Which component in CCTV systems is primarily responsible for capturing video footage?

The component primarily responsible for capturing video footage in closed-circuit television (CCTV) systems is the camera. Cameras are equipped with sensors that detect light and convert it into an electrical signal, which is then processed to produce a video image. They come in various types, including analog and digital formats, each with specific capabilities related to resolution, low-light performance, and field of view.

While the lens plays a crucial role in focusing light onto the camera sensor and can affect the quality and clarity of the image, it is the camera itself that processes the incoming light into usable video footage. The monitor displays the captured footage for real-time viewing, and the recording device stores this footage for later retrieval. However, neither the monitor nor the recording device is directly involved in the initial capture of video. Thus, the camera is the essential component in the CCTV system responsible for recording video.