Do you need elevator security cameras for your building?

Robust and reliable video security in your commercial or apartment building is essential. Studies show that crime is reduced by 13 percent in places with CCTV, as well as a 20 percent reduction in drug crime. Elevator security cameras act as a crime deterrent and a means to ensure maximum safety in your building. 

However, with various elevator security systems available, selecting the right elevator camera installation for your business isn’t always a straightforward task. With more new camera technologies becoming readily available, there are plenty of options to consider before investing in a system or product.

Here we will explore the best elevator security cameras on the market, so you can determine which features will provide maximum phyiscal security measures for your building, staff and customers.

What type of camera is best for elevator security?

Do you need a specific type of camera for elevator installations? Yes – not all security cameras will work well in elevators. Due to their constant foot traffic and motion, elevator security cameras need additional considerations for connectivity and monitoring features. In fact, most businesses opt for a fixed camera such as a fixed IP security camera for elevators.

A fixed camera provides a single continuous view of an area within the camera’s field of vision, allowing for a constant view of this area. Because cameras in elevators don’t have to be able to track a wide area and can focus on providing outstanding quality footage of one space, fixed models are a great choice for elevators.

In addition, a fixed camera will often come with audio recording and anti-vandalism features and require little bandwidth to support. While these cameras will be more costly than models without these features, the added security and peace of mind is usually worth the investment for your elevator security camera setup.

A video IP camera for elevators can receive and send control and image data via the internet. In addition, these cameras often include built-in storage and the ability to easily share data due to their IP functionality. 

IP cameras also offer exceptionally high-quality video, with greater flexibility for elevator installations as they can be connected as wireless elevator cameras or via PoE, depending on internet connectivity in the elevator. This all adds up to make fixed IP cameras perfect for improving the security of your elevators, whether in apartment complexes or commercial buildings.

What are the best fixed IP elevator cameras?

Due to the space limitations, elevator security cameras can’t take up too much space. The best security cameras for elevators will be small, easy to install and offer advanced features for improved security. With dome cameras (such as mini dome cameras) and corner elevator cameras, installation is straightforward, making them very popular as elevator security cameras. 

Top features for elevator security cameras

High-definition image quality. Small dome or corner cameras should provide high-quality images in a variety of lighting conditions. Look for cameras offering 2 MP or 5 MP resolution to get the highest level of detail from your elevator video security system.

Infrared and dynamic range capabilities. An elevator security camera device equipped with low light optimization allows for clear and reliable footage even in dimly lit conditions. In addition, with doors opening and closing, the light conditions in an elevator can go from very bright to very dark in seconds. Cameras like Pelco’s line of PTZ security cameras can adjust image quality quickly to adapt to changing lighting conditions in and around elevators. 

Wide field of view. Your elevator camera needs to capture footage from wall-to-wall and floor-to-ceiling for the best security. Corner cameraswith a wide field of view are helpful for larger elevators, like those typically used to move large equipment. 360-degree panoramic cameras are another option that provide complete coverage across wide areas. Another option is to invest in a varifocal lens elevator camera. 

Varifocal lenses. Built with the ability to zoom and rotate the lens, a varifocal camera is a good option for an elevator where you may need to change the field of view remotely.

Tamper-resistance. Elevator cameras are typically encased in a hardened vandal-resistant housing that is difficult to break or damage even for the most determined attacker. Additionally, even if someone does try to vandalize the camera, anti-vandal features will activate and send an alarm to the security system so you can take action to stop them.

Audio recording. Not every camera for elevators comes with built-in microphones to capture audio, but this is a very useful feature in auditing security incidents. 

ONVIF compliance. In order to connect your elevator cameras with the rest of your security system, look for models that are ONVIF compliant and meet the same standards and requirements as your existing platform.

Questions to ask before investing in elevator cameras

Next, take a look at some questions you should ask yourself and your security system providers before investing in elevator security cameras.

Is an elevator camera essential?

Elevators are popular spots for criminal activity. People are forced to share elevators with strangers and can feel unsafe or threatened without security cameras installed. Suitable security measures such as elevator cameras that can capture high-quality video and audio are excellent crime deterrents.

What are the features of a good elevator camera?

A good elevator camera should have excellent video and audio quality and be able to share recorded data quickly and safely. Cameras increasingly include analytics tools to help crimes be dealt with more efficiently. A good camera for elevators should also be durable against vandalism.

Why should I use a fixed camera for elevators?

A fixed camera guarantees all of the areas within its range of view are recorded at all times, meaning that it misses nothing. A fixed camera in elevators ensures high-quality footage and typically requires little bandwidth to run.

Why should I use an IP camera for elevators?

An IP camera can safely and securely store and share footage and data online. This makes sharing important footage easy, meaning potential crimes can be dealt with efficiently. An IP camera is also easier to install in elevators.

Additionally, if your property has good Wi-Fi coverage, wireless elevator cameras like wireless IP cameras offer the flexibility to be located anywhere without the need to run cables. 

Elevator security should be front of mind for your business

Delivering superior quality footage, audio recording and a rugged build that can withstand anything potential vandals might throw at it, elevator security cameras do not just provide peace of mind and prevention against crime, but also evidence that can be used to aid investigations if a crime was to be committed on your commercial premises.