Surveillance Cameras Vs. Security Cameras: What Is the Difference?

With over one million burglary attempts taking place in the United States every year, it’s no wonder that security is on everyone’s minds. Whether you’re a home or business owner, making sure your property and loved ones are safe from intruders is likely a top priority – but how do you go about doing this? The answer lies in surveillance and security cameras.

At first glance, these two terms may appear to be interchangeable – after all, they both provide a way to monitor activity taking place on your property. However, there are some distinct differences that make them better suited for different purposes.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the differences between these two types of cameras and their respective advantages. Let’s dive in!

What are Surveillance Cameras?

Surveillance cameras are primarily installed in public spaces, such as parking lots, to record an open area continuously. They typically work in tandem with complete security systems and are designed to capture as much of the space as possible through a wide-angle view.

In terms of their features, these cameras are equipped with adjustable lenses and can be manually adjusted to a focal point. They also typically have high-powered night vision capabilities and can operate in low-light environments. This makes them an effective tool for keeping tabs on public places around the clock.

It’s important to keep in mind that installing surveillance cameras on your own is challenging as they require a certain level of expertise. However, video surveillance system providers often include installation services as part of their packages.

Advantages of Surveillance Cameras

· Deters Crime

One of the biggest advantages of these cameras is their ability to deter crime. Studies have shown that installing a visual surveillance camera system can reduce the risk of burglary by as much as 50%. This is because the presence of cameras sends a clear message that crime is being monitored and they will likely be caught.

· 24/7 Monitoring

Another benefit of these cameras is that they can monitor an area at all times. This means that even when you’re not around to physically keep tabs on your property, these cameras will still be watching and recording any suspicious activity.

· Allows for Remote Monitoring

Modern surveillance cameras are often equipped with remote monitoring capabilities, allowing users to access footage from any location. This makes it easy for business owners to keep tabs on their property and take action if needed – even when away from the premises.

What are Security Cameras?

Security cameras are designed to capture smaller areas of a home or business in great detail. This type of camera is usually used to monitor a single room or space and provides much more detailed images than surveillance cameras.

The majority of modern security cameras come with motion detection capabilities. This means that they are able to detect movement within their field of view and can be programmed to alert the user. Not only that, but security cameras often have two-way audio systems – allowing users to communicate with anyone within the vicinity of their camera.

These cameras are generally easier to set up than surveillance cameras. However, they are best used in conjunction with a complete security system and should be set up by a professional installer for optimal performance.

10 tips for choosing the right security cameras for you

Advantages of Security Cameras

· Monitor Suspicious Activity

The main advantage of security cameras is their ability to detect suspicious activity on your property. Whether it’s a prowler in your backyard or an intruder trying to gain access to your home, being alerted to the situation quickly gives you the opportunity to take action.

· Ideal for Home Security

Security cameras are perfect for home security. They can be used to monitor specific areas and provide a much more detailed image than surveillance cameras – making them great for keeping an eye on children or any suspicious activity that may take place within the home.

· Provides Valuable Evidence

These cameras are also very useful for providing evidence in the event of a break-in. With their high-quality images, they can be used to identify any suspects and help law enforcement catch the perpetrator.

The Wrap Up

As you can see, surveillance cameras and security cameras have different functions and applications. Surveillance cameras are perfect for keeping an eye on public places outside a property, whereas security cameras are ideal for monitoring specific areas within a home or business.

Both types of cameras come with their own distinct advantages and serve a valuable purpose in security. However, if you’re unsure of which is right for you, it’s always best to consult with a professional security system provider. They will be able to assess your needs and recommend the best system for you.

Author Bio: Brian Kozlosky, President/Founder of 2 Krew Security and Surveillance – headquartered in Kittanning, PA. With a Bachelor of Science from Slippery Rock University, I have 15+ years of experience operating a successful security and surveillance company. You can get in touch with me on LinkedIn.