As useful as security cameras can be in San Francisco, CA when it comes to preventing crimes or catching guilty individuals, a security system really won't be of much use in all if the right cameras are not in place. Unfortunately, choosing the right camera for system can be a very difficult task with so many different choices available on the market. From those designed specifically for use in low light environments to ones that allow an individual to pan, tilt, and zoom, choosing the perfect camera for a particular application requires an individual to carefully consider the environment that they are installing the camera in and the level of surveillance that they need.

Before actually purchasing a camera, an individual may want to consider one of the many infrared units that are available. While these cameras work perfectly well during the day or when a building is lit, they really excel once the lights go out. The incredible advantage that they provide over other units is thanks to the infrared illuminators that allow monitoring in low light or even in conditions where there is little to no light at all. Perhaps most impressive is the fact that these cameras can be purchased for outdoor use, making them ideal for parking lots, where houses, garages, and other dark environments.

While the most common type of security camera out there in San Francisco, CA is probably the fixed variety, there are some very real advantages to choosing don't units that offer pan, tilt, and zoom. Although the bill makes it difficult to conceal these types of cameras, they do offer the operator the option of monitoring a wider area and they can even zoom in on a particular place or individual. Most of the time, the domes are dark or smoky in color, but the dome still allows the camera to capture high resolution images.

The cameras that are often used in places like convenience stores, banks, and supermarkets are sometimes referred to as Pro Box units. These are fixed position cameras that have incredibly wide viewing angles and generally offer a good combination of day and night surveillance. These cameras are a good choice when it comes to monitoring a particular area, such as anyplace where money is exchanged, and they have proven to be durable and reliable units that truly stand the test of time.

A person in San Francisco, CA will also have the option of putting hidden cameras to use for them. As camera technology has advanced, the ability to produce incredibly small, yet high-powered has made them a popular option. However, it is important to keep in mind that in cameras cannot be placed anywhere. Individuals still have reasonable expectations of privacy in areas like bathrooms, changing rooms, and locker rooms, which means that installing a hidden camera in these types of places may open an individual up to criminal prosecution or civil lawsuits. When employees need to be monitored, such as in assisted living facilities, or when it is necessary to keep the camera out of sight, such as when being installed in hotel hallways, cameras that are hidden and clocks, exit signs, sprinklers, and other common items are an excellent choice.

Finally, there is the option of choosing cameras that are either wired or wireless. Wired cameras are generally higher powered, but having a wired system professionally installed can be very expensive. Wireless cameras, on the other hand, are an excellent choice when only a limited amount of surveillance is needed or when a system is only going to be in place for a short time. Another benefit to wireless systems in San Francisco, CA is that they can be installed by the average individual relatively easily.