Security Cameras – Security Camera Systems

Security cameras are available in various styles. Even though the security cameras are solely used to monitor various places, you can choose between various styles for aesthetic reasons too. Some security cameras are more suitable for use in either outdoor or indoor. Understanding camera styles will help you make a wise decision.

Bullet security cameras are very popular as they can be used both indoor and outdoor. You can get these in either black and white or colored variations. Mounting hardware is required to complete installation and the kit comes with all essential hardware. Normally, this style of security cameras have 4mm lens that can record facial features from 35 feet and they provide 70 degree view.

Dome security cameras are doom shaped and the enclosed lens has adjustable focus from 5mm to 8mm. High focus lens are also available with such cameras. Unless you stay close to the camera, you won’t know what the camera is actually shooting. Such cameras are used in buildings and stores as they can be easily installed on ceiling and walls.

Infrared security cameras are useful for monitoring areas of little or no lighting. They can be used both indoors and outdoors. Available in bullet style, the camera can shoot pictures up to 25 feet even if there is no light source.

If you need to monitor areas from a distant place, then C mount camera must be used as these can record pictures from 35 feet or even 40 feet. The lens of the camera can be changed and the camera covers 70 degree angle view.

Home owners always have a second thought about installing security cameras because they are worried about the cost involved. It is true that certain modern camera systems cost as much as $1000, but it is not always required. You can easily find affordable security cameras for your home if you are clear with what you need.

Number and Type of Cameras

The cost of home surveillance system increases with the number of cameras you need. If you want to monitor just a single room, one camera may be sufficient. However, if you want full home security, you have to install multiple cameras to monitor your whole house. Night vision cameras are expensive than original cameras, but they can record events at night. Color cameras are pricier than black and white cameras, but you can get sharp images from color cameras.

CCTV, DVR or IP Based

CCTV cameras are inexpensive, because they use older technology. You need to have special hardware to view the images captured. DVR cameras come with DVR hardware to view the footage and hence, they are expensive. IP based cameras are available at various price ranges, but the cost depends on what kind of PC and modem hardware you already possess.

Wired or Wireless

There are expensive wired cameras and inexpensive wireless cameras, though it is a general belief that wireless security cameras for your home are costlier. You need to make this choice depending on what it takes to install wires and where you want the cameras to be placed.

Many home owners still don’t understand why it is important to install security cameras. With the increase in the number of burglar attempts in the whole of United States, you can’t simply hope that your home is a safe heaven as you want it to be. Especially, if you have stored important jewelry and documents in your home safe, you need to install a monitoring device to monitor who gets access to the safe.

Even though you have installed a fool proof safe, burglars can easily get inside and steal everything valuable you possess without leaving a trace. However, if you have installed security cameras to watch anyone entering your home, several burglary attempts can be prevented because thieves are always on the lookout for easy targets.

Security cameras for your home are now affordable mainly because of the improvements in technology and the rise in demand. Several well known manufacturers of security cameras have developed home security camera systems for use at homes of varying sizes.

Depending on the size of your home, you can determine the number of security cameras you require. Installing a single camera to monitor intruders is may be what you want, but however, multiple cameras provide real time monitoring for several parts of your home. Hidden cameras are now popular used for monitoring mainly because they are hidden from view, but still they can capture everything that is going on within their coverage area. Also, determining whether the camera is to be placed indoor or outdoor is also important.

Wireless security cameras are always praised for their flexibility and scalability. As with any system, there are certain disadvantages associated with wireless cameras too. These problems can be solved with fixes and you can’t expect a system to be 100% flawless.

The placement of wireless security cameras in wireless security systems are is often dictated by the distance of cameras from the receivers. When the receiver is out of range from the camera, it can’t receive signals and produce pictures on the monitor. The efficiency of signal transmission is reduced when there are large walls or trees between camera and receiver. You may have to buy wireless chord to extend transmission range.

Security of signals transmitted by the wireless security cameras is often a major concern. Any third party wireless receiver which is capable of retrieving camera signals may receive the signals and monitor your property. Also, noise and other similar frequency signals are picked up by certain DVRs. If the intruder is tech savvy, he will identify the frequency and change the signals transmitted. You can go for cameras that transmit encrypted signals to protect the information from being stolen. Certain wireless systems change frequencies from time to time to eliminate the chances of stealing frequencies.

Wireless security cameras require power to continuously capture pictures. This power can be supplied through a direct power supply which may not be possible always in outdoor cameras. Optional battery power can be useful, but it is important to check the camera from time to time to ensure that copious power is available for the cameras to function.

You probably want to install wireless security cameras outdoor mainly to monitor trespassers and intruders. If you have a big lawn or a large driveway, you need to install security cameras just to make sure that everything is fine with your property. Outdoor security cameras are distinctly different from indoor cameras and you should pay attention to those cameras before you buy them.

Range is very important when you buy outdoor wireless security cameras. Present day wireless cameras can transmit signals to receivers that are 30-40 feet away. The range reduces when the path of signal transmission is blocked by large objects like trees, walls and other constructions. The receiver needs to get signals without interruption inorder to reproduce the pictures captured. If the distance from the camera to the receiver will be more, you may have to buy cameras with powerful antennas.

As the security cameras will be placed outdoors, the casing of the camera must be capable of handling extreme weather conditions depending on the place you live. You may need additional camera housing equipment such as heater or cooler if the weather conditions are extreme. The camera should be made of sturdy material that prevents the lens from getting damaged.

Outdoor wireless security cameras need proper light source to capture pictures properly. This can be identified from lux rating. The lower the rating, the lesser is the amount of light required. IR cameras are your only choice if you want to capture images in total darkness. Night vision cameras must be chosen if you want to monitor your outdoor area 24/7.