PCR takes a look at CCTV cameras

It remains as important as ever for businesses – and home owners – to protect themselves from thieves and vandals. PCR takes a look at the latest CCTV cameras and systems on the market…

Salva 4 Camera DIY CCTV Kit

SRP: £249

Distributor: KMS Components

They say: This is a four-channel H.264 Network DVR and four bullet camera kit. The DVR has manual, timer and motion sensor recording modes, while the four Sony CCD Nightvision Weatherproof cameras can be remotely accessed via the internet or a smartphone. They have a nightvision range of 15 metres. A USB mouse, remote control, software, power adaptor, splitter cable and more are included in the kit.

Specs: 3.6mm camera lens focal length, DVR dimensions measure 350mm x 295mm x 65mm, IP65 weatherproof rating. 

D-Link Home Network Camera DCS-932L

RRP: £79.99

Distributors: Gem, Micro-P

They say: Unlike most webcams, the DCs-932/932l is a complete system with a built-in CPU and web server that transmits high quality video for security and surveillance. Simple installation and an intuitive web-based interface offer easy integration with your network. It also comes with remote monitoring and motion detection features for a complete home security solution.

Specs: 640×480 resolution at up to 20fps, 65.8x65x126mm dimensions (including bracket and stand), lens focal length 5.01mm. 

Swann Imitation Security Kit

SRP: £21.85

Distributor: DirekTek

They say: Swann’s DIY anti-theft kit is an affordable way to send the right signals to the outside world. The kit includes four authentic-looking imitation day/night cameras that can be mounted indoors and outdoors. The kit also contains four plastic imitation dome cameras and a selection of security warning stickers.The result is a great deterrent at a great price.

Contents: Four Dome Cameras, four Security Cameras, one large security sticker and four small warning stickers.

TP-LINK (TL-SC2020N) Wireless IP Surveillance Camera

RRP: £50

Distributor: Spire Technology

They say: The TL-SC2020N surveillance camera is a versatile solution for home and office monitoring. Its 150Mbps wireless connectivity enables you to deploy the camera in previously inaccessible spaces by ethernet connection. After a hassle-free installation, you can view and control the camera from a web browser, bundled software, or compatible smartphone.

Specs: 640 x 480 resolution, 96 x 66 x 28 mm dimensions, max 3W power supply.

AVer Bullet Camera

SRP: £579 (2MP), £829 (3MP)

Distributors: Maverick, Computer 2000, Moreton Alarm Systems (MAS), Videnda, Lightstream, Bi3, Genie

They say: Rated at IP68, these cameras are dust-tight and waterproof up to one metre. They also boast an IK10 rating, invaluable in areas prone to vandalism. Built-in heating and cooling ensure that the cameras always deliver clear imaging.

Specs: Vari-focal lens, built-in microSD storage, full-HD 1920×1080 resolution (2MP) or 2048×1536 (3MP), built-in LED. 

AVer Vandal Dome Camera

SRP: £459 (2MP), £559 (3MP)

Distributors: Maverick, Computer 2000, Moreton Alarm Systems (MAS), Videnda, Lightstream, Bi3, Genie

They say: Similar technology to AVer’s Bullet Camera but in a different shape. Available in 2MP and 3MP versions, with the 3MP models also offering true Wide Dynamic Range (WDR).

Specs: Vari-focal lens, built-in microSD storage, full-HD 1920×1080 resolution (2MP) or 2048×1536 (3MP), built-in LED.

D-Link Enhanced Network Camera DCS-942L

RRP: £129.99

Distributor: Gem

They say: The Enhanced Wireless N IR network camera has built-in infrared LEDs and an IR-cut removable filter that allows it to be used in a variety of lighting situations. The dcs-942l also includes an integrated passive infrared (PIR) motion-detection sensor.

Specs: 640×480 resolution, 65.8x65x126mm dimensions (including bracket and stand), lens focal length 3.15 mm, 5.5W max power consumption. 

Panasonic WV-SF438 360-degrees view network camera

SRP: £619 ex VAT

Distributor: Midwich Security

They say: This Full HD 3.1-megapixel network dome camera allows users to record an entire room and digital pan/tilt zoom on images live or post event, so they never miss an incident. This compact camera also includes full bi-directional audio allowing interactive communication between monitor and room.

Specs: 1080p Full HD images at up to 30fps, privacy zone can mask up to four private areas. 

TP-LINK mountable switch

RRP: £124.99

Distributors: C2000, Entatech, Spire, Micro-P, CMS Distribution

They say: The TL-SG1008PE is an eight-port Gigabit desktop/rack mountable switch. With a total power budget of 124W (up to 30W) per port, it can power high-powered devices. It has LED indicators, an internal power supply and includes a limited lifetime warranty.

Specs: Eight PoE+ ports, 124W power budget (30W per port), PoE+ IEEE 802.3af/at compliant device support, 8K entry MAC address table with auto-learning and auto-aging. 

Y-Cam HomeMonitor Indoor Camera

RRP: £149.99

Distributor: Exertis Gem

They say: HomeMonitor is an all-in-one cloud-based camera service that makes it easy for people to monitor their home and possessions anywhere in the world. It’s the only Wi-Fi video camera on the market that records users’ footage from their cameras to their online cloud account for free, with no hidden monthly charges. With both indoor and external Wi-Fi connected camera options, HomeMonitor allows you to view live video of your property, while detecting and recording any movement which is then uploaded to the cloud and stored free of charge for seven days.

Specs: 310,000 Pixel 1/4” CMOS lens, H.264 compression, 60°(H) 45°(V) viewing angle, 640×480 resolution, Built-in microphone

Smart Witness DOOR-I Battery Powered LCD Peep Hole Viewer

SRP: £99.95

Distributor: Midwich Security

They say: The DOOR-I is a video door entry system that works like a peephole does but instead displays the high-resolution full-colour images on a 2.7-inch LCD screen. Visitors’ photos can be saved onto a Micro SD card. It has a brightness enhancement function and includes a 90-degree wide angle lens.

Specs: 14mm peephole viewer, 2.7-inch high resolution LCD screen, Micro SD card recording only, battery powered (2xAA). 

Synology Surveillance Station

Distributors: CMS Distribution, VIP Computers, EET Europarts, Ingram Micro

They say: This innovative feature can fulfil all levels of deployment and monitoring plans. Commercial, industrial or residential: you can access the Surveillance Station anytime, anywhere by browser or mobile device. Surveillance Station has an extensive camera compatibility list of over 1,400 IP cameras from over 58 brands, including cloud cameras. Surveillance Station is also ONVIF compatible and supports H.264, MJPEG, MPEG4, and MxPEG formats.

D-Link DCS-933L

RRP: £94

Distributor: Micro-P

They say: The DCS-933L Day/Night Cloud Camera is a versatile surveillance solution for your home or office. Unlike a standard webcam, the DCS-933L is a standalone system that can transmits high quality video images, without the need of a computer.

D-Link DCS-6010L

Distributor: Micro-P

They say: The DCS-6010L two-megapixel panoramic wireless cloud camera is a cloud-enabled IP surveillance camera built with a fisheye lens and a two megapixel sensor, making it ideal for monitoring large areas with a single camera.

TP-LINK (TL-SC3230N) Wireless Surveillance Camera

RRP: £89

Distributor: Spire Technology

They say: TL-SC3230N lets you keep an eye on whatever it is that you care for most. With speeds up to 150Mbps, you can easily set it to work wirelessly or using wires. Once set up, you can view live video from a web browser or smartphone. With the built-in Micro SD card slot, video can be backed up.

Specs: 1280×1024 resolution (1.3-megapixel), 74.5×54.3×34.7mm, max 12W power supply.

D-Link DNR-326

RRP: £419.99

Distributor: Micro-P

They say: The answer to expensive, outdated analogue CCTV surveillance systems has arrived. When coupled with D-Link’s high-resolution and feature rich network cameras or those of other brands, the DNR-326 2-Bay Professional Network Video Recorder (NVR) offers a comprehensive video display, storage, and management solution. D-Link’s DNR-326 provides reliable high-quality remote monitoring functionality at a fraction of the cost of conventional surveillance systems.

TP-LINK (TL-SC4171G) Wireless Pan/Tilt Surveillance Camera

RRP: £149

Distributor: Spire Technology

They say: The TL-SC4171G is dedicated to providing 24-hour monitoring of a home, office, store or any other location. By mounting on a ceiling or wall, it offers wide-range pan/tilt monitoring. Live video can be accessed through the internet on PC or via 3G mobile devices.

Specs: 54Mbps wireless connection, two-way audio, 640×480 resolution, 112x114mm dimensions, max 12W power supply.

Samsung SDS-P3040 4 channel DVR and 4 camera bundle

SRP: £332.50 ex VAT

Distributor: Midwich Security

They say: With remote monitoring as well as night vision IR cameras, this bundle offers an all-in-one security solution. Ideal for retail, warehousing or the home, this bundle ensures users feel secure wherever they are.

Specs: 500GB HDD, H.264 compression for extended recording, 600TV lines high resolution cameras, IP66

weather resistant outdoor ready, night vision up to 82ft.

D-Link Pan/Tilt/Zoom Cloud Camera DCS-5222L

RRP: £209.99

Distributor: Gem

They say: The DCS-5222L provides the ideal 24-hour monitoring solution, allowing you to see up to 340 degrees of any room it is placed in thanks to its Pan/Tilt feature. You can control Pan/Tilt with the included remote control or via the Mydlink app and portal. The camera can automatically move to preset positions to monitor a wide area.

Specs: 114x114x125mm dimension, fixed length 4.57mm lens, 1280×720 resolution, 10.5W max power consumption. 

IQCCTV ROOM-I PIR spy camera

SRP: £99.99

Distributor: Midwich Security

They say: The ROOM-I is an audio and video recorder disguised as a common PIR sensor. Recordings are made either continuously or when it detects motion. Smart Motion Detection records both before and after motion is detected, ensuring no footage is missed. Video can be viewed via built-in video output or by connecting to a PC.

Specs: Infrared night vision up to 10m, record direct to microSD. 

Y-Cam HomeMonitor-Outdoor-Camera

RRP: £249.99

Distributor: Gem

They say: HomeMonitor is the latest solution from leading internet video camera manufacturer Y-cam, and provides an easy to use, cloud-based camera. Its simple set up, free cloud storage and expansive range of viewing platforms makes it the ideal solution for those who want to keep an eye on anything. It has Professional Night Vision up to 15m, SmartBuffer technology which allows its internal memory to start recording five seconds before motion is detected, and more.

Specs:

310,000 Pixel 1/4” CMOS lens, H.264 compression, 50°(H) 40°(V) viewing angle, 640×480 resolution, Built-in microphone

CONTACTS

Bi3: 01772 330777

CMS Distribution: 020 8960 6000

Computer 2000: 0871 880 3000

DirekTek: 01494 471 100

EET Europarts: 020 8421 7750

Entatech: 0333 101 1000

Gem Distribution: 01279 822822

Genie: 01727 330541

Ingram Micro: 0871 973 3000

KMS Components: 02920 713713

Lightstream: +353 (0) 1 4080111

Maverick: 0871 88 03 733

Micro-P: 01282 776 776

Midwich: 01379 649200

Moreton Alarm Systems: 0151 638 7799

Spire Technology: 01202 828444

Videnda: +353 (0) 1 4611970

VIP Computers: 0871 622 7500