Security Camera

The security camera has been part of our lives now for a number of decades. It has mainly been found in areas with high security requirements such as banks, military establishments, airports, hotels, convenience stores and the like but because the , the security camera technology has become more affordable over the years, it has also found its way into private homes. To give a simple definition of what it is, a security camera can be described as a camera that is strategically positioned to monitor a specific location. This camera is then connected, via cables or wirelessly, to a monitor which projects the images from the camera in real time. A recording device (digital video recorder DVR) can also be connected to this system thereby giving the ability to record any and all input from the camera. Ok, now. Having given that definition, we will now talk about two or more than one security camera networked together. Security cameras rarely ever work as single units but as part of a network of cameras which monitor designated areas. This network of cameras is what is known as closed circuit television (CCTV).

CCTV

Wikipedia defines CCTV as the use of video cameras to transmit a signal to a specific place, on a limited set of monitors. Where this setup differs from television broadcasting is in the fact that the signal from CCTV is not openly broadcasted. The first CCTV in recorded history was used in 1942 in Germany. The first time it was used in the USA was in 1949. It has since grown in leaps and bounds. Different camera types are used in a CCTV network. As this is a camera review, we will focus our attention on the different types of cameras that are used in CCTV.

Wireless Security Camera

A CCTV network consists of cameras and cabling that stretches throughout the whole network. This can prove to be a challenge especially when installing the cameras in areas which are not really easy to access. This, among other reasons, has necessitated the need for there to be a more convenient alternative to the use of extensive cabling. The wireless security camera was birthed to cover this void. It utilises wireless technology (radio band) to transmit video and audio data over a network. For the basic type, that’s how far “wireless” it goes as it needs to be near a power port or has long enough cabling to power it through a distant power point. There are, however, battery operated options available on the market now, making a truly wireless network. Besides the advantage of flexibility in terms of mounting positions, as mentioned earlier, there is a considerable amount of cost cutting that is achieved through  doing away with extensive and expensive video cabling. This has helped the wireless security camera to be popular with domestic users and small to medium businesses. Another factor in its favour is the fact that there is no need for costly and laborious laying of cabling along walls and through ceilings. The wireless security camera utilises analogue and digital technology with the former being for older models while the latter is for newer brands on the market. There is a tendency for there to be a conflict between the analogue wireless security camera and other household electronics which use the same frequencies (2.4 GHz) as the majority of analogue cameras. There are, however, analogue cameras that operate in the 900 MHz and 5.8 GHz frequencies. The basic analogue wireless security camera has a range of about 300 feet over open space and this range generally decreases when the signal has to travel through walls and other barriers. Multiple devices can also be connected to a single camera. The digital security camera has a range of 450 feet over open space where there is a clear line of sight between the camera and receiver. This range diminishes as various barriers are introduced as in the case of a building. Because of its digital nature, commands can easily be sent to the camera from a remote location. The other major advantage of a digital wireless security camera is that you get superior video and audio quality.

Hidden Security Camera

The hidden security camera can best be described as a security camera that is out of plain sight or disguised as common household items such as smoke alarms, clock radios, flower pots, cell phones to name a few. They are made use of in situations where there is need for surveillance to be done without people noticing. This is done to monitor goings on in the home while parents (or spouse) is away. They are also extensively used by private investigators, the police and other security agents.

Spy Camera

Popular science fiction and spy movies have long portrayed ingenious cameras disguised as pens, badges, ash trays and many other items only limited by how far our imagination can stretch. They used to be a preserve of security agents, private detectives and those who could afford such expensive equipment. These days, spy cameras can be bought out of a shop or off the internet for as little as $6. One example of a spy camera is on a phone which has a camera at the top. A person can pretend to be texting someone while capturing video and sound. There are many examples that come to mind and new, ingenious  spy cameras are being developed almost daily.

Ip Security Camera

The IP camera (Internet Protocol Camera) is a security camera that uses the internet or computer network to receive and transmit information. The term internet protocol camera is widely used for those cameras which are used for surveillance as, by and large; the IP camera can be classified as a web camera. There are 2 types of IP security camera namely: Centralised IP Security cameras which require a centralised network recorder And Decentralised IP Security cameras. These cameras have the capability to record video and audio without the need to have a centralised recorder on the network. The cameras have in built capability to record directly to storage devices like hard drives and flash disks. IP cameras are available in resolutions of 0.3 to 11megapixels and as in any other consumer products, there is a gradual leaning towards high definition resolutions of 780p or 1080i and 16:9 widescreen standard. Live video from an IP camera can be viewed over the internet from any computer or mobile smartphone allowing for greater flexibility. The camera can be placed anywhere within a network hence providing greater positioning flexibility

Fake Security Camera

As the name suggests, fake security cameras are none functional or dummy cameras that are intended to fool intruders or anyone watching. They are usually positioned in a manner that allows them to be clearly visible to everyone. They are usually used in an environment where the only need would be to deter minor theft. These places include restaurants, convenience stores and the like. They can be also used in conjunction with real security cameras to provide the illusion of there being more security at a minimum additional cost. These fake security cameras work by planting doubt in the would be criminals minds. In cases where they are used to augment an existing security camera network, the dummy cameras are situated in positions which are clearly visible such that when you turn your back to them you will then face the real cameras which are often hidden.