High definition electronics have long been touted superior to conventional megapixel products. In the case of televisions and digital cameras, the image quality difference is quite clear; HD is better. In a security camera, you can see the picture quality difference as well. But is the HD image really worth the cost? Only you can decide for sure but there are some points that you should consider carefully before shelling out the money for a new HD security camera system.
Advantages of HD Security Cameras
There are definitely some advantages to using an HD security camera. One of the biggest advantages is the clearer, crisper image provided in well-lit and daytime settings. The clarity is unprecedented when compared to other camera models.
Another clear advantage is the zoom option offered with HD cameras. This option is offered with some other security camera models but it is considered an extra feature that you must pay extra to have. With an HD security camera, the zoom function is standard.
What You May Not Know About HD
What many HD camera manufacturers don’t want you to know is that HD security cameras do not function at a better quality at night than a megapixel security camera. This is because they have a high lux rating, despite their HD quality. While you can purchase low-light HD security cameras and infrared HD cameras, you have to pay extra for this feature. Add this cost to the already higher cost of the HD camera and you may really have to consider whether or not the total cost is worth paying.
Another notable disadvantage to HD security cameras is the amount of storage space recorded files need. The massive amount of storage can become quite costly – an expense that many homeowners and small businesses find astronomical. To reduce the amount of storage needed and your cost, you can change the format to analog but this is yet another complication to deal with
Do You Need HD?
Determining whether or not you need an HD security camera isn’t as straightforward as you might hope. There are many considerations to be made, mostly relating to your security needs. If you need a high frame rate or maximum image quality, then HD is your best option. If, however, you can find sufficient use from a lower frame rate and slightly lower picture quality, HD may not be worth the cost.
In most cases, an HD security camera is not really necessary. Homeowners that are simply trying to protect their home from vandals or theft, convenience store owners that want to protect their businesses from burglary and business owners that just need a small amount of monitoring to keep employees honest may find that the extra cost of an HD security camera isn’t supported.
If, however, your business or home has a high potential for loss, you are trying to monitor a high crime area or you need clear images for identification purposes, the cost of HD might very well be worth every penny.
Types of HD Security Cameras
If you decide that an HD security camera is right for your needs, you should be aware of the different types of HD cameras offered. Like megapixel cameras, HD security cameras are offered in box styles, day/night cameras, bullet cameras and dome cameras. Each type of camera has its own set of advantages and disadvantages, all of which are the same as the advantages and disadvantages of their megapixel predecessors.
CCD or CMOS
Before you buy an HD security camera, you should also know a little bit about CCD and CMOS. Both are built in sensors, which affect the overall picture quality of your security camera. If you are choosing an HD security camera because of the picture quality, choosing one with a CCD sensor is a must. This type of sensor will reduce the grainy appearance of your pictures and produce low-noise images.
Where to Buy an HD Security Camera
You can buy an HD security camera in high-end electronics stores, from security device businesses or online. Most HD camera buyers opt for an online purchase because of the wide range of options and cheaper prices. In most cases, this is a wonderful alternative to an in-store purchase. You should, however, be aware of how to shop online without being scammed.
One of the easiest ways to avoid getting scammed during an online HD camera purchase is to check the customer ratings for a company and the product you are considering purchasing. By carefully reviewing reviews from other customers, you can ensure that you are getting a quality camera along with that great deal. Keep in mind, however, that because security camera needs are different for everyone, bad reviews aren’t always an indication of a bad product or a bad supplier.
If you find a bad review, do a little more investigating. If most of the reviews you find are below satisfactory, choose another supplier or camera model. If you only notice a few bad reviews, chock it up to a poor purchasing decision.