10 Things to Consider When Choosing a Security Camera for Business

10 Things to Consider When Buying Security Cameras for Business

Your office holds sensitive information about clients, suppliers, and partners. If these documents end up in the wrong hands, it could ruin your business and your reputation. That's why you need a quality surveillance system. Here are some essential things to consider when buying security cameras for business.

Keyword(s): PK: security cameras for business SK: video surveillance system, video security system, surveillance cameras for business, business security cameras, security cameras system for business

 

Are you looking to improve your business' security system? Consider adding video surveillance!

Security cameras offer great protection for your business. Get the peace of mind you're seeking by keeping your product and important information safe.

There are many different security cameras for business owners to consider, so doing some research is paramount. Keeping your business safe is serious business, so you should do some serious considering before purchasing a camera system.

So where do you start your search? What should you look for in a video security system?

We've created this convenient guide to help you get started. Read on for ten things you should consider when choosing a security camera for your business.

1. Determine Location

As you compare security cameras, take into account where you plan to place your cameras. Think of all potential entry points, especially those that are most likely to be used by an intruder.

Front doors, backdoors, and first-floor windows are common locations of intruder entry. These are all great places to put your cameras. You may also want to install one of your most valuable items or information.

It's a good idea to have at least one outdoor, visible camera, even if it's a fake. Visible cameras can be great deterrents for burglars.

Cameras should ideally be placed nine feet above the ground. This height makes cameras unreachable from the ground while ensuring you still get a good picture.

2. Avoid Blind Spots

While you're determining the best locations for your cameras, make sure you check for blind spots. No single camera can cover your whole property at once.

Once you've chosen a camera, try it out. See what the lens captures and what it doesn't. Utilize friends or family members to help with this. If the field of view doesn't work for your situation, go with something else.

3. Audio or Not?

Do you want audio to be captured with your surveillance video? If so, make sure the camera you choose captures audio, because not all do.

While the FBI reported a drop in burglaries in 2017, they're still common. Audio may help you better identify burglars, so consider getting it.

4. Indoor or Outdoor?

Many cameras provide options for use indoor or outdoor, but not all do. Make sure you choose a camera that works for where you intend to use it.

Check your mounting and housing options and make those work for you as well.

If you will be using the camera outdoors, consider the climate of the area. Can the camera withstand the level of cold and/or heat that will seasonally come?

Will it be able to stand up to the level of precipitation and wind that comes to your area?

Taking these into consideration will help you choose a camera that will outlast the elements.

5. Video Clarity: How Important Is It?

How good of a video do you want your camera to take? Some situations may not warrant high-quality video. If you don't need it, don't pay the extra cash for it.

If you want to be able to identify potential burglars, definitely look for a camera that provides high-resolution video. A blurry or pixelated face won't get you anywhere when trying to solve a crime.

6. Consider Setup

Before purchasing business security cameras, look at what setup entails. Can you easily set the system up yourself, or would you need help?

Does the security system hook up to your computer or device? Look for something simple enough that you can understand it.

Do you have to assemble anything? If so, does it make sense?

Beware of setups that are too simple, though. This may cause security issues.

7. Look at Storage Options

As you compare various security camera types, look at what storage options they have available. Some cameras save footage automatically while others only save under certain circumstances.

Also look into where your video will be stored. Does the camera use a memory card, or does it upload video to cloud storage?

Make sure your camera has storage settings that meet or exceed your needs.

8. What's Your Budget?

Security cameras can set you back a couple hundred dollars or a lot more than that, so make sure you know your budget.

What are you willing to spend on your security system? Are you purchasing multiple cameras? Do you need higher quality footage?

Several things will affect the cost of your video surveillance system, so consider each of your needs and wants and determine how flexible they are.

9. Protect Against Vandalism

As you consider each camera, look into how it may hold up against potential vandalism or other damage. If your camera will be placed in an obvious location this is especially important to consider. If the camera is discreet, this will be less of a concern.

Certain cameras will hold up better under certain circumstances, so consider your options. While you're at it, consider ways you can add protection. Materials such as mesh netting can provide protection from thrown items while still allow the camera to record footage.

Whatever protective measures you implement, make sure the camera focuses properly and not on the mesh or other materials you use. Test them out before finalizing your setup.

10. One Camera or Multiple?

As you create your security system, consider how many cameras you need. Are you only wanting to watch a specific area? Or are you looking to have eyes on a larger space?

The area you want to cover will determine both the type of lenses you'll want, as well as how many cameras. Consider going with a wider view if you're wanting to monitor several windows.

If you'll need multiple cameras, make sure they'll all work on the same system.

Get the Best Security Cameras for Business Protection

You've taken the time to set up your business, so now it's time to make sure it's protected.

There are many security cameras for businesses, so there's bound to be one that fits your needs. Consider each type of camera available, as well as these helpful tips, and you'll be well on your way to protecting your business.

Once you've chosen a camera, you may wonder how to set up your system. We've got you covered on that topic too. Head on over to our site to learn more.