The best commercial video surveillance systems will help to protect both the staff and visitors of the company, the goods, the equipment used by the company, the property, and also give valuable evidence if any incidents happen. Nevertheless, installing cameras is one thing, and selecting the best number of cameras and other components is quite another.
Business video surveillance requires appropriate cameras, video quality, storage, remote access, and networking. The selection is made according to the type and the size of the business facility. Small retail store will need 4-8 cameras, large warehouse, parking lot, or other facility – 16 or even more cameras with more space of storage.
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What Are Commercial Video Surveillance Systems?
The term commercial video surveillance is meant to denote the system of business security that will cover such business properties as offices, retail stores, warehouses, cafes, factories, parking areas. Unlike home camera installation, such commercial surveillance systems are more reliable, cover wider territories, record continuously, have multiple cameras, etc.
Main Components
Commercial surveillance system may consist of:
- Video surveillance cameras that are able to capture video from indoors and outdoors.
- NVR or network video recorder that is able to record and manage footage taken from IP cameras.
- NVR storage or hard drive storage for storing of the recordings.
- PoE switch that is able to provide power and connection of networks to cameras that support PoE.
- Network devices for connecting of cameras and recording devices.
- Monitoring system or mobile application that will give opportunity to monitor and manage footage.
Business vs Home Surveillance
While home surveillance can focus on the entrance door and several rooms, business video surveillance usually includes multiple cameras at various parts of the building or business facilities.
It is clear that video surveillance systems for businesses should be chosen according to some parameters and needs of the business property.
How to Choose the Best Commercial Video Surveillance System
Selecting an appropriate commercial security camera system goes beyond megapixels. The best option is that which offers adequate coverage, reliable recording capabilities, enough storage capacity, and future scalability.
Resolution and Image Quality
The most popular options would be 1080p, 2K, 4K, and 8MP cameras. Increased resolution will ensure increased image details making it easier to recognize individuals, cars, signs, or other items in videos.
For large commercial sites a 4K commercial security camera system could be an appropriate solution in case cameras have to cover wide territories.
Camera Coverage
It is important to consider a basic camera coverage plan prior to ordering cameras. It can involve:
- Entrances and exits
- Cash registers
- Hallways
- Warehouses
- Parking lots
- Loading/unloading zones
- Outdoor perimeter areas
Do not place all commercial security cameras at the same location ignoring other critical zones to cover.
Night Vision and Detection
Night vision would be a necessity for businesses open after dark. Motion detection will allow you to limit unneeded recordings, whereas the person and vehicle detection feature based on artificial intelligence might increase the number of relevant notifications.
Storage and NVR
Determine for how many days you would need to keep records stored. Additional cameras, higher resolution, and non-stop recording would mean extra space needed.
A commercial security camera system with NVR might be a good option for commercial enterprises since cameras and recordings could be monitored from one single device.
Wired or Wireless Cameras
Usually PoE security cameras are chosen in case of permanent installation at a commercial site as they can transmit data and be powered via Ethernet cable. However, wireless cameras might offer a convenient solution in certain cases.
Best Commercial Video Surveillance Systems for Businesses
The Best Commercial Video Surveillance Systems vary depending on the size of your property, surveillance needs, storage, and your budget. Instead of using one system for every commercial establishment, you might want to take into consideration the following four systems.
1. Best Overall: Ultra 16CH PoE 4K/8MP System
An 8MP camera system with 16 channels is appropriate for those commercial properties where extensive coverage is necessary.
Key Features
- 16-channel NVR
- 16 × 8MP IP cameras
- 4K video
- 265+ compression
- PoE connectivity
- Night vision
- Motion detection
- Detection of person or vehicle on supported models
- Durable weather cameras
Best for: Warehouses, retail stores, offices, parking lots, and other large commercial properties.
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2. Best Small Business: 8CH 4K PoE System
Not all small businesses require 16 channels. In such cases an eight-channel system can be sufficient for surveillance of the entrances, sales floor, offices, storerooms, and other important areas.
Key Features
- 8-channel NVR
- 4K/8MP IP cameras
- PoE connectivity
- Night vision
- Motion detection
- Recordings on local hard drive
Best for: Small businesses, offices, restaurants, small warehouses.
3. Best Budget Option
Recomended: 4CH/8CH 1080p or 2K Security Camera System
Budget commercial security camera systems usually consist of fewer cameras, more basic NVR but still includes key surveillance elements.
Key Features
- Four to eight IP cameras
- Basic NVR
- 1080p or 2K video
- Night vision
- Motion detection
- Local storage
Best for: Small businesses.
4. Best Large Property
Recomended: 16CH/32CH NVR Security Camera System
Larger establishments will benefit from the use of 16-channel or 32-channel systems, having expandable storage capabilities and more advanced camera possibilities.
Key Features
- 16CH or 32CH NVR
- Extended storage capabilities
- Support of PTZ cameras
- Remote video surveillance
- Variety of cameras
- Advanced analytics on supported systems
Best for: Large warehouses, factories, parking lots, universities/campus facilities and large-scale properties with multiple buildings.
Best Video Surveillance System for Small Business
Recommended: 8CH 4K PoE Security Camera System
A good commercial security camera system for small business is one that provides enough coverage and does not require the business owner to pay extra money for unnecessary cameras and storage capacity.
4 Cameras vs 8 Cameras Systems
With 4 cameras in place it will usually be enough for covering a small store in case it has no specific complexities in terms of design.
As for the need in 8 cameras it is typical for businesses that have several rooms, different storage rooms, outside areas, additional entrances, etc.
Reasons to Have 16 Cameras
When the business has:
- A big retail floor
- Many entrances
- A warehouse or storage room
- Parking area or loading zones
- Several buildings
Consider Choosing Scalability as Well
In addition to the above-listed features, small business owners also need to think about future expansion of their company and accordingly they might want to have 16 channels NVR rather than an 8 channel NVR system.
Commercial CCTV Cameras and IP Security Cameras
Both commercial CCTV cameras and IP security cameras can be used for monitoring and surveillance of a commercial business.
Commercial CCTV Systems: CCTV and DVR
Recommended: Hikvision Turbo HD CCTV System
Normally traditional commercial CCTV systems operate with the use of coaxial cable being connected to DVR system.
Advantages
- The same traditional technology
- Useful in case there already are the necessary systems in place
- Suitable for basic surveillance
Drawbacks
- The lack of flexibility in terms of some applications
- Difficulties in upgrading
- The limitations of video quality, features, resolution, etc.
IP Security Cameras + NVR
Recommended: Reolink PoE IP Security Camera System
Unlike cameras that are operating under CCTV system, IP security cameras operate digitally and are connected to an NVR.
Advantages
- High quality videos
- Convenient network management
- Supports PoE security cameras technology
- More scalable
- The ability to manage remotely
The use of IP security cameras with NVR is preferable in case of a new commercial installation.
Wired vs Wireless Video Surveillance Systems
While the Best Commercial Video Surveillance Systems do not necessarily have to be wireless, there may be cases where this setup would not be ideal.
Advantages of Wired/PoE Systems
Power over Ethernet enables the connected camera to receive power and transmit video over one cable (Ethernet).
Some Benefits Are:
- Consequent signal
- Maintained video quality
- Low reliance on Wi-Fi
- Centralized installation
- Simple network expansion with proper planning
Advantages of Wireless Systems
Wireless cameras could become handy when the installation of Ethernet cables is complicated or too costly to achieve.
Though, companies need to consider:
- Wi-Fi availability
- Limited Wi-Fi capacity
- Consumption of energy
- Connection reliability
- Dependence on Internet/Intranet connections
Remote Video Surveillance
Both wireless and wired solutions can enable remote video surveillance with suitable configurations, as the business owners will be able to view live video feeds and receive notifications through a mobile or desktop program.
As the case of a permanent solution, the wire-based PoE installation is safer when possible.
Important Features to Be Looking for in Commercial Security Cameras
The best commercial surveillance systems should consist of suitable hardware cameras and detection/recording functionalities.
4K/8MP Resolution
High resolutions give the ability to observe more detail, thus, being helpful in observing vast locations and analyzing incidents.
Night Vision
Both outdoor security cameras and indoor security cameras need to ensure enough visibility in dark conditions. Check the specifications regarding the night vision radius provided by the manufacturer, as some may be much better than others.
Weatherproof Outdoor Camera
Outdoor security cameras must be designed according to proper standards (such as IP66).
Fixed, PTZ, and Varifocal Cameras
- Fixed cameras work well if only one particular location needs observation.
- PTZ cameras allow panning, tilting, and zooming to monitor larger spaces.
- Varifocal cameras offer adjustments concerning the focal length of the lens.
AI and Motion Detection
Modern cameras have artificial intelligence that might provide a certain type of motion or people recognition, helping in reducing unnecessary alarms and making footage more readable.
Vehicle Detection
Vehicle detection can help businesses identify and monitor vehicle activity in areas such as parking lots, entrances, loading zones, and outdoor perimeters.
Field of View
While high FOV helps cameras see greater areas, one must take into account that the quality of the image and the way the camera needs to be installed are also important.
NVR, Cloud Storage and Remote Video Surveillance
Storage Strategy
The Best Commercial Video Surveillance Systems must offer a storage solution appropriate for its requirements.
What Is an NVR?
A Network Video Recorder (NVR) is capable of storing video data collected by compatible IP cameras. Business can choose to record videos on its NVR device continuously or upon motion or other defined triggers.
Local Storage
In local storage solutions, videos get stored on the NVR directly and hence, give you complete control over the process. Storage capacities depend on number of cameras, image resolution, frame rate, compression, recording schedule, etc.
Cloud Video Storage
Videos can be stored in cloud video storage where businesses may find easy access, even remotely, to their video data and get off-site backups. But, at the same time they will also have to think about monthly subscriptions charges, network bandwidth, retention period, etc.
Continuous vs Motion Recording
Continuous recording refers to the act of recording video across the whole duration selected but consumes higher storage space. In case of motion-based recording, videos are recorded on detection of activity.
Remote Access
Through remote video surveillance, an employee or any other authorized person may be able to access the cameras or recordings made in their systems through suitable devices.
Frequently Asked Qusestions
What is the best commercial video surveillance system?
The Best Commercial Video Surveillance Systems depend on many factors like sizes of property, number of cameras, image quality requirements, required storage, budget, etc. For many mid-size and large business establishments, PoE camera system with NVR combination may prove beneficial.
What is the best video surveillance system for a small business?
The best video surveillance system for small business can be an eight camera PoE system for any shop, office, restaurant, small warehouse, etc. Smaller establishments requiring fewer number of cameras, may go ahead with a four-camera set up.
Are IP cameras better than commercial CCTV cameras?
While IP security cameras normally feature greater flexibility, high-resolution video, network capabilities, and expansion options, commercial CCTV cameras could be perfectly suitable for companies that have coaxial infrastructure in place.
Are wired or wireless security cameras better for businesses?
As a rule, PoE security cameras are more preferred choice when it comes to installing camera security system in the premises as they allow establishing both network connection and power supply via Ethernet. But wireless security cameras are also acceptable alternative in places with hard-to-install cables.
How many security cameras does a business need?
It is impossible to give exact figure as each particular company requires individual approach. The first step should be identifying entry/exit points, checkout locations, warehouse, parking spots, etc. Small company would require four to eight security cameras installed, while larger premises might need 16, 32, or even more.
Do commercial security cameras need an NVR?
NVRs are often used in combination with IP cameras and allow performing centralized recording and management tasks. There are cameras capable of recording into cloud or internal storage but in case if you need to perform centralized recording using business security camera system, NVR would be better option.
Final Thoughts
Best commercial video surveillance systems isn’t only about purchasing the best resolution cameras. When choosing a camera security system for business, companies also need to consider factors like coverage, camera location, night vision, storage options, networking options, remote access and expandability.
Small business will be more satisfied with four or eight camera PoE system while warehouses, bigger commercial sites will find 16 or 32 channel NVR more useful. High resolution cameras, enough storage, reliable cabling, and detection capabilities could help you choose more practical system. Most important thing is to pick up cameras, which are actually needed.
