sundance-communications.com/forum Forums Wiring - Telecom Carriers - Trunks & Services Security, Alarms and Paging Camera clarity

I know a version of this question has appeared many times, but I am looking for some advice on cameras. We have used Arm and Supercircuts products and have been a little underwhelmed. The are adequate, but the picture needs to be clearer. We haven't had any complaints, its just us trying to get a better product for the customer. I have been told it is low end DVR that is the problem, or it is the camera, or the monitor. How can I check which piece is the issue without buying stuff from each company to try? Any camera /DVR suggestions would be great. We are looking at AXIS pretty closely.

I'm sure the other will have suggestions if I'm looking for better image then I check the following.

Low Lux and high resolution for camera. If you want super quality go with the megapixal cameras.

Lens quality will make a big difference with the better cameras. Glass is better then plastic.

A better DVR will give a better picture but make sure the you use the highest frame rate for best picture. File compression will also lose quality sure make sure you use BIG hard drives.

Your cabling and power supply can effect the picture also.

Find a dealer that can demo a 3.3 mega pixel camera, it will blow you mind.
One cam can take the place of several.
You can actually ID the robber, not just say it was a white guy with a red hat!!
Just tried out a 620 line Sony legacy cam with high quality lens. If subject is within 5-6 feet, beautiful picture.
Father out it looks just like cheaper cams.

I try to get cameras that are at least 480 lines. They are still within the $100 range. I bought one this year that was 580 lines day, 620 night, and it is pretty clear. I don't see how a lower end DVR would necessarily give you a bad picture.

You have encountered what is called the CSI affect; which is television dictating reality. There are no analog cameras out there that produce a crystal clear image (unless we are talking about $500 mega-pixel cameras), we're all grounded to the same rules, you either have coverage or a focal point the latter producing a much clearer image and resolution.

You need to be upfront with your customers and set their expectations on a correct path, before you sell them something they may be disappointed with. Unless of course funds are unlimited then the world is your oyster.