Special-Purpose Cameras for Specific Solutions
In a previous article, we discussed the most common types of cameras on the market. While those cameras are perfect for general security purposes, sometimes you need a specialty camera for a specific problem that needs solving. Luckily, ENS Security has a variety of special purpose cameras that will definitely fit your needs. Read on to learn more.
Thermal Cameras
Thermal image of city street
Often utilized in hospital settings, areas with low light, or environments with obfuscating elements, thermal imaging cameras are an incredibly useful alternative to a traditional security camera. The camera works by detecting and measuring infrared radiation emanating from the camera’s surroundings. These readings are filtered through a sensor and processed to produce a thermal heat signature image like the one above. Thermal cameras can also produce high-contrast black and white images.
Practically, these cameras can be used in medical environments where patient’s temperatures are read as they enter the building. This allows hospital staff to know who may be sick before spreading illness to others. Thermal cameras can also solve low-visibility problems as they require little environmental lighting to operate. This is particularly useful in areas that have heavy rain, fog, smoke, foliage, or any other variable that could affect a standard camera’s visibility. Vandals and criminals will have a hard time hiding from a camera that can detect their very own body heat!
The SIP42B4ATH/4 Thermal Bullet Camera from ENS Security.
Floodlight Cameras
Perfect for home security and asset protection, floodlight cameras are a wonderful addition to your security network. Utilizing motion detection and active deterrence features, floodlight cameras can stun and scare off potential criminals with their titular light fixtures. Once motion is detected and the camera’s mechanism is triggered, the bright, blinding floodlights will kick on, catching unwanted trespassers off guard. You can add to the disorientation by including a customized alarm sound that will further dissuade the criminal from entering.
A thief caught in the floodlights of a security camera utilizing active deterrence.
These cameras can be suitably placed in the front or back yard, or anywhere you want to prevent break-ins. Some models are completely wireless, allowing for easy installation and setup. For more convenience, there are also mobile applications that allow you to stream camera feeds so you can have the peace of mind knowing your valuables are safe, anywhere you are!
The HNC2IL26N-IRAS/28 Wireless Floodlight Camera from ENS Security.
Panoramic Cameras
If you need a wide area of camera coverage, a panoramic camera may be the choice for you. These kinds of cameras are unique for their notable multi-lens builds that offer a compounded range of vision and video resolution (Note: Not ALL panoramic cameras have multiple lenses. Some have a single lens with a fisheye warp that offers 180 degree viewing). For example, if a camera with two lenses has a recording resolution of 4MP each, then their combined footage will display a 8MP or 4K. The dual lenses also afford the camera a broad viewing angle that reaches to about 180 degrees. Pretty neat eh?
A sample image of a panoramic camera’s 180 degree viewing angle.
Panoramic cameras save you from having to buy multiple cameras that may offer the same coverage with their wide ranging scope. They are great for expansive areas like parking lots, warehouses, or city streets. Some even come with additional advanced features like people counting, heat mapping, and human/vehicle classification for extra layers of functionality.
The HNC5I789-M1N1-36-E2 8MP/4K Panoramic Camera from ENS Security.
Covert Cameras
Exactly as the name implies, covert cameras are for jobs that require a little more…subtlety. Because these cameras are rather small and delicate, they are best suited for indoor purposes. You can install them in an ATM, bank, store, hotel, or anyplace you need a little discrete recording action (just don’t do anything illegal with them!). These cameras can record at 2MP HD quality and often have fixed lenses.
A Covert Pinhole Network Camera Sensor Unit HNC7V621-L1/28
from ENS Security.
Solar Cameras
Excellent for providing security in areas without nearby ethernet or power sources, solar powered cameras are an exciting development in the clean energy market. Outfitted with a 40W solar panel that stores a full charge after 1.5-3 days, this unit operates on with incredibly low power consumption that helps keep it operational even without sun. This unit can last 4.5 days on a full charge on continuously cloudy/rainy days if used on a particular power-saving mode.
Lightweight, easy to install, and no cables to worry about, this solar powered camera is a breeze to set up and get working. Footage is streamed directly to your monitor over wireless 4G internet. This unit was designed for outdoor environments, and would provide great security at a farm, a construction site, an outdoor resort, or an area with industrial infrastructure. These cameras also come with features you’d come to expect from an advanced surveillance product like: full color at night, perimeter protection and active deterrence features.
The SIPSB8AGZ/4-U2 Solar-Powered 8MP Camera from ENS Security.
About the Author: Aaron Avila
