Fixed Lens CCTV Cameras

Some Termonology

• CMOS and CCD - Indoor cameras have CMOS sensors. Those sensors are easily damaged by direct sunlight. Outdoor cameras use CCD sensors.
• ONVIF - Open Network Video Interface Forum. An open standard for how IP products within video surveillance and other physical security areas can communicate.
• VMS - Video Management Software.
• PoE - Power over Ethernet

2008-2011 Consumer CCTV Cameras

Prices and information in this section is outdated. Subsequent sections have more current data.

Color Mini Dome Camera Wide Angle Sony SUPER HAD Image Sensor
	indoor/outdoor: indoor resolution: 480 lines minimum illumination: 0.3 lux field of vision: 89 degree night vision: no more info: High Resolution, Sony CCD retail:

 

Sony 1/3" CCD Color Vandal Resistant Infrared Dome Camera
	indoor/outdoor: weatherproof resolution: 480 lines minimum illumination: 0 lux in IR mode field of vision: night vision: 18 LED 50 ft more info: Vandal Resistant, Rotates on 3 axis, 1/3 CCD, 3.6mm Auto-Iris Lens retail: $88.00

 

Sony 1/3" CCD Hi-Res Color Infrared Camera Metal Armor
	indoor/outdoor: IP66 weatherproof resolution: 540 lines minimum illumination: 0.5Lux/F1.2(LED OFF) ; 0Lux ( LED ON) field of vision: night vision: 48 LED more info: On Screen Display, Motion Detection, BW and Color, Adjustable Brightness / White Balance / BLC / Shutter-speed Flicker / AGC, 3.5-8mm Varifocal, Compact Armor, IP 66 Weather Rating retail: $180.00

 

Sony 1/4" CCD Color Infrared Dome Camera
	indoor/outdoor: Indoor resolution: 420 lines minimum illumination: field of vision: night vision: 12 IR LED 42 ft more info: Sony 1/4" CCD, 3.6mm Auto-Iris Lens, Adjustable LensDirection retail: $58.00

 

IR Bullet Camera 1/4" CCD Infrared 14LED 4mm
	indoor/outdoor: Indoor / Outdoor resolution: 420 lines / 1/4 CCD minimum illumination: field of vision: 83.3° night vision: 14 IR LED 15 Meters Infared Illumination Distance more info: 4mm Lens, 1/4" SHARP CCD, Weatherproof / Waterproof, Wall, Ceiling, or Flat Mount, NTSC:510(V)*492(V), 2:1 Interlace retail: $65.00

 

18LED Low-Res CMOS Waterproof Camera
	indoor/outdoor: Indoor / Outdoor resolution: 300 lines minimum illumination: field of vision: night vision: 18 IR LED more info: video connector is composite not bnc retail: $26.00

2017 IP / ONVIF Cameras

Since this guide was originally created the cost of an IP network camera has greatly decreased into the consumer affordability market. The cost of network cameras has been higher because a network camera is actually a camera with a complete embedded computer system all in one device, so that it can decode, process, and stream the video from each camera independently.

When buying an IP Camera such as a PoE IP camera it is recommended that it be ONVIF compliant. ONVIF makes sure that the camera will work with your PC software and smart phone app. ONVIF makes sure your cameras will communicate with each other and with network recording devices. ONVIF has different versions of compatibility that dictate which features can be integrated into the system. In some cases a camera can have basic video compatibility but lack the ability to do more advanced features, such as motion detection.

ONVIF Doesn't Say it All

When you buy an IP camera that uses ONVIF protocol you want to be able to access, configure, and operate the camera from the web browser. Many of these cheap Chinese cameras won't let you do that. They require the installation of their software. This is not recommended. A good IP camera can be accesses and configured from the web browser.

• Access and configure from a web browser
• Doesn't require Quicktime or Java
• Doesn't require software to be installed on the PC

PoE IP Cameras

Power over Ethernet (POE) is a technology that lets network cables carry electrical power. PoE is Power over Ethernet. If there is no source of power near the camera, only the Ethernet cable is required to carry both data and power to the camera. Unlike other PoE devices, these cameras do not seem to come with PoE power injectors.

• PoE injector - places power on Ethernet cable for a single device. Connect between device and switch.
• PoE switch - a network data switch that also supplies power on the network cable for the PoE device so that individual PoE injectors are not needed for each PoE device.

The industry refers to different types of PoE injection devices including individual power over Ethernet mid-span injectors, desktop PoE network switches, and rack mount PoE switches.