Security cameras are a critical part of any comprehensive security system. Video surveillance lets you see every area of your property at a glance while deterring intruders. While it’s relatively simple to hook up a camera or two, integrating a security camera installation into an existing security alarm system requires professional expertise.
If you’re considering installing or upgrading commercial security cameras on your property, our team can help with every step of the process. Contact us today to discuss your requirements and schedule a property assessment.
"*" indicates required fields
At Suncoast Power, we don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. Our customer-centric process ensures you get the system you need without any unexpected payments or delays. Because each installation is tailored to each customer, we follow a general step-by-step installation process.
Site Survey
The first step is surveying your property to identify the best locations for cameras.
Design Plan
We create a design plan that includes camera placement, power requirements and more
Camera Installation
Once our plan is approved, we install cameras, wiring, cabling and anything else required.
Inspections and Testing
Once complete, we test all of our work to ensure the job passes the final inspection with the city.
While the most common use of commercial security cameras is to reduce the risk of theft and vandalism, there are a number of other benefits to consider. For example, security cameras can help protect your business against false insurance claims and lawsuits or monitor and track employee performance. There are a number of different security cameras we can install including:
Closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras are the gold standard in video surveillance. CCTV systems transmit video footage over a single channel, creating a closed, secure loop of information that only broadcasts to specified monitors and screens.
Traditional CCTV systems use cables to connect cameras to a recording system or surveillance monitor physically. These systems require extensive expertise to install, as they require connecting coaxial and power cables to each node in the network.
While traditional analog systems are becoming less popular, they offer a reliable solution, especially if you’re adding new cameras to an existing security network. Unlike wireless systems, traditional CCTV networks are more difficult to hack, making them the preferred solution despite their higher initial cost.
Many businesses have started relying on automated, “smart” security systems. Smart CCTV cameras contain sophisticated software that does much more than record video. These cameras can identify and recognize people, objects, vehicles, and license plates, which opens up a host of new security applications.
Smart cameras can collect information about your customers, making it easier to identify trends and track the customer experience. Facial recognition software can also track individuals and prevent unwanted visitors from entering.
Installing smart CCTV cameras often involves installing a control panel that lets you make the most out of the information you gather.
IP cameras rely on a business’s existing IT infrastructure to communicate. While traditional analog CCTV cameras need coaxial cables to connect to monitors and recording devices, IP cameras use either new or existing Ethernet cables to communicate with the security system.
In general, installing IP cameras is more straightforward than installing traditional CCTV systems since many businesses already have some form of network infrastructure. IP cameras offer several advantages over analog, including better image quality, features such as video analytics and video verification, better performance under low-light conditions, and better scaling capability.
The main drawback of IP cameras is that they’re as vulnerable as your IT network to attack. If you don’t have robust network security, you risk unscrupulous individuals accessing your security camera data, opening up your security system to potential tampering. However, if you have a strong cybersecurity strategy, IP cameras may be an ideal, flexible option to integrate into your existing system.
As your business grows and evolves, so will your security needs. While a CCTV camera or two may be sufficient for a small building, it won’t be enough when you expand or need to collect information about employees and customers.
Upgrading cameras involves more than just replacing the unit. If you have a traditional analog system, you’ll need to upgrade to network cameras to take advantage of many smart features, including facial recognition and access control. At the same time, it’s easy to go overboard and get security cameras with features you don’t need, unnecessarily exceeding your budget.
During security camera upgrades, one of our primary focuses is to tread the fine line between effectiveness and budget. Our custom-designed solutions consider your existing system and its expanding needs to develop one that can grow with your business and security concerns.
Not all cameras are suitable for all security applications. Whether installing a completely new security system or upgrading an existing one, it’s vital to understand which units are ideal for your requirements. As part of our security camera installation services, we help you identify which cameras will give you the best benefits with the fewest drawbacks.
Video doorbells are a relative newcomer to the security camera market, but they’re rapidly becoming one of the top-selling products for both residential and commercial applications. The principle of the video doorbell is simple: When someone approaches the gate and rings the bell, the doorbell camera transmits a video to a monitor or cellphone, alerting the owner they have a visitor.
Most doorbell cameras come with speakers and microphones, allowing for two-way communication. Some smart doorbell cameras will feature facial recognition software and motion detectors, ensuring you only get alerts when necessary.
Instead of relying on direct connections between all components, Network IP cameras connect to an Ethernet network. The main advantage of Network IP cameras is that they’re incredibly flexible.
If you want to add a new camera, all that is required is to plug it into the network without worrying about coaxial cable installation. Similarly, it’s often as simple as plugging a new or existing computer into the network if you want to add a new monitor.
Some network cameras connect to your security system via the internet, taking their flexibility to a new level. Network IP cameras allow owners to access their camera feed from anywhere.
Network IP cameras are rapidly becoming the gold standard as CCTV cameras. Not only do they tend to have better resolution than traditional analog cameras, but they can also incorporate modern features such as video analytics, thermal image processing, facial recognition, and tracking.
If you need excellent image quality without the presence of light, you’ll need to invest in a thermal camera. These cameras use infrared rays to detect heat radiation to create a clear picture, even in complete darkness, making them ideal for light-sensitive applications.
Wireless cameras rely on Wi-Fi or other wireless technologies to transmit data from the camera to the monitoring system. Many of these cameras also use battery or solar power, eliminating the need for any cabling during installation.
In addition to being easier to install, wireless cameras are more discreet and streamlined, making them perfect for buildings where aesthetics are a priority. As with network cameras, wireless cameras are less secure than traditional CCTV options, but their ease of use and installation makes them a popular pick for small businesses.
Bullet cameras have an iconic, cylindrical design that gives them flexibility and durability. The tough outer casing makes them perfect for exterior security, and their visibility and iconic looks make them an excellent deterrent to would-be intruders. These cameras are suitable for almost all external security situations, with their major drawback being their relatively limited field of vision.
PTZ cameras rely on remote controls instructing the camera to pan left and right, tilt up and down, and even zoom in and out, depending on the user’s need. These cameras work best with a live security guard, who can use their features to control the live feed on-site effectively.
PTZ cameras are popular in larger spaces, such as retail blocks or museum exhibits. They can provide a comprehensive overview and cover a much larger area than several static cameras. Some smart PTZ cameras can even respond to motion, making them a good choice for monitoring exits and entrances in potentially insecure areas.
Fisheye cameras capture images in a wide field of view (FOV), and this FOV is why these images have the distinctive “fisheye” look of a central focal point and condensed periphery. If you want something reliable and affordable and are willing to sacrifice readability and image quality, fisheye cameras may be the ideal choice.
Dome cameras offer a wider range of vision than bullet cameras and are typically smaller and less visible. These discreet cameras are ideal for areas where you need visibility but want to be subtle about your monitoring.
Turret cameras contain a ball and socket joint that allows them to move freely in their mounting. These cameras are incredibly versatile and allow users to adjust their field of view on the fly. However, since they’re less protected than dome cameras, they’re more suitable for inside use than as an external security camera solution.
Multiple sensor cameras have a wide field of view without the peripheral distortion of a fisheye camera. They use several sensors to create a composite image that provides a clear, continuous 360° view. An added advantage of these cameras is that they’re less vulnerable to damage — even if one sensor fails, you’ll still get a (slightly lower quality) video feed.
Proper security camera installation requires understanding your whole security system and how cameras fit into that system. While it’s entirely possible to install a security camera by yourself, professionals are better equipped. Professional installation often results in a faster and more secure process.
While it’s possible to use outdoor cameras indoors, they’re not designed for that purpose. Using outdoor cameras will cause you to run into limitations such as aesthetics and cost. Instead, stick to indoor cameras intended for that specific use.
One of the first choices you’ll make when installing surveillance cameras is whether you want an analog or digital solution. Digital Video Recorder (DVR) systems use analog cameras connected to a central hub with coaxial cables. Network Video Recorder (NVR) systems use a digital network of Ethernet cables (or wireless signals) to record and transmit video data.
DVR systems are more limited in functionality but offer reliable, low-tech performance. At the same time, NVR provides more features at the cost of security — if anyone can hack into your network, they’ll be able to hack your cameras.
Security cameras are most effective at ingress and egress points, such as entrances and first-floor windows. We also place our security cameras high up to prevent tampering and vandalism.
Outdoor cameras need a protective casing that can withstand moisture, heat, wind, and cold. Improper waterproofing will result in mechanical failure and frequent maintenance requirements.
Cameras record an exceptional amount of video footage, and you’ll need to consider how to store the feed. As with every other aspect of your security camera installation, tailoring your storage solution to your situation will give the best results.
High camera resolution, how long you run the camera, and the number of cameras installed will determine how much storage solution you’ll need. Our experts have a useful calculation sheet that will give you a good idea of what storage solution is best for your system.
When it comes to video recall, you want the ability to access any video footage at any time. Selecting the correct type of storage for your security system will ensure you can playback your videos at will. Video storage comes in two varieties: cloud and hard drive storage.
Cloud storage uploads your video feed into a third-party storage site that you can access from any device, regardless of where you are. It’s appealing as it’s more convenient and accessible than working with physical drives. However, cloud storage does require a fast internet connection, and while many CCTV systems offer free storage, you’ll have to pay a subscription fee if you exceed your limit.
Many systems still use a hard drive, which records the video feed onto a physical medium. Hard drives are relatively simple once installed but lack the accessibility features of cloud storage.
