When it comes to security cameras, they are typically broken down into two quality levels: consumer grade security cameras and commercial grade security cameras. Despite the many advancements in technology that have happened over the last few years, these two types of security cameras are still very different. What are these differences? Keep reading to find out.

OVERALL QUALITY OF DEVICE

It should be mentioned first that the overall quality of commercial grade security camera systems is much higher. Part of the larger cost of these systems goes into better parts, improved software, and increased connectivity. Not only is this because businesses need better quality, it is also due to the features of the cameras demanding higher quality.

Depending on where you live, the level of quality that you get from consumer grade security cameras might be enough. However, there are plenty of situations where it may be more appropriate to get a commercial grade security system. A few examples of this is the overall quality might be better for properties that are more exposed to the elements or those who have higher levels of crime.

CAMERA QUALITY

Cameras have come quite a far way. With consumer grade cameras you can often make out a lot of details, however, it isn’t standard to come with the highest level of quality when purchasing these cameras. You can get higher quality cameras for consumer grade systems but you are going to pay a lot for them and there are going to be far fewer options.

Commercial grade security cameras, on the other hand, come standard with high camera quality. Businesses typically deal with more threats, thus they need to be better prepared to counter these threats by capturing them on camera.

APPLICATION-SPECIFIC DESIGN

Many consumer grade security cameras are designed to be general use cameras. They have features that are meant to be applicable in as many situations as possible. This means that you may miss out on cameras that would function better in specific locations or when placed for a specific purpose.

Commercial grade security cameras are typically designed with a specific application in mind. For example, you may find a fisheye camera that is designed to watch a whole sales floor or parking lot. For the average consumer, this may make it difficult to set up your own security system if you are going to use commercial security cameras. At the same time, these specific application security cameras meet the needs of businesses.

SIZE OF THE SYSTEM

When you browse for consumer grade security systems you will find that they typically come in packs of two, four, eight, or sixteen cameras.  Eight and sixteen camera systems being rarer. In addition to that, you will find that the systems aren’t as versatile when it comes to adding more cameras. Most require you to buy more base stations known as DVRs or NVRs.

The consumer grade security camera systems vary greatly but most of them come standard with more than six cameras. The idea behind this is that they are more complex systems and businesses are bigger properties, thus more cameras are needed. Some systems can handle hundreds or thousands of cameras but these are complex networked security camera systems.

THE SOFTWARE BEHIND THE SYSTEMS

On consumer grade security camera systems we have started to find a lot more customizable software. You can mark zones for motion detection, alert on only humans, and connect them to your other security systems. These features sound great, and they are, but when compared to what a commercial security camera system has to offer they pale greatly.

A commercial grade security camera system has all of these features and more. What makes the features different is they come with far more customization. You are able to pick specific focuses for the motion detection, thresholds of motion, timers, and more. Other features have the same level of flexibility. In addition to that, the security portion of the software to protect your network is often better on commercial grade security camera systems.

Security camera systems are all around. From your average homeowner to the largest businesses, everyone wants to protect their property. Many of those looking to buy security camera systems see consumer grade and commercial grade systems at the store and wonder what the difference is. Now you can have an answer to that.

It is important that we note that while you can use a commercial grade system to monitor your residential property, it will likely be overkill. Most commercial grade systems have far more power and features than you will ever use. They will also cost more. However, the choice is yours and based on your specific needs, it may be more appropriate to consider commercial grade systems.

Baloydi Lloydi

Baloydi Lloydi is the content manager of Asknoypi.