Home Security Simplified
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Surveillance Cameras
Sorting
Out The Choices In Home Security Cameras
When some people get ready to buy a home security system, they sometimes decide to exclude surveillance cameras. Often this is because they are afraid of the technology, confused by the many choices, or believe that installing a video security camera requires too much technical ability
This is a major
mistake since the visible presence of even one surveillance camera provides the
most deterrence and apprehension potential of any single piece of home security
equipment
Many burglars will avoid a home
with video surveillance cameras even faster than one with a standard alarm system.
There are two reasons for this:
1) A video camera system
sends the message that a business or residence is protected with the very best
technology.
2) Even if the intruder gets away, he knows
that his general appearance and actions were probably recorded, and will be seen
by the police.
Security camera surveillance raises bar to a higher level of protection.
There are a several types of surveillance cameras,
each suited for a specific purpose or environment. Although the design options
are many, we'll break them down for you into easy-to-understand categories
Box Cameras
Because of their rather square shape, the box camera is what most people think
of when they visualize a home security camera system. They are also referred to
as 'standard body' or 'C-mount' surveillance cams.
Their
primary advantage of the box camera is that it is very customizable - lenses and
mounts are sold separately, and are interchangeable. This allows the homeowner
to fit them to the specific environment or need
But as you might guess, the camera itself is only one part of a complete video surveillance system.
Bullet Cameras
Named because of their tubular shape, the bullet camera is only 2-3 inches long
and are one of the most popular surveillance cameras among both homeowners and
businesses. They are easy to install, and their small size makes it easy to blend
them into your home décor.
Although there is limited choice of lenses, these little cameras are available for shooting video in color or black & white. Bullet cameras are most often used indoors. But some are also built to be used as an outdoor surveillance camera, and are very weather resistant and reliable.
You
can also get an infrared bullet camera for low-light or night-vision situations.
Dome
Cameras
Sometimes called PTZ cameras (pan-tilt-zoom), they are mounted on ceilings or
walls and are able to scan in any direction up to a full 360 degrees. The dome-shaped
plastic covering not only protects the electronics inside, but also conceals the
direction the dome camera is pointing.
The
dome camera is especially common in commercial and other public building because
they are both small and have a tremendous field of view. But they are also reasonably
priced, and because they a very unobtrusive when mounted on a ceiling or wall,
they are just as appropriate as home surveillance cameras
Spy Cameras & Nanny Cams
Spy cams are simply surveillance cameras that are hidden or disguised to look
like something else. They are built from small cameras that are mounted on a stand-alone
circuit board, encased in a small housing or dome, or sold unpackaged for mounting
by the purchaser.
The smallest of these board cameras are sometimes called pinhole cameras because they use a micro lens, usually with a 1-2 mm viewing angle, and film through a tiny hole while being hidden inside other objects.
Most hidden
surveillance cameras are basically pinhole cameras that are disguised as clock
radios, stuffed animals, smoke detectors, books, or a variety of other objects.
They are also used in the very popular "nanny cams".
Fake
Cameras
As the name implies, these devices have realistic housings without the functioning
electronics inside. Their purpose is strictly deterrence: when a potential intruder
sees one, the intent is to make that person think twice before carrying out a
criminal act. Therefore they are best displayed where easily seen.
The
fake surveillance camera are a great way to save money, but be sure to select
one that is well-crafted, and has a realistic look
Regardless
of your specific situation, at least one type of security camera surveillance
equipment, whether large or small, real or fake, should be a part of your home
security system.
For more
information on home surveillance cameras:
Considering Video Surveillance: Deciding if a video surveillance system is the right choice for you.
The Video Surveillance System: An introduction to the main components of a complete system
Types of Security Cameras: Get the big picture on what's available.
Considering spy cams as part of your home security system ?