Security Cameras

Security cameras are found increasingly in home and business operations these days. Dramatically improved digital technology and diminished cost are the leading factors that have enabled wide and prevalent use of security camera systems.

Powerful and flexible the present day security cameras provide simple solutions that enable to remotely and cost effectively monitor and secure people, property and processes of industries and organizations. As it is often said, it is better to be safe than sorry! After all one cannot take a risk when the safety of near and dear ones or valuable assets are concerned.

Security cameras catch the intruder or offender and can even stand as evidence in the court of law. This is definitely a more intelligent and informative data mining and retrieval of evidence to capture what has happened in any place or situation that needs monitoring.

Surveillance cameras with equipment systems come in a wide range of varieties. They could be hidden cameras, wireless cameras, digital cameras, black and white or color cameras, day and night security cameras, infrared security cameras, dome security cameras, bullet security cameras, zoom security cameras, underwater cameras, body worn covert camera, digital video recorders, bug detectors, radar detectors, professional counter surveillance equipment and specialty spy equipment with security components attached.

There are over one thousand different cameras from all over the world. Some of the leading manufacturers of security cameras are: Polaris, Sanyo, Altronix, Sony, Matrix, Process Optics, JVC, Kalate, GE, GE Interlogix, Panasonic, Tatung, Panavise, Bogen, NVT, Bosch, and Ganz among others.

Surveillance cameras are of various types. It is imperative that one understands the different kinds available to enable determine the one that would suit best. The present day electronic gadgets immensely help to counter the threats to one's security. The digital surveillance systems are unsurpassed in quality and performance. They come with complete out put and input devices, web based modules and audio inputs. They are backed with finest software programs.

There are various surveillance systems available and one has to decide whether to go in for a CCTV 'Closed Circuit Television' or a web camera attached to a PC 'Personal Computer' or the more recent IP 'Internet Protocol' camera technology depending on the utility.

Wireless camera security systems

The wired hidden cameras do the same functions that a wireless camera does except that the wired version is much less expensive.

Wired hidden cameras are not as popular as wireless ones primarily because in the former the cords have to be hidden which in some cases is not physically possible. Wired hidden cameras also require a physical connection to the viewing recording or device. These wired versions require more time for installation as the holes have to be drilled to conceal the connections. It is absolutely essential to ensure that the wires and cords are completely undetectable. Otherwise it will not work as a spy system.

In wired camera systems there is no bother of additional equipment as the camera is hooked to the TV, DVR, Camcorder or VCR in less than ten minutes after the cables are concealed.

The wireless hidden camera system is often chosen as a better option to the wired version. Wireless hidden camera systems are best sellers because they are simple to use. The set up takes less than five minutes to get installed. All one has to do is to attach the small receiver to the VCR or TV of choice and start viewing the recording.

Here the camera systems are completely hidden save for the power supply and they are ready to use almost immediately. This system works with TV, DVR, Camcorder and VCR. The cameras in wireless options come in various shapes and sizes looking like stereos to teddy bears.

Wireless hidden camera system has no bother for drilling holes or wires to hide. It has no additional components as it comes as a complete system in itself.

Both the wired and wireless security cameras come in black and white or color types. The color camera naturally has an edge over the mono ones. Nevertheless the black and white version is better if the recording has to be near dark or under extremely low light conditions.

Covert surveillance cameras

These cameras look like regular items. A wall clock in a small store, a teddy bear in a baby's room or a potted plant by the front door is common instances of covert surveillance cameras. The purpose here is one can record the events without anyone knowing it.

Home security cameras

Home should be a haven where one can rest comfortable and secure. These days many homes are fitted with security cameras that alert at times of theft or burglary. The home security cameras can either be installed indoors or outdoors. Outdoor cameras are weatherproof.

A residential security system installed by an alarm dealer can cost heavily. Whereas these days there are excellent security camera systems that come equipped with a cable and connector needed to complete camera installation at home. This is not only an excellent alternative but also brings peace of mind for a fraction of the cost.

Common features of such home monitoring devices are:

• Motion detection recording
  
  
• Alarm input and output
  
  
• Auto detection system
  
  
• Removable HDD
  
  
• CF card backup
  
  
• TCP/IP connection
  
  
• Dynamic IP and DDNS support
  
  
• Recording of a maximum of 120 images per second recording
  

Most of the home security cameras are installed with wide angle lens which has a 90 degree angle or even more. Some cameras even have a Fish eye lens to give a wide range of vision. A traditional hub, switch, router and a wireless gear is all that is needed to complete a simple ready to use home security system.

Preservation and storage of security cameras

It is essential that security cameras are stored appropriately as the recordings may be retained for indefinite periods of time for use in investigations as evidence in legal issues. Sometimes recordings need to be kept for certain duration of time to monitor a facility. Recordings may also contain certain material of value which may be evaluated for historical, research or long term information.

Fake security cameras

Fake security cameras as the name indicates are not actual cameras. Fake security cameras as a cost effective way to deter criminals from entering the home, office or shop and are a suitable alternative to purchasing the actual one. While some people cannot afford a perfect surveillance system, they can opt for a fake one.

Most of the fake cameras look exactly like real cameras and the criminals certainly cannot tell the difference between the real and the dummy camera. When a criminal surveys the area for striking, this fake camera will certainly deter them from entering the place. But with the steep fall in price of the actual real world cameras, the need for a fake camera is not there anymore.

Security Cameras of tomorrow

Currently computerized monitoring of surveillance systems like CCTV is under development. These systems are programmed in such a way that instead of tracking the people directly, the behavior and particular types of movements are tracked. The theory here is the assumption that certain people behave in a certain manner in public. When a person starts behaving in an unpredictable manner or indifferent way, the computer identifies their movements and alerts the operator.

CCTVs are put to very special use for discovery of unidentified flying objects in space. In the US, new software tools are applied and three dimensional models of an area are created while the advanced security camera system is able to track or monitor the movements of objects that come under its purview.