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There are many options when it comes to recording the video feed from your outdoor camera(s). Mostly, it will depend on the storage capacity and features as well as the technology you choose to use. Let’s review the options:
STANDARD VCR, TIME-LAPSE VCR, DVD RECORDER: VCRs are not widely used anymore to record security video. Compared to the devices described below, they offer much shorter recording times. Another disadvantage is that tapes or recording media must be changed constantly. I speak from personal experience when I say that searching through tapes or discs manually for a specific event can be a tedious affair, specially if your tape or DVD media collection is rather large. Time-lapse VCRs can record for much longer than 24 hours. This also means that they will be more expensive than your standard VCR. This technology can be used as a temporary measure if you need to start recording quickly and it’s all you have on hand at the time. If you choose to do this, think about upgrading it as soon as possible.
STANDARD PC: There are various camera packages that will allow you to monitor your cameras directly from your computer. Additionally, this option allows you to use your computer hard drive as a storage option. This can be a drawback, however, depending on the storage available in your computer. Video files can occupy a lot of space, specially if you choose to record video at a higher resolution for more detail. Also, keep in mind that your computer must remain on at all times in order to record. An added benefit is that it will be fairly easy to set-up your computer in a manner that allows for viewing live video via the Internet, if you chose to do so.
DEDICATED DVR: If you are looking to use several cameras at once and record for longer periods of time, the choice for you like will be a dedicated Digital Video Recorder (DVR). They usually have larger capacities and come with additional features, such as the ability to record with more than one camera at a time. The drawback is the added cost for the technology.
As you can see, you will most likely be limited by your budget. You might be able to leverage the equipment you already have while you search for a better solution. Maybe the lower-end technology will be enough to satisfy your present-day needs. Whatever your choice, make sure you have a clear plan in mind, so that you don’t find it necessary to later reinvest in more equipment in the near future.
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As discussed earlier, there is a wide variety of security cameras. There is at least one big aspect that differentiates outdoor security cameras vs. indoor security cameras: toughness. Outdoor units, by design and purpose, must be able to hold their own against what can be extreme weather conditions. Outdoor cameras are built with specially engineered heavy-duty casings to ensure that they will remain damage-free in spite of extended exposure to the elements.
Once you’ve established which particular areas around your perimeter you’d like to monitor, then the next step is to locate and assess potential camera locations. Depending on this assessment you will choose either a wireless camera, a wired camera, or both. Let’s delve into what are the advantages and disadvantages of each type.
Wireless Cameras
Wireless systems are very popular due to their ease of installation. This is because wireless cameras do not require a connection to an electrical power supply. Another advantage, because of the reason stated previously, is that this makes wireless cameras easier to move them around and in locations not possible for hard-wired cameras. This mobility however, may come at price, since most wireless cameras operate on batteries. These batteries will have to be replaced, or in some cases, recharged regularly, which is something to keep in mind if the camera is placed in a hard-to-reach place. This issue can be solved, however, with the use of solar-powered battery cameras, which will recharge themselves using solar energy. Be aware that obstacles between the camera and the transmitter, as well as interference from devices on the same frequency, can affect the performance and range of a wireless camera.
Wired Cameras
If you choose to install a wired camera, be aware that installation may be difficult, depending on the location of your wired camera. Wiring has to be run to these cameras, although you may be lucky and already have a power source in or near the location where you are planning to install the camera.
A word of advice regarding camera installation, wireless or wired: Consider the deterrence factor of having a camera installed on a high visibility area. Prevention of crime can be the best benefit a camera can offer, rather than their ability to record acts for investigative purposes. Worth mentioning are a third type of “camera”, the fake, or ‘dummy camera.’ This camera can be used in conjunction with real cameras to provide additional deterrence.
As you can see, wireless and wired cameras have their pros and cons. Mostly, it depends on whether you want to front the initial installation cost for wired cameras, or know going on that some wireless cameras will require continued upkeep because of the batteries.
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