Why do some cameras cost $49.00 while others cost $449.00

Occasionally, our clients will asked us why should they pay $150., $200. or more for a surveillance camera when they see cameras selling for $49.00 and even $29.00?

It's an excellent question; unfortunately, there are no simple answers. Various components play major roles consequently affecting the cost and quality of a surveillance camera.

We've listed some of the most common components that play an important role in the cost and behavior of all surveillance cameras. We've also included how they may affect your surveillance systems performance.
 

Some of the key factors that contribute to the cost and quality of your CCTV cameras are:

NOTE: Focus on your particular situation, consider lighting, distance, viewing angle & weather conditions (if unit is placed outside) when making your CCTV selection.
 

LENSES
If you look at our CCTV lens page you'll see three pages of diverse lenses ranging from $19.00 to $319.00. The reason of such a divers range can vastly change your DVRs performance. Some main components that you'll need to focus on are; the quality of the lens, auto focus, zoom & auto iris capabilities and most importantly the millimeter of the lens.

The millimeter is extremely important when selecting a camera. This is what makes the difference between seeing an entire room or just the corner. A way to find the right millimeter is to remember; "if you need to see an entire room go with a smaller millimeter, if you need to see the numbers on a license plate go with a larger millimeter".  (see our Field of View Chart click here)
 

Lens Terms You will See
Vari-Focal: Allows adjustment from wide to narrow view. Manual adjustment
Manual Iris: Use when light conditions remain constant
Auto Iris: Use when light conditions vary

Your lens selection will ultimately depend on desired image distance and the location of your camera.

RESOLUTION TOP
This is the number of horizontal TV lines (TVL) reproduced on a analog display, most commonly a PAL or NTSC TV. The term "resolution" refers to the amount of detail you see in an image. A standard DVD is capable of 540TVL whereas cable TV delivers roughly 330TVL. VHS tapes can vary from 250TVL in color to over 400TVL Super Video Home System or S-VHS1.

The more horizontal TV lines the sharper the picture. The average CCTV camera is 300 ~ 400 TVL. If you require greater detail , we suggest 540 ~ 600 TVL.

Also check your DVR's specifications regarding its resolution. You will only record the lower of the two.

CCD vs. CMOS
The imaging element is what converts light into electrical images. CCD "Charge Coupled Device" and CMOS "Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor" are two critical components that act as the camera's "digital film."

CMOS is normally used in less expensive cameras although with today's technology, the CMOS camera has greatly improved compared to its quality just several years ago.

Since the 1970s, CCD is the preferred technology and is normally found in professional cameras and telescopes. The bottom line is; if you require quality, we suggest CCD.

Advantages of each are...
 

LUX RATING TOP
LUX or light sensitivity is the amount of light from a candle calculated from one meter away. The lower the LUX Rating, the lower the light needed. Generally B&W cameras have a lower LUX rating compared to standard color cameras. Some CCTV Cameras are equipped with Infrared Illuminators (IR) allowing the camera to "see" clearly on its own without outside lighting.

IR's are a must when surveillance is needed in darkened rooms (bars, night clubs, restaurants) or when used outdoors with limited or no light source. Fortunately, with today's technology you can find "Day & Night" cameras that offers the best of both worlds.

BLACK & WHITE vs. COLOR
Generally color cameras are more expensive when compared to B&W cameras. However, B/W has its advantages such as resolution and a lower LUX reading.

Generally, B&W cameras are used in conjunction with infrared technology. Day & Night cameras (Color to B/W) are recommended when varying light levels are present and/or IR's are used.

CONSTRUCTION TOP
Most professional models are available in either aluminum or steel while most "economical" models are made from plastic. Using plastic cuts the cost down, unfortunately when using plastic cameras outdoors they have a tendency to fade, crack and deteriorate over time.
 

NOTE: Focus on your particular situation, and be sure to consider lighting, distance, viewing angle & weather conditions (if unit is placed outside) when making your selection. We hope this helps in your selection of CCTV cameras. Should you need additional information please contact us at sales@eyespyli.com, we'll be glad to assist.