Number of LEDs
The number of backlight LEDs (see "Design and capabilities") provided in the camera design.
Theoretically, more LEDs provide more power and, accordingly, range (see below) and efficiency
of IR illumination or LED illumination. However, in fact, such light sources can vary markedly in performance; in addition, a lot also depends on the features of the camera itself. Therefore, in fact, this indicator is a reference, and when choosing, it makes sense to pay attention to parameters that are closer to practice — in particular, the same backlight range (see below).
Illumination range
Operating range of the backlight (see "Design and capabilities") installed in the surveillance camera. This term usually means the maximum distance from the camera to the observed object, at which it is able to provide a relatively high-quality and legible image in the complete absence of other light sources. Of course, the actual backlight range may differ from the claimed one, and these differences are most often in the direction of increase (for example, due to the presence of the same additional light sources). However, if the possibility of shooting with backlight is important for you, you should focus on the claimed range.
Frame rate
The maximum frame rate in the video captured by the camera.
The higher the frame rate, the clearer the image, the less noticeable blurring when moving in the frame (especially fast). On the other hand, this indicator affects the amount of information recorded during shooting, as well as the cost of the camera itself. Therefore, it makes sense to specifically look for
a video surveillance camera with high-speed shooting(45 fps and higher) only if a clear recording of fast moving objects is important to you.
Horizontal viewing angle
Horizontal viewing angle of the surveillance camera. For models with a variable value, the maximum value is indicated, since it is the width of the image that is important, and when zooming in, the zoom factor is more important than the angle. This paragraph also indicates the general angle of view for models with a circular field of view – in particular, cameras with a fisheye lens (see above)
The wider the viewing angle, the more space the camera captures and at the same time, the smaller the images of individual objects in the frame are obtained. Therefore, when choosing by this parameter, it is worth deciding what is more important – the ability to view a large scene or the visibility of small details in a relatively narrow field of view. Also note that with a wide field of view (100° or more), characteristic distortions can be observed at the edges of the frame, and the wider the angle, the more pronounced they are. This phenomenon can be eliminated by panoramic shooting (see "Design and features"), but this feature, in turn, complicates and increases the cost of the camera.
Vandal-resistant body
Ruggedized housing providing enhanced protection against damage attempts.
The specific degree of strength may vary. For example, many manufacturers use the IK standard for impact resistance. The highest rating in this standard is IK10, providing protection against impact with an energy of up to 20 J, which corresponds to a 5 kg load falling from a height of 40 cm; more detailed information on IK can be found in special sources. At the same time, cameras that do not have IK certification can also be positioned as vandal-resistant.
Note that even the most
vandalism-resistant housing does not provide absolute protection against damage. However, this feature, anyway, significantly complicates the attacker's task and may even force him to give up trying to permanently spoil the camera. And the purposeful removal of the camera from the system turns out to be a rather difficult and long matter. And in some models, the increased strength of the case can be combined with other features — for example, a sensor that sends an alarm when attempts are made to damage the camera.