The first question of a professional Installer of security cameras should be on the actual purpose of the recording project. Not every CCTV system is installed purely as a deterrent for vandals and burglars. The main fields of surveillance purposes are:

• Crime Prevention
• Property Protection
• Health and Safety
• Building and Work Monitoring
• Staff Security
• Covert Surveillance Recordings in cases of repetitive theft
• Police/Court Quality Recordings

The choice of cameras and lenses to a large extent depends on this purpose. A health and safety surveillance system for example needs a camera and lens, which can monitor a relatively wide area. Dangers and hazards on the property can be seen, but  good facial recognition is usually not necessary. Staff are recognized because the employer or security staff member knows every person.
In a crime prevention project it is of utmost importance to have at least one head and shoulder concentrated recording of every person coming and leaving the building. Narrow view high resolution cameras and lenses are of advantage. Only good quality close up recordings of the face have a chance of being accepted as evidence before a court.
Cameras need to be chosen according to the following applications: Monitoring or Identification / Recognition. Only a well trained CCTV Installer has the eye and understanding needed for the right choice. There are currently many thousand different types and models of security cameras on the market.