Security cameras have come a long way from simply recording footage for review of incidents. Today, they’re proactive tools that can detect potential threats before they escalate, preventing crime and vandalism. As technology has evolved, so have the capabilities of security cameras, helping businesses safeguard their assets, employees, and communities more efficiently than ever.

HD, QHD, UHD: Choosing The Right Resolution

High-definition (HD) security cameras were a significant improvement in image clarity compared to older analog cameras. Today’s cameras provide much more than standard HD (1MP). They now include 4MP QHD and 8MP UHD options. These cameras have 4 times or 8 times the pixels of a standard HD camera.

Higher pixel counts usually mean more detail. However, other factors also matter. These include lighting, lens quality, and the speed of moving objects.

Choosing the right camera for the job is crucial. A 4MP camera can easily capture a face at an entrance from a distance of 10ft. Darker places, like garages, need clear pictures of license plates. 2MP cameras work better in these situations because they are more sensitive to light.

The key is to balance resolution with the camera’s purpose and ensure the right fit for the space you monitor. Higher megapixels also require more storage and bandwidth without necessarily improving effectiveness.

Benefits of Using the Right Resolution:

• Clarity with Purpose: Select cameras that offer the right level of detail without unnecessary overhead. Use higher resolutions only where there is adequate lighting and detailed identification at a distance is necessary. Wide area coverage and the ability to zoom in on specific areas make 8MP cameras very useful. Long distance coverage works best with a 2MP or 4MP camera owing to better low light performance.  For long distances, the camera should have a varifocal lens. When adjusted, it can take clear pictures of people and vehicles from over 100 feet away.

• Optimized Storage and Bandwidth: Record important moments at the highest resolution and clarity offered by each camera. A common mistake is to purchase 8MP cameras but record only on motion at 1MP. Evidence should be at the best quality offered by the camera. Kastle’s AI-enabled recording solutions work to continuously optimize recording quality while being bandwidth and storage efficient.

Panoramic and Multi-Sensor Cameras: Maximizing Coverage

Modern security needs have led to the use of panoramic and multi-sensor cameras. These cameras help businesses cover large areas. Without them, three to four cameras would be needed. This reduces cost and complexity, by simplifying installation and requiring only a single cable.

Instead of a distorted fish-eye view, modern panoramic cameras include hardware de-warping capability which flattens and stretches out the image to a 2×2 quad for 360-degree coverage or a 180 degree shot. Panoramic cameras suit coverage of intersecting corridors, lobbies, and amenity spaces.

Multi-sensor models combine three or four lenses in a single chassis capturing footage from multiple angles. They are best suited for installation on a pole to cover large areas such as a parking lot. These systems minimize the number of cameras needed while maximizing visibility.

Advantages of Panoramic and Multi-Sensor Cameras:

• Reduced Blind Spots: Full coverage of larger areas with fewer devices.
• Cost Efficiency: Fewer cameras mean lower installation and maintenance costs.

The Decline of Pan-Tilt-Zoom (PTZ) Cameras

In the past, when camera resolutions were low, the only way to get clear images was to use an optical zoom lens. As a lens zooms in, it’s field of view narrows. Therefore, pan and tilt motors were built into cameras to allow a user to interactively change the direction and scan a scene.

Although pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) cameras were once the gold standard for flexible coverage, they’ve become less popular due to the rise of panoramic and multi-sensor models. PTZ cameras have a narrow field of view. This view changes based on what the operator does. Because of this, they can miss activity outside their current angle.

Panoramic and multi-sensor cameras provide continuous coverage of large areas. This means nothing is missed. They also let you digitally zoom and pan through live or recorded video.

HD Over Co-ax Cameras: A Cost-Effective Upgrade Without Rewiring

Many buildings that have older CCTV systems have miles of coaxial cable still installed. IP cameras need new Cat5 or Cat6 cables. These cables are costly and work over shorter distances. For long cable runs, you will need intermediate switches.

The good news is that upgrading to high-definition (HD) doesn’t always require a full overhaul or re-cabling. You can improve current analog systems with high-definition transport video interface (HD-TVI) or HD-CVI technology.

This upgrade provides better video quality at a low cost. You won’t need to replace the existing cables. Even better, with smart coax gateways, this upgrade path can offer advanced AI analytics and cloud management. This is a great option for businesses that want to modernize without the expense of rewiring.

Benefits of Upgrading Analog/Coax Systems:

• Improved Video Quality: HD performance on existing infrastructure.
• Lower Costs: No need to install new cabling, keeping upgrade expenses in check.

When Is the Right Time to Upgrade?

Many businesses wonder when the right time is to upgrade their video security systems. The good news is, with the right partner, you don’t have to rip out existing infrastructure or spend heavily on new hardware.

Cloud Gateways help businesses add features like real-time alerts, video analytics, and remote viewing without overspending. These small upgrades help keep your security strong and effective. They meet today’s needs and extend the life of your current system.

Why Partnering With the Right Security Expert Matters

As security camera technology continues to evolve, having a knowledgeable partner to guide your upgrades is key. Kastle is a leader in video surveillance, offering comprehensive solutions that help businesses transition from reactive to proactive security. If you’re ready to improve your system, contact Kastle’s team. They can help you find a solution that fits your needs and budget.