1. Choose professional surveillance

When it comes to surveillance systems, the difference between low-quality and branded products is huge. Low-quality products use cheaper components and often lead to problems with software/apps and functionality. Security arrangements are another important factor, and Chinese brands have serious security flaws due to Chinese state ownership.

Our professional cameras guarantee a reliable solution that is quick and easy to use. The systems are also NDAA certified, which means they have no connection to the Chinese state. This eliminates the risk of trade barriers, security issues and GDPR violations associated with non-NDAA certified products.

2. wireless or wired?

Do you want a reliable and professional solution? Then a wired system is the answer. In recent years, many manufacturers have launched wireless surveillance cameras, which, according to the marketing, should solve the problem of not having to run cables to your cameras.

Wireless can be a fast and convenient option at times, but you have to make big sacrifices in reliability and there are many pitfalls to be aware of before making an investment in this technology. Our advice is therefore to choose wired wherever it is physically possible.

3. How is the system connected?

Professional surveillance systems use 'PoE' (power over Ethernet). This technology uses the same cable for power and camera images. All cameras are connected to the recorder with one cable. The recorder powers the cameras at the same time as the cameras send images to the recorder. This means you no longer need a separate socket for each camera.

Pictured is an example of a system with two cameras connected to the internet for remote access via mobile and computer at any time from anywhere.

4. PoE connection

Be sure to choose cameras that support Power over Ethernet (PoE). With PoE, you only need to run a single cable to the camera, as the camera receives both power and network through one cable.

It saves installation costs and provides your camera with stable power supply, allowing it to perform more resource-intensive operations, such as advanced image analysis and stronger night vision.

5. advanced image analysis

Choose cameras that offer in-built image analysis. These cameras are intelligent enough to distinguish between a cat running across the yard and a person walking around your garden. This will help reduce false alarms and keep you informed of real threats.

With AI video analytics, you can also set the times and areas that will generate alarms.

6. good night vision

Choose cameras with strong night vision. Some cameras are designed with powerful infrared (IR) illumination that can "see" in the dark. This allows them to deliver clear and detailed black and white images, even in low light or total darkness.

The best cameras can track people - and at the same time film in colour at night, making it much easier to recognise the person, the clothes, the colour of the car - or even read a licence plate.

7. consider the type of camera

When it comes to cameras, there are several different types; dome, bullet, turret and PTZ. Dome cameras have been popular in the past, they are vandal-proof but are less and less used as they are prone to water damage and complicated installation.

We generally recommend turret cameras, which are simpler, more affordable and offer the same resolution, but in some cases a dome or PTZ camera is required. Contact us for design assistance.

8. High resolution

Professional cameras must offer high resolution. If the cameras do not have zoom, you should not go below 4 MP outdoors.

The higher the resolution - the more you can magnify, the more you need to see the details of your recordings.

9. MVF lens / zoom

The camera's field of view is like a funnel. How wide and fast the funnel spreads is determined by the camera lens. In other words, it's the camera's glasses. As a rule, our cameras have a 2.8 mm fixed lens with an angle of view of around 100 degrees.

In some cases, too wide a field of view can interfere with image quality, and sometimes you may need to monitor longer distances when an MVF lens is appropriate.

10. audio recording and two-way communication

Some cameras offer audio recording or even two-way communication.

Combined with intelligent cameras that react to people but not dogs and the like, it can be extremely effective to 'welcome' any person who turns up after 22:00 with a pre-recorded message.

11. Local storage and cloud connectivity

If you want a reliable and professional system, you should have a solution that offers connectivity via the cloud but that stores video locally. It provides the best of both worlds:

Easy connectivity when you're out in the world - and without subscription costs.

12. smart features

Our cameras come in a variety of ranges and features. Before buying, it is important to consider whether you want to get something extra out of the cameras such as the Guard function that has integrated flash lights and speakers or our advanced PTZ cameras that can patrol large areas.

Not sure what you are looking for? Get in touch with us!

13. technical support

There are several retailers for cameras but make sure to choose a provider that can help you with technical support and installation.

We at Övervakningsbutiken have been working with surveillance since 2000 and are experts in CCTV. If you buy through us, you always get one year of free technical support with the purchase!