Commercial Security Camera Fundamentals: Everything You Need to Know

Written by Pro-Vigil
on July 30, 2024

Commercial security cameras come in various types, each designed to fulfill specific surveillance needs.

Security remains a top priority for your business. Preventing theft, monitoring employee activity, and ensuring the safety of everyone that walks through your doors is critical. Most companies today, including small businesses, leverage these tools to protect their assets. But commercial security cameras have changed rapidly over the years. This article will explore key aspects of commercial security camera systems and how they will benefit your business.

CCTV Cameras vs. Commercial Security Camera Systems: What’s the Difference?

First, let’s discuss the terminology of business video surveillance. CCTV (Closed-Circuit Television) cameras and commercial security camera systems are phrases that are often used interchangeably, but in truth – and since this blog is all about explaining things – there are some differences between the two:

Scope and Integration: “CCTV cameras” typically refers to individual cameras in a closed-circuit system. These cameras capture video footage and transmit it to a few monitors or recording devices within a localized area. CCTV systems often monitor a particular room or area within a building.
Commercial security cameras usually make up a broader infrastructure for comprehensive surveillance. These systems feature multiple cameras, network video recorders (NVRs), or digital video recorders (DVRs) for storing and managing footage, monitors, networking equipment, and remote access and video management software.
Scale and Functionality: CCTV systems deploy in small-scale settings in homes, businesses, or specific areas within larger organizations.
You’ll find commercial security camera systems in larger deployments, such as retail stores, offices, warehouses, or industrial facilities. These systems include multiple cameras, network connectivity, digital storage, advanced features like video analytics, remote access capabilities, and integration with other security systems.
Technology and Connectivity: CCTV cameras traditionally use analog technology and transmit video signals through coaxial cables to connected devices. These systems are limited in video quality, resolution, and distance capabilities.
Commercial security camera systems utilize digital IP (Internet Protocol) technology. These intelligent systems have higher-resolution cameras, enhanced video quality, and greater flexibility. IP cameras transmit video data over computer networks, enabling remote access, scalability, and easier integration with other security systems.

Types of Commercial Security Cameras

Commercial security cameras come in various types, each designed to fulfill specific surveillance needs. For example:

Dome cameras: The name reflects their dome-shaped housing, which helps conceal the direction it’s pointing. Dome cameras are typically installed on ceilings and often provide 360-degree coverage. They are suitable for monitoring large areas such as retail stores, warehouses, and parking lots.
Bullet cameras: These surveillance tools are cylindrical and commonly used outdoors due to their weatherproof housing. They also work well for indoor applications. Bullet cameras have a fixed lens and are typically mounted on walls or poles. They are known for their long-distance viewing capabilities, ideal for monitoring entrances, parking lots, and perimeters.
PTZ cameras: If you want comprehensive coverage of a larger area, PTZ cameras offer the ability to pan, tilt, and zoom. You can remotely control these devices to rotate horizontally (pan), vertically (tilt), and zoom. PTZ cameras work well in areas that require active monitoring, such as shopping malls, airports, and stadiums.
Thermal cameras: Thermal cameras detect heat signatures from objects and individuals. They are ideal for detecting intruders in low-light or no-light conditions. Thermal cameras are standard in areas that require advanced surveillance, such as critical infrastructure sites, industrial facilities, and high-security zones. They can provide visibility even in complete darkness or challenging weather conditions.
Panoramic cameras: These 360-degree “fisheye” cameras capture a wide field of view in a single image. Panoramic cameras are suitable for monitoring large open areas such as shopping malls, parking garages, or public spaces.
Infrared (IR) Cameras: These cameras use LEDs that emit infrared light, allowing them to capture clear images in low- or no-light. IR cameras work in outdoor environments or areas with limited lighting, such as parking lots, building exteriors, or perimeter monitoring.
License plate recognition (LPR) cameras: LPR cameras are specialized cameras designed to capture and read license plate information in parking lots, toll booths, or access control points. LPR cameras use advanced optical character recognition (OCR) technology to extract and analyze license plate information, enabling automated identification and tracking of vehicles.

These are just some of the common types of commercial security cameras available in the market. Each type has its specific features, advantages, and applications. Choosing the right type of camera depends on your surveillance requirements, the environment, and the desired functionality for your commercial security needs.

What Are the Components of Commercial Security Camera Systems?

Commercial security camera systems include various components that work together to provide comprehensive surveillance solutions. The key components include:

Cameras: Cameras are the system’s primary component for capturing video footage. These can include dome or bullet cameras, pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) cameras, thermal cameras, or other specialized cameras based on specific surveillance requirements. Cameras can be analog or IP-based, with IP cameras offering higher resolution and more advanced features.
Network Video Recorders (NVRs) or Digital Video Recorders (DVRs): NVRs or DVRs store and manage camera video footage. NVRs work in IP-based systems, while DVRs store data from analog camera systems. These devices can have multiple channels to accommodate several cameras, providing features such as video compression, storage management, and remote access. In addition, instead of NVRs or DVRs, commercial security camera systems often include cloud-based storage solutions.
Monitors: Monitors let you watch live video feeds or playback recorded camera footage. Monitors vary in size and can be dedicated to video surveillance or integrated into existing computer systems.
Cabling and wiring: Modern cameras can be wireless. However, older CCTV units often are connected with with CAT5 cabling. This wiring transmits power and data between cameras, the NVR/DVR, or other system components. Power cables or Power over Ethernet (PoE) technology provide power to the cameras. Some cameras can also be solar-powered and run from the sun or a battery.
Networking equipment: Switches and routers enable communication between the cameras, NVR/DVR, or other network devices or allow you to transmit data over the internet.
Software and video management systems: Commercial security camera systems utilize software and video management systems (VMS) to manage and control the cameras, view live feeds, and playback recorded footage. Increasingly, these solutions incorporate artificial intelligence (AI) to improve automation and camera functionality. These software solutions offer features like video analytics, remote access, event-triggered alerts, and integration with other security systems.
Mounting and installation accessories: Mounting brackets, housings, and accessories ensure proper placement and alignment of the cameras for optimal coverage and protection from weather conditions.
Security system integration: Commercial security camera systems can be integrated with other security systems such as access control systems, alarms, intrusion detection systems, or video analytics platforms. Integration allows for centralized monitoring, automated responses to events, and enhanced overall security.

It’s important to note that the specific components of a commercial security camera system may vary depending on the manufacturer, system requirements, and the complexity of the installation. Working with a professional security system provider can help ensure the selection and integration of the appropriate components for your specific business needs.

What is the Best Installation Design for My Commercial Security Camera Systems?

The best installation design for your business security cameras depends on your goals and budget, but also the layout of your premises.

Before installing commercial security cameras, conduct a thorough assessment of your business. Identify vulnerabilities and high-risk areas to determine the number of cameras and their placement. Pay particular attention to entry and exits, low light areas, loading docks, and remote points of your property. These areas are common targets for theft or unauthorized access.

Some general guidelines to consider include:

Optimize Camera Placement: Consider the field of view of each camera to ensure maximum coverage. Avoid blind spots by positioning cameras strategically, overlapping their fields of view if necessary. Adjust camera angles to minimize obstructions and optimize the visibility of targeted areas.
Monitor High-Traffic Areas: Install cameras in high-traffic areas such as hallways, lobbies, and employee break rooms. These areas can be prone to theft, vandalism, or other security incidents. Wide-angle or dome cameras are often suitable for such spaces as they provide a broader coverage area.
Protect Critical Areas: Identify critical business areas, such as cash registers, storage, server rooms, or areas with sensitive information. These areas should have dedicated cameras to monitor access and ensure security.
Consider Lighting: Assess the lighting conditions of each area and select cameras accordingly. Consider using cameras with infrared (IR) capabilities in low-light or no-light areas or installing additional lighting to ensure clear images. For changing lighting conditions, cameras with a wide dynamic range (WDR) can help capture details in bright and dark areas.
Concealment and Deterrence: Visible cameras can deter potential criminals, while discreetly placed cameras may be more suitable for monitoring employee behavior or internal investigations.
Wiring and Connectivity: Ensure power and network connections are readily available at each camera location. If using wireless cameras, ensure proper signal strength and reliability. Can solar cameras be used with battery back-ups to eliminate wiring costs?
Compliance and Privacy: Familiarize yourself with any legal or regulatory requirements in your area related to video surveillance. Ensure your camera installation avoids capturing sensitive or private areas, such as restrooms.
Regular Maintenance and Testing: Test the cameras periodically to verify image quality, adjust angles if necessary, and ensure that the recorded footage meets your expectations. Or, if your cameras connect to the internet, consider camera health monitoring and management by a remote vendor to ensure the cameras work when you need them.

Due to the complexities of configuring your commercial security camera system, consulting with a professional security consultant like Pro-Vigil is always advisable. We routinely assess specific business needs and provide tailored recommendations for your security camera installation. Beyond installation, we offer services like virtual security guards, to efficiently protect what matters to your business. Call on us for peace of mind.

Q&A

What are the benefits of commercial security cameras?

Commercial security cameras offer numerous benefits to businesses, including:

Crime deterrence: Knowing that their actions are recorded can significantly decrease the likelihood of criminals acting on your property.
Crime investigation and resolution: Recorded footage can help identify perpetrators, gather details about the incident, and provide crucial evidence for law enforcement agencies or internal investigations.
Employee safety and productivity: Security cameras deter workplace violence, theft, or other misconduct. Cameras can help monitor productivity and adherence to company policies, ensuring that employees are engaged in their tasks and following established protocols.
Remote monitoring 24/7/365: IP-enabled commercial security cameras come with remote access capabilities, allowing business owners or security personnel to monitor their premises in real time from anywhere.
Customer safety: Customers feel more secure knowing the premises are monitored, reducing concerns about theft or personal safety. In retail or hospitality environments, cameras can help resolve disputes or investigate incidents involving customers, leading to better customer service.
Lowered insurance costs: Insurance companies often offer lower rates to businesses with comprehensive security systems in place, demonstrating a proactive approach to risk mitigation.
Operational insights: Modern security cameras come with analytics software to help you gain insights into customer behavior, traffic patterns, peak hours, and more.
Cloud video storage: Cloud-based file storage ensures video footage is secure and accessible even if the cameras are tampered with or stolen. With online search features, remote video storage also simplifies retrieving specific footage.
Reduced liability: Security cameras are a valuable tool in protecting businesses against false claims, lawsuits, or liability disputes.

How much do commercial security camera systems cost?

The cost of commercial security camera systems varies significantly. Some cost considerations for commercial security cameras include:

The cost of each commercial security camera can range from as low as $100 to several thousand dollars per unit.
The features of the camera(s). High-resolution cameras and those with advanced features generally have a higher price tag.
If you need additional equipment required for a complete security camera system. For example, you may need a video recorder if you don’t store your data in the cloud, or cables, power supplies, and networking equipment.
The cost of installation will depend on its complexity. Extensive cabling, electrical work, or network infrastructure configuration may increase costs.
If you plan to integrate the security camera system with other business management systems, such as access control systems or alarms.
Ongoing maintenance and monitoring of the security camera system.

While cost is a significant factor, it should not be the sole consideration. For example, consider the costs of a live security guard or the pain and costs associated with failing to protect your business.