The need for security cameras has never been greater. With crime rates on the rise, more and more homeowners and business owners are looking to video surveillance for ways to increase the safety and security of their property and family.
And the good news is, with advances in technology, it’s becoming increasingly affordable.
When you’re looking for the best security camera installation company in Rio Rancho, New Mexico, you need a company you can trust to do the job right.
That’s where we come in. We specialize in security camera systems and surveillance systems for homes and businesses in the Rio Rancho area, and we have a team of experts who can help you choose the right security camera setup for your home and business.
Types of Security Cameras / Video Surveillance
With so many options available on the market today, it’s difficult to know which type of equipment is right for your needs.
Here’s a quick rundown of what’s available and what the key differences are:
Analog Cameras vs IP Cameras
Analog Cameras
These are the ‘old school’ type of cameras that have been around for many years. They typically use a BNC cable that connects to a DVR (Digital Video Recorder), where the video footage is recorded.
The display resolution on analog equipment is measured in TVL (or TV Lines). This quality is usually just mediocre and is referenced against digital resolutions for comparison, e.g. 720p equivalent or 1080p equivalent.
Analog cameras are more affordable than IP cameras. But because of the declining technology, most new homeowners and business owners are opting for the more professional and reliable solution of IP cameras.
IP Cameras (Network Cameras)
IP cameras are a newer technology than analog cameras. They yield a much better display than analog cameras, with resolutions of up to 12 megapixels.
They connect to your NVR (Network Video Recorder) via an ethernet (CAT5/6) cable and can be powered by PoE (Power over Ethernet), making installation a lot simpler since you only need to run one cable to each camera.
You can view them from anywhere in the world with a computer (smart phone) and an internet connection, giving you the ability to monitor your house or business in Rio Rancho, NM, regardless of your location.
Wireless vs Wired Cameras
Wireless Cameras
Wireless cameras are becoming more and more popular with home security systems because they’re so easy to install since there’s no need to run any wires.
All you need is a power outlet and a router with a good WiFi signal, and you’re good to go.
The main downside to wireless cameras is that they can be more susceptible to signal interference, which can cause the connection to drop and/or the image to become fuzzy.
They’re also more prone to hacking than wired cameras. But if you choose a reputable brand and use strong encryption, you can minimize the risk.
Wired Cameras
As the name suggests, wired cameras require a physical connection to your security camera recording device.
The major benefit of wired cameras is that they’re much more secure than their wireless counterparts. There’s no risk of signal interference, and they’re much more difficult to hack.
The downside is that they can be more difficult to install since you will need to run wires to each camera. And if you ever need to move the cameras, it can be a pain to re-wire them.
Indoor vs Outdoor Cameras
Indoor Cameras
Being designed for indoor use, indoor cameras are typically smaller and more discreet than outdoor cameras.
Some indoor cameras can be used outdoors if they’re placed in a weatherproof housing, but mostly, they’re not designed to withstand the harsh outdoor elements.
Outdoor Cameras
Outdoor cameras are designed for outside use because they can withstand all the elements, including rain, snow, and extreme temperatures.
They’re usually larger than indoor cameras and have more features, like night vision and motion detection.
Security Camera Design
- Dome Cameras
- Bullet Cameras
- PTZ Cameras (Pan Tilt Zoom)
- Hidden Cameras (Covert)
Dome Cameras
Dome cameras are one of the most popular designs of security cameras. They’re named for their dome-shaped housing, which helps to camouflage them and make them more difficult to tamper with.
Dome cameras are typically used indoors, but there are outdoor-rated models available.
Bullet Cameras
Bullet cameras get their name from their bullet-shaped housing. They’re also one of the most popular types of security cameras because they’re easy to install and can be used for both indoor and outdoor surveillance.
Bullet cameras come in all shapes and sizes, from small, discreet cameras to large, high-resolution cameras.
PTZ Cameras (Pan Tilt Zoom)
PTZ cameras are a type of security camera that can be controlled remotely to pan (move side to side), tilt (move up and down), and zoom in and out.
This makes them ideal for surveillance applications where you need to see a large area. PTZ cameras are typically used in commercial settings, but there are also some models available for home use.
Hidden Cameras (Covert)
Hidden cameras, also known as covert cameras, are designed to be hidden from view. They can be used for both indoor and outdoor surveillance.
Hidden cameras come in all shapes and sizes, from small button cameras to larger “nanny cams.” They can be concealed in just about any object, including clocks, smoke detectors, plants, and outlets.
What Features to Look for in Security Camera Systems
Now that you know the basics, let’s take a look at some of the other things to be mindful of when shopping for equipment.
Display Resolution
The first thing to consider is the display resolution. This is measured in megapixels (MP) or TVL (TV Lines). The higher the megapixel or TVL count, the higher the resolution and the better the image quality.
Most security cameras on the market today are either 720p or 1080p. But there are some 4K models available as well.
Frame Rate
The frame rate is the number of frames per second (FPS) that the camera can capture. The higher the frame rate, the smoother the video will be.
Go for an FPS no lower than 15 FPS, and 30 FPS or more if you can. With slower frame rates, you risk losing critical footage if your subject is rapidly moving across the screen. Check out this resource for further details.
Field of View
The field of view is the angle at which the camera can see. The wider the field of view, the more area (width) the camera can see.
Most security cameras have a field of view between 90 and 130 degrees. But some have a much wider field of view, up to 180 degrees. Consider where you’ll be installing the camera and how much area it will need to cover.
Night Vision
If you want to be able to see in the dark, you’ll need a camera with night vision. This is usually accomplished with infrared (IR) LEDs.
The range of the night vision can vary greatly from one camera to the next. Some have a range of up to 100 feet, while others only have a range of 30 feet.
Motion Detection
Most security cameras have some form of motion detection. This can be a simple feature that starts recording and also alerts you when there’s movement in the camera’s field of view.
Or it can be a more advanced feature that can distinguish between people and animals, and even track specific objects.
Some even feature facial recognition, which can be used to identify specific people.
Storage
When the camera records, the data has to be stored somewhere. There are 3 main types of storage a security camera utilizes:
- Cloud-Based Storage
- Internal Storage (SD card)
- NVR/DVR
Cloud-Based Storage
Cloud storage is a subscription-based service that stores your footage off-site. This means that even if your camera is stolen or damaged, your footage will still be safe. The bad part is that you have to pay for the service, and there will be monthly fees.
Internal Storage (SD card)
This is where the data is stored on a memory card inside the camera. The advantage of this is that it’s easy to set up and doesn’t require a subscription-based service or any additional hardware. The downside is that if someone steals the camera, they also have the footage.
NVR/DVR
An NVR (Network Video Recorder) or DVR (Digital Video Recorder) is the main unit to which all your cameras are connected. Within this unit resides a hard drive where all the recorded footage is stored.
This is the most popular method of recording surveillance footage.
In terms of security, this type of storage lies somewhere between cloud and internal storage. If the NVR/DVR is stolen, the footage is gone. But if it’s properly backed up, then you can still recover the footage.
Benefits of a security system with security cameras
Security systems are one of the most important investments you can make for your Rio Rancho business and home. A sound security setup will include cameras for monitoring your residence and business, deterring potential criminals, and capturing any activity that does occur.
It will also bring you peace of mind knowing that your property and loved ones are better protected.
We offer a wide range of security systems that include:
- An Alarm System
- A Security Camera System
- Security Monitoring
- Home Automation (Smart Homes)
- Access Control Functionality
Let us provide the best possible protection for you. Our team of security experts will work with you to design a security solution that meets your exact needs and budget.
Security Camera Installation Pros in Rio Rancho, New Mexico
You, as the customer, are our top priority. We’re here to help you protect your home or business, and we take that responsibility seriously.
We service and repair most major equipment, and can help build upon and strengthen your current security system by resolving any weak points.
We proudly serve the Rio Rancho area and surrounding communities with the latest and greatest in safety and security technology services.
If you’re ready to take the next step in protecting your Rio Rancho business and home, pick up the phone and contact us at 505-207-4411 to schedule your free consultation.
We’ll be happy to answer any of your questions and get you started on the path to better protect your Rio Rancho business, home, and family here in New Mexico.
“Focus on your life and business, and we’ll focus on protecting it.”