The Best Security Cameras for Office Spaces
Securing an office space is a top priority for any business. For office managers, choosing the right security cameras is key to creating an effective surveillance system tailored to their space.
Jet Hotel Solutions (https://www.jethotelsolutions.com/) will explore the most important criteria to consider when selecting security cameras for an office and provide recommendations on the best camera options currently available.
Key Factors to Evaluate
When looking at security cameras for an office building, warehouse, store or other commercial space, start by considering these key factors:
- Coverage Area – Select cameras with appropriate lenses to cover entrance points, hallways, storage areas, etc.
- Resolution – Higher resolution cameras can capture more detail. 1080p or 4K IP cameras are recommended for most offices.
- Night Vision Capabilities – Infrared night vision enables clear footage even in low to no light conditions.
- Power Source – Wired PoE cameras simplify installation but wireless cameras offer more flexibility.
- Remote Access – IP cameras that enable remote viewing via computer or smartphone are highly recommended.
- Video Storage – Local NVR or cloud-based systems can store camera footage securely.
- Vandal Resistance – Durability is important. Look for cameras with IK10 or higher impact rating.
- Budget – Prices range widely based on features. Define needs and set a spending plan.
Security Camera Types
Once key criteria are defined, it’s time to look at specific camera types and their benefits:
- Dome Cameras – Compact dome shape provides 360° coverage. Discreet appearance.
- Bullet Cameras – Cylindrical shape ideal for monitoring hallways or exterior. Visible deterrent.
- PTZ Cameras – Pan/tilt/zoom functionality allows adjustable views via remote control.
- Fisheye Cameras – Ultra wide-angle 180° to 360° field of view for complete area coverage.
- Cubed or Multi-Imager Cameras – Multiple camera lenses capture 180°+ views and can stitch together detailed panoramas.
Consider combining different camera types to cover all visibility needs. PTZ and multi-imager cameras provide flexible monitoring while dome and bullet cameras deliver reliable static views.
Recommended Security Camera Models
Here are some of the best IP-based security cameras suitable for office use:
Amcrest 4MP UltraHD Camera – Delivers crisp 4K resolution. Has night vision, motion alerts and wide field of view.
Dahua 8MP Varifocal Dome Camera – 8MP resolution with motorized zoom lens and powerful night vision capabilities.
Hikvision 3MP IR PTZ Camera – Provides high quality 1080p video. Pan/tilt/zoom allows customized monitoring. Excellent in low light.
Bosch Flexidome IP Starlight 8000i – Starlight CMOS sensor enables detailed video even in extreme low light conditions. IK10 rating.
Vivotek FE9382-EV 2MP Fisheye Camera – 360° panoramic views with no blind spots. Vandal-proof.
Axis P3717-PLE Network Camera – Multi-sensor panoramic camera with four cameras in one housing for 180° views.
Installing cameras that capture high resolution images combined with advanced imaging functionality for low light, wide dynamic range and glare reduction is key. Also be sure to position cameras to avoid obstructions and enable clear facial recognition where required. Proper camera placement surveyed by security professionals can maximize visibility.
Software & Data Storage
To manage a multi-camera system, a networked video recorder (NVR) is recommended over DVRs for large deployments. An NVR can handle IP cameras, enable remote viewing, integrate with other systems, and provide analytics.
Popular options include QNAP, Amcrest, and Hikvision NVRs with good storage capacity and processing power.
For storage, many NVR systems have pre-installed hard drives, but large deployments should use standalone storage solutions. A NAS or SAN server dedicated to just storing video eliminates strain on the NVR. This also enables long video retention. Video can also be backed up to external hard drives or cloud storage for redundancy.
Access Control Integration
One of the benefits of networked IP cameras is their ability to integrate with other systems. For office security, integrating cameras with an access control system can be highly valuable. When a door is accessed the system can pull up the live feed of the associated camera to view that activity.
Similarly, camera analytics like facial recognition can trigger door access permissions. This creates a comprehensive entry control and monitoring system.
Popular access control solutions like Brivo, Openpath and LenelS2 offer direct integrations with camera systems from Axis, Bosch, Hikvision and others. For small deployments, self-contained systems like the Openpath Check-in Camera can handle both access control and surveillance in a single device.
Consider Your Surveillance Needs
There are a wide variety of security cameras on the market, so taking time to evaluate your specific office environment, visibility needs, and user experience requirements is important. Seek input from both security staff and office managers to define priorities. This will help zero in on the ideal cameras and system features.
Office complexes with multiple buildings and entry points will need a more expansive system versus a small professional office that may just need a few cameras watching the lobby and rear entrance. Outdoor coverage, lighting conditions, and usage patterns should all weigh into the camera selection process.
With the help of our company, businesses can cost-effectively monitor activities, secure premises, prevent theft, and create video records – giving much needed peace of mind.