RE: Experience with CCD security cameras

["Stainton-James, Mark (IDS EaCS Ops)" <stainmar@xxxxxxx>]

Mark,

The area I wanted to monitor initially was similar to yours, about 90
degrees and a 10 meter range with an exposed southerly aspect. Near the
camera is a PIR triggered halogen flood.

I started off using a colour bullet camera from LetsAutomate with an 8mm
lens. This did not give me the full 90 degree width that I wanted, so in
the
end bought a 4mm lens from Henrys as a replacement which worked well even
though the image was a tiny bit 'fish eye' but gave about 120 degrees.

I had to think very carefully about the positioning of the camera.  Too
high
and I found that recognition of anyone or anything (#plates) was impossible
so had to go lower for a better angle - too low of then you are at risk
from
vandals and too much white light (sun and sky) which destroys the picture
as
these cameras can not cope well at all.

I recently changed to B/W cameras with built in IR, and have been amazed by
how much better the clarity is particularly in low light, but also in
normal
daylight conditions as well.

I have had no problems with condensation, although as Phil said spiders
have
caused problems for us also.

Hope this helps,

Mark