Surveillance and security cameras have become an absolute necessity for protecting business assets.
Surveillance and security cameras are often used interchangeably as they have some similarities and key differences.
It helps to know the differences so you can make an informed decision on what you need. With so much on the line, we must understand all our options.
In this article, we aim to explain the differences between surveillance cameras and security cameras. We will also explore the key features of both these types of cameras.
Surveillance Cameras Overview
Surveillance cameras are a vital component of a comprehensive commercial security system.
They capture footage in various property spots, including property perimeter and indoor facilities.
They offer a broad scope of security monitoring and are often integrated with various other security system tools.
The surveillance cameras have a range of capabilities and features, including the option of offering different video resolutions and image quality. These are important factors to consider if you require clear footage.
Some surveillance cameras have motion sensors that’ll whip into action whenever there’s even the slightest hint of movement, and some go a step further by having integrated alarm systems.
In addition, surveillance cameras can also offer Pan-Tilt-Zoom (PTZ) capabilities, which is ideal if you want flexible camera control for zooming, tilting, and panning.
Other common features in surveillance cameras include night vision for monitoring dark or low-light areas and remote access for monitoring your business premises when you are away.
Keep in mind that these features are not unique to surveillance cameras. As security cameras become more advanced, the features are starting to overlap.
Security Cameras Overview
Security cameras have a wide range of applications. They play a key role in the safety and security of people and property.
Security cameras are in place to ensure security in select areas and make sure precious business assets stay safe.
Security cameras are everywhere, from businesses to educational institutions and industrial facilities.
They help deter crime, as criminals are often looking for easy targets. Security cameras often deter criminals from gaining unauthorized access to property.
The basic security cameras come with just the right features to help maximize safety at your business.
However, they might not offer advanced features like integration with other security system tools. The good news is that security cameras come in high resolution.
The high-quality video means you get crystal-clear footage, allowing the cameras to capture details that can help identify the criminals or provide evidence to resolve internal conflicts.
Key Differences Between Surveillance and Security Cameras
Get a handle on the difference between surveillance and security cameras, let us dive into more details on the differences between these two types of cameras, including their purpose, intended use, placement, coverage area, and compatibility with other systems. We will also look at how these cameras compare in terms of cost.
Purpose And Intended Use
While the technical specifications can be similar, the purpose and intended use of security and surveillance cameras differ.
According to Security 101 in San Jose, this is a key difference between these two types of cameras.
Surveillance cameras are all around us to keep an eye on activities in places like public parks, shopping centers and commercial properties.
These devices are designed for monitoring, recording, and analyzing. Businesses that need advanced security features can invest in surveillance cameras.
Security cameras, on the other hand, have a more specific use. They offer close monitoring of points of interest, such as specific areas on the business premises.
They are designed for various purposes, including employee conflict resolution or as legal evidence for employee or customer-related lawsuits.
Placement And Coverage Areas
The placement of surveillance cameras is typically meant to cover larger areas. The strategic placement ensures that the high-risk areas are covered within the scope of the cameras.
Surveillance cameras are most commonly placed to cover a wide field of view. They are ideal for covering the exterior premises of a commercial property.
Businesses that have warehouses often use surveillance cameras to cover a large area.
Security cameras are positioned close to specific areas of concern. Security cameras are commonly placed in parking lots, entry points, and exits to commercial property.
They are also often placed around sensitive areas with limited access, such as computer server rooms or cash registers.
Cost
There is a wide range of equipment available for surveillance and security cameras. The quality of equipment is a key factor in determining the total cost of the system.
However, security cameras are often cheaper than surveillance cameras, especially those with limited advanced features such as night vision and motion detection.
Accessibility
Surveillance cameras are often used for broader accessibility. They come with advanced capabilities to view live or recorded footage from multiple locations.
They may also feature remote access tools, allowing you to view the footage from your smartphone or computer.
On the other hand, security cameras have limited accessibility. While you get remote access with some security cameras, this option may be missing in basic models.
Integration With Security Systems
Surveillance cameras provide seamless integration with other security systems components to offer more comprehensive security for your business assets.
This includes integration with access control, alarm, or visitor management systems. Some advanced surveillance systems also offer integrated analytical tools to provide valuable insights into security risks and ways to mitigate those issues.
While security cameras continue to become more advanced and offer some integration capabilities, they still provide lesser capabilities compared to surveillance cameras.
You may need to invest in extra components, including software and hardware tools, to connect security cameras to other security system components.
Some manufacturers offer open application programming interfaces (APIs) to allow customers to manually integrate components.
Get Expert Guidance In Choosing The Right Equipment
It can be confusing to decide which type of cameras are needed for your business. It is best to consult with a security camera expert who can visit your location to guide you toward the right choice.
They might even recommend a system that uses a combination of different types of cameras for a more robust security system for your business.
Ella Marcotte
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