INTRODUCTION TO CCTV CAMERA

1. Open Circuit & Closed Circuit

CCTV is a system used to transmit video signals from CCTV cameras to monitors or recorders. It is called
”closed-circuit” because the signals are not broadcast publicly, but are accessed by certain authorized
users. Accordingly, the full form of CCTV cameras is closed-circuit television cameras. In short we can say
that all Public Broadcasting can be called as open system

But as an Electronics Engineer Open & Close circuit has a different definition.

The Picture Below Describes it.

If Current flows through a circuit its called closed Circuit. Current doesn’t flow when its Open.

2. Elements Of Basic CCTV System

a. Camera

b. Recorder / Controller

c. Display Unit

d. Power Supply

e. The Cables

f. The Storage Devices

3. Camera Types And Categories

a. Analog Vs Digital

The main difference between analog CCTV and digital (IP) CCTV is the method by which video is
recorded and delivered. Analog cameras record images and then send the signal over a coaxial cable to a
DVR (Digital Video Recorder). The DVR converts the video from analog to digital signals, compresses the
file, and stores it on a hard drive. Monitors need to be hooked up to the DVR to view the video, or the
DVR can be connected to a router and modem to broadcast it over the internet through an internal
network.

Digital security cameras on IP-based CCTV systems, on the other hand, record the images digitally to
begin with. Then, they can receive and send data over a computer network rather than going through a
DVR first. This method nixes the boxy setup with multiple ports in favor of an NVR, which is typically a
simple software program that can be run on a device dedicated solely to operating the NVR or on a
complete system.

b. Based On Structure

i. Dome Camera

Dome Cameras are named after their shape is typically used for indoor security systems. The dome
shape of these cameras allows them to be inconspicuous because it is hard to tell the direction the
cameras are facing; however, being still visible to the eyes. They are widely used in retail spaces. Since
they are installed on the ceiling of the room, they are mostly vandal proof. Some dome cameras are
designed with infrared illuminators, which enable them to capture videos in low light conditions.

ii. Bullet Camera

Bullet Cameras have a long and tapered cylinder-like design that resembles an oversized ammo
cartridge. They are mostly used outdoors, especially in areas where long viewing is necessary. However,
they can be used indoors where the long viewing is required, like backyards and parking lots. They are
installed inside protective casings and are typically weatherproof. Most bullet cameras come with a
fixed length that allows the angle of view of up to 80 degrees. A bullet camera is usually fitted with a
fixed or varifocal lens.

iii. C-mount Camera

C-Mount CCTV Camera can use detachable lenses to suit different purposes. Typically, a CCTV Camera
can record up to 35 feet; however, if you need surveillance beyond this distance, a C-Mount Camera
with a particular lens can achieve that purpose. A varifocal lens is often used to fine-tune focal distance
and the angle of view. They can be zoomed in and out without losing focus.

iv. Day/Night Camera

These types of CCTV cameras can be used in both poorly lit and standard environments. Mostly used
outdoors, these surveillance units have a wide dynamic range and can function under direct sunlight,
glare, or reflections. They are used 24×7, and these cameras do not require an infrared illuminator as
they come with an extra sensitive imagining chip, which is used in the dark.

v. Infra Red/Night Vision Camera

When we need to see what’s happening in the dark, then a night-vision CCTV camera can help us. It can
see when lighting is poor or absolute darkness. It technology behind this is Infrared LEDs.

vi. High Defenition CCTV Camera

HD CCTV Cameras can record at high frame rates and at HD quality, which is comparatively at a higher
resolution than other CCTV Cameras. This type of camera can capture finer details while giving the
operator the option to zoom in without losing picture quality.

vii. PTZ Camera

It is possible to pan, tilt, and zoom PTZ cameras. It gives a surveillance operator the freedom to pan, tilt,
and zooms the lens. You can manually control these cameras or program them to follow an accurate
view of things. Since these cameras can be monitored using live controls, they are employed in highly
sensitive zones where live monitoring is required.

viii. Fish eye type

A panoramic fisheye security camera is the IP surveillance camera that enables you to simultaneously
monitor an area overview from a fisheye model (or from a fisheye camera lens), offering you a wider
field of view, up to 360 degrees.

ix. Wireless CCTV Camera

Flexible installation is one of the primary benefits. But Battery-System/Normal Power supply wiring will
be required.

x. ANPR Camera

Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) is a highly accurate system capable of reading vehicle
number plates without human intervention through the use of high speed image capture with
supporting illumination, detection of characters within the images provided, verification of the character
sequences as being those from a vehicle license plate, character recognition to convert image to text; so
ending up with a set of metadata that identifies an image containing a vehicle license plate and the
associated decoded text of that plate.

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