Security Cameras

A security camera system means that the product is made up of several parts. For example, there is a recorder which forms the basis of the security camera system to which one or more cameras are connected wirelessly or wired. The advantages of a security camera system are that it works very stable and you have full control over the way you set up the system. For example, you can decide for yourself whether you connect the system to the Internet and whether and how the storage takes place. As the name suggests, a stand-alone camera has everything in the camera itself and often works with Wi-Fi or a SIM card and stores the images in the (SD card) memory or in the Cloud. A stand-alone camera has the advantage that they are often cheaper to purchase than a camera system and can be installed quickly.

The wireless camera systems have been gaining popularity in recent years due to the relatively simple installation. Previous generations of wireless cameras still had the disadvantage that there was a lot of interference in the images when there was a wall or window between the receiver, this no longer applies with the arrival of digital wireless cameras and the powerline adapter technology. Although the digital wireless cameras can have a wall or window between the receiver, the maximum distance is still limited to about 30 meters. When using the powerline adapters, a wireless system now works just as stably as a wired version. This is because the powerline adapters use the existing power cables and part of the image and camera power transfer is done through the power cables. In fact, the entire route has a cable, but with the advantages of a wireless system. Although many disadvantages of a wireless camera system have been removed with the advent of improved wireless technology, a wired camera system remains the safest choice. Between the recorder and the cameras is a cable that passes on both the image and the camera power, so that more than one cable is needed.

A question we often get: how many security cameras do I need? A question that is difficult to answer. Since the type of surveillance camera also plays a role. Therefore, when putting together a system, ask yourself the following questions:

• What kind of network do you have?
  Do you work with physical internet cables or separate WiFi points? Is there a strong internet connection or are there weaknesses where there is little or no internet? It is good to keep this in mind during the selection process. Are you willing to improve the network? By moving cables or installing extra WiFi points? Then it is advisable to think carefully about this as well. This makes it possible to work with a PowerLine Adapter. You work with the Power over Ethernet (POE) technology. And an internet connection via the electricity network is possible. This way you know for sure that all security cameras will work soon. And immediately enjoy razor-sharp images!
• Do you want to expand the system later?
  Check how many channels a recorder has. One security camera can be connected per channel. There is a maximum number of cameras to connect to both analog and digital systems. Are you unable to expand an existing system? Then you need an extra system with new channels. It is also possible to choose a security camera without a recorder. This is called a standalone surveillance camera.
• What do you want to visualize inside?
  Inside you visualize precious possessions. Do you have a pet or children? You can also visualize this with an indoor security camera.
• What do you want to capture outdoors?
  In the outdoor environment it is nice to have a security camera both in front and behind. Are you missing image on the side? Then consider installing additional cameras there as well.
• Do you want to record images at night?
  To record images at night, it is important to choose a security camera with infrared lighting. These are images in black and white. Due to the high contrast, faces are often easy to recognize. Do you want to record at night with all security cameras? Or just a part? Make this choice when putting together a system.
• Do you want to make recordings at the front door?
  It is also nice to hang a camera at the front door. A door camera or door spy. This creates a safe feeling and is ideal when someone is at the front door in your absence. With a door camera you can see who is there and it is possible to speak to someone remotely. Like having a short video call with someone. As is also possible with Skype, Zoom and Facetime.

It sounds important when we talk about: image resolution, viewing angle or storage capacity. Still, it's good to see this in context. Because do you need razor-sharp 4K images to see if someone is in the store? Does a storage capacity of 2 terabytes make sense if you store the camera images on Dropbox and is a wide viewing angle important when keeping an eye on a small vehicle?

As far as the image quality of a camera is concerned, please note:

Choose between dome or bullet security cameras?

Each security camera system has its own advantages and specific properties, as do dome and bullet cameras. Dome cameras are particularly suitable if you suffer from vandalism. These dome-shaped cameras cannot be broken. In addition, it is impossible to detect in which direction the lens is pointed and thus to escape the image. Furthermore, dome cameras offer the following advantages:

• Discreet – blending in with the environment
• Wide angle rotating camera
• Can be used as a camera at home and outside
• Weatherproof
• Available with night vision

The bullet camera owes its name to its cylindrical shape, which is also reminiscent of a bullet casing. As one of the best-known types of camera security, they function as a deterrent. Research shows that bullet cameras make a site or building a less attractive target for burglary. In addition, the shape of the camera allows larger lenses to be used for good visibility at longer distances. Bullet cameras have the following advantages:

• Further view (than dome cameras)
• Easy to install
• Can be used as a camera at home and outside
• Weatherproof
• Available with night vision

Security camera resolutions

Choose a security camera with the right resolution. Depending on the way you use a camera, a certain quality is appropriate.

Mostly cameras record in HD. This is enough to recognize someone on camera images. When you zoom in digitally, the possibilities are slightly more limited. You quickly run into limits and the image becomes pixelated. The big advantage of HD is the lower storage capacity that this quality requires. In addition, it is easier to stream the images via the internet and the chance of malfunctions is smaller with a weak internet connection. The format of HD cameras is often a lot smaller. Even for hidden cameras it is possible to work with this image resolution.

Do you want to make sure that license plates or faces remain a reader at a distance? Go for a higher image quality. More and more often you see Full HD or Ultra HD. Please note that this requires additional storage capacity. And a strong internet connection is required to stream these images. With Full HD or Ultra HD it is also possible to keep a view from a distance. This helps to read license plates, digitally zoom in and recognize someone's face from a distance.

HD is more than sufficient for most applications. Do you like to look at sharper images or do you simply need this to guarantee safety? Then go for Full HD or Ultra HD surveillance cameras.

In some cases the resolution is specified in a different way:

Image quality	Resolution	Pixels	Total
HD (High Definition)	720p	1,280 x 720	Approximately 1 million pixels.
Full HD	1080p	1,920 x 1,080	Approximately 2 million pixels.
Ultra HD	4K	3,840 x 2,160	Approximately 8 million pixels.

What does this mean in terms of quality difference? Try it out and watch a video on YouTube. Here you can see concretely which differences there are when it comes to image quality.

Viewing angle of the security camera

The viewing or angle of view is about how much you see from a lens. The human field of view is about 160 degrees. You achieve this with two eyes. With security cameras, this depends on the camera lens. It reaches between 60 and 190 degrees. The difference in viewing angle is determined by the diameter of the lens. The larger the diameter of the lens, the narrower and more zoomed in the viewing angle. Most security cameras with fixed CCTV lenses have a 3.6mm lens. A 3.6mm lens is designed to give a viewing angle of 72 degrees. If you need to be able to precisely set the viewing angle, it is advisable to choose a security camera with a varifocal CCTV lens, because these can often be set between 2.8 and 12 mm.

Night vision security camera for filming in the dark

It is a myth that burglars are mainly active at night. In fact, most burglaries take place during daylight. Nevertheless, it is nice if there is also sufficient visibility at night or in areas where there is no lighting and daylight. Like a basement or garage.

Here you make recordings using night vision. This is called infrared, a technique that allows you to capture images at night. Infrared lighting is visible with an infrared camera and invisible to the human naked eye. Infrared is often abbreviated as IR. Note how many meters the night vision reaches and measure how much you need. This differs per security camera.

Storage capacity and data usage of a system

A video requires a lot of storage capacity and data usage. Especially when it comes to HD, Full HD or Ultra HD. Fortunately, this does not have to be a limitation. Storing and transmitting information is faster and more cost-effective than it has ever been. Calculate for yourself which internet connection and storage you need. This way you know exactly which costs are associated with the storage capacity or data consumption.

IP cameras basically run via the local network and therefore only consume data or storage capacity when making recordings or viewing images remotely.

Resolution	Data usage and storage capacity
HD - 720p	Is relatively economical: 0.9 GB per hour. *
Full HD: 1080p / 2K	Usual for video files: 1.5 GB / 3 GB per hour. *
Ultra HD - 4K	Uses a lot of data and storage: 7.2 GB per hour. *

* This is a guideline to keep in mind. The number of surveillance cameras and technical specifications such as compression also have an influence.

For Full HD in 1080p, approximately 500 GB per surveillance camera is sufficient to record movement. In order to view recorded images again, it is important to secure footage in time. With most systems, the system automatically overwrites itself when all storage capacity has been used. Want to see what's happening live? Then there is only data usage when you stream. Are you doing this via a WiFi connection or 4G connection? Make sure that the data usage stays within the limits of your provider.

Privacy regarding image recording (filming)

Making images is in principle only allowed to protect property, employees and customers. You may not just film the public road, unless this is necessary. You are obliged to indicate that surveillance cameras are present. You do this by means of a warning sign or sticker at the entrance door or front door. It is not allowed to hang cameras in toilet blocks, bathrooms, changing rooms or changing rooms.

Do not store images for longer than necessary with a maximum of four weeks. The rules regarding privacy can be found in the Personal Data Protection Act.

Record only to protect personal property and not to violate the privacy of people, animals, property. Do you want to record with a hidden camera? Then go to our page about spy cameras.

Although many people dread installing a security camera, all our Sitcon camera systems are designed in such a way that, with a few exceptions, they can be installed completely yourself. With certain camera systems, the installation is even easier than with others, so we briefly describe the installation steps per type of security camera below. You can then get a good idea of ​​whether you think you can do it yourself or whether you should call in a handy knowledge or a professional installer for this. If desired, we can help you find an installer.

• Installing a wireless camera
  To install a wireless camera consisting of a receiver and one or more cameras, please follow the installation steps below. you connect the receiver to power with the supplied adapter. Depending on the type of receiver and whether it is in a monitor, place it at the desired location. Then you mount the wireless cameras at the desired location with the supplied screws and plugs. Please note that these must be connected to a socket with an adapter. When both the receiver and the camera have power, a secure wireless connection between the camera and the receiver will automatically be set up and the system is working and can be set up as desired. If you also want to view the images remotely, connect the receiver to your router / modem using the supplied UTP network cable and install the app on your smartphone.
• Installing a battery-powered camera
  To install a wireless camera consisting of a receiver and one or more battery-powered cameras, please follow the installation steps below. you connect the receiver to power with the supplied adapter. Depending on the type of receiver and whether it is in a monitor, place it at the desired location. Then you mount the wireless battery cameras at the desired location with the supplied screws and plugs. Because they run on battery, they do not need to be connected to a power outlet. When both the receiver and the camera are connected, an automatic secure wireless connection between the battery camera and the receiver will be set up and the system is working and can be set up as desired. If you also want to view the images remotely, connect the receiver to your router / modem using the supplied UTP network cable and install the App on your smartphone.
• Installing a wired camera system
  A wired camera system consists of a recorder and one or more cameras. Place the recorder in the desired location and connect it to a TV or monitor with the supplied HDMI cable. Then place the cameras in the desired positions with the supplied screws and plugs. Connect a cable between the camera and the recorder to power the camera and transfer the images to the recorder. The recorder will then automatically recognize the camera and the system will be working and can be set up as desired. If you also want to view the images remotely, connect the recorder to your router / modem using the supplied UTP network cable and install the App on your smartphone.
• Installing a security camera with Powerline adapters
  When using powerline adapters with a wired system, the installation and operation becomes the same as a wireless system. At the recorder you place a powerline adapter which receives the images from the cameras and at each camera you place a powerline adapter which sends the images from the camera. You place the camera in the desired position with the supplied screws and plugs and connect the supplied cable between the camera and the powerline adapter in the nearest socket. The recorder will then automatically recognize the camera and the system is working and can be set up as desired. If you also want to view the images remotely, connect the recorder to your router / modem using the supplied UTP network cable and install the App on your smartphone.
• Install a Wi-Fi IP camera
  A Wi-Fi camera will create its own Wi-Fi network after it is connected to power. You then download the App on your smartphone and do not connect to your own Wi-Fi network, but to the Wi-Fi network of the camera. You can now adjust the settings in the camera via the App. For example, you need to set the name and password of your own Wi-Fi network so that the camera can connect to it in the future. You then reconnect your smartphone to your own Wi-Fi network or mobile data connection and can now access the camera from anywhere.
• Install a camera on a 4G / 5G SIM card
  A camera that connects to the network through a (data) SIM card must first be connected to the router in your own network via the Wi-Fi or UTP cable. . You then download the App on your smartphone and connect to the SIM card camera to enter the settings according to the supplied manual. Then, when the camera is restarted, it connects to the internet via the (data) SIM card and can therefore be placed in a location without Wi-Fi or where you do not know the Wi-Fi password.
• Have the installation done by a professional installer
  We work together with various installation partners who can carry out the installation of our camera systems for you. Depending on the system you require, a quotation will be made to measure for the installation work. We usually start from a standard, but a customized quote is also possible. Please feel free to contact us.View all now

To get the most out of your camera system, correct installation is crucial. Unfortunately, things often go wrong during assembly. Because where and how you hang a security camera ultimately determines to a large extent how much benefit you get from your camera system.

• The height at which you hang the cameras
  First of all, an important point to pay attention to regardless of where exactly you hang the camera. Because the height of a security camera is decisive. If you choose a position that is too low, they are easily accessible for burglars. They sabotage your camera by walking towards it through a blind spot. So hang them so high that you can't just reach them. At the same time, too high a position also hinders usable shots. Because that makes faces unrecognizable. The angle of the camera allows you to look at people on top of their heads. In addition, most burglars choose to wear concealing clothing. A cap or other form of headgear immediately makes the images even more unusable. Therefore, do not hang your cameras higher than 3.50 meters.
• The angle and field of view of a camera
  You get the most out of your cameras when they are filming a lot at once. In addition, the intention is to fully visualize certain passageways and rooms. As a result, burglars have no opportunity to sneak past the field of view. In general, a corner is a suitable place. Because from there you can see a complete room. The walls ensure that a burglar does not walk towards the camera unnoticed.
• Good places to hang your cameras outside
  Criminals try to enter your home through every possible access route. The front and back door are widely used. The same applies to windows that do not directly face the street or are placed out of sight of passers-by. You would do well to at least cover those access roads with cameras. A driveway with carport is also a popular place for burglars. Because there they go unnoticed. Install a security camera to monitor this area of ​​your home. Mounting your security camera behind your window seems attractive. Because you film the area around your house while the device itself is safely inside. But a camera that films through windows produces mediocre images. The infrared function is even completely unusable.
• Smart places to hang cameras indoors
  You can keep an eye on criminals who have invaded your home with smart cameras in your smart home system. Most homes have quite a few rooms. That is why it is not feasible to hang a camera in every room. In particular, secure rooms with a lot of valuables. There are probably quite a few devices in your living room. Try to capture as much as possible with one camera. It is also smart to provide passageways with extra security. Because burglars will undoubtedly walk through this when they search your house. Good examples are a staircase, a hall and the landing. Mounting your security camera behind your window seems attractive. Because you film the area around your house while the device itself is safely inside. But a camera that films through windows produces mediocre images. The infrared function is even completely unusable.

Unfortunately, when describing our security cameras, we cannot avoid using certain technical terms. Many meanings are already clear in the context, but for the cases where this is not the case or to know a little more about it, we have listed the most commonly used security camera terms below.

• Motion detection
  Motion detection is now usually set by default on all IP cameras and camera systems. There is, however, a difference in the technique used to detect movement. The most commonly used technique is that a photo is taken of the image and each time it is checked whether the current image deviates from the photo. If this is the case because, for example, a person walks through the image, the images will be recorded. The sensitivity is often adjustable so that you determine how much the image may deviate from the photo before it is seen as movement. Another technique used for motion detection is with a PIR motion detector. This is often located under the lens of the camera and detects heat and or light difference. So when a person walks through the image, the sensor will notice this and the images will be recorded. PIR motion detection is often applied to cameras that run on battery because when there is no movement only the PIR sensor remains active and this saves power. However, a disadvantage of using the PIR motion detection in this way is that it can take up to a few seconds for the images to be recorded after the motion is detected, because the rest of the system had yet to start up.
• Pre motion detection
  Some cameras have extraordinary motion detection pre motion detection where a few seconds of recording before the movement has occurred is pasted to the recording with the motion. This can have the advantage that when, for example, an area is entered while running, the normal motion detection starts just too late and not the entire movement has been recorded, while this is the case if a few seconds have already been filmed before the movement and with the recording of the movement. the movement is merged. Post motion detection works by filming the continuous video for a few seconds and then erasing it again unless there is movement. Then the recording will be merged with the motion detection recording.
• Post motion detection
  With post motion detection, you can set how long it takes to film after the last motion has been detected. This can be useful, for example, when someone walks into view and then stands still for a (long) time. The motion detection will then no longer detect movement, but by setting a post motion detection time, filming will continue for a few seconds or minutes.
• HDR
  High dynamic range. Dynamic range says something about the difference between the lightest and darkest part of the image. If you film a room without windows, the room is evenly lit and the dynamic range is small. But if there is a window in the room and the sun shines brightly outside, then we are dealing with a large dynamic range: the difference between light and dark is enormous. Normally this results in one of the two extremes not being properly exposed. In other words, the room is well lit and the window is overexposed (you only see white there), or what you see through the window is well lit and the room is underexposed (it is much too dark there). Cameras with HDR simultaneously film the room in different lighting conditions and combine the best image per area in the stream.
• Infrared (IR)
  Infrared or IR stands for low frequency light that is not visible to the human eye. In security cameras, infrared is used to be able to film in total darkness and poor lighting conditions. It is important to take into account when placing security cameras with IR is that they cannot be placed behind glass. Although infrared is invisible to the human eye, it reflects just like normal light on glass in the dark. The result of this is that only a white haze is displayed in the dark.
• IR Cut (filter)
  An IR cut filter is used in surveillance cameras or to optimize the camera for both the day and night. The filter is pushed in front of the lens when there is sufficient light, so that any disturbing infrared light is blocked. When there is too little ambient light and infrared light is used correctly, this filter is pushed off the lens again.
• JPEG / MPEG / H.264 / H.265(+) Video compression
  JPEG is a compression method developed by the Joint Photographic Experts Group and is the most widely used compression method in the CCTV technology. In recent years, H.264 or H.265 compression has been increasingly chosen instead of JPEG. H.265 compression can save images in the same to better quality than JPEG images, but uses considerably less disk space. With the advent of increasingly better security cameras that can transmit images in increasingly higher quality, the disk space used per minute is becoming increasingly important. Furthermore, with H.265 compression it is better to watch from another location with an internet connection because the files to be forwarded are smaller.
• Light Sensitivity (Lux)
  Measurement in which the light sensitivity and, with this, the ability to record video images in low light is indicated. Security cameras with a light sensitivity of 0.2 lux or less are generally classified as light-sensitive security cameras and are therefore better suited for filming in limited light conditions. In very low light, the light-sensitive security cameras will film in black and white. Security cameras with infrared light often have 0 lux which is necessary to be able to film in the dark.
• NVR
  NVR stands for network video recorder which is used for UTP IP security cameras. The NVR contains a hard disk for recording the images and often NVRs have an HDMI output to connect the NVR to a monitor. Some NVRs have a built-in POE switch with both power and images running through the same utp cable.
• .MP megapixel
  Is a measure of the resolution of digital security cameras. The higher the number of megapixels, the higher the resolution of the camera.
• Power over ethernet (POE)
  POE is used for IP cameras to run the power as well as the images and possibly sound via the same network cable. There are separate POE injectors that can be connected per camera, but more and more nvrs also have a built-in POE switch so that this can be controlled from 1 point for all connected cameras.
• Power line adapter
  A power line adapter in the form as used with camera systems are special adapters that ensure that the image and camera power supply runs through the existing power network. For this, an adapter is placed at the camera recorder (master) and an adapter at the camera (slave). A short cable runs from the camera recorder to the master adapter and a cable from the slave adapter to the camera. This is often described as wireless as there is no new cable to run from the recorder to the camera although in fact it is also wired as the power cables are used in this setup.
• Privacy mask
  Privacy mask is a setting that allows certain areas in the camera image to be excluded from recording.
• PTZ
  PTZ stands for Pan, Tilt, Zoom and allows you to move the camera to different angles and zoom in. The advantage of a PTZ camera is that a gutter area can be monitored with 1 camera. A big disadvantage of PTZ cameras is that the camera only films 1 angle at a time and therefore automatically does not film the other. If there is no continuous live monitoring, the advantage of a PTZ camera is very limited.
• Push notification
  A push notification for surveillance cameras means that the camera APP on your smartphone notifies you of movement.
• Starlight night vision
  Many newer IP cameras use starlight technology. In practice, this means that the camera can continue to film in color for longer in low light, where other cameras that do not have this would already switch to black and white image.
• Full Color Night Vision
  With Full Color Night Vision, the security camera also continues to film in color in the dark instead of black and white. A combination of a light-sensitive lens and a white LED is used for this. Keeping the white LED lamp on can be experienced as disturbing in some situations, but filming in color at night has many other advantages.
• Fixed lens
  Most security cameras have a fixed lens. This means that depending on the size of the lens, the viewing angle in degrees is "fixed" and cannot be adjusted with the optical zoom as with a varifocal lens. Zoe are the fixed lenses per indicated mm to be converted to viewing angle 2.8 mm lens (102 degrees viewing angle), 3.6 mm lens (72 degrees viewing angle), 6 mm lens (43 degrees viewing angle), 12 mm lens (22 degrees viewing angle), 16mm lens (19 degree viewing angle).
• Varifocal lens (Zoom / Focus)
  This refers to a security camera lens capable of changing the focal length. Many of the premium security cameras have 2 dials that allow you to manually control the zoom and focus. Instead of a standard number of MM that the lens has, this can be set between a certain distance depending on the situation. Cameras with a varifocal lens usually have an adjustable viewing angle between 31 and 110 degrees.
• WDR
  A WDR security camera (Wide Dynamic Range) is especially suitable for transmitting clear images of objects surrounded by strong light, while keeping the background visible.</ li>

Have you made the choice to secure your home, business or land and buy a security camera? Sitcon is ready for you today. We can supply most cameras directly from stock. If you order before 17:00, we will ship the products the same day. Please take the time to assess your model, because you have no less than 14 days to change your mind.

With our product filter, you can narrow down the selection of cameras that meet your needs in just a few steps and thus make a better choice. To do this, click on your mobile on the "Filter" button and the filers are displayed on the desktop on the left side of the page.

Any other question or suggestion about security cameras? Send a message to support@sitcon.nl or call +31 306 303 631. We would be happy to discuss your wishes with you and to show you what options are available. You are of course also welcome in one of our stores for advice and buying a security camera.