How does a CCTV Camera work?

By Jonathan Ratcliffe

A CCTV system has four major components namely: the camera, lens, monitor, and video tape/recorder. Among these components, the camera is the most important because it is the one that collects the images. The camera works the same way that an ordinary cameras does only that it can be left to operate on it on ... Read more


A CCTV system has four major components namely: the camera, lens, monitor, and video tape/recorder.

Among these components, the camera is the most important because it is the one that collects the images. The camera works the same way that an ordinary cameras does only that it can be left to operate on it on own.

The camera comes with a motor that helps it to move the zoom parts. Once an image has been picked by the camera, it is taken to the monitor and then recorded on video tape or DVR. The ability of the camera to zoom in and out is determined by the type of lens it has.

How do CCTV Cameras Work?

CCTV stands for closed circuit television and it is used in buildings and homes for security purposes. The good thing about CCTV system is that it can use two or more cameras. How do these cameras work? Well, they are just like the ordinary video cameras although they have several unique features. For instance, they come with monitors that help them to operate on their own. They can also use wireless transmission to send images to monitors. Once the monitor has received the images, it sends them to the video tape or DVR. These cameras also have the ability to zoom in and out depending on the type of lenses they have.

Photo of author
BY Jonathan Ratcliffe

Jonathan manages Marketing at CCTV.co.uk - with over 15 years experience in CCTV Installation - he writes as an Expert in CCTV Systems, News, Crime Rate Analysis and other FAQs