Deciphering CCTV Camera Features: Find Out What Matters To You

Choosing the right CCTV cameras for your home or business can feel overwhelming. The sheer volume of options available, coupled with a confusing array of features, specifications, and manufacturer-specific terminology, can quickly turn the decision-making process into a minefield. It's easy to get lost in a sea of technical language, struggling to understand the true impact of each feature and how it translates into real-world security benefits. This blog post aims to simplify the process by explaining key CCTV camera features, such as smart search, colour night vision, and active deterrence. We'll also explore how leading manufacturers like Hikvision and Dahua use different terminology for the same function, providing you with the knowledge you need to make informed decisions and choose the best features for your specific needs. 

Smart Search 

Imagine reviewing hours of CCTV footage to find a specific event, like a package theft or a suspicious person loitering. It can be a time-consuming and frustrating task. This is where smart search technology comes into play. Smart search algorithms analyse video footage using advanced techniques like person, vehicle or object detection, motion analysis, and facial recognition to quickly locate specific events of interest. This significantly reduces the time spent reviewing footage, allowing you to quickly identify and respond to critical incidents. 

The accuracy of smart search algorithms varies depending on lighting conditions, camera resolution and the complexity of the scene. Smart search also recognises faces and stores them in a database stored on the recorder, it uses this database to refer to when a search is underway.  

On the CCTV Outlet store we have plenty of cameras and recorders with this feature such as SPRO with the Acupick feature which you can get here, or the HiLook by Hikvision Smart Motion recorders which you can get here. But what do manufacturers name this feature on their cameras: 

(HiLook by  HikVision Smart Motion Recorder)

Image Sensor Technology 

The image sensor is the core component of any CCTV camera, dictating the quality of the captured footage. Advanced image sensor technology plays a crucial role in achieving vibrant, full-colour images even in challenging low-light conditions. 

These sensors are designed to be highly sensitive to available ambient light, such as moonlight, streetlights, or even the faint glow of distant objects. By effectively capturing and processing these subtle light sources, the camera can produce colour images instead of relying solely on infrared illumination, which often results in grainy black and white footage. Colour images enhance situational awareness significantly. It allows for easier identification of individuals, vehicles, and objects, crucial for both security and investigative purposes. 

What do the leading manufacturers call this feature? 

Believe it or not, you can find an array cameras with this feature on our website. SPRO uses the name Starlight which you can find here. 

(4K (8MP) SPRO - CCTV Camera with STARLIGHT)

Colour at Night with Smart dual illumination  

Traditional night vision cameras often rely solely on infrared illumination, which can result in grainy black and white footage and unnatural colour casts. Smart Dual Illumination overcomes these limitations by intelligently combining infrared and white light. Depending on the version of this feature you have, you can decide between white light, infrared or smart dual. This advanced system seamlessly switches between infrared and white light depending on the parameter set by the user.  

When setting up, the user creates a digital tripwire. In low-light scenarios, infrared illumination ensures clear visibility. However, when something triggers the tripwire and walk into the designated area, the system transitions to white light, providing more natural and accurate colour while making it easier to identify who or whatever has entered your perimeter. 

Once again, each manufacturer has a different name for this technology: 

Our website offers a diverse selection of cameras from leading brands that incorporate Smart Dual Illumination technology, you can purchase SPRO ColourNight 2.0 here or alternatively, you can purchase HiLook by Hikvision with ColorVu here.

(HiLook by Hikvision ColorVu Bullet with Audio)

Active Deterrence 

Beyond simply recording events, modern CCTV cameras are equipped with active deterrence features designed to prevent incidents before they occur. These proactive measures can significantly enhance the overall security of your property. Active deterrence utilises a combination of visual and audible cues to deter potential intruders. The features include built-in sirens or speakers that can emit loud alarms or pre-recorded messages to warn off potential threats, some cameras allow for two-way communication, enabling you to verbally deter intruders or communicate with authorized personnel. Bright spotlights or flashing LEDs can startle intruders and illuminate areas of concern. 

Active deterrents offer customisable solutions to suit your specific needs. You can configure trip wires and perimeter zones to trigger various events, such as white light illumination to clearly identify moving targets when they pass a certain point, flashing lights and sirens to deter intruders when they enter restricted zones, and two-way audio to enable direct communication with individuals within the camera's field of view. You have the flexibility to select any combination of these features, or none at all, depending on your requirements. 

Some Brands offer a more budget friendly or advanced option of the active deterrence feature, its usually known as the “LITE” or “PRO” version. The light version usually has 1 or 2 features removed but saves you a good amount of money, one example would be not having the flashing lights and having one way audio instead of two way.  

What names do you need to look out for when browsing for this feature? Well here’s what each manufacturer calls it: 

Have you decided on which functions you will use with your active deterrence cameras. We stock SPRO who have named the Feature Active Deterrence/ Active Deterrence LITE which you can get here.

(4MP DUO Panoramic Camera With Active Deterrence)

Flame Detection 

Flame detection is a crucial safety feature for businesses and homes, particularly in high-risk areas such as factories, warehouses, and server rooms. This advanced technology utilizes sophisticated algorithms to analyse video streams in real-time, detecting the presence of flames or smoke. How does it work? The system continuously analyses the video feed from the CCTV camera, algorithms are designed to identify specific patterns associated with fire, such as flickering light, rapid changes in colour (e.g., red, orange, yellow), and the presence of smoke. Advanced systems incorporate intelligent filters to minimise false alarms triggered by other sources like sunlight, reflections, or welding sparks. Upon detecting a potential fire, the system triggers immediate alerts 

The specific terminology and features related to flame detection can vary significantly between manufacturers: 

Axis does not have a standalone flame detection camera; however, their thermal camera range detects fire using temperature sensors as well as using the same methods as the other manufacturers. Ready to enhance your security with flame detection? Discover our selection of SPRO cameras and compatible recorders on our website by clicking the link here. 

(SPRO 2MP Flame Detection Camera )

Selecting the right CCTV system requires careful consideration of various factors, including your property's specific needs, budget constraints, and desired level of security. Navigating the diverse world of CCTV features, with each manufacturer using unique terminology, can be challenging. However, by understanding these varying names and their underlying functionalities, you can effectively compare different camera models and choose the system that best meets your security requirements.