Security is imperative for any business and that is why business security cameras are now being widely used. Whether your business is small, mid-sized, or enterprise-level, security cameras are always necessary items for monitoring employee security, preventing theft and increasing productivity.

A video surveillance system is composed of a series of security cameras, monitors/display units, and recorders. There are numerous types of security cameras which could be either analog or IP/digital cameras. As a business owner, what would you consider when purchasing security cameras for your own business? In this article, we are about to explore it together.

Benefits of Business Security Cameras

One of the biggest benefits, especially for retailers and small businesses, is that having an effective video surveillance system will help deter and prevent shoplifting or theft. With security cameras installed, the theft or shoplifters would be less likely to try and steal if they know they are being watched. In addition, those business security cameras with detection and alarm functions can prevent further loss by sending messages or emails to the business owners once they detect unwanted intruders or potential burglaries.

For manufacturing industries, security cameras can help to enhance employee productivity and improve workplace safety. Security cameras enable business owners to optimize the safety of their organizations, which includes their capital, inventory, and of course, employees.

Business security cameras are very crucial for banks and governments as well. They can protect sensitive data, industrial secrets and other important assets from unnecessary exposure.

Moreover, it is very crucial for the camera users to have access to real-time footage. A video surveillance system can provide legal evidence to protect their benefits if there were some accidents or criminal incidents.

How to Buy Business Security Cameras and Video Surveillance?

Things to Consider about Cameras

Resolution- This is probably the most important thing you need to know when purchasing security cameras for business. You will need a camera that can record images in at least 1080p high resolution or 4K so that you can identify people or objects with more clarity.

Frame Rate- This is another key aspect of a camera. Frame rate is something that determines the smoothness of the video. The higher the frame rate, the smoother the video. Contrarily, a lower frame rate will result in choppier footage. For average business use, we highly recommend going with a business security camera that supports at least 30 FPS frame rate.

Field of View- Field of view, especially horizontal field, determines how wide the camera can cover. The wider the viewing angle, the larger area the camera can cover. There are cameras with wide viewing angles above 60° and even 180°. What kind of viewing angle to choose depends on how wide the area you want to monitor.

WDR Technology- For business security, WDR is always one of the must-have features of a security camera. When a part of an image under the camera is extremely dark and another part is too bright, you wouldn’t be able to see any details with that difference in lighting. Cameras with WDR (Wide Dynamic Range) technology can help to automatically balance the lighting so that they can spot clear images.

Modules- The most commonly seen modules in the market would be dome cameras, turret cameras and bullet cameras. These three types of cameras are different in many ways, and figuring out the differences between dome, bullet and turret cameras will help you to decide which module fits you best. Dome and turret cameras are designed with more discrete looks. Bullet ones usually have larger sizes and they are relatively easier to install.

Motion Detection- This is a basic technology available in most modern security camera systems. The more advanced high-end security camera systems also have video analysis software to detect and classify objects, including people, vehicles, as well as specific events. Analytics make commercial security cameras smarter. Business owners can be alerted by a notification sent on their mobile app if the cameras detect some unusual sounds or movements.

motion detection of IP camera

Things to Consider about Network Video Recorders (NVRs)

Recording and Decoding Resolution- If you don’t want to lose the high-quality images of your cameras on the display screen, you will need recorders that can record as well as decode images in 4K resolution. With higher-quality images, it will be easier to detect the activities. In that case, a high-resolution NVR is as essential as a high-resolution camera.

Compression and Storage Capability- To store high-definition video footage, it requires huge storage space to store all of the recorded data. Better compression techniques can help to optimize storage.

Number of Channels- The number of channels depends on how many cameras you want to deploy in your video surveillance system. Usually, you need more channels than the current quantity of cameras in case you want to add more cameras in the future. For example, if you have 5 cameras in your system, you may need a recorder with 8 or 16 channels.

Compatibility- No matter how advanced your NVR is, it is a premise that your NVR needs to be compatible with the cameras used in your system. If it’s too complicated for you, FS provides the whole video surveillance solutions to shut down your concerns.

FS video surveillance solutions

Other Things to Consider about Business Video Surveillance

Installation- Large businesses with complicated setups may need to hire a professional to complete the installation. As for whether to choose wired or wireless systems, businesses often opt for wired ones since they are faster and more efficient and today are equipped with better technology than ever. On the contrary, wireless systems fit more for home use.

Price and Warranty- To set a proper budget, you will need to weigh the cost, features and benefits of each type of surveillance system. With a large budget, you can keep an eye on those devices with specific high-end technologies. If you have a small budget, you may need to compromise on some features, but definitely not on crucial ones, such as resolution, storage, quality of wires, etc. Also, make sure your surveillance system has at least a one-year warranty.

Business Video Surveillance System FAQs

  1. How many security cameras do I need for my business?

This depends on the size of your business and the layout of the area you want to survey. On average, it is recommended to have one camera per 1200 square feet for a Digital System and per 600 square feet for an Analog System.

  1. Where is the footage saved?

Usually, there are two places. One is on the camera itself via an onboard SD Memory Card, and another is through a corresponding network video recorder. We highly recommend getting a network video recorder for any business security system.

  1. What will happen to the business video surveillance system if there is a power outage?

The recorders will come back on as soon as the power is restored. If you need your business video surveillance still online even if the power is cut, a surge protection device called uninterruptable power supply (UPS) can provide a short period of backup power.

    4.   How can I secure my business video surveillance system from hackers?

Secure your business network, change your default usernames and passwords regularly, and utilize proper password management.

  1. What are the pros and cons of business security cameras?

Business security cameras can protect your property from theft, burglary, fire, flood, etc, to prevent commercial loss. And they can improve the security of your employees. As for cons, business security cameras sometimes can be expensive, depending on your business requirements, but generally you will find out that they are worth the money.