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Camera Guide

Bullet Cameras


Analog Indoor outdoor Bullet cameras


The term Bullet Camera comes from its resemblance to a rifle bullet. Generally long and tapered like a cylinder, it looks like an oversized ammo cartridge. Bullet cameras offer a versatile mounting bracket that can be pointed in any direction.


Bullet cameras can be both fixed lens or varifocal. Fixed lens cameras usually come in 3.6mm. Other lens sizes are available but 3.6mm is the most common. Varifocal lens can be adjusted on the camera with a screwdriver at the time of mounting. Varifocal lens are usually 2.8mm to 12mm which will allow you to zoom to the target and maximize detail.

Some devices capture images in color which is best for daytime lighting. For nighttime viewing, its best to choose an infrared camera, which captures images in black and white at night which is better. Many of the products will display color during the day and automatically switch to black and white infrared viewing when light levels are low. Resolution levels for black and white are usually about 500-600 lines, any higher resolution and the benefits are minimal. For color, the higher resolution the better the picture.

Bullet cameras contain the same electronics as every other camera. Nothing makes a bullet camera better than a dome camera or box camera. They are just a different shape and allow for different mounting positions.

Bullet cameras most commonly use 12 volt DC power. However, their are some models available that are dual voltage, 12 volt or 24 volt.


Megapixel IP Bullet Cameras

Digital (Megapixel) Indoor outdoor Bullet cameras

Just like analog Bullet cameras, the term Bullet refers to the shape of the camera. The biggest difference between Analog and IP is the video quality. Megapixel cameras produce HD quality video. IP Bullet cameras come in different resolution ranging from 1 megapixel to 5 megapixel. If you are looking for true HD video quality, then you need a camera that is at least 2 megapixel. IP Bullet cameras can be fixed lens or varifocal lens. Megapixel cameras can be powered using standard 12 volt DC or PoE (Power over Ethernet). Some bullet cameras are dual voltage, 12 volt or 24 volt. Megapixel cameras can be accessed through the internet or NVR system.


PRO C-Mount Cameras


600TVL Lines Professional High Resolution DAY/NIGHT Box Camera


The advantage to a c-mount camera is that the lens can be changed. If you need to see further than 35 or 40 ft then you'll need a c-mount camera with a special lens. C-Mount lenses are available from 4mm to 100mm. A 4mm lens provides facial detail and a 70 degree angle of view focused up to about 35 ft. An example of where you might use a fixed 4mm lens is in a small office, or at home to focus on your driveway. Refer to our LENS CHART HERE

A higher millimeter lens will provide further distance, but narrows the field of view. So, a 16mm lens would provide about a 15 to 20 degree angle of view at a focus distance of about 35 ft (or a 70 degree angle of view at about 140 feet). In general, a 8mm lens is like a 4mm lens zoomed in 2 times. Similarly, a 16mm lens is like the 4mm lens zoomed in 4 times.

Many times, the best option is to use a varifocal lens. This will allow you to vary the focus from 5 to 50mm. So when you install the camera you can fine tune the focal distance and angle of view. An example of where you might use a varifocal lens is outside (or inside) a large commercial building where you need more distance than 35 ft. and the varifocal lens will allow you to adjust the focal distance to your preference.

If you want to use c-mount cameras outside, you must put them in an outdoor camera housing. See Outdoor Housings HERE

CCTV lenses are available in two different lens mounts. "C-mount" lenses have a flange back distance of 17.5mm; "CS-mount" lenses have a flange back distance of 12.5mm. The flange back distance is the distance from the flange of the lens (beginning of the lens mount) to the focal plane. All of the C-Mount cameras we sell can be adjusted for installation of a CS-Mount lens as well as a C-Mount lens. See Varifocal Lenses HERE

Security Camera Lens

Which Security Camera Lens Should I Use?


How far you need to see will determine what security camera lens you should use to best fit your application. A 4mm lens will give a 70 degree angle of view with 35 feet of facial detail. This works great for residential or small office security camera applications. If you need to see further you would go with a higher powered lens. Keep in mind that the further you want to see will narrow the field of view of your picture.


A rule of thumb is that a 8mm lens is like a 4mm lens zoomed in 2 times. Similarly, a 16mm lens is like the 4mm lens zoomed in 4 times. For example, a 16mm lens would give you about a 15 degree angle of view focused at 35 ft.


[Click here to view our Lens Chart]


What If I Do Not Know Exactly How Far I Need To See?


Instead of going with a fixed focus lens you can go with a varifocal lens. With a simple adjustment you can manually zoom in or zoom out and focus the camera to the exact distance needed to get a clear picture. Varifocal lenses come in all different sizes: (3.5-8mm; 9-22mm; and 5-50mm) just to name a few. This is the best option for large commercial applications because you can adjust the focal distance to what works just right.


Dome Cameras



Analog Indoor Outdoor Dome Cameras


The dome camera is obviously named for its dome shape. Everyone has seen these security cameras in businesses and stores. Because of its shape, its difficult to tell exactly where the camera is aiming unless you see it up close. Dome cameras are generally used inside buildings, although the armor domes can be used outside as well (more about the armor dome below). You can mount them on the ceiling or on a wall. They are available in black and white (b/w) and color, and the basic unit has good video resolution (420 lines up to 700 lines).

License Plate Recognition


License plate recognition cameras

License plate recognition cameras are becoming very popular in a number of scenarios. LPR cameras are very different in the way they process the images. LPR cameras are designed to capture license plates in all types of conditions. License plate cameras are designed to capture vehicle license plates in video. There are some systems that are capable of seeing the license plate and recognizing the characters on the plate and saving the information to a database that can be searched later. A good LPR camera should have the ability to be adjusted to the environment to capture plates successfully. Not all cameras are capable of recognizing license plates. A standard CCTV camera may not have a fast enough lens, or deal with adverse lighting conditions. Most all LPR cameras are analog, however, Geovision has a model coming in January 2013 that is 1.3 megapixel.


Security Cameras

Infrared Camera Bullet Camera Dome Camera C-Mount Camera


Which type of Security Camera should I use?


A security camera can come in many different styles including dome, bullet, infrared and c-mount. The security camera that will work best for your application will depend on several factors such as whether you will use the security cameras inside or out, during the day, nighttime, or both.

Bullet style security cameras are the most popular. They can be used inside or out. These security cameras come in black and white or color and come with all of the required mounting hardware. The security camera casings are weather resistant and don't require added external protection. Most security cameras have a fixed 4mm lens that allows you to see facial features out to about 35 feet and provides a 70 degree angle of view. This is the widest angle you can have without distorting the picture. Click here for more information about bullet security cameras.

Resolution levels for black and white security cameras are about 400 lines, any higher and the benefits are minimal. For color cameras, the higher the resolution the better.

Infrared security cameras are also very popular as they allow an image to be seen in little or no lighting conditions. Most infrared security cameras are bullet style and can be used inside or out. The cameras have infrared lighting installed around the outer edge of the lens which allows the security camera to see in no light for up to 25 feet - even further with a little bit of light (like street lighting or an outside light.) Click here for more information about infrared security cameras.

A relatively new type of security camera to the market is the day / night security camera. These types of security cameras have an extra sensitive imaging chip which allows it to capture a good picture in low light situations without using infrared leds. This is especially handy in outdoor applications because infrared security cameras do not do well in outdoor housings. Unless the infrared security camera is installed flush up to the glass of the housing, the infrared lights can reflect off of the glass of the housing which degrades the image.

The advantage to c-mount security cameras is that the lens can be changed. You'll want a special camera lens if you need to see further than 35 ft. The color c-mount security camera allows you to change lenses on the camera giving you the ability to zoom into a particular area. Varifocal camera lenses allow you to adjust the focus from 5 to 50 mm. These lenses can be used inside only unless you put it in special housing for outdoor use. Click here for more details about C-Mount security cameras or Security Camera Lenses.

Dome security cameras basically provide a different look. Also, if you have any concerns about tampering, check out our Infrared Armor Dome Security Camera. It will withstand a 10 lb sledgehammer blow and can be used inside or out, daytime or nighttime. Click here for more facts about dome security cameras.



What is a PTZ camera?


A Pan Tilt Zoom camera (PTZ) allows you to pan (back and forth), tilt (up and down), and zoom (focus in and out) your camera remotely. The PTZ is controlled using a remote PTZ controller or you can control it through most DVRs (look for PTZ support). The disadvantages of a PTZ camera is that they are very expensive (usually around $1000 without the controller). And all the moving parts make it susceptible to wear and breakdown. There are some new digital versions of PTZ cameras just coming on the market that have no mechanical parts. These PTZs are very promising but are still a little too expensive to be practical for most uses. PTZ cameras require a data cable to be run to the camera in addition to the video and power cables. Unless you have a person who is watching the scene and adjusting the field of view of the camera based on what's going on its not as useful. Most times you are better off buying more of the non-PTZ cameras to continuously cover the area rather than a PTZ.


What is the difference between no iris and auto iris?


The iris controls how much light is let into the camera lens. In the old days, cameras came with no iris control. If you needed to control the light levels you would have to purchase a special lens. Nowadays, most cameras come with automatic shutters which perform the same function as the iris - controlling how much light is let into the camera. Unless you have an application with extreme light levels (like at a beach) you probably won't need a special lens with iris control.


Video Compression and Transmission Terms

TermDefinition
bandwidthIts popular meaning refers to the amount of data that can be transmitted per second over a wire or network. When it comes to video surveillance applications you need a high amount of bandwidth to transmit the large files. For remote viewing, 56K modems will not work well. DHL is OK, and cable modems or T1s (or better) are best. And you also want the best video compression you can afford to make the files as small as possible.
CIF Common Intermediate Format - a set of resolution standards used in video applications, defined as follows:

  • FCIF = 352 x 288 ('Full CIF' or just 'CIF')
  • QCIF = 176 x 144 ('Quarter CIF')
  • SQCIF = 128 x 96 ('Sub-quarter CIF')
  • 4CIF = 704 x 576 ('4 times CIF')
CODEC (aka "Code-Decode" or "Compression-Decompression") A term referring to any technology used to compress and decompress large files such as audio and video files for efficient data transfer.
compression standard (or compression algorithm) A standard approach or 'formula' for compressing (and decompressing) data (in our case, video and audio data). There are many standard image or video compression algorithms available today (many are described below) and new ones come out each year.
D1 D1 is a video resolution standard. In NTSC it is 720 x 480 pixels. Its affect on video compression and transmission is due to the fact that the excellent resolution of a D1 image produces larger files to be compressed and transferred.
H.264 Compression (aka MPEG4+ or
MPEG4-Part 10 or AVC (Advanced Video Coding))
The latest MPEG4 compression technology, released in 2003. H.264 provides excellent video compression. You get the same quality image as MPEG4 even at the higher resolutions like full screen D1.
ISO (aka International Organization for Standardization) ISO is an international organization founded in 1946 that organized and reviews standards worldwide. Their members such as ANSI (American National Standards Institute) and OSI (Open Systems Interconnection) create the standards and they review them for completeness and other criteria. ISO is not an acronym; the name derives from the Greek word iso, which means equal.
lossy compression Sometimes a compression algorithm will lose some detail of the original image in its compression of that image. An algorithm that loses some detail of the original image is called a 'lossy compression' algorithm. JPEG, for example, is considered to be a 'lossy' compression.
NTSCNational Television Standards Committee - the analog video representation standard used in the US and South America. Compare to PAL.
PALPhase Alternating Line - the analog video representation standard used in Australia, and most of Europe and Asia. Compare to NTSC.
JPEG compression

(aka Joint Photographic Experts Group)
A standard format for image compression (defined by the group who gave it its name) It was first introduced around 1986 and is a very common image format used on the web. JPEG is only used for photo (single frame) images (not video). JPEG is a 'lossy' image format - some of the detail of the image may be lost in its compression.
MPEG compression (aka M-JPEG or
"Moving Picture Experts Group")
A standard format for video compression first introduced around 1988. MPEG achieves high compression rate by storing only the changes from one frame to another, instead of each entire frame. Although MPEG is lossy compression, the loss of image detail is generally imperceptible to the human eye except at the highest resolutions.
MPEG has gone through several revisions as follows:
  • MPEG or MPEG-1 - The original MPEG, produces image quality similar to a conventional VCR
  • MPEG-2 - used in DVDs
  • MPEG-3 - there wasn't one
  • MPEG-4 - combines MPEG-2 and Apple's QuickTime technology (see below for more details)
MPEG4 compression (aka MPEG-4 or H.263) MPEG4 was standardized in 1998 by the ISO and combines MPEG-2 and Apple's QuickTime technology. This resulted in a nice clear picture but also compressed much better than previous technologies.
MPEG4+ compression (aka H.264) The latest MPEG4 video compression technology. See H.264 compression for more information.
proprietary compression algorithmThis refers to a compression algorithm that does not follow one of the compression standards such as MPEG4. Many times a proprietary algorithm will follow a standard mostly but then tweak it in some specific way. The result may be a better (more efficient or better quality) compression but the downside is that since it uses a proprietary formula it may not be compatible with other products. Many DVRs and IP systems will use a proprietary algorithm within their product (for example to store the images to the hard drive) but provide interfaces in standard formats to communicate with other systems (for example when backing up a particular video event to a DVD).
Resolution (or Resolution Standard) Resolution is a measurement of the quality or level of detail of an image. Usually expressed in terms of pixels, dots, or lines per inch. CIF and D1 are examples of some standard resolutions. The higher the resolution is, the greater the detail and number of pixels in the image will be, and also the larger the resulting video file will be.
Run Length Encoding (RLE)This is a very simple form of data compression in which sequences of the same data value which occurs in many consecutive data elements are stored as a single data value and count, rather than as the original sequence.

When it come to Security Systems, there are a lot of options. When purchasing a Security System, it is important to know the differences in video quality and system performance.
There are 3 different types of technology; Analog CCTV, Megapixel IP and the newest technology, HD-SDI. All 3 systems are capable of different video qualities.
If you only read one thing here, Make sure it is this section!
You may have heard the terms D1, CIF and QCIF. They are DVR recording resolutions. They refer to the size of the image be recorded. D1 is the best quality because it offers a 704 X 480 image. CIF is about half the size of D1, and QCIF is half the size of CIF, or 4 times smaller than D1.
Analog Resolution Megapixel IP Resolution HD-SDI Resolution
D1 Resolution: 704 X 480
CIF Resolution: 360 X 240
QCIF Resolution: 120 X 76
1 Megapixel: 1280 X 1024
2 Megapixel: 1920 X 1080
5 Megapixel: 2560 X 1920
2 Megapixel: 1920 X 1080

***CLICK TO ENLARGE***

***CLICK TO ENLARGE***

***CLICK TO ENLARGE***
Image Shown at D1 Image Shown at 3MP Image Shown at 2MP
Another area of concern is FRAMES PER SECOND, or FPS. FPS refers to the recoding speed. 30 FPS is what the human eye is used to seeing watching television. It is common for security video not to be 30 frames per second. A frame rate of 15 or 7.5FPS is very popular. The following video will show you the difference in FPS.

Where does Analog CCTV perform the best?
Analog CCTV is geared towards residential and small business. Analog cameras work the best protecting the immediate area without trying to see to far. At large distances Analog cameras will not hold detail. So, will Analog cameras work for you? It just depends on what you are trying to cover. If you just need to make sure what car is in the driveway, then analog cameras will be fine. But, if you need to see who is driving the car from 100+ feet away, you may want to think about digital cameras.
Where do Megapixel IP cameras perform the best?
Megapixel IP cameras are geared towards medium to large size business. While a lot of homeowners do use IP cameras, most of the time they are "overkill" in the residential setting. Megapixel IP cameras can see a lot further with good detail compared to Analog cameras. In a retail environment, IP cameras will show you very small detail. In a production facility, IP cameras will show you the smallest parts rolling off the assembly line.
Where does HD-SDI perform the best?
HD-SDI is a well rounded system and can be used just about anywhere. Because HD-SDI uses the same standard coaxial cable as Analog cameras, makes them a great way to upgrade to digital without having to run all new cables. HD-SDI cameras are all 2 Megapixel (this is where true HD starts, 1920 X 1080). Just like Megapixel IP cameras, HD-SDI cameras offer superior image quality. Because HD-SDI uses standard coaxial cable, makes them very easy to install. No need for a background in networking.

ANALOG CCTV

IP NETWORK CAMERAS

HD-SDI CCTV

PROS: PROS: PROS:
http://worldeyecam.com/store/skin1/images/kits/grnbtn.png Low Cost http://worldeyecam.com/store/skin1/images/kits/grnbtn.png High Definition (Megapixel) http://worldeyecam.com/store/skin1/images/kits/grnbtn.png True High Definition (HDTV)
http://worldeyecam.com/store/skin1/images/kits/grnbtn.png Easy to Setup http://worldeyecam.com/store/skin1/images/kits/grnbtn.png High Storage Capability http://worldeyecam.com/store/skin1/images/kits/grnbtn.png Smooth, High Detailed Video
http://worldeyecam.com/store/skin1/images/kits/grnbtn.png Compact Size http://worldeyecam.com/store/skin1/images/kits/grnbtn.png Upgradable and Expandable http://worldeyecam.com/store/skin1/images/kits/grnbtn.png Uses Standard Pro-Grade RJ-59 Coax
http://worldeyecam.com/store/skin1/images/kits/grnbtn.png Mac & PC Compatible http://worldeyecam.com/store/skin1/images/kits/grnbtn.png Runs on Cat 5 Ethernet Cable http://worldeyecam.com/store/skin1/images/kits/grnbtn.png Mac & PC Compatible
CONS: CONS: CONS:
http://worldeyecam.com/store/skin1/images/kits/rdbtn.png Low Resolution http://worldeyecam.com/store/skin1/images/kits/rdbtn.png Highest Cost http://worldeyecam.com/store/skin1/images/kits/rdbtn.png Higher Cost Than Analog
http://worldeyecam.com/store/skin1/images/kits/rdbtn.png Limited Expandability http://worldeyecam.com/store/skin1/images/kits/rdbtn.png PC Only Compatibility http://worldeyecam.com/store/skin1/images/kits/rdbtn.png Limited Expandability
IDEAL USE: IDEAL USE: IDEAL USE:
http://worldeyecam.com/store/skin1/images/kits/rdbtn.png Homes & Small Business http://worldeyecam.com/store/skin1/images/kits/rdbtn.png Offices http://worldeyecam.com/store/skin1/images/kits/rdbtn.png Homes, Business, and Enterprise
http://worldeyecam.com/store/skin1/images/kits/rdbtn.png Driveways & Carports http://worldeyecam.com/store/skin1/images/kits/rdbtn.png Assembly Lines & Warehouses http://worldeyecam.com/store/skin1/images/kits/rdbtn.png Mission Critical Locations
http://worldeyecam.com/store/skin1/images/kits/rdbtn.png Entryways & Hallways http://worldeyecam.com/store/skin1/images/kits/rdbtn.png Parking Lots & Other Large Areas http://worldeyecam.com/store/skin1/images/kits/rdbtn.png Parking Lots & Other Large Areas
Camera resolution is different than DVR recoding resolution.
Now that you understand DVR recoding resolution, you should also understand camera resolution. If you have a DVR that is capable of producing high quality video, it would make no sense using a low resolution camera. This is what we call a resolution bottleneck. Analog camera resolution is measured in TV lines, or TVL. The highest resolution available in the analog world is 700TVL. 700TVL comes the closest to matching the D1 quality we discussed earlier (D1 = a screen size of 704 X 480). Megapixel IP cameras and HD-SDI cameras are measured in Megapixel. It is the same measurement used in digital still cameras.
How do the Cameras Connect?
Analog cameras connect using a BNC connectors and RG59 Standard Coaxial Cable
HD-SDI cameras connect using BNC connectors and RG59 PRO Coaxial Cable
Megapixel cameras connect using CAT5 network cable.
Cable Limitations
There are length limitations for cable. For cameras using RG59 Coaxial cable, it is not recommended to use cable longer than 150 feet. Megapixel cameras use CAT5 cable and can run several hundred feet without issue. If your cable run is longer than 150 feet, you can use Video Balun Adapters. These adapters allow you to use CAT5 cable on Analog cameras and allow for a much longer run with no signal loss.
BNC Connector for Analog CAT5 Connector for IP BNC Connector for HD-SDI
Camera Power Supplies
So far we have talked about DVRs and cameras. Now lets talk about camera power supplies. Like everything else, you have some options here. Analog cameras, Megapixel cameras and HD-SDI cameras all requires their own power. Most cameras require 12 volts of power. Some cameras require 24 volts of power. Most Megapixel cameras can use DC power or PoE, or Power Over Ethernet, which means the power travels down the CAT5 cable. It is very important to know what your camera requires for power. If you use the wrong power supply you will damage your camera, and this type of damage is not covered under warranty. Power supplies come in different sizes.

12 VOLT DC POWER
Single 12 volt DC / 1 Amp (Wall Wart)
4 Camera 12 volt DC / 5 Amp (Wall Wart)
8 camera 12 Volt DC / 5 Amp (Wall Wart)
9 Camera 12 Volt DC / 10 Amp (Professional Distribution Box)
18 Camera 12 Volt DC / 12.5 Amp (Professional Distribution Box)

PoE INJECTORS
Single PoE
4 Channel PoE
8 Channel PoE

Single Cam 4 Cam 8 Cam 9 Cam 18 Cam Single PoE

Camera Lens Information
Lens: The lens determines the field of view the camera provides. Lenses range from 2.8mm to 18mm on an average. The larger the lens size the farther it will view. The draw back to a 12mm or 18mm lens is that the horizontal view narrows to as little as 15 feet.

Lens

Distance

Width

2.8 mm

10 feet

15 feet

3.6mm

30 feet

30 feet

6 mm

60 feet

20 feet


*Many of our customers require a standard fixed wide angle 3.6mm lens. They are designed to be installed in a corner, provide a 90 degree field of view, and provide effective surveillance in a 30 x 30 foot area. If you need to adjust the angle and are not sure when viewing a cash register or looking down aisles, we recommend a vari-focal lens which you can adjust manually based on the angle and distance of the camera to the subject. For example, with a cash register we recommend a 4-8mm vari-focal lens so you can manually adjust and capture the money, hands, and register close up. When in doubt, go with a vari-focal adjustable lens.


Lux and low lighting chart
Condition Illumination Details
(FTCD) (LUX)
Sunlight
Full Daylight
Overcast Day
Very Dark Day
Twilight
Deep Twilight
10,000
1,000
100
10
1
.1
107,527
10,752.7
1,075.3
107.53
10.75
1.08
Daylight
Range
Full Moon
Quarter Moon
Starlight
Overcast Night
.01
.001
.0001
.00001
.108
.0108
.0011
.0001
Low Light
Level Range

During the day the amount of illumination reaching a scene depends on the time of day and atmospheric conditions. Direct sunlight produces the highest-contrast scene, allowing maximum identification of objects. On a cloudy or overcast day, less light is received by the objects in the scene, resulting in less contrast. To produce an optimum camera picture under the wide variation in light level (such as occurs when the sun is obscured by clouds), an automatic-iris camera system is required. Typically, scene illumination measured in foot-candles (ftcd) can vary over a range of 10,000 to 1 (or more), which exceeds the operating range of most cameras for producing good quality video images. The chart above summarizes the light levels occurring under daylight and these low light level conditions. The equivalent metric measure of light level (lux) compared with the English (ftcd) is given.

2.5mm Lens

120°

3.6mm Lens

90°

4.3mm Lens

78°

6.0mm Lens

53°

12mm Lens

25°

25mm Lens

18°

lens
size
Field of View (in ft.)
5 ft
away
10 ft
away
15 ft
away
25 ft
away
50 ft
away
100 ft
away
mm
w
h
w
h
w
h
w
h
w
h
w
h
3.6 7.5 5.2 15.1 10.4 22.6 15.6 37.7 26.1 75.4 52.1 151 104
6.0 3.8 2.9 7.7 5.7 11.5 8.6 19.2 14.4 38.4 28.7 77 57
8.0 2.9 2.1 5.7 4.3 8.6 6.4 14.4 10.7 28.7 21.3 57 43
12.0 1.9 1.5 3.9 3.0 5.8 4.5 9.7 7.5 19.4 14.9 39 30