Consumer Cameras versus Industrial Cameras

What is the difference between a consumer security camera and an industrial security camera? At first glance, most people are quick to point out the price difference between the two cameras. Yes, price is very important but there are other factors to consider that might eventually outweigh price.

Life Span 

Consumer security cameras do not have the same life expectancy as industrial grade cameras. 

• The average life span of a consumer security camera is anywhere from 1/3 to 1/4 the life span of an industrial camera. If your consumer camera does not come with an indication of the camera's life span, most industrial cameras come with that information and you can just divide that by 1/3. 

Duarability

• Industrial cameras are more "ruggedized" then their consumer counterparts, they are made to run 24 hours a day, and depending on the housing you select, can operate in any weather/environmental conditions.

Technical support

Most consumer cameras purchased do not come with technical support unless you purchase it seperately and even then the support is typically limited to the hardware only. 

• When looking at industrial cameras, there are two types of sellers you will most likely run across in your search. 

• The first type of seller wants to sell you a camera at the lowest price possible but cannot offer any sort of technical support...the best they tend to do is send you to the manufacturer where you could spend hours on the phone trying to get questions answered. 
• The second type of seller tends to have higher prices BUT along with the higher prices comes people who take pride in helping their customers with any technical questions that may come up. 

 Price 

• Consumer cameras range from $19.99-$1,000
• Industrial Cameras range from $300 - $50,000
  

 Just food for thought here....do you take the cheaper camera and try to figure it out yourself? Or do you pay a little more for the same camera and have the added security of knowing you have someone to call if you need to?

Security cameras should always be chosen based on where you want to install the camera (inside/outside), the distance that you need to monitor, the light conditions and ultimately your budget.

 

Purchasing the camera is also just the beginning...from there, you will also need a recording device. The old school way of recording with VCRs is pretty much gone and has been replaced with several types of digital video recorders which provide 24 hour continuous imaging.

Buying complete surveillance systems or even basic security cameras and video recording components has become as complex as buying a computer but on the bright side, there are more professionals in this industry then ever before . 

Before you buy a surveillance system, my suggestion would be to surf the internet, talk to people who may be able to give you insite into the subject and above all discuss the issues with a professional.