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What started as a luxury is now one of the most used technologies in the world. There are around 770 million CCTV cameras installed around the world today, with the majority of them found in China.
CCTV cameras are one of the best ways to monitor and protect your property from threats such as unauthorised access, break-ins, burglaries, and vandalism.
Due to their unmatched benefits and the subsequent surge in demand, the capabilities of CCTV cameras are improving with advanced features such as Internet Protocol (IP) connectivity and remote access now easily available and also highly affordable as compared to a few years back.
When installing a CCTV camera on your property, you must choose the right one for maximum effectiveness.
The brand plays a huge role in how well the system will perform and there are numerous CCTV brands in the market offering state-of-the-art products. However, a few brands stand out from the rest in terms of their quality and service.
Read on to find out the most popular CCTV brands in the world and how to choose the best CCTV camera for your security needs:
MOST POPULAR CCTV BRANDS
Among the top worldwide most popular CCTV brands are:
- Hikvision
- Dahua
- Axis
- Hanwha Techwin
- IDIS
- Honeywell
HIKVISION
Hikvision provides a full range of comprehensive security solutions and tops the list of the most popular CCTV brands in the world.
Heavily invested in research and development for continued product innovation, Hikvision is a Chinese manufacturer and supplier of CCTV systems and has more than 40,000 employees in 59 international subsidiaries and branch offices.
It provides security solutions according to the industry and applications that include both residential and commercial CCTV systems specific for retail, education, banking, building, and traffic.
The brand offers a wide array of network and turbo HD products that include Network Video Recorders (NVRs), PTZ cameras, and CCTV for special applications.
Rendering high-quality images across a range of lighting solutions, Hikvision CCTV cameras are based on Deep Learning technology that allows facial recognition as well as vehicle identification.
DAHUA
Dahua is another Chinese corporation that sells high-tech video surveillance products and services to all kinds of markets including the government, building, retail, critical infrastructure, and public security.
Used in 180 countries and regions around the world, the brand has provided security solutions and products to large-scale clients such as the China International Import Expo and the Rio Olympics.
Dahua Technology provides a customer-centric experience and offers excellent quality and services for a range of network and PTZ cameras using key technologies that ensure maximum security and protection.
AXIS
Axis Communication is a Swedish company established in 1984 as part of the Canon group. It is one of the leading manufacturers of security solutions, including CCTV cameras, and has a local presence around the world.
The brand offers a wide range of video surveillance solutions that include network cameras and encoders, video management software, and analytics, in addition to scalability and simplified integration.
Axis’s end-to-end solutions for surveillance are a smart solution for all kinds of properties and help them stay protected against intrusions, break-ins, vandalism, and any sort of threat out there.
HANWHA TECHWIN
Hanwha Techwin was established in 1977 and is on the list of global leaders in video surveillance. They manufacture their CCTV cameras in South Korea, China, and Vietnam, with most of their sales coming from the South Korean market.
Heavily invested in research and development to meet the ever-evolving market and its security needs, Hanwha Techwin sells its products through more than 16,000 networks across Europe, America, Asia, and the Middle East.
Incorporating technologies such as deep learning and artificial intelligence, the brand offers a complete line of video surveillance solutions from cameras to integrated management software.
IDIS
IDIS is a global security company, with its headquarters in South Korea, that manufactures and distributes a wide range of video surveillance solutions for commercial and public markets.
Operating in over 50 countries and with over 100 strategic partners around the world, IDIS is a market leader for CCTV cameras.
They provide high-quality, end-to-end video surveillance solutions that are user-friendly, scalable, flexible, and offer a low total cost of ownership to meet the different kinds of security needs.
HONEYWELL
Honeywell is an American security company founded in 1906 and one of the largest CCTV manufacturers in the USA.
It is a market leader in the world of video surveillance with major brands across the globe using their services.
With a commitment to superior quality, all their products are subject to rigorous testing and are developed in world-class production facilities.
HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST CCTV BRAND?
With so many great brands and options out there, it can be challenging to choose the best CCTV brand for your property, especially if you’re unsure about your requirements.
You can start with assessing and understanding your specific security needs and then answering a few questions related to the CCTV system to narrow down the choices.
First, let’s look at the most popular types of CCTV cameras available on the market. They include:
- Bullet CCTV cameras
- Dome CCTV cameras
- C-Mount CCTV cameras
- PTZ Pan/Tilt/Zoom cameras
- Day/Night CCTV cameras
- Infrared/night vision CCTV cameras
- Network/IP CCTV cameras
- Wireless CCTV cameras
- High Definition (HD) CCTV cameras
Now, let’s look at the specifications:
Size of the system
CCTV cameras can be used either as a visible or a hidden deterrent, depending on the size and shape of the system.
Where you install the system and what you want to monitor will play a huge part in determining which type you go with. Regardless of the type, you are required by law to put up a sign indicating that the area is under surveillance.
Lighting conditions
CCTV cameras require adequate lighting to capture clear footage. Dark lighting may result in unclear footage which would be of no use to anyone.
There are special cameras made to work specifically in the dark and in challenging lighting conditions, and there are several brands that offer night-vision or infra-red lighting to facilitate the issue.
Camera resolution and quality
CCTV cameras come in a variety of resolutions and the area and subjects that you wish to monitor mainly determine the kind of resolution that would work best for you.
Dark, hazy, and blurred footage becomes useless in detecting and solving crime, therefore, a minimum resolution of 1280 x 720 pixels is recommended.
Field of view
The field of view is the total area that the camera covers. The wider the field of view, the more area will be covered, and the fewer cameras you will have to install on your property.
Some cameras come with a default wide view, while others have adjustable lenses with panning, zooming, and tilting features.
Remote viewing
CCTV systems don’t just offer on-site viewing of the recorded footage but also remote viewing where the live footage can be accessed from anywhere in the world as long as you are connected through the internet.
If you wish to always be connected to your CCTV system, it is best to choose a brand and camera type that focuses on the latest technologies since old models do not offer this attractive feature.
Wired or wireless
Wired CCTV cameras, also known as DVR (digital video recorder) systems, are used in conjunction with a recording device connected to a power source and the internet using a cable.
They can either be powered through a separate cord connecting the power and internet or by using a Power over Ethernet (PoE) cable, requiring just one cable providing both power and internet connection.
Wireless CCTV cameras are connected to a power source via a cable and connected to the internet over Wi-Fi, uploading the recorded footage to a local storage device or the cloud.
The main difference between a wired and wireless CCTV camera is that the recorded footage in wireless systems is transmitted from the camera to the recorder wirelessly, whereas wired systems work entirely over cables. Both, however, require wired power.
Integrations
CCTV cameras are part of a comprehensive security solution that includes burglar alarms, access control systems, and smart lights. Independently, they provide great benefits in keeping your property secure, but when integrated, they pack quite a punch.
Security cameras can be integrated with intruder alarms to activate an alarm as soon as certain types of movements are detected, with access control to activate the automatic locking mechanism, and with security smart lights to instantly illuminate the area.
Read our detailed guide on how to buy the best CCTV camera and the features to look for.
IMPORTANCE OF CCTV SURVEILLANCE
A CCTV system provides a range of benefits to property owners and is highly effective in scaring away intruders.
Here are all the benefits of installing a high-quality CCTV system with advanced features:
Crime deterrence
When it comes to deterring crime, CCTV cameras top the list and are one of the first things that criminals look for when choosing a target.
Their presence wards off all kinds of criminals including burglars, intruders, and vandals since no one would want to commit a felony and get caught on camera.
Just the very idea of being monitored and recorded is enough to scare away intruders trying to break into your property, which is why they will always try to stay away from properties under CCTV surveillance.
CCTV cameras don’t just protect from external threats such as intrusions, burglaries, and vandalism, but also internal threats such as the damage and theft done by disgruntled occupants and employees.
Recorded evidence
A good quality CCTV system does not just scare away potential criminals but also provides evidence if they commit a crime.
With the camera’s real-time and recorded footage, suspects can easily be identified increasing the chances of them getting caught.
This ease of evidence and the trail that burglars leave behind can work to their disadvantage should they try to burgle a CCTV monitored property.
Remote monitoring
Many CCTV cameras that work using the internet offer remote monitoring that allows the users to access the recorded footage both in real-time and as a playback feature to be viewed from a remote location.
This gives them the benefit of not having to be physically present on the property to keep a check on what’s happening.
Remote monitoring is also used for professional CCTV monitoring services where trained experts keep an eye on your property from an off-site monitoring centre.
The area is monitored day and night to keep a lookout for any suspicious activity. In the event of an intrusion or break-in, the concerned individuals and the authorities are informed right away.
Safety and security
An effective CCTV system not just protects from threats such as burglaries and intrusions, but also helps maintain a healthy and safe environment for all occupants of the property.
This can be especially beneficial in workplaces where violence and harassment are serious issues.
The presence of CCTV cameras will prevent any such incidents from happening since the perpetrators will know they will be recorded, caught, and reprimanded for their actions.
CONTACT CALDER SECURITY
When it comes to your security, you need to install systems that you trust and can rely on. Imagine having a CCTV system that you know might malfunction or won’t provide the level of security that you require.
That’s not just a waste of money but also a serious issue that can make you and your property susceptible to threats that can very easily be avoided by adopting the best security practices.
At Calder Security, we deal with only state-of-the-art CCTV systems from the most popular brands and offer a comprehensive range of services for all kinds of properties that range from professional installation to monitoring, maintenance, and repairs.
CCTV installation is a specialist trade and one that is best reserved for security industry professionals. While many general electricians may offer this as a service, they simply do not have the specific knowledge and experience to offer the same level of expertise.
In addition to the physical installation of the equipment, there are many factors to consider such as optimum positioning of the cameras, setting up the DVR, integration with other security systems such as burglar alarms, and the settings of the system itself.
We know the market better and can make informed recommendations on the specifications of the system such as the best brand, whether it should be IP or analogue HD, the number of cameras you need, where to put them to minimise interference from weather conditions, and full training on how to get the most from the system.
Three factors will generally determine the effectiveness of any electronic system: the quality of the equipment; the skill of the installation; and the way that the system is maintained and looked after.
During a maintenance visit, our specialist engineers will conduct a visual assessment of all equipment, check all connections and cabling, clean the cameras, lenses and housing, check the positioning of the cameras, assess playback and recording quality, and even re-familiarise users on proper operation of the system.
We also offer CCTV maintenance contracts that include a regularly maintained system by professionals, 24-hour coverage, reduced call-out and labour charges, and a reduction in insurance premiums.
CCTV monitoring means that security breaches can be detected as they are in progress and the appropriate action can be taken even when the property is empty.
Fast action can make all the difference, not only in the case of a break-in but also for fires, floods, or any type of structural incident.
Professional monitoring services can add an extra layer of protection knowing that your property is being watched by security professionals round the clock.
We offer various levels of monitoring via a 24-hour monitoring centre using Dualcom and BT Redcare signalling, which is the most secure alarm monitoring system and the largest supplier of intelligent alarm signalling services in the UK.
CCTV systems can malfunction for several reasons: weather conditions, compromising cameras, loose connections, cabling issues, power surges, or general wear and tear.
Whatever the issue, you need to resolve them quickly by an engineer who knows what they’re doing.
All our engineers are security industry specialists and carry a comprehensive range of parts, equipment, and service kits on their vans to ensure that fixes are dealt with efficiently because burglars don’t wait until the repairs are done.
Contact us here or call us on 0800 612 9799 to install the best and most popular CCTV cameras from the best brands around the world!
Photo by Nick Loggie on Unsplash