In Southern Florida outdoor security cameras are a definite advantage, if not a requirement, in providing you with complete security coverage. Digital video outdoor security cameras can provide high clarity color video, are easy to install, can be used in almost any situation, and are affordably priced.

Outdoor security cameras are for business as well as residential use. In fact the best way to providing 24/7 perimeter monitoring to any business or residence is by using a digital video surveillance system with outdoor cameras. Although outdoor security cameras may not be able to stop a crime, they certainly can alert you to one in progress, and more importantly record and document the individuals and/or property involved.

Perhaps the biggest benefit of using outdoor security cameras is the deterrent factor they create when being used. Crime and vandalism rates decrease in areas that are protected by outdoor security cameras. That’s why the New York City and London, England Police Departments make extensive use of outdoor digital video security camera systems. Yet, most of Southern Florida’s malls do not have outdoor security cameras monitoring their parking lots and surrounding areas. Whether it’s West Palm Beach or Miami or any area in between, an outdoor security camera system can give you the protection and peace-of-mind you deserve.

Outdoor security cameras are basically the same as indoor security cameras; however they are enclosed within a protective cover. The degree of protection afforded to the camera can range from dust, water, and other weather and environmental elements all the way to forces as strong as those created by explosions.

Most outdoor security cameras are rated according to this protection with an International Electrical code standard called an Ingress Protection code or IP rating. When shopping for outdoor security cameras look for ones that have an IP66 or IP67 rating. Both ratings indicate the cameras are dust tight but an IP66 can withstand powerful jets of water and an IP67 can be submerged in water with a depth of up to one meter without causing damage.

Outdoor security cameras create a video image using one of two different electronic components; a Charged Coupled Device or CCD or Complimentary Metal Oxide Semiconductor or CMOS. Light is focused by the lens onto the surface of these sensors which stimulates electrical impulses that can be used to create high quality color video. The size of the sensor varies but usually ranges from ¼ inch to 1 inch. In addition, there are several different manufacturers of these chips so it is not uncommon to see the information about the chip specified along with other information displayed about the camera.

Some outdoor security cameras can have high sensitive chips. These cameras can created high quality color video in very low light conditions. These cameras are called day/night vision cameras and can be particularly useful in lit parking lots or along lit beach areas.

Other outdoor security cameras with special sensitive chips are the night vision infrared (IR) cameras. The sensor chip is inherently sensitive to infrared radiation in the near-infrared spectrum; however human eyes cannot see this infrared “light.” These cameras use IR Light Emitting Diodes or LEDs to produce infrared light that shines on the target area. The LEDs are normally placed around or next to the camera lens so that they are aimed in the same direction.

Night vision IR cameras are excellent for those areas that are not naturally lit by visible light at night. In addition, IR cameras offer a degree of stealth surveillance since human eyes cannot detect the light that they use. Since night vision cameras do use infrared radiation the video image that is produced is not color; it is a high quality monochromatic or black and white image.

These cameras have a limited range for IR images. When purchasing night vision IR cameras be certain to check the range of the model you are considering so that it matches your needs.

Outdoor security cameras have several other optional features including:
• Wireless video transmission
• Audio Recording
• Pan, Tilt, and Zoom
• Internet Protocol or IP allowing them to be networked on the internet

Whether it’s a medical office in West Palm Beach, a retail business in Fort Lauderdale, or a home anywhere in Broward County, an outdoor security camera has the features you need at the price you can afford to provide you with total confidence security monitoring.