CCTV

Whether it's at work or at home, indoors or outdoors, we all love the feeling of security. Our range of CCTV cameras provide crisp, clear images with effective panning and tilting capabilities and a focus on ease of use. Here at Cromwell, we offer wireless and wired CCTV cameras by Abus® that ensure peace of mind in external or internal environments.

What are CCTV cameras?

CCTV (closed-circuit television) cameras broadcast high-definition video to a limited number of private monitors. They are primarily used for security purposes, including deterring criminal activity and for providing evidence of events.

Why CCTV cameras?

CCTV cameras are by far the most popular form of security surveillance today. They are discreet, easy to use and provide crystal clear images without breaking the bank. The cameras are also versatile, with the ability to be wall-mounted in a variety of environments and for a range of applications. The presence of a CCTV camera on a premises is often enough of a deterrent to prevent crime. In turn, the cameras provide an invaluable sense of security. CCTV recordings also act as evidence of whatever they see, from when your staff leave work every day to when your cat comes back home at night! There are numerous uses for such evidence depending on the environment, and our reliable CCTV cameras capture everything.

When to use CCTV cameras?

CCTV cameras are suited for use on any premises where a security breach could be harmful to personnel, equipment or the building itself. They have both industrial and domestic applications and can be used from houses to large warehouses.

CCTV camera types

CCTV cameras have a number of different types and Ingress Protection Ratings (IP ratings). They are all suited for different purposes depending on the use requirement and whether they will be located indoors or outdoors.

• Pan/Tilt/Zoom Camera   -   These types of camera are ideal for all-round indoor surveillance. They feature panning, tilting and zooming capabilities to get an ideal picture of a particular feature or area of a room. For these reasons, they are often used as live guard security systems.

• Bullet Camera   -   Bullet cameras have a long, cylindrical housing and are ideal for long distance image recording. They are built to be wall-mounted in outdoor settings, with a protective casing that shields the camera against weather, dust and dirt.

• Thermal Image/Infrared Camera   -   Infrared cameras are excellent for picking up moving figures during the night, using LEDS around the lens to deliver crisp images. These cameras can see over very long distances, making them ideal for use in large open spaces.

Considerations when choosing a CCTV camera

• Intended use - If the camera is not built for the purpose that you need it for, it may not perform satisfactorily, and the intended functionality of the product may not be properly utilised. Ensure that you consider what you want to achieve with the camera and choose accordingly.

• Location - When choosing a camera, consider where you want it to be located. For example, a pan/tilt camera is not suited for outdoor use in a large car park, whereas a bullet camera would be ideal. If you need a camera which will be permanently fixed outside, consider one with protective housing to shield against the elements.

• Coverage - Make sure that the camera you choose has the coverage capabilities that you need. For example, in an indoor corridor, a pan/tilt camera would be ideal as many have 360° coverage, ensuring that the entire corridor can be covered.

• Resolution quality - Image quality is crucial when utilising CCTV cameras to the fullest. Ensure that the camera you choose has crisp, HD resolution. If you would like to use the camera at night, it's important to make sure your camera has infrared capabilities.

CCTV camera jargon buster

We want to make it easy for you, so here are some key terms that will help you understand the range and applications a little better.

What is the IP rating?

An IP or Ingress Protection code classifies the level of protection provided by an enclosure or protective casing. The rating is made up of 2 numbers together, which provide information as to the protection against solid particles and liquids. For example, the first '6' in IP66 relates to the degree of solid particle protection, which in this case is full resistance to dust and other similar particulates. The second '6' relates to the degree of protection from liquids, which in this case is protection of water jets with a nozzle of up to 12.5mm. Ensure to do some research on the IP rating of your camera before purchasing.

FAQs

Will my camera be able to see in the dark?

If you buy a camera with infrared capabilities, yes. Infrared allows the camera to pick up movement in the dark, allowing you to view night-time recordings or live feed from your camera. The better the infrared camera, the better the image quality at night.

Can I view recordings from my CCTV camera?

In most cases, yes. Many CCTV cameras have either DVR (Digital Video Recorder) or NVR (Network Video Recorder) systems, which store recordings on either a digital or network format. Some quick research on your choice of camera will tell you if, and how your camera stores recordings