Safeguarding your home and business requires several steps; however, the most effective medium in protecting your loved ones and possessions is to install a high resolution security camera. Security cameras are available in a wide variety of specifications, and while the cheaper models still capture and send videos, these cameras are often outfitted with a low video resolution. A high resolution security camera can accurately capture details that would otherwise be missed, and it is within these details a criminal can be caught or never found.
What is Video Resolution
Before delving into the benefits of a high resolution security camera, it is important to understand what high resolution actually means. A recorded video image is constructed using a series of scan lines. When these scan lines are combined in one of two methods: interlacing/interlaced scan or progressive scan. An interlacing/interlaced scan is when the scan lines are divided into two fields, odd and even fields, and only one of each field is displayed at a single time. For example, the odd scan lines are displayed followed by the even scan lines. These back-and-forth displaying actions create a completed frame.
Progressive scan lines are utilized in digital video recordings. This form of displaying an image displays both even and odd scan lines are displayed in a precise numerical sequence. Of course, there are variations to how a high resolution security camera can capture and display videos.
Security Camera Resolutions
As with many other types of recording devices, security cameras are available in a wide variety recording resolutions. The video resolution of a camera is determined by two basic specifications: color cameras or monochrome cameras.
Both monochrome and color security cameras are able to produce four different video resolutions, which include: low resolution, high resolution, high definition 1.3 and high definition 3.1. A monochrome low resolution security camera produces 380 to 420 scan lines while a monochrome high resolution security camera can product 470 to 600 scan lines. High definition monochrome security cameras may produce 960 to 1,536 scan lines.
Color security cameras offer slightly different scan line numbers for both low and high resolutions. A color low resolution security camera may produces only 330 scan lines while a high resolution security camera can produce anywhere from 470 to 540 scan lines. High definition color security cameras produce the same amount of scan lines available in monochrome cameras, which range from 960 to 1,536; however, the primary difference monochrome security cameras must utilize an IP camera to achieve HD quality video resolutions.
What is Considered a High Resolution Security Camera
A high resolution security camera is any security camera capable of deliver 470 to 600 scan lines. When you’re searching the market for a high resolution security camera, it is important to take note of the TV scan lines as many manufacturers falsely advertise their cameras as high resolution when their TV scan lines are more suited for a low, or standard, resolution camera.
Features of a High Resolution Security Camera
As with any other digital device, the features found within a high resolution security camera will greatly vary according to the manufacturer and model number. While there are very basic high resolution security cameras on the market, if you desire a security camera capable of capturing brilliant images in all lighting situations, then you will need to ensure the security camera offers adjustable features. The following is an example of what consumers should look for in a high quality high resolution security camera:
- Adjustable AGC Switch – AGC stands for Automatic Gain Control, and this feature allows more light to enter the lens to capture images in low light situations
- Shutter Speed Control – Make sure the high resolution security camera offers an adjustable shutter speed. During low light situations, the shutter speed must be lowered so the lens can capture as much light as possible.
- Lower the F-Stop – The smaller the F-stop the larger the lens iris will become, thus allowing more light into the camera so it may capture details even at nighttime.
Of course, this is only a partial list of features to look for in a high resolution security camera. To determine what features you require, write down a list of requirements and discuss these requirements with a security camera professional who can point you to the perfect high resolution security camera.
