This report provides in-depth recommendations and a template for optimally specifying surveillance cameras. Confusion in properly specifying cameras is a consistent theme we hear from end users and see in published RFPs. Because of this, two approaches are typically used in creating specifications:

• Cutting and pasting from A&E specification of a specific camera
• Using vague specification of a few high level features

Both of these cause problems:

• A&E specifications are frequently booby-trapped to contain low level requirements only that manufacturer offers yet are generally irrelevant or not necessary for one's applications. Cutting and pasting such specs can be the equivalent of indirectly sole sourcing a product, driving up prices and reducing competition.
• Vague specifications will routinely result in dissatisfaction and change orders as users later realize that the cameras provided do not meet their unstated expectations.

To overcome this, we have developed our own vendor independent RFP template that provides broad coverage of the most important elements impacting surveillance camera selection. Inside the Pro section, we provide recommendations and template for specifying the following 27 attributes:

• Form Factor
• Resolution
• Frames Per Second
• CODEC
• Main Target of Camera
• Pixels Per Foot / Pixels Per Meter
• Horizontal Field of View
• Distance from Camera
• Low Light (Min Illumination)
• Maximum Exposure Setting
• Integrated IR
• Bright Light (WDR)
• Audio
• Outdoor Rating
• Temperature Range
• Vandal
• Multi-Streaming
• Streaming Mode
• Recording Mode
• VMS Compatibility
• Power Supply
• Auto Focus
• Iris Type
• Lens Type
• PTZ Optical Zoom
• PTZ Pan Range
• PTZ Tilt Range

We divide this coverage into 3 sections: why to specify certain attributes, what requirements to avoid and what options to select from in the requirements you define. Whether you are putting a project out to bid or simply want to make sure you properly define your cameras, this will be an indispensible source for designing surveillance systems. Use this template with our industry leading IP Camera Finder and our Training Report on Selecting IP Cameras to discover what cameras meet your requirements.

The entire report, including the Pro section, is over 7000 words. Since this is a long report, we recommend using this as a Reference Guide or reading this in multiple sessions to digest the diverse recommendations.