L-shape retail store CCTV layout?

[frenchie 0]

Hi everyone,

new here! I never had to look into CCTV systems before, so I could use a little advice!

 

We are about to open a store / showroom (not many items in store, no high shelving). The space is 800 sqft more or less like so:

 

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Longest dimensions are 45' and 28'. There are 2 entrances on the long side, and 1 in the back (staff only, in the tiny area at the bottom of my highly-detailed drawing!). This is where the desk / POS area will be as well.

 

Looking at the various big-box-store solutions, it seems that I would be better off piece-mealing a system together for better quality at the same price (trying to stay under $500).

 

My question is in regards to the layout of the cameras (either dome or box). how much "overlap" should I have to ensure that all areas are covered, especially right under each camera. if the camera is attached say 8-9' up, how much of the floor below and in front of it does it NOT cover? (if that makes sense).

 

Right now i'm looking at 1/3" 3.5mm lens camera with Sony CCD chip (seems to be the best (?) in that price range)

 

Any advice is appreciated. Thank you in advance,

 

Pat

[aibudo 0]

I really don't like to advise "long distance", but if you were thinking about installing camera's in the long view of any of those area's, I wouldn't use 3.xmm lens. You are going to see way too much "wall". At least try to find a stock 6.xx. That will give you a view angle of apx 60 degree instead of much wider. 6.xx will also give you a better closeup of those small areas. If you can afford it, then go with a vari-focal of 2.xx to 12.xx and adjust to your preference. Now, like I say, I don't like to advise as there are as many opinions as there are leaves on a tree in my yard.

[frenchie 0]

Thanks for the advice, Dennis. I found a "CCTV design software" (free trial) and I can see what you mean by too much wall. I'll certainly look into the 6.x cameras.

 

it looks like 4 cameras should be enough to cover all areas. The 2 main doorways come into the space by about 3' and create blind spots that wouldn't be covered by just 2.

 

Pat

[shockwave199 0]

Pat, I would recommend you get an 8 channel dvr if you choose an analog system. Always plan on needing more channels than you think. This is a decent one to get you started-

 

http://www.amazon.com/Q-See-QT5680-1-8-Channel-Full-Surveillance/dp/B00BWX2OU8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1386042817&sr=8-1&keywords=qsee+8+channel+dvr

 

I would also recommend that you buy varifocal cameras to help you dial in just the right shots. You could start with 4 cameras and add more as funds allow. But it's always worth the extra cost of varifocal cameras when the best field of view is an unknown. The added flexibilty of a varifocal is worth it. Here is a decent varifocal-

 

http://www.gadspot.com/p-463-gs6008.aspx

 

I would think a 4-9mm will help you dial in just the right shots. You should give yourself a bigger budget than 500 bucks for sure. Good luck.

[frenchie 0]

I was going for an 8-ch DVR. As you said, better to have too many channels and expand down the road than being restricted to 4.

 

It sounds like varifocal is the way to go (2-0 so far!), so i'll do more research on that.

 

I wish I could increase the budget, unfortunately we have many, many more expenses to cover!

 

Thank you for your help.

[shockwave199 0]

These days analog is skimping. But you can get usable results if you do it right.

 

This is probably the best deal you're gonna get at just a hundred bucks more than your budget-

 

http://www.amazon.com/Q-See-QT5680-8E4-1-Security-Surveillance-High-Resolution/dp/B00DWFFC94/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1386050873&sr=8-2&keywords=qsee+8+channel+dvr

 

If you place those cameras wisely you will do well. You have 8 of them so you should have plenty to work with. Good luck!