Camera Security

Wherever we may be in the world, we live in a place where crime is inevitable. Despite law enforcement’s best efforts, crime happens. The best way to keep ourselves safe from this is to take measures to secure ourselves and our property.

One of the best ways to deter crime is through the installation of security cameras. There are different security cameras out there, such as the inexpensive Bullet cameras, the customizable C Mount cameras and the expensive yet most versatile Dome cameras. Two things that are common with these cameras is that they offer added protection, but they are pricey.

For people who are having problems with the cost of procuring and installing these cameras, there is an alternative for you. You can choose to buy fake security cameras. These dummy cameras offer the protection of deterring would-be intruders. However, keep in mind, as the name suggests, that they are fake cameras.

Fake security cameras are also known as dummy cameras or decoy cameras. They are non-functional cameras that are made and designed to fool would-be intruders. Think of them as scarecrows, which are just meant to scare away birds from a field.

They are designed to look exactly like genuine, functional cameras. However, fake security cameras come with a variation of prices too. The cheapest you could probably find are real cameras that are broken. You could install them and nobody will ever know they are actually broken. The more pricey ones are those fake cameras with features, such as a ability to simulate a pan and tilt or flashing lights.

The concept of utilizing fake security cameras for deterrence is to install them in areas that need minor security, such as areas where we want to deter vandalism or minor theft. You can install real cameras in areas that you really want to be protected and fake security cameras in less important areas. Innocent bystanders will never know the difference. So if you want to use fake security cameras, use them for small businesses, homes, or other areas that are not protecting very valuable items. Be warned that professional burglars or robbers will be able to determine if the camera is fake or not. This is why, to deter a major crime, your best bet is a real camera.

To make a fake security camera effective, you have to make sure that EVERYONE thinks it’s real. When I say EVERYONE, I mean EVERYONE. No one should know they’re dummies. Not even your employees. This has to be your secret. A secret is no longer a secret if someone else knows, so keep it that way. That’s the surefire way to make sure you didn’t waste your money on fake security cameras.

There are a lot of these dummy cameras out there, all with different features. Like I mentioned, the pricier they are, the more features they come with. You just need to choose which particular camera suits your needs and the degree of how far you want to keep them to look realistic.

Wherever you may be in the world, crime is always inevitable. Only the degree of crime varies. That is why it is important to keep watch and make your businesses or homes safe. Wise and logical people tend to invest their money in security. Some people view security as being a priceless commodity, which is why they spend a lot more on it that other people.

In the modern day, mechanical eyes are one form of security. You can view locations anytime if you have surveillance cameras installed. Even at the sight of a security camera, crime is deterred. More and more people are investing on this kind of security. It’s also a good way to monitor your employees for productivity. You can’t be everywhere at all times.

However, merely keeping watch is not enough for some businesses. What if a crime is really happening and all you are doing is watching from the other end of the camera? It would be unwise to charge out and defend your property. Calling the cops may be too late too, since the intruders will be gone by the time they show up. That’s why it is appropriate to pair a Digital Video Recorder (DVR) with your security cameras.

A security DVR is a machine that works like any other household DVR. It can record audio and video, do a playback, has pause and play capability and other capabilities. The only difference is that you enjoy a household DVR for movies and shows, whereas a security DVR records your surveillance camera feeds.

A security DVR completes your surveillance security system. Not only do you have the power to view live feeds from all over you store, office, or home, but you are recording them at the same time. When actual crime happens and the culprit leaves the property, you can provide a recording to the police to help them catch the perpetrator and recover your lost property.

A security DVR comes with features and specifications that are specific to maintaining security. For example, they are able to display and record up to 32 different camera feeds at one time. The cheaper security DVR can hold 4, 8, or 16 camera feeds at one time. Depending on the amount of security cameras you have installed, you can choose a security DVR which fits your needs.

Another feature is remote access of the DVR so you can view what’s happening from another location. You can be at home and check your office via the internet, LAN, WAN, through your iPhone or other mobile device. It depends on the features the manufacturers set it up with. This is great, especially when you keep traveling and you need to check on your the premises. They say the mice play when the cat is away. Good thing this cat has mechanical eyes.

You’re probably wondering where it stores your recordings, right? Well, wonder no more. These DVRs come with a 250 or 320 Gigabyte hard drive. Not only that, but some DVRs also come with motion recording, remote network back up for your recordings, remote controls, a DVD burner, and high definition.

There are a lot of features DVRs can offer. The more features, the more expensive the DVR will be too. You don’t have to buy the most expensive one if it doesn’t even fit in with your set-up or circumstances. Assess your needs before looking for security DVRs that are best for you.

Crime is such a common thing these days, especially now with the state of our economy. The poor have become poorer, and the rich have become richer. Some suggest that is why some people are driven to criminal acts as a result of poverty. Well, we won’t go into who is obviously to blame for crime (hint: whoever did it), but how to protect your family and property.

Security is not a want. According to Abraham Maslow, the famed psychologist, this is one of our needs to survive as a human being: psychological and physical security. With the ever rising expenses, some people are not able to afford security cameras or security personnel to protect their businesses, and especially their homes.

This is where security signs come in. Let’s start this discussion with an analogy. Have you ever seen a cornfield with a scarecrow? The scarecrow actually does what it is named for: to scare away the crows who try to steal corn and other crops. Security signs work like this. They are there to scare away intruders and burglars away from your business or homes.

Security signs are made to be obvious and an eye catcher so that everyone who passes by notices your signs. These security signs will usually come with short and direct visual and written messages saying that your property is being protected either by a security alarm, surveillance, security personnel, and others. The moment would-be criminals see your signs, they will think twice about violating your home. Why would they risk getting caught by targeting a house that claims it has security when they can always prey on unsecured property?

The secret advantage with security signs is claiming you have actual security. You can put them up even if you don’t have an alarm system or surveillance cameras in the house. The will never know unless they take the risk and invade your home. However, like I said, no would-be thief would take the risk for fear of getting caught. They’d target other houses instead.

These signs are great since they can provide you with security and they can come cheap. The best strategy to use them is to put them in obvious places. They didn’t accidentally manufacture these signs to come in bright colors. They are like designed to catch the attention of passerby. Maximize the signs’ effect by putting them in obvious places in front and at the back of your property. People passing by will associate mentally as common knowledge that your house or business is protected. This “public” knowledge is enough to reduce the chances of you getting robbed by substantial percentages.

There are also security signs that warn rescuers to the presence of children or pets during an emergency. This will help rescuers to know the home’s residents and take quick action. Signs that caution are also set up to not only protect yourself, but others too. For example, you have a vicious dog and you don’t want pedestrians coming too close to your gate. You can post a sign up for this. So you see, these signs provide you with security and also help out in other means.

These signs may not provide actual security, especially when you post signs about surveillance cameras and you don’t actually have one. However, investing in these cheap signs can provide you enough protection to keep you safe. These are your first lines of defense. Coupled with decoy ameras, actual security cameras or an alarm, then you can have improved safety. Learn to use signs effectively but don’t put rely solely on them.

In all corners of the world, safety is a priority. Safety not only comprises of our own well-being but to the protection of our loved ones, hard-earned valuables and property. However, safety comes at a price. Safety for your home or business is an investment that pays for itself in the long run. It deters crime and vandalism from happening within the confines of your business or home, thereby preventing costly repair or replacement expenses.

It has been said that a man’s home is his castle. One way of fortifying this is with the use of security cameras. However, security cameras, like almost all pieces of technology out there, are pricey. It would only be natural that people would seek the safety they provide but at a lower cost.So, are there things like cheap security cameras out there?

Security cameras are expensive depending on the features they have to offer. As a simple answer to the question, yes, there are cheap security cameras out there but their durability and capabilities are limited.

An example of a feature that makes security cameras expensive is infrared technology that uses IR signals to illuminate surroundings for visibility during low-light conditions such as at night. IR signals can provide illumination to up to 100 feet for high-end cameras. Motion sensors and color discriminating features are an added expense as well.

Cameras that have the ability to pan, tilt, and zoom (PTZ) can also add to the expense of the product. Night vision is also a feature expensive cameras will have. Lacking features will limit what cameras can do but it will make them significantly cheaper. These cameras are not the ideal cameras to use if you want the full measure of protection and flexibility. Cheap cameras are conducive for well-lit areas.
There are three types of cameras out there: the Dome, C Mount and Bullet security camera.

The bullet security camera is the least expensive among the three types. Bullet cameras have a narrow and sleek design. It is encased in a tough material that makes them weatherproof. Another factor that can make a camera cheap is the material used affecting its overall durability. There are a lot of cheap security cameras that are low-maintenance, but there are some security cameras that are inexpensive due to poor manufacturing. Make sure you learn how to differentiate the two.

There are two ways in which you can get the safety you’re looking for but for a cheap price. The first one is by purchasing fake security cameras. Fake camera, or decoy cameras, are real-looking cameras. However, they do not provide you a live audio-visual feed. They are installed for the purpose to deter potential robbers or any acts of vandalism. Fake security cameras are manufactured to look convincing by putting in a blinking LED bulb that can give the vandal or thief a feeling that the are being watched. Obviously, they don’t provide you real security. Despite all that, fake security cameras are as cheap as $16.00. The price varies on how realistic they look.

The other option is to use a regular webcam and connect it to your desktop. You can wire your webcam to a location you want to watch over and have the feed available through your desktop PC. You can even have it record 24/7. If you want time-lapsed recording, you can use a program to have your webcam take pictures every 15-30 seconds. Webcams can cost for as low as $10.00.

The best security comes at a price. If you opt for cheaper options, you won’t be able to get the full protection high-end cameras can give you. However, that investment is better than none.

* Image Credit

Crime is a common occurrence in any community. Any man, whether rich or poor, may fall victim to damages or theft, either if it is a loss of property or a threat to one’s well-being. That is why we always need to stay vigilant and take measures to keep our valuables safe. Investing resources and effort for such precautions are not considered a waste, but an invaluable factor in your home or business’ security. There is much truth to the saying: “Prevention is better than cure”.

Businesses and homes are now being protected by modern age eyes we call security cameras. They can be installed at strategic locations so we can keep an eye on our surroundings. Technology has evolved enough to allow recording of the feeds so we can have a copy should anything happen.

There are different types of security cameras out there. There are the inexpensive and common cameras known as Bullet Cameras; the customizable and mid-ranged priced C Mount Cameras and the expensive yet versatile Dome Cameras. Let’s talk about the best security cameras for your business or home – the dome camera.

You have probably seen a dome camera somewhere, but maybe you didn’t realize it was one or the fact that it was a camera at all. They are used in restaurants, apartment buildings, houses, and more commonly in casinos and retail stores.

The Dome Camera got its name from its appearance, because the camera is encased in a dome. The dome protects the camera from vandalism attempts. Cameras are fragile. Any camera can be taken out by a simple smash from a piece of wood, thus disabling your surveillance. A dome camera on the other hand cannot be easily destroyed. The dome absorbs the impact and keeps your camera safe. The dome not only protects your camera from vandalism, but it also protects it from the weather so moisture is not a problem.

There are two types of dome cameras – Fixed Dome Cameras and Pan-Tilt-Zoom (PTZ) Dome Cameras. The fixed dome cameras can only hold a single position. They are not as flexible and as versatile as a PTZ dome camera, which can pan, tilt and zoom giving you maximum vision. This also saves you money as you will only need one camera to access a 360 degree view, rather than get multiple cameras for each view.

Dome cameras come with different features. Some dome cameras have a day/night feature. This feature provides colored images during the day and black and white images during the night or low-light conditions. Some dome cameras are made with Armor Domes. Armor domes can make the camera better safe from vandalism since it can take on the whack of a hammer and other attempts to disable it. Just ask your retailer regarding more specific features that can give you greater benefits or better security.

Various Dome Cameras have varied features. Some dome cameras are more durable than others too. The more features, the more expensive they are. Price range may start from $40 to $300. Fixed dome cameras are cheaper while Pan, Tilt and Zoom dome cameras are more expensive.

Let’s compare two different dome cameras from different ends of the price range.

The fixed dome camera has:
1.)A ¼ inches Sharp CCD solid-state imaging sensor
2.)A minimum illumination of 1Lux/F2.0
3.)A signal-to-noise ratio of 48 dB
4.)350 TV lines of horizontal high quality picture
5.)AES (Auto Electronic Shutter)
6.)AGC (Auto Gain Control)
7.)AWB (Auto White Balance)

The PTZ camera on the other hand has:
1.)540 TV line
2.)3.3 – 12mm auto iris lens
3.)Built in joystick for easier navigation
4.)On screen programming
5.)1.3 inches Sony super II HAD CCD
6.)Low power consumption
7.)Ultra-sensitivity to low light
8.)AGC (Auto Gain Control)
9.)BLC (Black Light Compensation)
10.)AWB (Auto White Balance)
11.)Mirror Image control
12.)Sharpness control
13.)Programmable privacy zone and motion detection
14.)Electronic day/night mode with color removal circuit
15.)Auto sensing 24 VAC/12 VDC
16.)100 ft. infrared with intelligent LED Sync
17.)3D gimbal (pivot support) for easy control (360 degree pan and 90 deg tilt)
18.)Weatherproof
19.)Video test outlet cable included

The fixed camera is the cheapest one you can find in the market. Considering its features, it can cost at around $40.00. The PTZ camera, on the other hand, is one of the most expensive ones you can find out there. It can cost to as much as $250.00.

Whichever outdoor security camera you choose, I can say that dome cameras offer security for your property and security for itself. It not only protects you, but it also protects itself with its dome design.

Wireless cameras offer added functionality and mobility that wired cameras can’t match, especially when it comes to location installation options.  Having the ability to place your camera virtually anywhere ensures that you have the best coverage possible for your home or business.  What are some of the essential things to keep in mind when choosing a wireless outdoor security camera?  We’ll discuss those points below:

Of course, one of the more important things to consider when choosing an outdoor camera, be it a wireless or a wired camera, is the housing.  Make sure it can withstand the outdoor condition of your environment.  If you live in a colder climate, ensure that the camera can hold its own against below-freezing temperatures.  If in a hotter climate, be mindful of extremely hot temperatures.

One advantage of having a wireless camera is that it likely is Internet-enabled (this mainly applies to IP-connected cameras.)  This means that you can view your camera feed from anywhere in the world where you have access to an Internet connected computer.  Be mindful, however, that you must establish strong, complex log-in passwords.  You certainly don’t want to leave open the possibility that an easy to guess password gives the whole world access to your camera interface and video feed.

Be aware that most wireless security cameras can transmit their signal up to about 300 feet from the receiver.  This distance applies if the camera has an unobstructed, clear line of sight to the wireless receiver.  Any obstacles, such as walls, furniture, etc., will only further diminish the range of your wireless camera.  It is best to test the signal and feed before you commit to permanently affixing your wireless camera to your desired location.

As you can see, wireless outdoor security cameras offer the advantage of flexibility in the location they are to be placed and accessibility from even the most remote corners of the world (provided you have Internet service where you are that is.)  Compare features, and research, and it is likely that you will end up with a camera you’re thoroughly satisfied with.

The great majority of those that choose to install security cameras do so for security reasons. Maybe they have been victims of vandalism, robbery, theft, or know someone that has been victimized. Once you have installed an outdoor security camera, it is important to protect it adequately. We will now discuss the finer points of SECURING your security camera.

Usually, camera manufacturers, when designing their product, take into account possible vandalism by intruders. However, this is not always the case. Cheaper cameras will have cheaper housing, i.e metal housing versus plastic housing, which will fail if a vandal tries to damage the camera. Take design into consideration and look for cameras that are tough, well-designed, and hard to break. If the lens or movable parts are tough to target, you’ve got yourself a good start.

The next point to consider is camera location. It is tempting to put a camera juuuuuust out of reach, in order to facilitate maintenance, such as battery changes. If it is easy for you to reach, it will be easy to do so for vandals as well. Protect the camera, but don’t forget to protect cabling as well. Usually, flush-mounting a camera is a good solution, even though it may require a bit more work and might compromise the viewing angle of the camera some.

One feature worth looking into when buying a camera will be active tampering detection. A camera with an active tampering system will alert you if the camera has been moved and pointed in another direction, if the lens has been obscured, or if it has been tampered with in other ways. This is specially useful if you have many cameras to monitor simultaneously.

As you can see, placement is very important, both to the safety of your home or office, as well as the safety and security of the camera itself. You want to protect your likely expensive investment as best as you can, so that it can provide the peace of mind, and deterrence, that outdoor security cameras provide. A little planning before installation goes a long way towards achieving that goal.