Anthony Neary

A simple observation of the city will tell you security cameras are everywhere these days. The reason is quite clear: they are one of the best options available to monitor your home or business operations and ensure safety. Security cameras provide you the ability to record and monitor whoever enters your home and nearly everything they do.

With dramatically improved digital technology and diminished operating costs, security cameras are found not only in banks or department stores anymore. In fact, if you look around, you will find them in every conceivable place, making them among the more widely-used closed-circuit television (CCTV) systems.

Types

A security camera comes in many different styles including dome, bullet, infrared and c-mount. Each serves a different purpose and to find the one best suited to your needs, you should consider several factors, such as whether you will use the security camera inside or outside, during the day, night time, or both.

Bullet style security cameras are the most popular option nowadays. They can be used either inside or outside. These cameras are available in black and white or colour and come with all of the required mounting hardware. The security cameras casings are weather-resistant and do not require added external protection. Most security cameras have a fixed 4mm lens that allows you to see facial features out to about 35 feet and offers a 70 degree angle of view. This is the widest angle one can have without distorting the picture.

Resolution levels for black and white security cameras extend to about 400 lines, any higher and the benefits are minimal. For colour cameras, higher resolution implies better picture.

Infrared security cameras are also very popular nowadays as they allow an image to be seen in little or no lighting conditions. Most such cameras are bullet style and can be used inside or outside. The cameras have infrared lighting installed around the outer edge of the lens, which permits the security camera to see in no light for up to 25 feet and even further with a little bit of light (like street lighting or an outside light.)

A relatively new type of security camera is the day/night security camera. This particular type of camera has an extra sensitive imaging chip that allows it to capture a good picture in low light situations without using infrared LEDS. This is especially handy in outdoor applications since infrared security cameras do not work well outdoors. Unless the infrared security camera is installed all the way up to the glass of the housing, the infrared lights can reflect off the glass and subsequently degrade the image.

A major advantage of c-mount security cameras is that their lens can be changed. You will require a special camera lens if you need to see further than 35 ft. The colour c-mount security camera, by providing the option for change of lenses, allows you to zoom into a particular area. Varifocal camera lenses allow you to adjust the focus from 5 to 50mm. These lenses can be used inside only unless they are housed in special cases for outdoor use. Security Cameras

Dome security cameras are excellent for those worried about tampering; it can withstand a 10 lb sledgehammer blow and can be used inside or outside, daytime or night time.

Important Factors to Consider

There are several questions you should ask yourself before integrating security cameras into your home security system.

(1) Where are the best locations to place your security cameras? (2) Do black and white or colour security cameras better fit your needs? (3) Do you want hard-wired or wireless security cameras?

Location To get the most effective surveillance of your home, the placement of your security cameras is of paramount importance. Firstly, all entry points should to be monitored by high resolution security cameras of superior quality, permitting the recording of close-up face shots of everyone entering your house. Inside your house, wide angle colour security cameras should be placed in all high traffic areas and rooms in which valuables are located. The proper placement of security cameras allows you to maintain a record of many activities in your home, and you will be able to easily identify a person by the colour of the clothes he or she is wearing. By having a high-resolution, close-up shot of a perpetrator's face, knowing the colour of his/her clothes, and possessing a video recording of his/her activities is extremely valuable as evidence in court.

Black and White or Colour Security Cameras Black and white security cameras are most often more cost-effective and can "see" better in lesser light. Colour security cameras give you the ability to obtain a more identifiable image of people and activities taking place in your house. If you have a tight budget, remember that installing black and white security cameras, which are lower priced but not as detailed as some colour security cameras, are better than no security cameras at all.

Wireless or Hard-Wired Choosing between wireless and hard-wired security cameras can be a daunting task. Here are a few reasons wireless security cameras are often preferred. (1) They can be quickly installed wherever you need without a professional (2) You can take them with you when you are on the move (3) They are extremely inconspicuous, without wires attracting attention

Hard-wired security cameras are ideal for permanent areas that need constant monitoring, or if your current security system is hard-wired and wireless security cameras are not compatible. Wireless and hard-wired security cameras both are equally capable of monitoring your house, and ultimately you decision should be based on what you feel fits your needs best.

Other Features When you're shopping for a security camera, you'll find that there are lots of options available. You can get cameras that can also capture sound, cameras with night-vision abilities, and cameras that simply capture time-lapse still shots rather than motion video. The signal from your security cameras can be fed to your TV for convenience–you don't have to go to a special monitor to see the picture. Some systems even have motion detectors that will automatically switch your TV to the proper channel if they sense motion. These motion sensor cameras can also be configured to automatically activate a VCR to record the video when movement is detected.

Newer types of security cameras can be connected to the internet as well. These let you check the video feed from any computer connected to the internet, even if you're halfway around the world. If an alarm is triggered, the internet camera can also alert you by e-mail.

Fake Surveillance Cameras Fake surveillance cameras are considered by some as a cost effective way of deterring criminals from your home, office, or storefront. Most people cannot afford an adequate amount of surveillance equipment; in addition to the upfront cost of security equipment, one is also faced with maintenance costs. Dummy cameras can be a cost-effective solution to your problem of being an easy target. Most crimes are not impulsive, hence criminals usually canvas an area before they strike. If they see a security camera outside your house, it can deter them from robbing your place.

Anthony Neary represents online Safe retailer http://www.thesafeshop.co.uk. For more information and a wide range of security safes visit the online Safe Shop store at http://www.thesafeshop.co.uk/Categories/security_safes/

Cheryline Lawson

A lot of security camera systems have the capability to record video as well as audio. The law is not well defined as to when it is legal to record audio. There are different circumstances when audio might be recorded. Here are answers to some of the pressing concerns and questions:

Scenarios:

# 1 A business owner who has a security system that has audio. # 2 A homeowner who has a camera that can record audio and some security systems can record audio from the babies room. # 3 Selling Security cameras with audio.

Questions:

# 1 Are these issues covered by state law or Federal law about using these cameras? # 2 Does a business have to legally record their security systems audio? # 3 What does the home owner have to do to comply with the law to record audio in their home.

Answer:

There are States that have different regulations about this issue, but most States are in agreement that videotaping a nanny without her knowledge is legal as long as there is no audio involved. You have to be very careful when it comes to audio. If the nanny is told about the monitor and agrees to it, it should be OK to do the videotape to protect the child as long as the parent feels a sense of security about the whole thing. This will protect the parent and prevent any child abuse.

The answer clearly is defined by excluding audio from the camera. You have to know how to use it responsibly. A business owner should inform his/her employees that he/she has a hidden camera. In most businesses, it is quite obvious that the camera is displayed. The homeowner has the most freedom to use the camera in the home as long as it does not harm anyone. If a homeowner is going on vacation or away from home, then a camera is a way for them to feel more secure.

A security camera is a personal choice that most homeowners don't think about until a robbery, crime or abuse takes place. It is better to be safe and not sorry. A camera is not necessarily a guarantee, but it is a commodity that will enhance safety measures.

There are many wireless security cameras without audio and these days a lot of them are disguised as common household goods. It is more advantageous to a homeowner to be equipped with a security camera than not having one. These days crime is so rampant and a camera brings that safety to the home and the homeowner.

Cheryline Lawson, author, Entrepreneur and owner of http://www.bestwirelesshiddencamera.com. You are welcome to use this article in its entirety with the resource box intact.

Marcela

Finding the right security camera is difficult enough without having to wade through the terms and figure what the abbreviations and words actually mean. If you're trying to do research on a security camera and frustrated with the multitude of terms that are unknown to the average user, here's a list of the terms you'll want to know. There are many more out there, but this is enough to get you started:

DVR: Digital Video Recorder, or 'personal video recorder.' Usually used when referring to a Security Camera System, you use a DVR to record broadcasts on a hard disk drive which can then be played back at a later time. The most well-known type of DVR is TiVO. They often come with standard features like motion detection, time and date stamping, and remote internet monitoring capabilities.

Motion Detection: Many cameras and DVRs are built with motion sensors to track movement securely.

Time and Date Stamping: Term used when a DVR records the date and time of an occurrence or recording.

Remote Internet Monitoring: Refers to using a camera like a Network IP Camera to record information and the ability to see that information live in real time from a distant location.

PC: Still refers to a personal computer.

PTZ: 'Pan, Tilt, Zoom' refers to the motion of a controllable or PTZ camera. Movement can go from left to right and up down, as well as zoom in and out on an object.

Infrared: A technology that uses heat sensors to detect objects in its surroundings. It was developed especially to 'see' in the dark.

Network IP Camera: refers to a type of camera that connects to the internet or a computer network via an IP address and can be viewed remotely from different locations.

DVR Card: Digital Recorder Card. Provides digital video recording capability so that you can store video files from your security/surveillance system on your PC.

Camera Housing: Refers to the outer shell of a security camera. It serves to weatherproof, protect, and 'house' the camera from potential harm.

Quad Processor: four processors in one

Multiplexer: the multiplexer takes several separate digital data streams and combines them together into one data stream of a higher data rate. A multiplexer makes it easier to combine the data from several security cameras into one stream of information. This is system is a quicker and more effective way of processing information.

Multiple Output Power adaptor: a power adaptor that enables multiple outputs and is highly useful for a system that requires a good amount of power.

Security Camera Systems: General, broad term for the package that security companies often sell. They are usually a better deal than buying the items separately and come in a variety of choices. They usually include a security camera, Processor, Software, Cables, Power Adaptor, Monitor, VCR/DVR, and some come with a warrantee. This is one of the more basic kits; more deluxe options often entail other accessories.

Dome Security Cameras: Dome security cameras are ideal for use in building entrances, stores, and shopping malls; in short, anywhere you want a 'fashionable' camera that is designed to blend into its surrounding environment. Prettier and more appealing than its cousins, a Dome Camera offers high security and an increased surveillance capacity because of its non-invasive qualities.

PTZ (Pan, Tilt, Zoom) and Controllable Cameras: PTZ and Controllable Cameras are designed to be controlled by remote or through a DVR. They have the ability to move up and down as well as right and left. You can pan, tilt, and zoom in or out. You have all the control you want over these cameras, and they provide excellent surveillance and security.

Bullet Security Cameras: Bullet Security Cameras are a special type of small, sleek camera that that is ideal for both indoor and outdoor installation. Sealed in cylinders and totally protected, they are impermeable to water and are totally weatherproof. Mountable on the ceiling or on the wall, they provide sharp, detailed video images while maintaining low profile visibility and an unobtrusive presence.

Mini, Board and Covert Cameras: Just as they sound, mini cameras are small, tiny cameras that come in wireless options and can be used for increased, quiet security. Board cameras are tiny mini cameras set in small, flat housing, and are also highly useful in situations calling for more security and extremely low visibility. A Covert Camera is just what it sounds like. Like the mini and board cameras, covert cameras are intended for use for those that need increased security and a totally unobtrusive camera.

Pro Security Cameras: Professional Security Cameras are ideal for any and every purpose you might have. They can be mounted on ceiling brackets, on your wall, and indoors and outdoors. The professional line of security cameras, they are usually high resolution with clear, sharp image quality and detail. They come in color or black and white, and SONY is one of the better brands available.

Infrared Security Cameras: Infrared Security cameras are designed for optimum security and especially increased protection at night. With Infrared Security Cameras, you can see in total darkness, and they are great cameras for extremely low or non-lighted areas.

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