You’re currently scoping the market for a security camera system to keep an eye on your work site 24/7.
But how can you be certain that you’re choosing the best surveillance camera for your site’s specific needs? And how do you even know what questions to ask about CCTV before making your decision?
Choosing a security camera system that is right for your individual situation can be tough. With countless security and surveillance options out there, the search may feel like an overwhelming task with high-stakes. But with the right guidance and knowledge, we can ensure you make a smart choice that will give you and your site the protection you need.
Whether you’re contemplating CCTV to protect a building, or are interested in a solar-powered remote surveillance camera system to protect utilities – there are particular questions you need to ask to ensure you find the right system that will provide the best cover.
We’ve collated an ultimate security camera questionnaire to help you distinguish and compare the benefits of each security camera system you consider. Remember, not all cameras are created equal. Keep a sharp lookout for the differences, benefits and ideal uses of each camera, and consider the effects these features could have on your business.
For any of your product-specific CCTV questions and answers, PDF brochures offer a concise summary of each product’s features and benefits.
The 20 CCTV Questions You Should Ask Before Deciding On A Solar Security Camera System
We’ve broken these 20 questions down by the core product element. These include solar power, the camera itself, internal storage, remote or offsite access, and system management.
Solar Power
Solar Powered CCTV systems are growing increasingly popular as they don’t require power grids or cables, meaning they are great for remote and off-grid locations. Plus, they’re environmentally friendly. If you’re looking at a security camera system that runs off power generated through efficient solar panels, these are the questions you should be asking:
- How long will the system run in continued bad, overcast weather?
- Will I have the ability to track power usage?
- Does the system know when it’s running low on power? If so, what do you do about it?
Camera
The camera is one of the most important features within your CCTV system, as it’s the camera’s lens providing you with visibility to monitor your site. Finding out information on the quality (resolution) and access you have to the footage it produces is fundamental to guaranteeing you reach the correct decision for your business Consider the following questions about the camera’s abilities:
- What is the resolution of the cameras?
- Do they have interchangeable lenses?
- Do the cameras take colour images at night?
- Can I live-view the cameras remotely?
- Is the camera always alert or is there a sleep setting that takes some time to activate?
- Can alarm sequences add images?
Storage
It’s all good capturing images – but there’s no point in having clear visibility of your site in live video without backup. A strong storage set-up is an essential auxiliary for any security camera system. These questions below cover everything you need to know about accessing and storing your surveillance imagery:
- Where are images stored? In the camera or off-site?
- How long are the images stored for?
- How safe is the data to hacking?
Remote Access
Researching remote access security can feel overwhelming considering there is a high number of sophisticated remote access security camera systems on the market. Here are some questions to ask around what a camera is capable of when controlled l from a remote location.
- Can you alter system settings remotely?
- Can the systems be monitored by a monitoring station?
- Do I need to download software to view the cameras?
System Management
You want to make sure that the system you choose is up and running 24/7 (or when it should be). To make sure your system will work consistently, ask the following questions:
- How are the systems in the field managed?
- How do you know the systems are working correctly?
- What do you do to test 3G signal strength?
- Do you have records of how the system has been performing?
- What is your camera “up time” target and how do you measure it?
Have you come up with any other questions to ask about CCTV when looking for the right security camera system for your business? Let us know in the comments below.
Asking questions about your needs and wants of a security system is an important step for mitigating any potential risks or mistakes. You can find out more about the top 7 mistakes when buying a security camera here. And for expert support and useful answers, contact the Spectur team today on 1300 802 960.
