Max. capacity
The largest storage capacity with which the recorder is able to work normally.
The more capacious the drive, the higher the processing power of the system in which it is used should be. Therefore, any modern registrar has limitations on disk capacity. However, even in the most modest models, this figure is about 2 TB, in most cases this is quite enough to work with the capabilities provided in this particular registrar.
Camera model
A model of pointed cameras supplied with a video surveillance kit. Knowing this data, you can find detailed information on the cameras and clarify their characteristics. Also, if you buy additional cameras of the same model, you don't have to worry about compatibility.
Martix type
The type of matrices used in pointed cameras.
— CMOS. Also known as CMOS. Matrices of this type have good speed, small size, low power consumption and lower cost than CCD. On the other hand, the image quality of CMOS matrices is somewhat worse, and the noise is noticeably higher. However, these shortcomings can be corrected with the help of constructive tricks, and the technology itself is constantly being improved. Therefore, today CMOS matrices can be found both in inexpensive and in fairly advanced cameras; the actual quality of the sensor usually depends on the price category of the camera.
— CCD. Another well-known name is CCD. Compared to CMOS, such matrices are much more expensive and thicker, but they have lower noise levels and noticeably improve image quality. Of the practical disadvantages of CCD, it is worth noting that it is difficult to properly process point light sources; however, in many cameras, this moment is compensated to one degree or another by special technologies. Matrices of this type are typical for cameras of the middle and top levels.
— DIS. The main feature of DIS matrices is the presence of a built-in image processor in the sensor itself. This allows you to achieve good image quality with small dimensions and low cost of the cameras themselves. In addition, DIS matrices are resistant to low temperatures, which makes them especially suitable for outdoor applications.
Number of megapixels
Sensor resolution of pointed cameras in megapixels (millions of pixels).
Higher resolution allows you to get a more detailed "picture". However, increasing the number of megapixels without increasing the sensor size can result in poor overall image quality and noise, especially in low light. Therefore, in itself, the high resolution of the matrix does not guarantee high quality shooting.
Focal length
Focal length of the lens of pointed cameras included in the set.
The focal length is the distance between the lens and the matrix, at which the image on the sensor is as clear as possible (when the lens is focused to infinity). This indicator directly affects the viewing angles and the degree of magnification: the larger the focal length, the narrower the viewing angle and the more the camera "brings" the object. At the same time, it should be noted that the actual viewing angle is determined not only by the focal length, but also by the size of the matrix (see above). In fact, this means that with different sizes of matrices, lenses with the same focal length will have different working angles. Therefore, only cameras with the same matrix size can be compared with each other according to this indicator.
Horizontal viewing angle
The viewing angle of the directional cameras supplied as standard is horizontal.
Wide viewing angles allow you to cover a large area; this is especially important given that directional cameras are often made stationary. On the other hand, all other things being equal, a larger viewing angle will mean a lower degree of magnification - objects will look smaller, detail will be worse. Therefore, when choosing according to this parameter, you should proceed from what is more important - a wide field of view or “range”.
Illumination range
The range of infrared illumination provided in the standard pointed cameras of the kit.
IR illumination allows the camera to shoot in low light conditions (up to complete darkness); at the same time, for a number of reasons, it is preferable to classical backlighting in the visible range. The backlight range is the approximate distance from the camera to the object at which it (in total darkness) will be normally visible in the frame. Note that actual visibility may vary greatly depending on the size, colour and reflectivity of specific items; Nevertheless, the claimed backlight range allows you to fairly accurately assess the "night" characteristics of the camera.
Mobile app
The ability to use a smartphone or tablet to communicate with the recorder over a network (local or Internet, depending on the model; some manufacturers of video equipment even have their own cloud services). To work with the registrar, you need to install a special application that can provide various additional features — from watching live video on the gadget screen to fine-tuning the video surveillance system. The specific set of features may be different, but anyway, the
mobile application can make working with the registrar easier and more convenient.
RCA audio input
The number of
RCA audio inputs provided in the design of the complete recorder.
The presence of such connectors allows the recorder to receive an analogue audio signal from cameras that have the ability to capture sound, or from separately made microphones. It is worth looking for a set with such capabilities in cases where it is critical to record not only the picture, but also the sound during observation. Note that the number of RCA inputs may correspond to the number of BNC connectors (see above), but may be less.
