CCTV camera captures the image in CCTV system. It comes in different shapes like dome, standard, and bullet. Different technologies like Pan/Tilt/Zoom, Low Light, Infrared No-Light, and License Plate can be built into any of these forms of CCTV cameras.

CCTV cameras are becoming very popular because they provide high shutter speed, greater pixel resolution, memory capacity and easy installation. The images captured by CCTV camera can be stored on the computer and can be used as a record against crime.

There are different kinds of cameras available in the market and it is very difficult to decide the camera one should buy. There are different factors that can help you to decide the most appropriate CCTV camera to fulfill your requirements. Some of the tips to buy a CCTV camera are:

? Location: Location is a very important aspect which one should consider before going to buy a CCTV camera. Check, whether you want CCTV camera for outdoor location or for some indoor application.

? Distance: Check the distance between the location (where you want to install the camera) and the target area. And depending upon the distance, you can decide how much zoom is required (4mm, 8mm, 12mm, or 50mm lens).

? Field of view or area of surveillance: There are different types of lenses used in CCTV area and the lens that suits to your requirements depends on few things. The factors that decide about the lens are: the target area, the distance it should cover, and width of the viewing area.

? Resolution: Size of the lens depends on the image you want to capture. For example, capturing a person's face or capturing some number plate details will have different resolution requirements.

? Vandalism potential: There are cameras which are damage resistant. If the location where you are placing your camera is prone to vandalism, then you should go for damage resistant cameras.

? Lighting: For different lighting conditions, there are different cameras available. For example, if you want to capture an image in the total darkness, then you can go for infrared cameras.

? Budget: Budget is one of the most important aspects. Make sure, the camera that you decide to buy should fulfill all your requirements.

Wide use of CCTV for different purposes has also resulted in controversies. In the United Kingdom, CCTV cameras are placed in public areas to control the crime. But this is not found to be a very effective method of surveillance as criminals know ways to evade the security. They paint the camera lens, flash laser pointers, or jam the wireless signals, and sometimes even shoot the camera. General public feels that CCTV camera interferes in their privacy. People never feel free, and feel conscious to participate in activities as they are being watched all the time. Unnecessary surveillance has adverse impact on individuals mind.

But even after all these problems CCTV camera is gaining popularity and is one of the good options to ensure security.