Are you looking to secure your property or business? Are you considering adding cameras to get an added layer of visibility?

Cameras can be a great way to prevent crime and property damage in a business or residence. Often, the very presence of a camera is enough to deter a criminal. Even if a crime does occur, the footage from the camera can help identify the individual and aid in the police investigation.

 You may not be sure what type of cameras to get. There are many different types, but most fall into two broad categories: surveillance cameras and security cameras. They may seem similar, but there are actually big differences between the two. You can find a wide range of types and quality, including security cameras like the Meraki MV12.

Below are some of the biggest differences between surveillance cameras and security cameras.

Surveillance Cameras

Surveillance cameras are used to survey a broad area, usually a public place. They may be pointed in one direction or scan an area of land. In most cases, surveillance cameras are not hidden. In fact, there may even be signs letting people know that surveillance cameras are in use.

The biggest distinction with surveillance cameras is that they are not looking for anything in particular. They’re simply recording footage in case that footage is ever needed.

With surveillance cameras, the footage usually feeds into a central database where it can be viewed later if needed. There very often isn’t someone actively viewing the footage as it happens. It’s strictly for backup in the event that a crime or other activity occurs.

Security Cameras

Security cameras usually serve a more strategic function. Security cameras are more commonly used by businesses, homeowners, and in other private settings. They feed directly into a set of monitors for viewing either in real-time or at a later point.

Security cameras often have features to detect certain actions. For example, they may detect motion and send an alert or notification to whomever is viewing the feed. They can detect a sound or vibration and also send an alert.

These alerts are helpful because they don’t require you to watch monitors at all times. You can simply watch the footage if you get a notification and then review the event that happened.

The most simple version of a security camera is a doorbell camera. It records everything at the doorbell. If there is motion or noise, you get a notification and can review the footage.

More sophisticated cameras may involve a network of cameras feeding into a monitor, computer, or even a phone. You get notifications from any of the cameras if there is movement or other activity.

You may even have control of the cameras so you can better see activity. For example, you may be able to pan the camera in different directions or even zoom it in to get a better view. If you’re actively watching the footage in real time, you can control the cameras so you can see whatever you need to see for security purposes.

Generally, if security of your property, business, or other assets is your primary goal, security cameras will provide more benefits than a broad surveillance system. Security cameras are ideal because they are proactive. They notify you when activity happens. They save activity like motion and noises in the system.

This is helpful because you don’t have to scan through footage to find the event. It’s already saved and highlighted by the notification.

One thing to consider with security cameras is that you may need more cables, monitors, and other supporting technology than you would with a surveillance system. That’s especially true if you are monitoring a large area and want to have screens to watch the footage in real-time. While the upfront cost may be somewhat high, you’ll get a high level of protection that minimizes crime and other damage.

Investigate both surveillance and security cameras to determine which is best for your needs and budget. If you want to not only record activity but also deter it, a security camera system will likely be the best fit for you.

The good news is there are a wide range of security camera systems available at all price points. A simple doorbell camera can provide a basic level of security at minimal price. More expensive and complex cameras can give you complete transparency and monitoring capability over your property. You can make your security camera system as comprehensive and robust as you like. Contact a security camera company today to learn more.