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The Benefits of CS-Mount Security Cameras

November 13th, 2009 James Common 1 comment

The first security camera was a cs-mount surveillance cameras, and they were first introduced in the’70’s. Perhaps it was the fact that fashion was not at its high that these boxy, obtrusive security cameras look the way that they do, but it had more to do with the technological limitations of the time. As camera technology was in its infancy, chips sets and circuit boards were much bigger than today, which rather restricted surveillance cameras to the c-mount security camera construction. For many years, cs-mount security cameras design defined the security camera industry, but now the most common profile that most people think of when mentioning a security camera is the bullet security camera.

Even though c-mount cameras no longer reign the industry, there are many advantages to using a c-mount security cameras in your security setup. The biggest of these reasons comes down to resolution, because c-mount security cameras still give the best resolution of any security camera style. Their advantage in resolution os due to their increased size when compared to other security camera styles. C-mount security cameras can handle a 1/2 inch chip set, in contrast most other cameras can only use 1/4 or 1/3 inch chips sets. With an increased size chip set the camera has a greater number of pixels than a smaller one, and the more pixels the better the video. The larger sensor has more surface area and thus can capture more light and increases video quality in darker situations.

C-mount surveillance cameras are very effective when used inside, but face challenges when used outside. To be used outside, cs-mount cameras need special mounting brackets to fix them on exterior walls and housings to protect c-mount surveillance cameras from the the environment.

Infrared cameras excel at seeing in complete darkness, and many other cameras see well in the daytime, but cs-mount cameras are some of the only security cameras that work especially well in the space between no light and daytime. This ability to record in twilight conditions is measured by a camera’s lux rating. Lux is the measuring tool for the amount of light falling on an area. Lower lux ratings means that the camera can see in lower levels of light but generally increases the cost of the camera.

It needs to be said that cs-mount surveillance cameras do not come equipped with a lens, so don’t forget to get one. This makes them initially more more expensive and cheaper over time, as their lenses can be exchanged to fit another security application rather than requiring a security expert to have to buy a completely new camera.

The biggest drawback of a c-mount security camera is their difficulty in being used outdoors. If you want to use a cs-mount security camera outdoors, you will require a c-mount housing, which will protect it from rain, wind, and the elements. Another piece of equipment you will need is a mounting bracket, this allows you to mount it in a variety of positions and on specialized surfaces. In very extreme conditions (very hot or very cold) a c-mount security cameras might require specialized housings with heaters or cooling fans built in.

CS-mount security cameras also significantly deter crime, as their large footprint makes them extremely easy to see. As such, many banks, businesses, and government offices use them. They make the very obvious statement “You are being observed.”

In conclusion, c-mount cameras have the greatest quality of any security camera, but lack the constitution to be used outdoors without protection form the elements. They make excellent inside surveillance cameras, but should only be attempted outdoors if the security application calls for color video in poor light, or if the increased resolution recording outweigh the difficulty of protecting their environment. Finally, if you want to send the message “you are being observed” there is no better security camera that cs-mount surveillance cameras.

We hope you appreciated our report on c-mount security camerasand video surveillance.

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Seeing in the dark — Infrared Security Cameras

October 9th, 2009 Chad Buie No comments

Infrared security cameras excel at allowing security personnel to see in the dark. There are advantages and disadvantages to using this type of lens in your security camera cctv system.

Let’s start out by acknowledging a infrared security camera’s obvious drawback: they capture black and white video. With that said, we can begin to speak about the benefits of having an infrared security camera in your security setup and the different types of infrared cameras.

An infrared security camera, admittedly recording in black and white, is often the only type of security camera that can record in adverse lighting conditions.

Configuring a CCTV setup, has to account for variables outside your control. Investing thousands of dollars into state of the art camera systems that can be disabled by simply cutting power to a few key lighting systems that were taken for granted, can be a major oversight. Installing a few cameras in your setup that can still function without lighting is essential. Also, for cameras that will be used outside, infrared security cameras are still the most widely preferred option out there.

How do Infrared security cameras work? Infrared Sensors (or IR) detect infrared radiation, which is essentially the byproduct of heat. Specifically, electromagnetic radiation has a wavelength longer than visible light but shorter than a microwave, which means that people cannot see it or be damaged by it. Infrared (or thermal) imaging is used in many devises such as smart missiles, night vision goggles, and television remotes. Other scientific uses involve using infrared light to predict the weather or study the formation of stars. Obviously, visible light is not necessary to produce heat, which is why infrared cameras work so well at night.

Infrared security cameras vary by having different numbers and sizes of infrared bulbs. Some lights range from 64 bulbs to as few as six. Generally more and larger bulbs means that you will be able to see farther with the camera.

An infrared security camera can be very sensitive, which is why it is important to know where you will use it before you decide upon a model. Many people often assume that more infrared light bulbs will make a better picture, but often when a infrared security camera is used inside the amount of infrared light produced can reflect off of hard surfaces and wash out the infrared sensor. Some infrared reflective surfaces include anything flat and made of glass or metal (such as doors, mirrors, or windows) or even some “glossy” style interior paints.

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