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Comprehensive Guide Introduction: Choosing the right surveillance camera system is essential to ensure good security. At OOSSXX Surveillance, we are committed to providing quality products and comprehensive information to help you make informed decisions. In this article, we will take a closer look at the basic parameters of a surveillance camera and shed light on their importance. Whether you are considering a BNC, IP or CCTV camera kit or looking for the latest 4K camera system with NVR functionality, this guide will help you explore the options available on the market.

1. Video signal standards: Surveillance cameras operate based on different video signal standards, such as PAL, NTSC, SECAM, etc. Each standard has its own unique characteristics that ensure compatibility and optimal performance with a variety of display devices.

PAL: PAL is an acronym for Phase Alternating Line. It operates at a power frequency of 50 Hz, has 25 frames per second (fps) and 625 lines. PAL offers excellent color reproduction and is highly compatible with color and black-and-white displays.

NTSC: NTSC stands for National Television System Committee and is widely used in North America. It operates on a 60Hz power frequency, has 30 frames per second (fps) and 525 scan lines. NTSC is known for its smooth video playback, and its standard has been widely adopted in the region.

SECAM: SECAM is an acronym for Sequential Color with Memory. It transmits and stores color information sequentially. SECAM is mostly used in some parts of Europe and certain parts of Africa, but is not common.

1. Scanning Method: Surveillance cameras use different scanning methods to capture video footage. The most common methods are interlaced scanning and progressive scanning.

Progressive scan: Progressive scan captures each frame by scanning each row sequentially from top to bottom. This method provides smooth, flicker-free video playback and provides superior image quality. Progressive scan is designated with a "P" in video resolution standards (e.g. 720p, 1080p, 4K).

Interlaced Scanning: Interlaced scanning splits each frame into two fields, odd and even. The first field scans the odd rows, and the second field scans the even rows, then combines them to form a complete frame. Interlaced scanning is designated with an "I" in video resolution standards (e.g. 1080i). It can result in flickering and loss of image quality compared to progressive scanning.

III. Minimum Illumination (Lux): Minimum illumination refers to the lowest lighting level at which a security camera can capture a clear image. This is often called "sensitivity" and is measured in lux. Understanding your camera's minimum illumination can help you determine how it will perform in low lighting conditions.

Typical illumination ranges for different camera types include:

Standard camera: 1 to 3 lux

Starlight camera: 0.01 lux or less

Infrared camera: 0 lux (with infrared illumination)

Ultra Starlight Camera: 0.0001 lux or less

1. Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR): Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR) is an important parameter that measures the ratio of a surveillance camera's signal voltage to noise voltage. Expressed in decibels (dB), it indicates the camera's ability to maintain image quality in low-light environments. A higher SNR value results in a cleaner, less noisy image.
2. Automatic Gain Control (AGC): Automatic Gain Control (AGC) is a feature in surveillance cameras that automatically adjusts the camera's amplifier gain to deliver optimal image quality under changing lighting conditions. AGC improves the camera's sensitivity in low-light scenarios, ensuring clear, bright images.

Conclusion: Understanding the key parameters of surveillance cameras is key when choosing the right system for your security needs. Whether you are looking for BNC, IP, CCTV camera kits or are interested in the latest 4K camera systems and NVR features, OOSSXX Surveillance offers a variety of high-quality options. Our comprehensive guide aims to provide you with the necessary knowledge to get the information right and effectively protect your premises. Browse our collection of the latest security camera systems and find the best solution for your surveillance needs.