Selecting a camera starts with a simple question: what must be identifiable in the footage? A camera that shows movement is not the same as a camera that identifies a face or reads a plate.
Start with the viewing objective
Define each viewing objective separately — detection, recognition or identification — and place cameras to serve one objective each rather than expecting a single wide view to do everything.
Match the format to the location
- Bullet cameras for directional outdoor runs and perimeters
- Dome and turret cameras for indoor and public areas
- PTZ cameras for large open sites where operators follow activity
Do not overlook lighting
Backlit entrances, reflective floors and dark loading bays affect image quality more than the sensor specification. Wide dynamic range and infrared distance matter in real installations.
Plan for recording and retention
Camera count, resolution and retention period determine recorder and storage sizing. Confirm this early so the system does not need replacing when footage is required.