Security Cameras

Tips for Choosing a High Resolution Security Camera

Posted on January 30, 2012 by MatthewTaff

Security cameras are not what they used to be. Gone are the days of those fuzzy pictures that you could barely make out and static sound you could not decipher. Today’s high resolution security cameras offer crystal clear pictures and sound as well as a variety of angles to view your surroundings.

With so many options available, you may be wondering which high resolution security camera system to buy. Here are a few tips to get you started in your search:

Consider Your Coverage Area and Distance

High resolution security cameras take better pictures then ever before. But, if you try and take in too large a coverage area or position your camera too far from what you are watching, the picture will not be as good as you might expect. Take a good look at your surroundings and then think like a criminal. In what area would a criminal most likely try to enter the premises or do harm? Make sure that your camera is situated and angled toward these areas. Be sure it is close enough to get a nice clear picture so that if something does happen, the police have all the evidence they need to make an arrest. This may mean buying more than one camera to cover the entire area. While this may add to your overall expense, it will also add to your overall security – and after all, isn’t that what you are after?

Determine Your Focal Length

In order rot get the best picture from your high resolution security camera, you must also determine the proper focal length. This will allow you to get the best magnification possible out of your lens. To determine the focal length of your high resolution security camera, use an online CCTV lens calculator. Simply answer the questions asked and it will tell you the proper focal length to use.

Consider the Price

No one wants to waste money on a security camera that is not needed, and it is very easy to overbuy when purchasing a security system. But, remember, if you try to hard to save a few bucks you will likely be disappointed with the results. The old adage “you get what you pay for,” is a very true statement when it comes to security cameras devices. The cheaper the model, the cheaper the manufacturing and that can means the difference between a quality camera and one that does not live up to your expectations.

Figure Out What Camera Type You Need

When it comes to buying a high resolution security camera, there sure are a lot of choices out there. From indoor cameras and weather resistant outdoor ones to motion activated cameras and spy cams, the variety of high resolutions security cameras is endless these days. To help make your decision easier, you will first need to become familiar with the most commonly used cameras out there. Here are just a few that may work for your security needs:

Bullet Cameras

Ultra small and weather resistant, these small cylinder shaped cameras offer higher resolution pictures in a format that allows the security personnel to hide the camera from view.

Dome Cameras

The most commonly used security cameras in high traffic areas like malls, hospitals, schools, offices and more, the dome camera offers high resolution pictures in a format that allows the camera to be slightly hidden form view so that those being watched do not feel uncomfortable.

Box Cameras

This box like high resolutions security camera is usually found out in the open in areas where security is expected like banks.

Choosing Your Final Resolution

When purchasing a high resolution security camera, your last decision will be the actual resolution. Generally speaking, the more lines of resolution offered in the picture, the better the picture will look. Most security experts suggest a high resolution of 450-480 for a good quality pictures. Crystal clear pictures are available in cameras with a resolution in 500-600 line range. Of course you can buy higher resolution cameras, but that probably is not necessary for most homes and businesses. Keep in mind though that any resolution under 400 will offer a fuzzy picture at best, so stay clear of these low priced models.

Finding the right high resolution security camera requires a bit of knowledge regarding the resolution lines, focal range and type of camera options available in order to choose the right model for your security needs. But, once you familiarize yourself with what the industry has to offer, you should be able to find just the right system to meet both your security needs and your budget.

The Benefits of DVR Security Camera Systems

Posted on January 22, 2012 by MatthewTaff

Business owners often want to keep an eye on what is going on inside their offices, factories, sales floors and warehouses to ensure both the safety of their employees as well as to prevent internal theft and other criminal activity.

In the past, keeping a good surveillance system running required installing security cameras throughout the perimeter of the property (both inside and outside), and then either hiring someone to internally keep an eye on things, or hire an external monitoring professional to oversee footage from a remote location. That is a cost both small and large businesses no longer have to worry about.

DVR Security camera systems are an effective way for anyone – including businesses, homeowners, schools and more – to keep a close eye on what is happening inside their buildings and throughout their property without the high cost of ongoing surveillance.

Installing DVR security camera security does not cost much more than installing standard cameras, yet they offer tremendous benefits.

The Ability to Use Your Existing Equipment

DVR security systems use a DVR video recorder in order to store footage from your existing cameras using modern digital technology. In most cases either an analog or a digital camera can be used. This allows almost anyone to switch over to this more reliable system without the cost of buying new security cameras. You will need a DVR system and/or computer monitor or TV screen to download and watch footage, however.

The Ability to Save Data

When using DVR security camera systems, you can set the camera to take ongoing footage, or you can set it up so that it is motion activated, thus taking footage only when some sort of movement causes the camera to turn itself on. Then, the camera takes high resolution video, storing it right in the system for future viewing. Most systems can hold hundreds of hours of surveillance video.

Depending on your needs, you can either have the camera beep or flash when it has reached its capacity, or you can set t so that it begins to erase earlier footage to make room for the new stuff when capacity is reached.

The Ability to Record Audio

Although most analog cameras do not offer an audio feature, if you will be using a security camera that offers audio, a DVR security system can also utilize this important feature.

The Ability to Control Camera Angles

Another good benefit of using a DVR security system is the ability to change camera angles, and zoom in on specific areas through your computer. Since the DVR system is generally hooked up to your PC, it is easy to adjust with a few clicks of the mouse. That way, if you notice something while monitoring an area, you can make the necessary adjustments right away. This can offer added security to any home, business or school.

The Ability to Find What You Need

In older surveillance systems, it was necessary to look through hours and hours of video in order to find exactly what you were looking for. Not so with today’s DVR technology. Now, you can simply make a search using the day, time or other type of information and the DVR will find the exact footage you want to see. This screening ability can save a lot of time when trying to located important data and footage.

The Ability to See Footage From a Remote Location

Another great benefit to using DVR security systems is the ability to monitor your footage from a remote location. Internet-enabled systems will even allow multiple users to watch the video simultaneously.

As technology increase within the security industry, more and more consumers are opting to install DVR security camera systems to help streamline their security features and make finding footage easier when a problem does arise.

Allowing virtually anyone to keep tabs on their family, employees or to just help monitor their property when they are not around, this easy to implement and use system can offer important information using ongoing footage taken from your existing security cameras.

Finding the Right DVR System

Ranging in price from less than $100 to several hundred dollars, installing a DVR security system is relatively cheap these days, making it an important security option for many. In many cases, you can find exactly what you are looking for at your local home improvement store; warehouse; security or audio system store or even the internet. Of course you will want to look for a manufacturer and brand with good recommendations and a full warranty. Depending on where you buy your system, you may even be able to try it out for 30 days before committing to a final purchase.

Posted in Special use cameras | Tagged DVR security, DVR Security Camera Systems, DVR security cameras | Leave a comment

Solar Powered Security Cameras

Posted on January 14, 2012 by MatthewTaff

Going green is all the rage these days as people try and save money on electrical costs as well as do something good for the environment. From buying energy efficient appliances to spending thousands of dollars installing solar and wind generated electrical systems, people all over the world are turning their homes in mean green machines. But, is solar power really the way to go in every aspect of your home life? As more and more homes (and businesses too), turn to solar energy for more efficient electrical power, some are left wondering how safe it is to rely on solar energy for their security systems.

Do Solar Powered Cameras Really Work?

If you are worried that solar powered security cameras will not work as well as their traditional electrical counterparts, do not worry – they do. Like other appliances in the home, security cameras powered by solar energy work just as well. They simply use a different form of energy in which to run. Of course you will want to familiarize yourself with how solar energy works and any limitations it may offer in order to ensure a good working system.

The Kinds of Solar Powered Security Cameras Available on the Market

There are two forms of solar powered security cameras:

Cameras which contain built in solar panels to power them
and standard-type cameras which run off of solar power used throughout your home

While each works well, they both offer their own pros and cons. Individual solar powered cameras may not have the same safeguards as those that run off of a larger solar powering system. In addition, backup power may be limited in the individual cameras.

The Importance of Battery Back-Up

Anyone who uses solar energy to power their home or business knows how important it is to have a backup energy source. While the sun is always available, it does not always offer the strength of rays that may be needed for full power at home.

Having a a good backup plan is especially important when dealing with your security system. In the event that your solar panels can not generate enough energy to keep your security system running, you will want to power it some other way. Batteries are usually a good alternative. Some cameras come with their own battery backup; while other systems need a complete battery backup system installed to keep the entire surveillance system working when the power goes out. Talk to your security system professional to see what type of battery backup will best meet your needs.

Figuring Out Your Load Configuration

Before relying on solar panels to power your security system, you need to figure out how much energy you will need. Otherwise, you may discover (too late) that your power needs exceed your ability to generate it.

When determining your load configuration, be sure to include every piece of equipment and energy user throughout the entire surveillance network. This includes:

security cameras
the control panel
all motion sensors
all security lights
any DVR recording device
any laptop or computer hooked into the system

Once you can calculate exactly how much energy your entire system uses, you will be able to determine how much solar energy must be produced to meet your security needs.

Professional Installation VS DIY Project

While it is always best to have a professional install your security system, some people can turn it into a great DIY project. As long as you have experience with electrical systems and solar power you should be able to install and maintain your system with little outside help. However, always be sure to seek professional help when questions arise. Installing a solar system is not as simple as installing a traditional wireless one and may need some extra help to get it done correctly.

Maintaining Your System

One of the great things about having a solar-powered security camera system is the fact that it is virtually maintenance free. This makes it an especially good option for remote areas and homes which may be left unattended for long periods of time. The biggest maintenance chore is checking on your solar panels to ensure that they have not been damaged during high winds or a storm. Keeping them clear and clean is important too, to ensure that you reap the biggest advantage from the sun’s rays.

Using alternative energy to power your security system can help save hundreds of dollars in annual electrical costs, plus leave you with a maintenance free system that you rarely have to think about. That is good news for many homeowners who want toe added security of surveillance cameras without the hassle and expanse of hiring a professional to install and take care of them.

Posted in Special use cameras | Tagged soalr powered security, Solar Powered Security Cameras | Leave a comment