How do I pick the right CCTV Camera for my home or business?

There are many variables to consider when choosing the correct camera for any application.  The best situation is to have a Security Camera Specialist visit your location and recommend the proper product for your needs, Most of you visiting this website, or others like it, are here because you feel that you can "do it yourself" and save a lot of money.  Typically, this is sound logic, as long as you have a basic understanding of the various products and their proper application. Before you purchase cameras from this, or any website, you should first ask yourself the following questions:

1. Will the camera be mounted indoors or outdoors?

Many cameras are not designed to be installed in outdoor environments.  Cameras designed for indoor applications are not properly sealed to prevent moisture from entering the housing.  As we all know, moisture and electronic circuit boards  DO NOT MIX. Always pick an outdoor camera for outdoor applications.  Most "Bullet" style cameras are somewhat weather resistant.  Some "dome" cameras are weather resistant as well, but it should be listed in the product description if the camera is suited for harsh environments.  The perfect situation for outdoor applications is a camera installed into an outdoor weather proof housing.  If the camera is to be installed in a VERY harsh, very cold or very hot environment, it should be protected by a weatherproof outdoor housing with a heater and blower fan.

2.  How much light is available within the desired viewing area at ALL times?

Simply put ... NO light = NO  picture.....PERIOD.  Regardless of price, quality or style of camera, there must be enough light to achieve a quality image from the camera and lens.  I normally recommend a Black and White camera for outdoor installations (and for low light conditions) and color cameras for indoors situations with lots of light.  There are now many "Day/Night" cameras that are actually two cameras within one housing.  These cameras are color in the day (or with ample lighting) and automatically change to black and white under low light conditions.  These cameras are usually a little more expensive as it requires more technology and electronics to perform the task of changing from b/w to color.  Infrared cameras are also becoming very popular.  Infrared or I/R Cameras are usually a black and white camera built within a housing which also has a number of Infrared illuminators around the camera lens.  These illuminators will use invisible light to assist the camera circuitry in achieving a good image.

3.  Other than a camera, what else do I need to purchase in order to achieve a quality image?

Make sure that the camera comes with a power supply source.  Most of the cameras we market on this website have a power supply included at no additional charge. Unless the camera is wireless, you should also purchase a cable set.  The cable should be long enough to reach from the camera to the viewing or recording device.  Keep in mind the distance the cable will need to run vertically (up and down walls and over and around obstacles).

Can I view the camera image on my television?

Most televisions today have one or more video inputs to accommodate video games, DVD, VCR's and other devices.  These inputs are also used to view video images from CCTV cameras as well.  Your VCR should also have a video input if you choose to record the images from a camera.  Be advised that most consumer level VCR's are not designed for the constant work load required to record hours and hours of video at a home or business.  If you choose to use your own VCR, don't expect it to last very long or record for very long periods of time.  Usually 3 to 4 hours of recording is all that a normal VCR and T-120 video tape will provide you.  I highly recommend that you consider the newer digital video recording devices or a professional grade "time lapse" VCR  with date and time generator. 

Wireless or hardwired, which is better?

This too is a matter of price, application and time.  Wireless cameras are usually more expensive because they require a wireless receiver as well as the wireless camera.  Most wireless cameras do provide a much quicker installation time but be certain the distance between the camera and the receiver are well within the manufacturers recommended distance. Be advised that most wireless cameras will advertise "300', 700' or up to 1500' of range".  These distances quoted are always open air and line of sight distances that are set in a perfect environment with perfect weather and atmospheric conditions.  Remember, the more walls, windows and obstacles between the camera and receiver, the less distance the signal will travel, resulting in poor image quality....  trust me on this one!!!!

Does Spy Supply rent any devices?

Yes, we rent some of our GPS Vehicle tracking devices by the week.  Please contact our office or come by our showroom for details and prices.

What is your most popular product?

Our digital audio recorders and our mini-wireless camera sets are the most popular items.