We like to think two inventions have changed the course of investigation at large. These inventions are - DNA and Surveillance camera.
As a result of the way these inventions operate, many crimes that would have remained a mystery some years ago have been solved. An example of how surveillance footage helps is seen in the George Floyd case.
Sometime in May 2020, the 46-year-old black American was arrested and assaulted by policemen. Chief among the culprit was Derek Chauvin who knelt on his neck for an alarming 8 minutes and 46 seconds.
As a result of the way these inventions operate, many crimes that would have remained a mystery some years ago have been solved. An example of how surveillance footage helps is seen in the George Floyd case.
Sometime in May 2020, the 46-year-old black American was arrested and assaulted by policemen. Chief among the culprit was Derek Chauvin who knelt on his neck for an alarming 8 minutes and 46 seconds.
The incident which eventually led to Floyd’s death was captured by a bystander. However, it was a fixed-position camera that would prove decisive in how the case will evolve.
This is because in a briefing by the police department, they inferred that the action of Derek Chauvin and his colleagues was necessary as George Floyd resisted arrest.
Well, it just happens that surveillance footage captured by a fixed-position camera revealed otherwise. As a matter of fact, Floyd was cooperative from the moment the Policemen showed up. So, the surveillance footage speaks volumes even though the late George Floyd cannot defend himself.
If you are interested in seeing the surveillance footage captured by the fixed-position camera, you can visit: https://edition.cnn.com/2020/05/28/us/video-george-floyd-contradict-resist-trnd/index.html
In this article, we are going to stress the importance of using a fixed-position camera. This is especially over a PTZ which is also a common option.
Why Choose a Fixed-Position Camera over a PTZ
Many people assume the PTZ is a better option than the fixed position camera because of some distinct features. While the PTZ is clearly not a bad option, we like to stress that the fixed position camera is a lot better. Some of the reason for this stance are listed and explained below:
Wider Coverage of the Scene
Generally speaking, a fixed camera offers a (static) wider coverage. The surveillance carried out by this device can see more than the PTZ from a static point.
The Len focus is usually within the 86-degree to 115-degree range. However, we have noticed that some top-notch products can cover as much as 180 degrees and even a little more.
So, you should think seriously about this option if static wider coverage is important to you.
Avoiding Blind Spots
Many people love the PTZ option because it rotates and covers more areas cumulatively. However, there is a problem with this.
The setback is that the PTZ allows for blind spots. In fact, some criminals are aware of this flaw and take advantage of this. By blind spot, we mean that there is an obstructed view because of a change in focus. So, you should count the cost and see why getting something stationary is better.
Images Are of Higher Resolution
More often than not, the images produced by static cameras are better than what is obtainable with PTZ. This is because of the high-resolution approach to capturing events
For instance, we suggest you go for this option if you need something that can identify minute details such as the license number of vehicles.
However, you must ensure that you get a device best suited for this. The necessary adjustment of the settings to help achieve this also has to be done.
PTZ Cameras Are Better Off as Backup
Security experts strongly recommend that the PTZ option is limited to the role of a backup camera. This is because of its flaw in leaving blind spots and the ability to easily predict its movement. If you are interested in knowing other flaws of the PTZ, you can watch this.
So, you should get a static option if you can only afford to get one. You just have to ensure it is well focused on a prime area.
Getting the Right Fixed Position Camera
Here are some things you should consider if you will get the right static device for surveillance:
Compatibility with Mobile Device and PC
It is important that the device can be easily connected to a mobile device and PC. This will help send or get live feeds of events captured by the device. It can also help in properly positioning the device for optimal coverage.
Weather Proof
A good device should be able to deal with mild and harsh weather conditions. This is important in ensuring that the essential functions of the device are not affected.
You should also ensure that the cables connected to the device are protected from harsh weather conditions. You may have to invest in a protective casing to make sure of this.
Good Battery and Backup Battery
You do not want your camera going off on account of a low battery. This is why you are to get a device that has a good battery and backup battery.
Unlimited or Large Media Storage
You need a device that has unlimited or very large media storage. This is so that none of the coverage will be lost.
Conclusion
Several points explaining the edge fixed position cameras have over PTZ have been raised in this article. The bottom line is that the former makes up for many of the flaws of the latter. If and when you need to get a surveillance device, we advise that you think seriously about a fixed position option considering the issues discussed in this article.
Article written by Matt
(Photo by user 50710987146 via Flickr)
This is because in a briefing by the police department, they inferred that the action of Derek Chauvin and his colleagues was necessary as George Floyd resisted arrest.
Well, it just happens that surveillance footage captured by a fixed-position camera revealed otherwise. As a matter of fact, Floyd was cooperative from the moment the Policemen showed up. So, the surveillance footage speaks volumes even though the late George Floyd cannot defend himself.
If you are interested in seeing the surveillance footage captured by the fixed-position camera, you can visit: https://edition.cnn.com/2020/05/28/us/video-george-floyd-contradict-resist-trnd/index.html
In this article, we are going to stress the importance of using a fixed-position camera. This is especially over a PTZ which is also a common option.
Why Choose a Fixed-Position Camera over a PTZ
Many people assume the PTZ is a better option than the fixed position camera because of some distinct features. While the PTZ is clearly not a bad option, we like to stress that the fixed position camera is a lot better. Some of the reason for this stance are listed and explained below:
Wider Coverage of the Scene
Generally speaking, a fixed camera offers a (static) wider coverage. The surveillance carried out by this device can see more than the PTZ from a static point.
The Len focus is usually within the 86-degree to 115-degree range. However, we have noticed that some top-notch products can cover as much as 180 degrees and even a little more.
So, you should think seriously about this option if static wider coverage is important to you.
Avoiding Blind Spots
Many people love the PTZ option because it rotates and covers more areas cumulatively. However, there is a problem with this.
The setback is that the PTZ allows for blind spots. In fact, some criminals are aware of this flaw and take advantage of this. By blind spot, we mean that there is an obstructed view because of a change in focus. So, you should count the cost and see why getting something stationary is better.
Images Are of Higher Resolution
More often than not, the images produced by static cameras are better than what is obtainable with PTZ. This is because of the high-resolution approach to capturing events
For instance, we suggest you go for this option if you need something that can identify minute details such as the license number of vehicles.
However, you must ensure that you get a device best suited for this. The necessary adjustment of the settings to help achieve this also has to be done.
PTZ Cameras Are Better Off as Backup
Security experts strongly recommend that the PTZ option is limited to the role of a backup camera. This is because of its flaw in leaving blind spots and the ability to easily predict its movement. If you are interested in knowing other flaws of the PTZ, you can watch this.
So, you should get a static option if you can only afford to get one. You just have to ensure it is well focused on a prime area.
Getting the Right Fixed Position Camera
Here are some things you should consider if you will get the right static device for surveillance:
Compatibility with Mobile Device and PC
It is important that the device can be easily connected to a mobile device and PC. This will help send or get live feeds of events captured by the device. It can also help in properly positioning the device for optimal coverage.
Weather Proof
A good device should be able to deal with mild and harsh weather conditions. This is important in ensuring that the essential functions of the device are not affected.
You should also ensure that the cables connected to the device are protected from harsh weather conditions. You may have to invest in a protective casing to make sure of this.
Good Battery and Backup Battery
You do not want your camera going off on account of a low battery. This is why you are to get a device that has a good battery and backup battery.
Unlimited or Large Media Storage
You need a device that has unlimited or very large media storage. This is so that none of the coverage will be lost.
Conclusion
Several points explaining the edge fixed position cameras have over PTZ have been raised in this article. The bottom line is that the former makes up for many of the flaws of the latter. If and when you need to get a surveillance device, we advise that you think seriously about a fixed position option considering the issues discussed in this article.
Article written by Matt
(Photo by user 50710987146 via Flickr)
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