Home Security Camera System – Fixed (box) Camera

Fixed cameras are what traditionally comes to mind when one imagines a home security camera system. Also referred to as a full sized or box cameras (due to their shape), most fixed cameras are highly customizable, as lenses, mounts, and power supplies are sold separately from the home security camera system.

Lenses for a fixed home security camera system are either C or CS mount. The CS mount is the newer of the two and allows for compatibility with the older C mount (with an adaptor) while allowing for the use of smaller lenses to suit newer, smaller CCD chip sizes.

CCD stands for charged coupled display and it is what is used for imaging in fixed cameras. The CCD converts light into electricity that represents picture information. Common CCD sizes are 1/3” and ¼”. 1/3” is currently the standard but larger sizes, such as 2/3” and ½” do exist.

Many home security camera system accessories exist for fixed cameras. Some popular ones are varifocal lenses and environmental housings. Varifocal lenses allow a camera to have multiple focal lengths. This is not similar to zoom lenses, however, as the varifocal lens must be manually adjusted. Environmental housings, which consist of a heater for cold climates and a fan for climates with high heat are used if a home security camera system is used in extreme conditions.

Fixed cameras come in numerous home security camera system configurations, including high resolution, weatherproof, and low light models. They come in color, black and white, and day/night models. Day/night capability, also called night vision, means the cameras are color by day and black and white in full darkness. Both high end and economy fixed cameras are available and most situations involving the need for a home security camera system can be solved using one of these cameras.

Fixed Home Security Camera System