--- title: DGA Blog | Business Security and Fire Systems | Video Surveillance description: Video Surveillance | Our business security and fire systems experts answer the most frequently asked questions, no holds barred. Read on. --- [![cropped-DGA-Security-Logo-nsr-1-1](https://blog.dga.com/hubfs/Assets/logo/cropped-DGA-Security-Logo-nsr-1-1.png)](https://www.dga.com/) Search For: - [Contact](https://www.dga.com/contact/) - [Login](https://connect.dga.com/) - [Careers](https://www.dga.com/careers/) [Get A Free Consultation](https://www.dga.com/free-consultation/) - [Business Security](https://www.dga.com/business-security/) - [Intrusion Alarms](https://www.dga.com/business-security/intrusion-alarms/) - [Video Surveillance](https://www.dga.com/business-security/video-surveillance/) - [Access Control](https://www.dga.com/business-security/access-control/) - [Security System Monitoring](https://www.dga.com/business-security/alarm-monitoring/) - [Environmental Monitoring](https://www.dga.com/business-security/environmental-monitoring/) - [Elevator Emergency Communication](https://www.dga.com/business-security/elevator-emergency-communication/) - [Fire Systems](https://www.dga.com/fire-systems/) - [Design and Installation](https://www.dga.com/fire-systems/design-installation/) - [Testing and Inspection](https://www.dga.com/fire-systems/testing-and-inspection/) - [Fire Alarm System Monitoring](https://www.dga.com/fire-systems/alarm-monitoring/) - [Contractor Support](https://www.dga.com/fire-systems/contractor-support/) - [Industries](https://www.dga.com/industries/) - [Art Galleries](https://www.dga.com/industries/art-gallery-security/) - [Banking and Financial](https://www.dga.com/industries/bank-security/) - [Cannabis](https://www.dga.com/industries/cannabis-security/) - [Hotels](https://www.dga.com/industries/hotel-security/) - [Jewelry](https://www.dga.com/industries/jewelry-security/) - [Nonprofits](https://www.dga.com/industries/nonprofit-security/) - [Offices](https://www.dga.com/industries/office-security/) - [Property Management](https://www.dga.com/industries/property-security/) - [Religious Institutions](https://www.dga.com/industries/religious-institution-security/) - [Restaurants](https://www.dga.com/industries/restaurant-security/) - [Retail](https://www.dga.com/industries/retail-security/) - [Tools](https://www.dga.com/tools) - [DGA Blog](https://blog.dga.com) Search For: [Business Security](https://www.dga.com/business-security/) Business Security [Intrusion Alarms](https://www.dga.com/business-security/intrusion-alarms/) [Video Surveillance](https://www.dga.com/business-security/video-surveillance/) [Access Control](https://www.dga.com/business-security/access-control/) [Security System Monitoring](https://www.dga.com/business-security/alarm-monitoring/) [Environmental Monitoring](https://www.dga.com/business-security/environmental-monitoring/) [Elevator Emergency Communication](https://www.dga.com/business-security/elevator-emergency-communication/) [Fire Systems](https://www.dga.com/fire-systems/) Fire Systems [Design and Installation](https://www.dga.com/fire-systems/design-installation/) [Testing and Inspection](https://www.dga.com/fire-systems/testing-and-inspection/) [Fire Alarm System Monitoring](https://www.dga.com/fire-systems/alarm-monitoring/) [Contractor Support](https://www.dga.com/fire-systems/contractor-support/) [Industries](https://www.dga.com/industries/) Industries [Art Galleries](https://www.dga.com/industries/art-gallery-security/) [Banking and Financial](https://www.dga.com/industries/bank-security/) [Cannabis](https://www.dga.com/industries/cannabis-security/) [Hotels](https://www.dga.com/industries/hotel-security/) [Jewelry](https://www.dga.com/industries/jewelry-security/) [Nonprofits](https://www.dga.com/industries/nonprofit-security/) [Offices](https://www.dga.com/industries/office-security/) [Property Management](https://www.dga.com/industries/property-security/) [Religious Institutions](https://www.dga.com/industries/religious-institution-security/) [Restaurants](https://www.dga.com/industries/restaurant-security/) [Retail](https://www.dga.com/industries/retail-security/) [Tools](https://www.dga.com/tools) [DGA Blog](https://blog.dga.com) [Contact](https://www.dga.com/contact/) [Login](https://connect.dga.com/) [Careers](https://www.dga.com/careers/) Get A Free Consultation - Categories [Subscribe](https://info.dga.com/blog-subscriptions) - [Access Control](https://blog.dga.com/tag/access-control) - [Fire Systems](https://blog.dga.com/tag/fire-systems) - [Intrusion Alarms](https://blog.dga.com/tag/intrusion-alarms) - [Video Surveillance](https://blog.dga.com/tag/video-surveillance) - [Security Terms](https://blog.dga.com/tag/security-terms) # Blog DGA Security Blog Our business security and fire systems experts answer the most frequently asked questions, no holds barred. Read on. [Subscribe](https://info.dga.com/blog-subscriptions) - Categories - [Access Control](https://blog.dga.com/tag/access-control) - [Fire Systems](https://blog.dga.com/tag/fire-systems) - [Intrusion Alarms](https://blog.dga.com/tag/intrusion-alarms) - [Video Surveillance](https://blog.dga.com/tag/video-surveillance) - [Security Terms](https://blog.dga.com/tag/security-terms) - [Subscribe](https://info.dga.com/blog-subscriptions) [![Blog Feature](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/298890/blog-files/blog--cards-feature.png)](https://blog.dga.com/what-is-facial-height-surveillance-camera) [Video Surveillance](https://blog.dga.com/topic/video-surveillance) | [Security Terms](https://blog.dga.com/topic/security-terms) ## [What is a Facial Height Surveillance Camera?](https://blog.dga.com/what-is-facial-height-surveillance-camera) By: [Isabel Leckie](https://blog.dga.com/author/isabel-leckie) December 18th, 2024 Facial height surveillance cameras are custom-designed and built DGA cameras mounted at face height with high-resolution sensors that clearly capture the faces of the people near them. They are often installed near entrances to record the faces of people entering a business. Facial height surveillance cameras are a great solution for businesses with high-value goods as they effectively deter those who might try to obscure their face via something like a brimmed hat which can sometimes pose a problem with ceiling-mounted security cameras. [Read More](https://blog.dga.com/what-is-facial-height-surveillance-camera) Share - Close - - - - [mailto:?body=https://blog.dga.com/what-is-facial-height-surveillance-camera](mailto:?body=https://blog.dga.com/what-is-facial-height-surveillance-camera) [![Blog Feature](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/298890/blog-files/blog--cards-feature.png)](https://blog.dga.com/what-is-wide-dynamic-range) [Video Surveillance](https://blog.dga.com/topic/video-surveillance) | [Security Terms](https://blog.dga.com/topic/security-terms) ## [What is Wide Dynamic Range?](https://blog.dga.com/what-is-wide-dynamic-range) By: [Isabel Leckie](https://blog.dga.com/author/isabel-leckie) November 6th, 2024 Wide Dynamic Range (WDR) is a technology commonly used in security cameras that balances the light in high-contrast images to produce a crisp, high-quality image. WDR is often applied in outdoor security cameras where there is greater unpredictability in lighting. [Read More](https://blog.dga.com/what-is-wide-dynamic-range) Share - Close - - - - [mailto:?body=https://blog.dga.com/what-is-wide-dynamic-range](mailto:?body=https://blog.dga.com/what-is-wide-dynamic-range) [![Blog Feature](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/298890/blog-files/blog--cards-feature.png)](https://blog.dga.com/what-is-varifocal-lens) [Video Surveillance](https://blog.dga.com/topic/video-surveillance) | [Security Terms](https://blog.dga.com/topic/security-terms) ## [What is a Varifocal Lens?](https://blog.dga.com/what-is-varifocal-lens) By: [Isabel Leckie](https://blog.dga.com/author/isabel-leckie) October 10th, 2024 Unlike a wide or narrow angle lens, a varifocal lens is a camera lens that can be adjusted to provide either a wide or narrow field of view. Varifocal lenses have more versatility than other types of lenses as they can be adjusted for the environment they are in, making them suitable for open spaces like parking lots and tight areas like hallways or alleys. They are often found in standard dome cameras which are the most widely used type of dome camera. [Read More](https://blog.dga.com/what-is-varifocal-lens) Share - Close - - - - [mailto:?body=https://blog.dga.com/what-is-varifocal-lens](mailto:?body=https://blog.dga.com/what-is-varifocal-lens) [![Blog Feature](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/298890/blog-files/blog--cards-feature.png)](https://blog.dga.com/what-is-fixed-lens) [Video Surveillance](https://blog.dga.com/topic/video-surveillance) | [Security Terms](https://blog.dga.com/topic/security-terms) ## [What is a Fixed Lens?](https://blog.dga.com/what-is-fixed-lens) By: [Isabel Leckie](https://blog.dga.com/author/isabel-leckie) July 11th, 2024 A fixed lens is a wide-angle lens that cannot have the position adjusted. This type of lens provides a broad field of view and can be great for monitoring large areas such as parking lots. The position of the lens will be set by the technician during installation and can be adjusted manually later. [Read More](https://blog.dga.com/what-is-fixed-lens) Share - Close - - - - [mailto:?body=https://blog.dga.com/what-is-fixed-lens](mailto:?body=https://blog.dga.com/what-is-fixed-lens) [![Blog Feature](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/298890/blog-files/blog--cards-feature.png)](https://blog.dga.com/what-is-thermal-camera) [Video Surveillance](https://blog.dga.com/topic/video-surveillance) | [Intrusion Alarms](https://blog.dga.com/topic/intrusion-alarms) | [Security Terms](https://blog.dga.com/topic/security-terms) ## [What is a Thermal Camera?](https://blog.dga.com/what-is-thermal-camera) By: [Isabel Leckie](https://blog.dga.com/author/isabel-leckie) March 7th, 2024 Thermal cameras are intrusion devices that detect and capture thermal radiation emitted by objects and individuals. Unlike traditional cameras that rely on visible light, thermal cameras use thermal imaging. Thermal cameras detect and measure the heat energy emitted by objects and convert it into a visual representation called a thermogram. Thermal cameras excel in challenging lighting scenarios, including near darkness or adverse weather conditions such as fog, smoke, or haze. This capability makes thermal cameras particularly valuable in applications such as outdoor perimeter surveillance. [Read More](https://blog.dga.com/what-is-thermal-camera) Share - Close - - - - [mailto:?body=https://blog.dga.com/what-is-thermal-camera](mailto:?body=https://blog.dga.com/what-is-thermal-camera) [![Blog Feature](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/298890/blog-files/blog--cards-feature.png)](https://blog.dga.com/what-is-wide-angle-lens) [Video Surveillance](https://blog.dga.com/topic/video-surveillance) | [Security Terms](https://blog.dga.com/topic/security-terms) ## [What is a Wide Angle Lens?](https://blog.dga.com/what-is-wide-angle-lens) By: [Isabel Leckie](https://blog.dga.com/author/isabel-leckie) October 19th, 2023 A wide-angle lens is a camera lens with a short focal length, providing a broad field of view. It captures a wider perspective, making it suitable for surveillance applications for more expansive spaces like parking lots, where capturing a wide field of view is important for comprehensive surveillance coverage. [Read More](https://blog.dga.com/what-is-wide-angle-lens) Share - Close - - - - [mailto:?body=https://blog.dga.com/what-is-wide-angle-lens](mailto:?body=https://blog.dga.com/what-is-wide-angle-lens) [![Blog Feature](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/298890/blog-files/blog--cards-feature.png)](https://blog.dga.com/what-is-telephoto-lens) [Video Surveillance](https://blog.dga.com/topic/video-surveillance) | [Security Terms](https://blog.dga.com/topic/security-terms) ## [What is a Telephoto Lens?](https://blog.dga.com/what-is-telephoto-lens) By: [Isabel Leckie](https://blog.dga.com/author/isabel-leckie) October 12th, 2023 A telephoto lens is a type of camera lens with a long focal length, allowing for magnification and capturing distant subjects in detail. It has a narrow field of view, which results in a close-up view of the subject, making it ideal for surveillance applications where long-range monitoring is required. Telephoto lenses are commonly used in security cameras to monitor focused areas such as hallways or alleys. [Read More](https://blog.dga.com/what-is-telephoto-lens) Share - Close - - - - [mailto:?body=https://blog.dga.com/what-is-telephoto-lens](mailto:?body=https://blog.dga.com/what-is-telephoto-lens) [![Blog Feature](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/298890/blog-files/blog--cards-feature.png)](https://blog.dga.com/what-is-ir-camera) [Video Surveillance](https://blog.dga.com/topic/video-surveillance) | [Security Terms](https://blog.dga.com/topic/security-terms) ## [What is an IR Security Camera?](https://blog.dga.com/what-is-ir-camera) By: [Isabel Leckie](https://blog.dga.com/author/isabel-leckie) August 10th, 2023 Infrared (IR) security cameras can capture black-and-white images even when there is little visible light. This technology is crucial in enhancing visibility and capturing images in low-light or nighttime conditions. IR security cameras are equipped with infrared LEDs that emit infrared illumination. This illumination can then convert the reflected IR light to a grayscale image visible to the human eye, which can then be displayed or recorded for surveillance purposes. By leveraging IR technology, security cameras can effectively monitor areas with little or no available light, such as nighttime scenes or dimly lit alleys and rooms. This enables round-the-clock surveillance and enhances the overall security of a location by providing visibility in challenging lighting conditions. [Read More](https://blog.dga.com/what-is-ir-camera) Share - Close - - - - [mailto:?body=https://blog.dga.com/what-is-ir-camera](mailto:?body=https://blog.dga.com/what-is-ir-camera) [![Blog Feature](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/298890/blog-files/blog--cards-feature.png)](https://blog.dga.com/what-is-dome-camera) [Video Surveillance](https://blog.dga.com/topic/video-surveillance) | [Security Terms](https://blog.dga.com/topic/security-terms) ## [What is a Dome Camera?](https://blog.dga.com/what-is-dome-camera) By: [Isabel Leckie](https://blog.dga.com/author/isabel-leckie) July 13th, 2023 Dome cameras are a popular type of security camera characterized by their darkened plastic dome-shaped housing. The dome housing serves both aesthetic and functional purposes. It provides a discreet appearance and makes it difficult for individuals to determine the direction the camera is pointing. The dome housing also protects against vandalism and tampering. Dome cameras are commonly used in indoor and outdoor environments to monitor a wide range of areas, including retail stores, office buildings, public spaces, and more. [Read More](https://blog.dga.com/what-is-dome-camera) Share - Close - - - - [mailto:?body=https://blog.dga.com/what-is-dome-camera](mailto:?body=https://blog.dga.com/what-is-dome-camera) [![Blog Feature](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/298890/blog-files/blog--cards-feature.png)](https://blog.dga.com/what-is-digital-zoom) [Video Surveillance](https://blog.dga.com/topic/video-surveillance) | [Security Terms](https://blog.dga.com/topic/security-terms) ## [What is Digital Zoom?](https://blog.dga.com/what-is-digital-zoom) By: [Isabel Leckie](https://blog.dga.com/author/isabel-leckie) July 6th, 2023 Digital zoom is a feature in security cameras that allows for the selective enlargement of a digital image or video without physically moving the camera lens. Unlike manual zooming, which uses the lens to magnify, digital zoom relies on software processing to enlarge the pixels in the image. For this reason, digital zoom can be easier to use since it doesn't require a technician to come and adjust the lens and can be completed at the tap of a button. However, it's important to note that digital zoom may result in losing image quality and detail. It can be useful for obtaining a closer view of an object or area of interest, but for clear imaging, manual zoom is generally preferred. [Read More](https://blog.dga.com/what-is-digital-zoom) Share - Close - - - - [mailto:?body=https://blog.dga.com/what-is-digital-zoom](mailto:?body=https://blog.dga.com/what-is-digital-zoom) [![Blog Feature](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/298890/blog-files/blog--cards-feature.png)](https://blog.dga.com/what-is-underwriters-laboratories) [Access Control](https://blog.dga.com/topic/access-control) | [Video Surveillance](https://blog.dga.com/topic/video-surveillance) | [Fire Systems](https://blog.dga.com/topic/fire-systems) | [Intrusion Alarms](https://blog.dga.com/topic/intrusion-alarms) | [Security Terms](https://blog.dga.com/topic/security-terms) ## [What is Underwriters Laboratories?](https://blog.dga.com/what-is-underwriters-laboratories) By: [Isabel Leckie](https://blog.dga.com/author/isabel-leckie) June 22nd, 2023 Underwriters Laboratories (UL) is a trusted resource known around the world for product safety and service certification. Since being founded in 1894, UL examines and tests devices, systems, and material to determine how their performance affects life, fire, casualty, hazards, and crime prevention. [Read More](https://blog.dga.com/what-is-underwriters-laboratories) Share - Close - - - - [mailto:?body=https://blog.dga.com/what-is-underwriters-laboratories](mailto:?body=https://blog.dga.com/what-is-underwriters-laboratories) [![Blog Feature](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/298890/blog-files/blog--cards-feature.png)](https://blog.dga.com/what-are-cctv-cameras) [Video Surveillance](https://blog.dga.com/topic/video-surveillance) | [Security Terms](https://blog.dga.com/topic/security-terms) ## [What are CCTV Cameras?](https://blog.dga.com/what-are-cctv-cameras) By: [Isabel Leckie](https://blog.dga.com/author/isabel-leckie) June 15th, 2023 CCTV, or closed-circuit television, is a type of surveillance system that uses security cameras to monitor and record activities in a specific area. The term CCTV (closed-circuit television) is thrown around a lot when it comes to security cameras, but it isn’t a catch-all term. CCTV refers to an older type of technology in which camera video is stored locally, if at all. Compare this to IP cameras, a more modern alternative in which video is sent over a local private network to be stored on an intelligent video server. This allows for cloud storage, higher video resolution, and even advanced features like video analytics. With IP cameras, video can also be accessed live remotely from a mobile app or desktop browser. [Read More](https://blog.dga.com/what-are-cctv-cameras) Share - Close - - - - [mailto:?body=https://blog.dga.com/what-are-cctv-cameras](mailto:?body=https://blog.dga.com/what-are-cctv-cameras) [All posts](https://blog.dga.com/all) [Next](https://blog.dga.com/tag/video-surveillance/page/2) [![DGA Security](https://blog.dga.com/hubfs/Assets/logo/cropped-DGA-Security-Logo-nsr-1-1.png)](https://www.impactbnd.com) 429 West 53rd Street New York, New York 10019 ##### Contact Sales 800 PICK DGA (800-554-5599) sales@dga.com ##### Contact Customer Care [customercare@dga.com](mailto:customercare@dga.com) 800-221-2300 ##### [Business Security](https://www.dga.com/business-security/) - [Intrusion Alarms](https://www.dga.com/business-security/intrusion-alarms/) - [Video Surveillance](https://www.dga.com/business-security/video-surveillance/) - [Access Control](https://www.dga.com/business-security/access-control/) - [Security System Monitoring](https://www.dga.com/business-security/alarm-monitoring/) - [Environmental Monitoring](https://www.dga.com/business-security/environmental-monitoring/) - [Elevator Emergency Communication](https://www.dga.com/business-security/elevator-emergency-communication/) - [Nationwide Service](https://www.dga.com/business-security/nationwide-service/) - [The DGA Vault at 580 Fifth Avenue](https://www.dga.com/vault/) ##### [Fire Alarm Systems](https://www.dga.com/fire-systems/) - [Design and Installation](https://www.dga.com/fire-systems/design-installation/) - [Testing and Inspection](https://www.dga.com/fire-systems/testing-and-inspection/) - [Fire Alarm System Monitoring](https://www.dga.com/fire-systems/alarm-monitoring/) - [Contractor Support](https://www.dga.com/fire-systems/contractor-support/) ##### [Industries](https://www.dga.com/industries/) - [Art Galleries](https://www.dga.com/industries/art-gallery-security/) - [Banking and Financial](https://www.dga.com/industries/bank-security/) - [Cannabis](https://www.dga.com/industries/cannabis-security/) - [Hotels](https://www.dga.com/industries/hotel-security/) - [Jewelry](https://www.dga.com/industries/jewelry-security/) - [Nonprofits](https://www.dga.com/industries/nonprofit-security/) - [Offices](https://www.dga.com/industries/office-security/) - [Property Management](https://www.dga.com/industries/property-security/) - [Religious Institutions](https://www.dga.com/industries/religious-institution-security/) - [Restaurants](https://www.dga.com/industries/restaurant-security/) - [Retail](https://www.dga.com/industries/retail-security/) ##### [Tools & Training](https://www.dga.com/tools/) - [DGAConnect Login](https://connect.dga.com/) - [DGAOneVIEW Login](https://dgaoneview.com/login#) - [DGA Payment Login](https://payment.mydga.com/login.aspx) - [Free System Training](https://www.dga.com/free-system-training) ##### [About DGA](https://www.dga.com/company/) - [Blog](https://blog.dga.com/) - [Careers](https://www.dga.com/careers/) - [Credentials](https://www.dga.com/credentials/) - [Meet Business Insurance Requirements](https://www.dga.com/meet-business-insurance-requirements/) © 2026 DGA Security Systems, Inc. | [Privacy Policy and Terms of Use](https://www.dga.com/privacy-policy/)