long and cylindrical in shape and are ideal for
outdoor use. Their strengths lie specifically in applications which
require long distance viewing. Installed within protective casings, the
cameras are shielded against dust, dirt and other natural elements. The
cameras can easily be mounted with a mounting bracket, and come
fitted with either fixed or varifocal lenses depending on the
requirements of its intended application.
Other benefits of bullet cameras include: 
• IR night vision
• Compact size aids installation
• High-quality image resolution
C-MOUNT CAMERA
 Coming with detachable lenses, C-mount cameras allow for
simple lens changes to fit different applications. C-mount
cameras can cover distances beyond 40 ft thanks to the
possibility to use special lenses with these cameras, whereas
standard CCTV lenses can only cover distances of 35-40 ft.
Other benefits of C-mount cameras include:
• Can support changes in technology
• Effective for indoor use
• Bulky size makes them noticeable (which acts as a deterrent)
DAY/NIGHT CAMERA
 Capable of operating in both normal and poorly lit
environments, these cameras benefit from not requiring inbuilt
infrared illuminators as they can capture clear video images in
the dark thanks to their extra sensitive imaging chips. For this
reason, these cameras are ideal for outdoor surveillance
applications in which IR cameras are unable to function
optimally.
Other benefits of day/night cameras include:
• Record in both colour and black & white.
• Wide variety of sizes available
• Infrared capability
PTZ PAN TILT & ZOOM CAMERA
 PTZ – Pan/tilt/zoom – cameras allow the camera to be
moved left or right (panning), up and down (tilting) and even
allow the lens to be zoomed closer or farther. These cameras
are used in situations where a live guard or surveillance
specialist is there operating the security systems.
Other benefits of PTZ cameras include:
• 200m IR night vision
• X36 optical zoom
• High-quality image resolution
DISCREET CCTV
 These types of cameras allow for discreet placement which
means you can capture good footage of theft and criminal
damage. Discreet CCTV cameras beneficial because criminals
will be less likely to spot them and therefore, they are less
likely to be damaged in the process.  
Other benefits of discreet CCTV cameras include:
• Can be propped up or mounted
• Can be disguised in various objects
• Effective for indoor use
THERMAL IMAGE CAMERAS/INFRARED CAMERAS
 One of the best 24 hour surveillance cameras around
providing airports, seaports, boards and many other critical
infrastructures with quality images, no matter what time of day it
is. Infrared cameras have small LEDs surrounding the lens to
help pick up moving figures in pitch black. Thermal image
cameras can see over long distances, up to 300 metres away!
Other benefits of infrared cameras include:
• Detect intruders up 250-300 metres away
• Good in low-light
• Thermal radiation passes through visual barriers
VARIFOCAL CAMERAS
 With the ability to zoom in and out without forfeiting its
focus. Varifocal cameras allow you to adjust the focal length,
the angle and increase or decrease the zoom – ideal for
obtaining footage in a square room where you would normally
experience a ‘dead zone’ with any alternative, fixed lense
camera.
Other benefits of varifocal cameras include:
• Can capture those ‘dead zones’ that other cameras can’t
• Offer exceptional focus
• Work well up close and at long distances
NETWORK CAMERAS
 These cameras share the images across the internet,
so CCTV footage can be easily accessed. Network
cameras are ideal for both domestic and commercial
purposes because you can see what’s going on whilst
away from the property.
Other benefits of network cameras include:
• Data can be easily accessed
• Ideal for homes and companies
• Less cabling and less maintenance
HIGH DEFINITION CAMERAS
 High definition cameras have such a high resolution that
they’re mainly used in high risk establishments such as banks
and casinos. This is to capture a good image of anyone who
enters and exits to maintain high security and maximum safety.
These cameras are great for spotting misconduct and allows the
user to zoom in for extra clarity, should the footage need to be
used in court.
Other benefits of high definition cameras include:
• Clear, detailed pictures
• Offer maximum safety for high risk establishments
• Can zoom in without losing focus
WHAT TYPE OF CCTV CAMERA SHOULD I BUY?
It’s extremely important to ensure that you have
chosen the right CCTV camera, because depending on
where they’re positioned and their primary use, you
will need to find one that best accommodates your
needs.
 3 FACTORS TO CONSIDER BEFORE BUYING A
CCTV CAMERA
1. The correct lense
This will ensure that you receive a quality image. Choosing the right lens
will allow your camera to focus and will bring enough light to the sensor
on the camera, helping you to read registration plates and recognise faces
etc.
Having more detail will, of course, help in all situations, because it means
that you will be able to see exactly what’s happening and get a clear record
on film. A zoom lense can provide customers with more information
because optical zoom can adjust the light as it reaches the sensor, enabling
flexibility and enhanced pictures.
2. THE CORRECT SENSOR

There are two things to take note of when finding the

right sensor: the type and size. These are:
• CMOS (complementary metal oxide semiconductor)
• CCD (charged coupled device) cameras
CCD are more expensive than CMOS and they
produce a clearer image, ideal for identifying faces
and registration plates.
3. THE CORRECT OUTPUT RESOLUTION

The more pixels, the better the picture. The

highest resolution you can get is 700TVL but
many mainstream cameras range between 300-
550TVL. It’s important to match a resolution
that your camera can produce, anything more is
completely unnecessary.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING A CCTV SYSTEM:
• Should my CCTV cameras be discreet or a
visual deterrent?
• How do I know what to use indoors and
outdoors?
• What are the light conditions like?
• Is image clarity important?
• Is audio required?
SHOULD MY CCTV CAMERAS BE DISCREET OR A
VISUAL DETERRENT?

Box cameras present an obvious sign for anyone

who passes by that they are being recorded on CCTV
and this can be a great deterrent of theft and crime.
Whereas dome cameras are smaller and more discreet.
These compact cameras are ideal for monitoring a
larger area such as your front or back garden and can
follow movement with ease.
 HOW DO I KNOW WHAT TO USE INDOORS AND
OUTDOORS?
When thinking 
where you would like to place your cameras, you
might want to think about how they will be mounted
and housed, in order to ensure that they’re in the best
location and well protected. For example, if your
camera is to be placed outside, you will want it to be
robust and weather proofed. If it’s to be placed indoors
you will want to ensure it will not be affected by grease
or steam from a kitchen.
WHAT ARE THE LIGHT CONDITIONS LIKE?

Test different camera models to see what works best

with the lightning in your area, because no matter
whether they’re inside or outside, the lighting will
differ throughout the day. You will want to check any
reflections and backlighting during the day and night.
IS IMAGE CLARITY IMPORTANT?

Depending on how expansive the area is that you

want to cover, the resolution of the CCTV camera you
choose will need to reflect the landscape in order to
provide a clear, useful image. However, if situated in a
small room, the camera need not be of a high
resolution.
IS AUDIO REQUIRED?

Audio isn’t required, however, if you do wish to opt

for audio there are systems where you can speak to a
person who has broken into the property. Audio can be
used to deter criminals by automatically playing
something when they get a certain point inside, an ideal
way to make them think that there are people inside the
building.