Surveillance cameras come in all shapes and sizes. Which camera is right for you depends on your individual needs and application requirements. While high-resolution megapixel cameras can provide more coverage with fewer cameras, standard analog cameras continue to be a cost-effective option for many general surveillance applications. The question becomes how much detail is enough for you? This document provides three scenarios where high-detail surveillance was required in a convenience store environment. These scenarios illustrate the requirements in camera placement, field-of-view, and resolution needed to provide high-detail video surveillance using either standard analog, IP, or megapixel cameras.

According to "The Global Retail Theft Barometer 2011", shoplifters steal $237 worth of goods per incident, while employees steal an average of $1,944--more than 8-times more. The numbers speak for themselves. Reducing employee theft within your organization is one of the quickest ways to protect your bottom line. Millions of dollars disappear from Point-of-Sale (POS) terminals in retail stores on a daily basis due to fraudulent or criminal employee activities. The ability to effectively detect and deter cashier-related shrinkage is a top priority for retailers worldwide. One way that retailers are confronting this epidemic is by identifying the telltale patters of these crimes--so-called POS exceptions.