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Shopping For Dash Cams
Security cameras are not only reserved for residential or commercial properties. Aside from protecting your home or business, you can also keep an eye on your car and driving habits.
Dash cams are small security cameras that are installed on your dashboard. Depending on the type, you can monitor the road ahead, inside your car, or both. While these surveillance devices are not mandatory, their use in your own car can be rather beneficial. Some insurance companies offer discounts, you can gather useful video footage in the event of a car accident (whether involved or as a witness), and it can simply give you peace of mind.
If you’re looking to purchase a dash cam for your vehicle, here are a few things to look for:
- Looping Feature
The looping feature on a dash cam will enable it to automatically record over old video you no longer need. This will help save space while eliminating the need for you to delete the footage manually. - G-Force Sensors
Dash cams with g-force sensors can detect when you’ve been in an accident. This technology will enable the dash cam to record and save the footage recorded at the time instead of looping over it. - Overnight Recording
We may drive at all hours, so a dash cam that can record during nighttime reliably is crucial. Just because a dash cam has infrared or night vision does not necessarily mean that overnight footage is the best quality. Do research, read reviews, and look into the cameras performance in different environments. - Image Quality
With that said, you also want to ensure that your dash cam records in at least 1080p. For a better, wider view, opt for a dash cam that records in 2560×1080. Be sure to evaluate your needs and ensure that the field of view is sufficient for your standards. - Additional Features
You may want to invest in dash cams that have lane departure sensors to help keep you focused on the road, or motion sensors that can sense and record break-ins or vandalism. You may also want to invest in battery backups to ensure your camera doesn’t run out of power.
What other features or functions do you find helpful when it comes to dash cams? Share with us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Pinterest.
For a great selection of quality HD and IP security cameras and surveillance equipment, please visit SecurityCamExpert.com. To discuss your options, schedule a site survey, or request a FREE quote, please call 888-203-6294.
Surveillance Camera Features
Choosing the right video surveillance system can be tough. With various technologies to consider, as well as your own personal requirements, there’s a lot to consider. For your convenience, here are some common terms and technologies to help you choose the right video surveillance system for you.
Resolution
Because of our smart, HD televisions, we are all likely familiar with resolution as well as the units used to measure it (pixels). From its beginnings at 720 pixels to 1080p, we are now up to 4K and 5K resolution, with further advancements on the horizon.
The goal for resolution is to produce the clearest image for usability. This is defined by detection, recognition and identification and generally requires 80p around the face. Previously, pan, tilt, and zoom (PTZ) technology was employed to get a usable image. Now that camera resolution has greatly improved, less features and cameras are necessary to create high quality video surveillance.
Frame Rate
Another term you are likely familiar with is frame rate. The minimum requirement for the HDTV standard is 30 frames per second (fps). A higher frame rate is ideal, as it will produce a smooth, clearer video, however, it may not be practical. A higher frame rate also requires more bandwidth and storage space as these tend to be larger files. In this case, you should evaluate and prioritize your needs to determine the frame rate for you.
Networks & Storage
Security cameras are a small percentage of the overall cost of a surveillance system (the cost for cables and storage quickly accumulates). With that in mind, you should figure out what you intend to do with the footage so you can make the best decision for networks and storage. For example, ask yourself if you would like to store the footage for later review, actively monitor your feed, or would you like to do both.
Once you determine your goals and how long you need to retain footage (if at all), you can figure out how much space is necessary before your data gets overwritten. Depending on your system and needs, you may be able to refine these details per camera/location as necessary.
Video Compression
Since higher frame rates lead to larger files and more required storage, video compression technology works to counter that. As it advances, it promises to reduce bandwidth and storage to provide more affordable and convenient options for consumers. Currently, H.264 and H.265 are the standard, depending on the cameras you choose.
Light Sensitivity
As you may know, extreme light levels can interfere with a security camera’s ability to capture useful images. However, low light technologies have improved and can produce images in little to no light environments. For example, ‘lightfinder’ technology enables cameras to produce color video down to below one lux (one lux is a dark room, zero lux is an absence of light).
There’s also wide dynamic range, which allows cameras to capture usable images in varying lighting conditions. This feature adjusts and filters light to prevent washed out images, and is useful for hallways and doorways that can open into bright lights.
Software
While most systems come equipped with software (which should be updated and patched regularly and as necessary), you can find and install software applications that deliver specialized features and functions that you desire. Just remember that the higher the cost of the system means more features, which can translate into more training required to learn how to use it.
If you have any questions about security cameras or need help choosing surveillance systems and equipment, please feel free to contact us at 888-203-6294. You may also browse our stock online at SecurityCamExpert.com or connect with us on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Pinterest.