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CCTV (closed circuit television) systems are gaining mainstream popularity as a crime-fighting tool. The do-it-yourself (DIY) security camera system is commonplace. Video surveillance can be a powerful tool, but only if the system is designed properly for the particular situation and intended outcomes.

Before buying a security camera do a simple survey of the area that you want to observe with your CCTV system. What particular area(s) are you covering? Depending on the situation you'll need to choose a security camera that will best capture the scene.

Once you have determined the target distance and desired field of view, you'll want to calculate the best focal length for each security camera. The best way to do this is to use a security camera Lens Calculator.

Based on the target distance and field of view, the lens calculator will recommend the focal length lens needed to obtain the desired view and magnification of each security camera.

There are a huge variety of CCTV cameras manufactured today. The right security camera depends on the specific environment that the camera will be placed in (outdoor versus indoor), the desired visibilty of the camera (do you want the camera in plain sight as a deterrent, or somewhat hidden), and the desired aesthetics (does the security camera need to look nice and blend in with the surroundings or does that not matter?).

(also known as lipstick cameras) These are small (about the size of a finger) cylindrical shaped cameras that are usually sealed in a weatherproof housing. They are a well hidden camera due to their small size and inconspicuous shape. These fit well under an eve of a house, and can be used indoors or outdoors.

These are very commonly seen in malls and department stores where the security camera needs to look nice and blend in with the surroundings so as not to make customers feel uncomfortable. These security cameras also sometimes come with dark tinted glass which makes it difficult for anyone to determine which way the camera is pointed.

These are very commonly seen in some shops and in banks were the security camera does not need to be hidden and is used partially as a deterrent. The box shape of the camera is highly visible and also allows for a variety of variable focal length lenses to be used to achieve the desired coverage area and magnification of details. These security cameras are usually restricted to indoor use only since they are not sealed.

This refers to lines of resolution of the security camera. The more lines of resolution, the more detail that can be seen in the video so you want this to be as high as possible. 350 lines of resolution is fairly low resolution by current standards. 480 lines is very common and fairly good for general use. 525 to 580 lines of resolution is considered high resolution for standard CCTV and will give the best picture quality. There are megapixel cameras and hi-definition security cameras that have much higher resolution.

If your security cameras are going to be used for any night time surveillance where the lighting is dim, then you'll most likely want to choose a security camera that has infrared (IR) LEDs that illuminate the area. IR is invisible to the human eye but not to the camera.

Many first time CCTV buyers are attracted to the concept of wireless security cameras due to the 'high tech' appeal and the fact that no video cable is required. However, be aware that wireless cameras are susceptible to interference from other wireless devices such as cordless phones, wireless internet devices etc. that also utilize frequencies in 2.4 Ghzand 5.8 GHz range.

In general, the old adage "you get what you pay for" applies to a certain extent when buying CCTV equipment. Sure, you can save some money if you shop around, but beware of very cheap security cameras as you're likely to be disappointed with the results. Find a good vendor who is willing to work with you and takes the time to become familiar with your requirements. Don't just settle for the cheapest security camera. Take the time to research various products, talk with a vendor you can trust and then buy CCTV equipment that represents the best performance for the price as it applies to your security needs.

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