What You Should Look for When Buying Construction Cameras

Monitoring and controlling construction project activities are critical responsibilities of project managers (PM) and business owners. These functions can be time-consuming and expensive, especially if the venture is massive. Fortunately, new technologies have been developed to assist the PMs in this area, such as construction cameras. 

One study published in the Journal of Construction Engineering and Management revealed that the use of cameras in the construction site offers several benefits. For one, it is a useful tool for monitoring and controlling project activities. It is also helpful in documenting the project and for improving communication and scheduling tasks. 

If you are planning to use this technology to assist your PM, make sure to look for the following qualities:

Durable and Weatherproof 

You can only enjoy the project management applications of your construction cameras if they are working correctly. The cameras should be able to withstand the conditions of a construction site. 

Note that unlike ordinary security cameras indoors, construction site cameras are mounted in the open, exposed to the harsh climatic and environmental elements. Find a unit that can perform efficiently in any weather and despite heavy dust or dirt.

Optical Zoom and Night Vision Features

Construction activities are ongoing, 24/7, which means it should be capable of capturing images even in the dark. Look for cameras with night vision features that can record videos clearly, even with minimal lighting.

There are two general types of zoom – optical and digital. To view sharp images when you zoom in, find a camera with optical zoom capability. This type has lenses that can readily adjust and focus on a specific area that you want to view.

Digital zooming, on the other hand, is like capturing an image and zooming-in using the device. The result is a blurred or pixelated image, which can make monitoring of activities challenging. 

Large Data Storage Capacity

While watching real-time feeds is essential to track the progress of construction effectively, you also need to review past footage or create time-lapse videos. Your camera should have unlimited storage capacity or similar storing solutions. 

While limited storage is cheaper, you can get more value on your investment if you can keep every second of the material from the entire duration of the project. Reviewing past footages can help you identify culprits of theft and determine safety issues that need to be improved. You can also create time-lapse presentations for marketing purposes using stored films. 

Accessibility

To get the most out of your construction camera, it should allow live viewing for as long as you can connect to the internet. It should also be adaptable so that you can access video feeds using different devices. Moreover, the feed should be accessible to all project participants, stakeholders, and clients.

Convenience 

Look for a camera that is easy to set-up and connect to the internet. Cameras with complicated systems are not necessarily “high-tech.” On the contrary, the most advanced technology solutions are always user-friendly and relatively straightforward to operate.

Construction site cameras can save your company valuable resources and help make project management more efficient. Note, however, that not all cameras are the same. Make sure to practice due diligence by taking note of the tips above so that you can buy the ideal camera for your project.

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