A Big Foot footage
By Dylan Johnson Security Questions • Tips and Tricks 0 Comments

Which Video Surveillance Cameras Can See Peoples Faces?

There are various cameras for different situations that can see peoples faces. The question is which one is right for you. Below we will break down some various aspects of camera types and you can assess how they pertain to your situation. Let’s take a look at some of these digital eyes and what makes them stand out.

The Video Doorbell Phenomenon

One reason video doorbells like the ring or Skybell have become so popular is that they usually catch a good image of someone’s face if they happen to be coming to the front door. Now they can always avoid that entire situation by just avoiding that door, going around back or trying to come in through a window, but you never know. This is also why we recommend layers of security above all. If that window has an contact sensor on it, it will trip the alarm and send them running when they attempt to open it. Everyone has different needs. Your front door, your driveway, your backyard, your business, every system is custom.

Indoor Vs. Outdoor Cameras (include IP and TVI)

One of the basic differences between outdoor and indoor security cameras like TVI and IP is the
type of factors externally of each camera and what they can go through. Both types of cameras
normally come with comparable features and almost the same styles. The outdoor cameras need
to know how to manage different types of light conditions and changing weather situations.

Outdoor Cameras are are more likely to be disturbed by bad weather or external factors. This is why they are created with materials that can stand the test of time more so than others. They are often made of materials like metal and that could be heavier and need to be kept in a casing to prevent any easy burglary.

Indoor cameras are usually more lightweight, and smaller and they are not as intrusive or as big
as outdoor cameras. Both the outdoor and indoor cameras use features like clear photos for poor
light conditions, infrared, and can change iso and go to black and white especially when it gets
darker.

Dome Cameras are usually common for both outdoor and indoor use. They are created to prevent
the thief from knowing the particular point the lens is looking. This prevents people from
knowing how to hide from the camera. These domes also help in providing an extra level of
shield for the cameras which are out on the outside. There are also cameras used outside that
come with heaters and blowers which are there to provide more protection against nature’s
forces.

If you need a camera that could be hidden in things like exit signs or a clock or a smoke detector,
it is necessary to know that most of them are not proofed from the weather and they are not
recommended to be used outdoors. Whatever you decide, be sure to ask for examples of clarity before you purchase.

Dome Cameras Vs Bullet Cameras

All though the difference between bullet cameras can be very little, it is great to know these when
selecting your cameras for security. If you want intruders to know that yes you have a security
camera, then bullet cameras are the way to go. But, the best security system to use can be a combination of both bullet and dome camera. This lets you check out all areas of your property. You can provide a camera out front and visible to scare potential intruders away and have a more hidden or dome camera in an inconspicuous place where you may or may not be able to catch a very clear shot of their face and identifiable features.

Other Security Camera Options

Some elements that may be critical for both of the cameras which you should consider. They include
wired vs wireless, night vision, infrared technology. Both dome and bullet security cameras have
night vision and infrared which helps you view and see everything with good sight during the
night or the day.

PTZ vs Fixed Cameras

PTZ cameras give important benefits over the normal standard fixed cameras. These standards
include 360-degree coverage that rotates, and often built-in motion tracking system. But PTZ cameras sometimes need
adjustments and operators when checking a specific area. They can also be on the pricy side, but that is a common theme when you get into high quality and functional cameras.

Fixed Dome Cameras got their name for their shaped construction which is like that of a dome. They typically include a stationary lens. If you know for a fact you won’t be looking for versatility in your shots, a fixed dome camera may be just fine. These security cameras are frequently used in indoor spaces, but they are
getting more popular to be used outdoor because they are quite strong in the insane case they may be impacted by
things like a baseball bat or a hammer.

Both these security cameras could see intruders or thieves properly during the day or at night.
The differences lay in night vision technology. IR vs. LED vs. Matrix IR vs. Color at night style

(ColorVu)

One of the main differences between the day/night and the IR security cameras is that the
day/night security cameras normally only see IR light but they have not the way of producing it.
But IR cameras have an illuminator which is built in the camera for production of the light.
Making it able to see IR light and shine out their very own IR light to intruders. Like scenes that
occur at night, the IR cameras normally bring out an image that is even clearer than that brought
out by a day/night camera ever could.

IR cameras should be used over a day or night ones because with these even in very dark scenes,
you can see everything that is happening clearly. The day/night camera could not deliver a
proper image at that time of night.

No matter how you slice it we recommend having at least 2 to 3 estimates done. If you have a good, better or best option you will know the price range in your particular area. If you are in Oklahoma City or the surrounding area we are happy to help you with one of those.

Call Security Options 405-605-0101 for detailed camera information and a custom quote for you or your business.

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By Dylan Johnson Home Security Tips • Security Cameras • Security Questions 0 Comments

Why are Security Cameras Pixelated?

We’ve written recently about whether or how cameras can see license plates. While we’re on the subject, you may have wondered why so many security cameras are pixelated.

Security cameras are pixelated for a variety of reasons. The usual reasons being that they are designed for more low light or high contrast scenarios or people choose to go with a lower cost camera and recording device.

For example. If you’re like me, you may have seen footage on the news of someone breaking into a store or a car and their face looks like a nintendo game or the scrambled naughty channels from when I was in middle school. The answer is simple, yet complex.

Smart Phone Cameras Vs. Security Cameras

Smart phone cameras have gotten incredibly sharp and versatile of the last few years, with telephoto options, vivid colors and wide angle options. They incorporate multiple lenses now and are generally impressive for the small package they come in. The goals and build of security cameras however are surprisingly different. CCTV cameras aren’t trying to be small usually and they aim at something different. Versatility and low light conditions though IR technology. If someone walks up day or night, they are designed to get the best pic they can, no matter if there is a light shining into the censor or if someone is in all black. They are made to seek out detail even if the scene is high contrast or a subject is wearing all black at night, often using infrared technology.

There is often a wide angle shot to cover lots of area and then at a later date the file has to be zoomed in upon to find a face. This creates a digital zoom situation instead of an optical zoom. A smart phone can be pointed right at someone or something. Video security cameras often don’t have that luxury.

You Never Know You Need High Quality Until You Need It

In a lot of scenarios, it is more affordable to go with a lower quality camera as well, and people opt for the lower cost option. This can help deter criminals and hopefully not, but even identify if an employee or someone you know may be stealing from you. However, often times, when the footage is needed the owner is regretting the decision to cut costs on the camera quality.

Getting the Most Out of Your Cameras

The thing you can do to get the best quality is to have someone who knows what they are doing to help you establish a game plan. You may need a lower cost camera in a certain room or area and then a high quality camera in a different spot. You may have a camera that is used to deter crime just by it’s looks more than anything. Then another camera placed perfectly to get people’s faces as they come into your business. In some cases you can increase camera count to make up for the camera quality.

Possible Reasons Security Footage is Bad

The easiest thing to check is possibly the easiest answer. You may look to see if your lens is damaged or dirty. You can possibly get it repaired or replaced. Or if it is dirty, you can just clean it with a designated lens cleaner for glasses or a camera lens. The camera be over worked for the scene you have it in. The cable going to the camera may be too long. If you’re going wireless you may need to ensure you are not out of distance from the receiver or router. Last, you might check and see if your vari-focal lens is just out of focus. You can try zooming in or out or manually adjusting the focus yourself at the camera.

Security Camera Placement

A camera placed too far away is a common problem. Blind spots or cameras placed with intrusive objects in the way is common as well. Poor installation, execution or poor maintenance can also be deciding factors when it matters. If you have a lower quality camera and/or a bad lighting situation, and you want facial detail, you may want to get the camera closer to eye level. You may want to make sure it is in direct proximity to where someone would be standing or looking and make sure the camera is designed for all your lighting conditions.

For Best Camera Quality for the Best Price in Oklahoma, Contact Us. 405-605-0101

A person holding a phone with a plate number on screen
By Dylan Johnson Security Questions • 0 Comments

Can Security Cameras Read License Plates at Night?

Security cameras can read license plate cameras at night, however most of the cameras on the market will not give you a good reading. You will need a specialty camera to really ensure in detail that you will get a good read on the license plate.

Average Pricing for License Plate Cameras

CAMERA QUALITY AVERAGE PRICE DISTANCE
BASIC MODELS $500 – $600 25 FT OR LESS
MID RANGE (BEST VALUE) $1000 50 to 75FT
HIGH END $2500 to $5000 UP TO 150 FT AWAY

Basic models of night license plate cameras start in the $500 range. You can probably get a good read on a plate if it is in your driveway or if you have a small business with a small parking lot. The area covered with any quality is going to be around 25 ft. If you get to 35 ft you’re going to risk not being able to see the plate or getting a fuzzy or pixelated shot.

A lot of the specialty cameras start out around $1000 if you’re looking for good quality. With a mid range lic plate cam you can get good footage of cars going up to 100mph. This works anywhere from 50 to 75ft. This should give you a lot of much needed range if you have a normal size parking lot or you are looking for some variety in your shot selection. Hikvision is a leader in this realm and they make a versatile camera that ends up being the best value if it meets your specific needs.

If you happen to be looking for something a little more high end on the license plate security camera sphere there are options, but they get expensive a lot faster than the more lower end models. To see just a little bit farther the price multiplies. You can pay as little as $2500 or up to $5000 to see around 150 ft.

Day Time Footage

If you are mostly looking for shots in the daytime, you will have a better time in general. Seeing a license plate camera at night time is big leap for the technology. So, remember you will see a big dip in quality at night time.

A Remote Cell Phone View of a Functional Night Time License Plate Camera

Day Vs Night Example on Mid Range Hikvision License Plate Camera


As you can see this mid range model uses Smart NVR 5200 IVMS pro technology to decipher the footage and not blow out or overexpose the plate at night time.

    Various License Plate Software can also

  • – Scrub a database and and look for matches on a license plate
  • – Secure parking structures
  • – Link up to your alarm system
  • – Track stolen cars or
  • – Watch over gated entrances

If you have detailed questions on how you can use one of these cameras for your business or industry, please give one of our licensed security system experts a call in Oklahoma City. 405-605-0101