As crime figures continue to rise, CCTV is becoming increasingly more important in helping the fight against it. According to the Metropolitan Police Service "CCTV is a proven tool that reduces street crime in a particular area and provides valuable intelligence."
However, most criminals are still prepared to commit offences despite a CCTV system in operation due to the poor quality of some systems. These can be seen regularly in programmes such as Crimewatch UK, with some images barely resembling human beings!
At the moment a system can have two totally different objectives: one is solely to work as a deterrent while the other is to produce high quality images which can be used as evidence to ensure that a criminal can be caught.
In choosing the right system the buyer must make sure that the equipment is suitable for the application. Different lighting conditions need different cameras, for example if you are looking at using CCTV cameras in a dark car park. Often it is hard to pick out details on a vehicle when its headlights are on, as the bloom around the light source and the distorting light smear across the picture can cause real problems.
By using a camera which has been developed to deal with this type of lighting condition, such as Panasonic’s new FIT camera with advanced chip technology, smear and bloom is virtually eliminated, allowing specific details such as the registration number to be easily picked out.
A different type of camera is needed for entrance halls, for example receptions in companies or hotels, or cash machine foyers at a bank or building society, where natural back-light can be a problem. Highly contrasting light conditions mean that the background can ‘white-out’ and foreground details appear as a silhouette.
This often makes the identification of a person difficult for ordinary CCTV cameras to resolve. However, there are now cameras on the market, such as Panasonic’s new ‘Super-DII’ cameras, which are specially designed to give a clearer picture, full of essential detail even in highly contrasting light.
Colour or mono?
There is also the consideration of using colour or monochrome cameras. The mono market is in decline due to improvements in technology which means that colour cameras are able to perform well at lower lighting levels. Together with the narrowing price difference between mono and colour, this means that colour cameras are now the preferred choice, especially when used for identification purposes in prosecution cases, for example the correct colour of a car, or clothing on a suspect.
Ultra-sensitive, high specification CCTV cameras are now available on the market which are equipped with both colour and black/white modes. These cameras are ideal for use in town centres or car parks when a clear, sharp picture is required 24 hours a day, as they can produce pictures whatever the lighting conditions by switching from colour mode for day-time use to black and white mode for night-time surveillance.
Panasonic’s WV-CL920 series of cameras repro-duce colour images when other cameras have stopped giving a picture. Switching to mono mode either automatically or manually, these cameras operate to a minimum light intensity of 0.02 lux in mono. And with a sensitivity enhancement of up to 32x, full colour surveillance in light as low as 0.01 lux can be obtained, or when combined with an infrared light source in a mono model, these cameras can be used in extremely low light conditions.
Another important aspect to cover is the installation itself which can affect the usefulness of the system. It can sometimes lead to a camera being positioned incorrectly or fitted with an inappropriate lens. Customers need to have reassurance from an installation firm that they will install the system in order to gain the maximum benefit from the equipment.
This can sometimes lead to a reduction in the number of fixed cameras required to cover a particular scene, for example, by using mini-dome cameras which have the flexibility of 360 degree controlled pan, tilt and zoom observation, such as Panasonic’s unobtrusive range of Super DII ‘mini-dome’ cameras.
Many manufacturers are now offering both sales and installation training to installers to help them have a better understanding of their products, such as features and benefits, compatibility, and optional accessories, while on the installation training side engineers are shown how to install and commission products. Panasonic runs a series of training courses, all of which are free to installers.
Throwing money away
Cost is normally one of the major issues in the choice of a system. So are organisations throwing away good money on a poor quality system in the hope of catching criminals? The answer simply is yes, because low cost will usually mean an inferior build quality resulting in a number of disadvantages, for example, low resolution, poor reliability, shorter lifecycles meaning replacement costs and the cost of servicing and repair.
Unfortunately, with cost often seen as the most important decision in the buying process it means that many unsuspecting purchasers will buy unreliable products and not give a thought about the actual results from the system. One way in which an end user can find out which camera has the best performance is through comparative testing. By using this technique to verify camera specifications the end user will reduce the chances of wasting capital on equipment that is not suitable. The cameras should be put to real tests to prove the benefits that they have to offer e.g. ability to operate at low light levels.
From a manufacturing point of view a specification can make or break a piece of equipment. Consultants will establish what will serve the customer best before drawing up a specification for the contract. This will usually mean that equipment with a proven track record will be recommended. However for companies that do not take this route it will mean choosing equipment that may not be up to scratch. Specifications are very important in choosing CCTV equipment and should not be overlooked.
The household Japanese manufacturers will rigorously test all equipment before releasing a new product. These companies have great reputations to maintain throughout a large number of product areas thus spending time and money to guarantee quality. Their products also come with the reassurance that the company will continue trading and offering service and back-up for all products.
As CCTV systems continue to be sold it may be necessary for the customers to approach the manufacturers more to find out what they have to offer with demonstrations or loans of the equipment. Panasonic has been offering this service for a number of years with demonstration stock and the successful roadshows, which allow potential customers to have an in-depth look at equipment in real life situations. Panasonic has also invested in two demonstration vehicles which will add to the service already provided to assist potential customers with how particular cameras operate – even in the middle of winter!
Panasonic UK, Panasonic House, Willoughby Road, Bracknell, Berks RG12 8FP.
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