Security Cameras - Your Guide To Buying The Best Spy Cameras
So you've decided to install security cameras to monitor and protect your home or business. That's a smart move. No so long ago these amazing devices were used exclusively by security agencies - now we can all avail ourselves of the protection they offer. However, how do you go about finding the most suitable security cameras for your needs? Here's your guide to getting the best spy cameras for your home or business.
First of all, you have to decide where you're going to install your security cameras. This will help you determine the right type to buy.
So first let's consider the matter of how the camera is powered. You can get models that use batteries. These, of course, need to be changed or charged at regular intervals. This means you have to be able to easily access the unit. And if you install the type of cameras that use mains electricity, you'll need to consider the availability of a convenient electrical outlet.
Next, you have to choose between a wired or wireless unit. If you choose a wired spy camera, you'll need to find a way to lead the wire from the camera to the recorder or transmitter. Bear in mind that the presence of wires can make your spy camera more easily detectable.
Wireless (RF) cameras on the other hand, use built-in transmitters to send their signals at distances ranging from 50 to 2000 feet. An important point is that these distances are what are known as Line of Sight (LOS), which means without obstacles in the way. If there are walls and doors between camera and receiver, this number can be considerably less.
One factor to keep in mind is that nearby radio devices can interfere with the radio transmission from your wireless security cameras. These can include such items as PC networks, satellite dishes and even cell phones. It all depends on the radio frequencies involved.
Another option is to get a stealthcam. This is a camera that records directly to a memory card built in or slotted into the device. This is a convenient option but remember that once the memory card is full, it will have to be replaced or erased. Also, you can't view in real time as you could if it were linked to a monitor.
You have to decide, too, whether to get a device that records continuously, one with scheduled recording, or a camera that's motion-activated.
Next, let's consider the picture quality you can get from your camera. Picture clarity and resolution will depend on a number of factors including the type of imaging chip, the lens and the resolution of the device.
The oldest, cheapest and most common type of imaging chip (the device that converts light into electrical pulses) is CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor). If you want higher quality, you should opt for the more modern CCD (Charge Coupled Device).
The next factor is the lens. Obviously with a spy camera the lens will have to be small which will itself limits picture quality. Another factor related to the lens is the viewing angle. Essentially this refers to the size of the area the camera can cover. This can be calculated from the focal length of the lens and the distance from the camera to the area to be covered.
Finally, let's look at the matter of resolution. This will be a factor in determining the clarity of your picture. Resolution for cameras is traditionally measured in TVL (television lines) though IP (internet protocol) cameras use megapixels.
Standard televisions offer resolutions of up to 600 TVL while high definition goes up to 1080. IP cameras offer much higher resolutions than standard SCCTV cameras and are much more expensive.
You'll have to consider, too, the lighting conditions in your area of surveillance. When choosing a camera, the important number in this regard is known as LUX - a measurement of intensity of light. Basically the lower the LUX rating, the better your camera will work in low light conditions. One thing to remember is that black and white cameras work much better than colour in low light conditions.
If you plan to install your camera in the outside of your property you'll need to get a weatherproof camera. Bear in mind that recording someone on your property is not illegal, but recording someone without their knowledge outside of your property can be.
Installing security cameras can go a long way to making our homes and businesses safe and secure. What's more the cost of this hi-tech equipment is surprisingly low. So if you're concerned about your security, find an online suppler or security cameras and spy cameras today.
First of all, you have to decide where you're going to install your security cameras. This will help you determine the right type to buy.
So first let's consider the matter of how the camera is powered. You can get models that use batteries. These, of course, need to be changed or charged at regular intervals. This means you have to be able to easily access the unit. And if you install the type of cameras that use mains electricity, you'll need to consider the availability of a convenient electrical outlet.
Next, you have to choose between a wired or wireless unit. If you choose a wired spy camera, you'll need to find a way to lead the wire from the camera to the recorder or transmitter. Bear in mind that the presence of wires can make your spy camera more easily detectable.
Wireless (RF) cameras on the other hand, use built-in transmitters to send their signals at distances ranging from 50 to 2000 feet. An important point is that these distances are what are known as Line of Sight (LOS), which means without obstacles in the way. If there are walls and doors between camera and receiver, this number can be considerably less.
One factor to keep in mind is that nearby radio devices can interfere with the radio transmission from your wireless security cameras. These can include such items as PC networks, satellite dishes and even cell phones. It all depends on the radio frequencies involved.
Another option is to get a stealthcam. This is a camera that records directly to a memory card built in or slotted into the device. This is a convenient option but remember that once the memory card is full, it will have to be replaced or erased. Also, you can't view in real time as you could if it were linked to a monitor.
You have to decide, too, whether to get a device that records continuously, one with scheduled recording, or a camera that's motion-activated.
Next, let's consider the picture quality you can get from your camera. Picture clarity and resolution will depend on a number of factors including the type of imaging chip, the lens and the resolution of the device.
The oldest, cheapest and most common type of imaging chip (the device that converts light into electrical pulses) is CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor). If you want higher quality, you should opt for the more modern CCD (Charge Coupled Device).
The next factor is the lens. Obviously with a spy camera the lens will have to be small which will itself limits picture quality. Another factor related to the lens is the viewing angle. Essentially this refers to the size of the area the camera can cover. This can be calculated from the focal length of the lens and the distance from the camera to the area to be covered.
Finally, let's look at the matter of resolution. This will be a factor in determining the clarity of your picture. Resolution for cameras is traditionally measured in TVL (television lines) though IP (internet protocol) cameras use megapixels.
Standard televisions offer resolutions of up to 600 TVL while high definition goes up to 1080. IP cameras offer much higher resolutions than standard SCCTV cameras and are much more expensive.
You'll have to consider, too, the lighting conditions in your area of surveillance. When choosing a camera, the important number in this regard is known as LUX - a measurement of intensity of light. Basically the lower the LUX rating, the better your camera will work in low light conditions. One thing to remember is that black and white cameras work much better than colour in low light conditions.
If you plan to install your camera in the outside of your property you'll need to get a weatherproof camera. Bear in mind that recording someone on your property is not illegal, but recording someone without their knowledge outside of your property can be.
Installing security cameras can go a long way to making our homes and businesses safe and secure. What's more the cost of this hi-tech equipment is surprisingly low. So if you're concerned about your security, find an online suppler or security cameras and spy cameras today.
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