Megapixel security cameras have taken the security industry by storm. The image you want to view from your security camera will be made of tiny pixels, which capture the light and convert it to the picture you see. Each megapixel is made up of one million pixels. These small pixels are put together to form the picture that you see. Generally, the more megapixels the clearer the picture will be.
More Megapixels Equals Greater Detail
Just like with digital cameras, the more megapixels the larger the picture can be enlarged without losing picture quality. This can be very important when trying to enlarge a picture to get a car license plate or other small element in a larger picture. When you can see more details, it is easier to capture thieves. This can greatly increase your profits.
More Megapixels Equals a Larger Area
Megapixel cameras are also superb when coupled with wide-angle lenses. The goal here is to observe all the activity in an area. Unlike the scenario where you are trying to observe minute details, these cameras will provide you with a great overall view. They can often be strategically placed to do the work of two or more analog cameras. A good quality analog camera will cost you around $600. A good megapixel camera will cost around $800. When you can eliminate cameras, you will be saving money in the long run.
Another advantage with megapixel cameras is that the picture can be viewed on your computer or network video recorder with just a standard network jack. Analog cameras, on the other hand, require two cables, one to carry the video signal and one to carry the power. The computer’s UPS can deliver backup power for your security camera.
Megapixel Camera Resolution
When purchasing a megapixel camera, look closely at the resolution. The resolution is limited by the camera’s sensor. Look for a camera that has a large sensor as it is capable of capturing more details. The larger the sensor, the better the resolution will be. These sensors rely on light to work. Therefore, when installing a megapixel camera, it may be necessary to increase the available lighting for the best picture quality.
Megapixel Camera Frames Per Second
Another factor to consider when purchasing a megapixel security camera is the frames per second rate. This rate is often abbreviated as the fps. The higher the number, the smoother the video will be to look at. Look for a megapixel security camera that captures a minimum of seven frames per second.
Bandwidth Required
Yet, another consideration, when buying a megapixel security camera, is the amount of bandwidth the camera will require. On the average a 5 megapixel camera recording at full resolution and at its top rate will use 35 megabytes per second of bandwidth. Consumers need to talk to their Internet providers to see if they have enough bandwidth to operate the camera system they would like to install. If they do not, a gigabyte switch will need to be installed. If the switch is not installed, browsing speed on the computer may be drastically reduced.
Choosing Housing
Before buying a megapixel security camera for outdoor use, the consumer also needs to consider what type of housing they want to use. Basically, when a megapixel security camera is used outside it must be a box camera. Many different choices in housing exist. The consumer will want the housing to fit their camera and lens size and one that is attractive to the overall landscaping.
When the right network is designed, megapixel cameras are a great addition to a property’s security. With a megapixel camera it is easy to observe greater detail or a larger area. The consumer also has the advantage of using only one cable. The best megapixel cameras have large sensors and a high rater of frames. It is also important to choose the right housing for the megapixel camera.
