Weather resistance is another vital factor in security camera systems. Most aren't designed to withstand severe extremes in weather therefore pick the wrong type of camera and it could be like sending money down the drain.

- SSC-44B is a well priced unit with a host of features and specially designed for outdoor surveillance. It's weatherproof features make it ideal for areas which may experience both spectrums of the weather scale. Features include:

- a digital still-frame imaging system

- passive infra red detector(PIR) motion sensor

- it has a invisible infrared illuminator built in

- is easy to use and set up

This unit comes attractively priced, around $350 without a monitor and is worth pursuing particularly if you don't have a lot of experience with security cameras.

The Day/Night outdoor security camera from Smart Home has attracted a lot of interest. For starters, it's designed for outdoor use so it will resist the elements with it's corrosion resistant metal housing and sunshade housing.

It's ability to provide high resolution pictures during the day in color and then revert to black and white when light is low combined with it's effectiveness in low light areas make it ideal for outdoor surveillance. This camera unit can connect to either a TV or VCR and is perfect for a domestic home or business. It's capacity to see up to 25 feet in night conditions is another feature. It's very attractively priced at under $200.

Did You Know?

Do you know what a PTZ is? It's a feature which allows a pan tilt and zoom feature on an outdoor security camera and are very effective. However, if you are working on a budget then they can be expensive with some models setting you back over four figures. It's one of those features that needs to be viewed in terms of practicality when shopping security cameras.

Digital Systems?

Digital video systems are quickly becoming the preferred option with consumers. Why? There is nothing worse for someone who has just been burgled and upon checking the security video tape finds it is of poor quality. One of the biggest complaints with analog is the relatively short life span of it's video tapes.

Planning Is Vital

One of the biggest mistakes made by people installing outdoor security camera systems on their properties is lack of planning. This is vital becuase put up hastily and without too much thought, a security system is almost useless. Sure, it will keep an eye on the areas it's be assigned to cover and do it very effectively but if those areas are in full view all the time and considered non-security issues then what's the point.

You need to concentrate on areas which are considered blind spots. These are where intruders are more likely to concentrate on. Also, getting advice on the type of camera you need is another vital aspect of planning. Depending on the size of your property, whether it's business or domestic, you don't want to over do it with a powerful and expensive system for a small area and vice versa.