Photography enthusiasts and professionals have a lot of great SLR cameras to choose from. So for this article on digital SLR camera comparison, we look at the following cameras that have been making waves in the industry:
Nikon D40
The Nikon D40 is inexpensive and easy to use, making it a popular entry-level choice of camera for photography enthusiasts and hobbyists. It has a clear LCD screen of 2.5 inches and a six megapixel resolution which guarantees top-notch image quality. The shooting speed is set at a maximum of 2.5 frames per second with a three-point autofocus, which lacks a bit in the action-tracking department, making it a bit unsuitable for action or sports shots. Measuring 8x10 inches and with a six megapixel resolution, the Nikon D40 tops a lot of entry-level digital SLR camera comparison reviews.
Canon EOS Digital Rebel XSi
The 12.2-megapixel Rebel XSi DSLR camera scores points for excellent image quality and value. Whether you use it on manual or automatic settings, you'll come out with top-notch quality shots. It has a three-inch LCD screen with a Live View feature, built-in sensor cleaner, spot meter that improves exposure, 3.5 frames per second shooting speed, nine autofocus points, and comes with a lens kit that stabilizes images and allows you to take sharp action pictures. The Canon EOS Digital Rebel XSi also comes with a camera software upon purchase.
Canon EOS 40D
The 10-megapixel Canon EOS 40D is a bit pricey compared to some of the other semi-pro digital SLR cameras in the market. But many reviews say that the 40D is worth your money, what with 6.5 frames per second shooting speed, magnesium body, good water resistance, and built-in sensor cleaner. The EOS 40D also has a nine-point autofocus which improves accuracy. The LCD has a live preview feature and shows the camera settings on another LCD screen at the top part of the camera. This camera is ideal for action shots because of its fast shooting speed.
Nikon D90
The Nikon D90 is known as one of the first DSLR cameras to have a video feature. Movies and video clips are shown in Live View via the high-res three-inch LCD screen. While many users laud the video feature, many say that the video settings and features are very limited although the video capability still makes for a fun addition to the features. The D90 has top-notch image quality, having 12.3 megapixels and four frames per second shooting speed. The D90's camera body is not as sturdy as that of the Canon 40D, but it's a camera you should consider getting if you want a DSLR that can also take videos.
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From shooting squirrels in your backyard to calling coyotes in Arizona. Whether it's spring or fall doesn't matter to most hunters. Hunters will take the time to scope and catch their hunt. What better way to catch the action of the whole hunting adventure, than with a helmet cam. Catch your hunting trail videos with a the best cameras available on the market. One of the most important decisions in the camera buying process is picking between one cable helmet cameras and multiple wire cameras. Obviously, the biggest question is how many wires do you want to have to deal with? Learn how to be a better hunter with recording your tactics and the behavior of the hunted.
The other thing to think about is quality of low light videos. With an sub .1 lux monochrome camera, night video will remain in black and white. The VIO Pov is a quality proven camera with clarity and resolution making the picture much clearer. The picture quality also varies between camera brands and lighting conditions. It is also important to take into consideration the range of the object you are recording. Using a lens with the wide field of view, such as the 110 degrees, will insure a steady shot. With this helmet camera system there's no need for bulky recorders, battery packs and no mess of tangles wires. The compact recording unit connects to the camera head via a single water-tight, detachable cable. Instantly playback recorded videos and watch them on the built-in 2 inch LCD screen display or on your TV. Transfer files to your PC via the USB port for editing and posting. Hunting outdoor video cameras are rugged weather resistant and will with hold most harsh weather conditions. The operating temperatures of these cameras are from below 14 degrees to over 122 degrees Fahrenheit. Using this hunting video camera system with a remote control will save time and effort. A remote allows you to hunt, instead of messing with your camera when you see your target.
A helmet camera makes a great gift for the hunt club outdoor hunting enthusiast in your family. Whether you're bird hunting, boar hunting, elk hunting, trapping or fishing, be sure to record every last moment on video with a helmet cam. When purchasing a helmet cam, it is recommend to contact a reputable, established dealer , with toll free number for any questions and special holiday pricing. A friendly, helpful voice will reassure you that you your helmet cam purchase will be handled with attention to detail and care. Happy Hunting!
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Compared to Europe, and especially Great Britain, the United States is way behind in both the technology and the sheer number of Video Surveillance or 'security camera' installations. In England there is roughly one public surveillance camera for every 14 people, while in the USA it is almost 100 times LESS than that. When you consider the comparative crime rates between the countries, ours being much higher, this seems rather strange. I often wonder if the two factors, the crime rate and the number and sophistication of surveillance systems, have a direct correlation, - in other words does the fact that they have more, and more obvious, surveillance cameras keep their crime rate low? I suspect that it does, although there are many other contributing factors such as the criminal apprehension success ratio and the swiftness and certitude of punishment. Additionally, of course, there are the factors of geography and density of population - England will fit into North Carolina twice, and into Florida about 4 times, so they have a lot less cable to run than we do.
What does that have to do with you, and your business? Probably not much, but if the number and visibility of cameras does in fact reduce crime, wouldn't you want to do everything you can to deter crime in your business? Much controversy exists as to "privacy" issues with surveillance camera usage, although the courts have repeatedly ruled that if public activity can be observed with the human eye (in person), then privacy is not violated if that observation is by camera so long as the camera is readily visible. It is curious that in the US, even in business establishments, we seem to feel the need to hide our surveillance cameras. Are we afraid that we might upset our customers if cameras are visible? Do we think that surveillance cameras detract from the 'ambiance' or 'look' of our store or business? Or do we think that if the bad guys don't see that we have cameras, they might be bolder in their approach and less prone to disguising their appearance?
It's a lot like the philosophy differences between law enforcement hiding behind trees or riding in unmarked cars to catch speeders, and sitting in highly visible (often garish) marked patrol cars on an elevated mound in the median or alongside the highway, as they do in Europe. Both have the intent of reducing speed and making the highways safer (I think), but one is focused on catching and punishing perpetrators and the other is focused on deterring them from speeding in the first place. Personally, I'm a firm believer in the deterrent approach. If crime is an unavoidable fact of life, I want the bad guys choosing somebody else's store to rob or pilfer from and not mine. Therefore, in a business environment I want my cameras highly visible, and if possible I want a big color monitor where all my patrons can see that I have the entire facility under surveillance, including them, and that the pictures are sharp, in color, and with a close enough view to make identification undeniable. I also probably want a few "covert" cameras, placed where not even my employees know they are, and which do not show up on the public, or even the back-office, monitor. Inventory "shrinkage" is often more costly than overt crime, and unfortunately your employees are frequently the cause.
There are more types of cameras, and more types and sizes of lenses, than you can "shake a stick at" (as my Grandmother used to say). Each one has their specific and unique applicability and application to get the very best picture possible under every circumstance. Why then, do I see that many of my competitors, even those who should know better, installing virtually every project where every camera is the same? What is the current fascination with the "bullet-style" LED-equipped day/night cameras - everywhere? Is it for "looks" (as opposed to views) and symmetry (as opposed to functionality)? It must be, because as we at The Shepherd's Eyes conduct surveys in our business we have yet to see an installation site where the exact same type and style of camera is appropriate in every location. As a consumer/client, if a video surveillance system vendor tries to tell you that 4, 8, or 16 cameras, each exactly the same, are needed in your business or store, send him away and call someone else because he obviously doesn't know his business. The nasty little secret is probably that he's probably bought some "surveillance packages" from a discount house and now needs to get rid of them.
There is also an increasing prevalence of "dome" cameras (as opposed to other styles) today. Even some of my bank customers are insisting we install them. Frankly, I don't understand why. They are "neater" in appearance than what are called "box" cameras in the industry, and with the smoked polycarbonate dome it is difficult to see where the lens is pointing, so I suspect that the intention is to not make it obvious that a negligent or lazy layout designer has left an area unprotected. The lenses are more easily kept clean, and they are less prone to some overzealous and careless janitor knocking them out of alignment or focus, so I guess this (mistakenly) means you can install them and forget them? - but in my never-to-be-humble opinion the 'cons' against their use often far outweigh the 'pros'. I suspect that in many cases it's a simply a matter of laziness or lack of expertise again; if the system specifier or the salesman specs dome cameras, all the same, he or she doesn't need to have the expertise or take the time to do a detailed and thoughtful layout of the building and it's use.
They don't need (if they are designing from floor plans) to be able to envision traffic flow, imagine where customers or patrons will stand, which side of a double-door exit most people use, where a hold-up robber will probably be, or where a nighttime break-in will begin and end. They also don't need to worry about creating a detailed sketch of the facility, showing exact camera type, placement, and field of view for an installer, and then ensuring that the cameras spec'd are placed in the locations intended, - heck, the salesman might even have to visit the site during installation if he specs different types of cameras in different places. This same logic (or lack thereof) applies to any installation where the exact same camera is sold for every location in the facility. The fact is that they are short-changing their customers, and often leaving areas insufficiently or inadequately, or even uncovered. That's why often, on the evening news, you see fuzzy, distant, unfocused or partial images of a robbery, the wrong cameras or lenses, or insufficient cameras, were installed in the wrong places. There's no excuse for that.
In summary then,
• If you allow the general public into or on your property, you probably will be best protected by having a professional install a professional video surveillance system. This isn't just to protect against robbery or burglary or theft, or to provide pictures of the perpetrator(s) to law enforcement, it's also to provide evidence should a liability claim be made against you. (More about this topic in a future article.)
• Make sure that whoever you get to install the system knows exactly what they are doing and why (and yes, this means you too if you misguidedly decide to do it yourself to 'save money'). If your system doesn't provide clear, identifiable (meaning close-up face views) and setting-appropriate images, you may as well not even bother. In the earlier days of financial institution surveillance, the FBI and the FDIC required that customers standing in typical customer service settings the images being recorded from the cameras show a 1" 'customer head size' on a 10" monitor - that equates to the face shot being 1/10th of the frame vertically and horizontally. That's still a good rule of thumb to follow. [Please, DON'T ever install "dummy" cameras - they have the potential of costing more in court-sustained liability claims than you can ever imagine. (More about this topic in a future article.)]
• If somebody suggests that the exact same camera will work well in every location, and for every area to be covered in your premises or on your property, ask them why, how, and to show you the views they get before you write the check for the deposit.
• Think about why you're installing a system, and what you need it to do for you. No video surveillance system alone can be all the protection you need, - it should be part of a complete premise protection approach. (More about this topic in a future article.)
• Consider the applicability and appropriateness of a (big) "public view" monitor. They are not inexpensive, but they can be the most important element of your system depending on your type of business and your premises.
• Consider your hours of operation and your lighting conditions. There's absolutely no point in installing IR Day/Night cameras (the IRLEDs tend to burn out within 2 years or less, requiring the cameras to be replaced) although they are all the rage nowadays, if your DVR is set to either an open-hours schedule or motion sensitivity and you're not open 24 hours a day. (More about this topic in a future article.)
And last but certainly not least... Give serious and long consideration to your DVR. It's not only the heart of your system, but its most expensive element. Nothing has been said in this article about DVRs - that's the topic of our very next article, appearing shortly.
With your best interest always in mind,
Howard A. Barraclough
for The Shepherd's Eyes
April 28, 2010
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This CCTV Buyers Guide provides a comprehensive overview of deploying a successful video surveillance camera system in your business or residence. This guide contains information to help in the design of your video surveillance system, select the products that best fit your CCTV system requirements, and help make key installation decisions that will save you time and money.The information was derived from deploying 100's of CCTV systems and gathered from CCTV call centers who answer questions from commercial and residential customers. This guide combines the data from past CTV projects and gives the reader a head-start in the successful CCTV project
There are many details to consider when specifying the correct CCTV Camera System. Professional Video Surveillance is not a cheap endeavor and a budget should be outlined and the best possible system should be considered. This guide will help the novice CCTV buyer in reviewing camera and recording system for their CCTV and Video surveillance requirements.
The first task in a successful CCTV project is to outline the key CCTV objectives.
o How many cameras are required?
o What are the key FoV (Field of View(s))?
o What are the recording requirements?
o What are the lighting conditions of each camera location?
o Where do I need live video monitoring or a second video monitor?
o How long do you need to retain the video files?
Cameras There are specific cameras that need to be selected based on the FoV, lighting conditions, and the mounting location of the camera. There is no such thing as a one-size fits all in the successful CCTV project. It is important to note each camera location and select the camera best suited for that location.
Answer these questions:
o Indoor or Outdoor?
o Lighting conditions (during day and night)?
o Mounting locations?
Indoor Dome Camera
The indoor dome camera is used in 90% of general indoor applications. It comes in a variety of configurations including standard color, Day/Night, and Infrared versions. It can be mounted on a horizontal or vertical surface but is typically ceiling mounted. Lens options on dome camera may restrict their use in certain applications such as requiring more than a 20mm video lens. Dome cameras are a primary choice in indoor camera locations.
Box Camera
A box camera is a standard camera that can be mounted alone or in an enclosure. The box camera uses a separate lens that screws on to the front surface and provides flexibility for different FoV requirements and is sold without a lens. An auto-iris lens will have a small cable that connects to the camera for iris control in various lighting conditions.
Outdoor Dome Cameras
Outdoor Dome Cameras are typically hard shell vandal-roof casings that offer the same versatility in a variety of lens options. Day/Night outdoor dome cameras are common in applications that have entry and exit points with limited lighting during the night.
Day/Night Camera
The Day/Night camera is the best choice for low-light conditions. The cameras are standard color during daylight conditions, the Day/Night camera switches either digitally of mechanically to a low-lux B/W mode.
Infrared Camera
During No-Light conditions, Infrared cameras provide infrared illumination of the FoF allowing monitoring of areas with no light available. Te IR LEDs are automatically illuminated and the camera switched to the B/W low-lux mode offering camera views in total darkness.
PTZ Camera
Pan-Tilt-Zoom camera offer the ability to view in all directions and optically zoom in as required. PTZ cameras also include standard color, Day/Night modes, and a few IR PTZ cameras have been introduced recently. The CCTV operator can set the PTZ cameras to automatically rotate to different FoVs. Options include Auto-tracking applications that dynamically track objects in defined areas.
About the Camera technology
Sony CCDs are the predominate video element in security cameras today. Sony makes few cameras, but they own the CCD market. Do not think that Sony makes the camera touted as " Sony 1/3" Super HAD Camera" as many vendors advertise their cameras. The camera has a Sony CCD, however the camera is not from Sony and could be almost any brand camera out there. Important factors of lens quality, vari-focal and auto-iris ability, quality of camera housing or enclosure, and lens optics are the difference in a professional CCTV camera.
Facts about Cameras:
o If you buy an camera, you will get an view.
o 480 TVL should be a minimum requirement in any professional CCTV project.
o Location of the camera and the correct lens are keys to quality video capture
o Cameras love light and thieves hate the light! Add lighting wherever possible
Camera Enclosure
Box cameras can be mounted in a variety of enclosures. Outdoor enclosures in cold climates should include a heater/blower that keeps frost and condensation from forming on the lens and camera. Heater/Blower are commonly 24VAC and should be considered when selecting the CCTV power supply system.
Camera Location
Camera mounting location is critical to the success of the CCTV project. Cameras should be mounted as close possible to the field of view required, and the closer the camera to the subject the better the identification of the subject will be. Proper lens selection relative to the camera location and the FoV required is essential to a quality picture.
Digital Video Recorders
DVRs are an important part of any successful CCTV project. Video resolution is getting larger, recording speeds are getting faster, and video data compression is reducing the video data file size. TeraByte storage capacity is becoming common in many CCTV applications. Network or remote monitoring of CCTV video is standard in all professional DVRs on the market in 2007 and video distribution across LANs, WANs, and the Web have given the DVR a new market outside of video security known as Business Systems Monitoring that allows management to monitor specified key business areas 24 hours a day. No longer just a security video recorder, the DVR has become a business tool for management with remote monitoring applications.
In order to choose the correct DVR for any application, the following questions need to be answered.
o How many channels (cameras)?
o What speed of recording is required?
o How long to retain video files (Hard Drive Size)?
o What features are important to the application?
o Where will DVR system be located?
o Remote monitoring requirements?
In choosing the right DVR for your CCTV application, ensure that you are determining the quantity of cameras needed now and in the next 24 months. DVRs come in 4, 8, 9, and 16 channel increments and this selection is critical because adding cameras above the DVR channels available will require an additional DVR, not just additional channels. DVR systems in large installations are segmented into 16 channels units and are monitored and managed through a Central Management System.
The speed of recording is critical to many CCTV applications. 30 fps (frames per second) is considered real-time video, therefore to obtain 30 fps for the application, 480 fps for 16 channels and 240fps for 8 channels is required. Many CCTV applications will provide real-time (30 fps) live viewing of video channels and 7-15 fps for recorded files. It is acceptable to have 7-15 fps for recorded files in many applications, but technology in DVR systems has pushed real-time video for the masses and 30 fps recording will soon be the standard recording rates across all channels as available today.
Storage of vide files is much easier and cost effective in 2007 than ever before. DVR storage at the TeraByte level is common and drives have become faster and more reliable. Retention of video data files can be managed by corporate IT departments as any business critical data and network drive archiving is common. All of the top DVR systems have USB ports for external storage devices and LAN-based video servers are common. A critical component of any DVR system is the ability to access the video files. The software provided by DVR manufacturers is proprietary to the DVR unit and the ability to retrieve files chronologically or based on certain security events is vital to the DVR product.
PC-Based vs. Standalone DVRs
Standalone DVR systems were the majority of video recorders sold in the marketplace up until 2006. Computer-based DVRs have become increasingly popular due to the cost and features provide in the latest generation of DVR cards on the market in 2007. The Windows XP PC computer is providing the reliability and performance in today's DVR systems that are required for mission critical video security systems. The open architecture of PC-based DVR systems allow easy integration into corporate LANs and technology upgrades are at a component level. Software upgrades and hard drive storage additions are far less costly that proprietary DVR systems. Standalone DVRs are imbedded recording systems usually operating under Linux OS. The standalone DVRs are widely used in retail security sites and provide reliable video recording for 4-16 channels. Most DVRs on the market offer network remote access and CD R/W archiving.Computer-based DVR systems are reliable, fast, and have many advanced applications not found on standalone systems.
Video compression
MPEG4 and H.264 are the video compression of choice in 2007. In summary, MPEG4 is good and H.264 is better. The key to video compression is the resolution and the size of the video. High resolution video files are monster size files and video compression for storage and streaming is critical to any video application. Major advancements in video compression will be seen in 2007 and H.264 will be the codec of choice for DVR manufacturers.
H.264
This uses the latest innovations in video compression technology to provide high resolution video quality from the smallest amount of video data required. Smaller files will save bandwidth and storage costs over previous generations of video codecs. H.264 delivers the same quality as MPEG-2 at a third to half the data rate and up to four times the frame size of MPEG-4 Part 2 at the same data rate. H.264 is used in the latest video devices for High Definition video devices, BluRay DVDs and should be considered for any professional CCTV project.
Network Access and Remote Viewing
Network access is the ability to remotely monitor a video server across the LAN, WAN, or internet. A very important application for any DVR system is the ability to monitor live and access to recordings through remote access. Most DVRs today have a LAN RJ45 connection that allows the Video Recorder to connect to the LAN just like any other PC in the office.
Advanced DVR Features
Many CCTV systems are releasing advanced security and specialty software for security enhancements. These include:
o Object counting
o POS Integration
o PTZ Auto-Tracking
o Face Recognition
o Access Control Integration
CCTV Cabling and System Layout
DVR Location In choosing the optimal location for the DVR system, consider the access of the area for centralized control and security of the area. The DVR is the heart of the CCTV system and should be protected as necessary to ensure it is safe from theft or damage. If the security breach includes theft of the DVR component, all evidence is carried off under the arm of the thief. And the thieves know this, so ensure that the DVR system is in a lock-box or an appropriate secure area.
Camera Power Supply
Each professional camera requires either 12VDC or 24VAC. Both power options are acceptable and some CCTV installations will require both. Central Power Supplies are available in 4,8,16 and more channels.
Cable Options
Traditional video cable is RG59 coax cable. Siamese dual cable is commonly used that provides RG59u coax together with a pair of 18 gauge wire for the camera power requirements. The dual cable allows single cable runs to each camera for both video and power.
Cat-5 Options
UTP (twisted pair) cabling is becoming more popular with Cat-5e/Cat-6 cabling used in networks. CAT cabling is lighter and less expensive than coax cabling and requires balun connectors to match the impedance of the video signal. Coax and UTP connections up to1000' feet are acceptable. A balun is used to match the impedance on Cat-5 connections on the DVR and camera connections.
The Successful Video Surveillance Project
o Quality Plan
o Quality Cameras
o Quality DVR
o Quality Installation
Author: Steve McNeal
AMA Security
2/17/2008
BestCustomerReview
