Surveillance Cameras

Crime has been a part of human society . . . and transgression. For millennia, people have been trying to stop or at least contain crime to a manageable level.

As years passed, the means to lessen and stop crime has advanced as crime became more complex. For example, from swords and arrows which can actually kill people, law enforcement now has guns and tasers. From bolas and staves which can stop criminals without killing them, law enforcement has developed rubber bullets and tear gas. From chariots and horse-drawn wagons to chase outlaws on horseback, law enforcement now has fast and tough police cars.

Another important development of law enforcement is surveillance. Surveillance has aided the police by monitoring crime-prone areas, checking out suspicious activities that may be a crime in progress. With surveillance, police are able to respond more quickly to a crime scene. Finally, surveillance allows police to gather evidence to convict a criminal to justice.

The foremost equipment in gathering surveillance are surveillance cameras. Sometimes called a CCTV, this modern equipment can zoom in and focus on details, and record images and, sometimes, conversations.

Many people think that surveillance cameras are just units. But, in fact, they are actually part of a larger system. Here, we will look at the important parts that make up this intricate system.

1. Camera – the camera itself is chock full of high technology. Most modern cameras have zoom functions which can focus on a person’s face, an identification mark, a strange baggage under his arm, or a weapon under his jacket. And the camera can zoom over a certain target from a hundred or more meters away.

2. Microphone – modern cameras are sometimes equipped with ultra sensitive microphones. Just like a camera lens, the microphone’s sensitivity and range can focus on a certain spot. This makes it an ideal surveillance tool for eavesdropping on clandestine conversations and illegal deals.

3. Housing – a camera’s housing provides protection for the fragile and sensitive electronics in it. The housing must be tough and sealed; no one wants rainwater or dust coming in to wreck havoc inside camera.

4. Mount – this is a frame or a stand where a surveillance camera is installed. The mount itself is screwed or bolted in places such as top of lampposts, the side of buildings, or inside traffic lights.

5. Servos – servos and gears allow the camera to move, allowing it to follow any target.

6. Computer network – this is the brain of the police surveillance network. The computer network allows operators to control the camera functions and monitor the activities in a given area. The operators manning the computer network also has direct contact with the police department for easy and quick deployment of law enforcement forces.

7. Recorders – Storage systems record and keep images as files to be used when police need to examine these images as evidence for apprehending criminals. In the past, images are recorded in magnetic tapes. Now, with the advent of computers and more advanced systems, the images are now stored digitally.

By: Steve Strong

About the Author:

One of the most common questions that I get asked on a regular basis is which type of surveillance camera is better, wired or wireless? The answer that I give to this question is always the same, neither one is better nor worse, it all depends on your situation.

Rather than go into a long, drawn out lesson on surveillance cameras, I’ll just give you what I consider to be some of the pros and cons of both wired and wireless security cameras.

Wireless cameras
The obvious benefit of a wireless surveillance camera is that it can be placed almost anywhere without needing to figure out how to conveniently run the connecting cables. For many applications, such as covert surveillance, this can be a necessity. An example of this would be a hidden nanny cam for your kids’ room that’s disguised as a stuffed animal. Let’s face it; a teddy bear with a cable coming out of its paw is hardly an inconspicuous hidden camera.

The down side to a wireless surveillance camera is just as obvious. Wireless cameras need to have their battery packs frequently recharged for them to work. Also depending on how far away the wireless receiver is from the camera, the video signal could be subjected to interference from other electronic devices in the area.

Wired cameras
The pros and cons of a wired surveillance camera is pretty much the opposite of the wireless ones. On the plus side, wired cameras don’t need to be frequently recharged, so once they’re installed, you can leave them alone and they’ll continue to work for you day in and day out. Also, because the camera is directly connected to the monitor or recording device, the signal is not subject to video interference from outside sources. The down side is that they are limited by the length and placement of the connecting cables. It may not be practical to have 300 or 400 feet of wire running through your building from the camera to the monitor.

All in all, there are benefits as well as down sides to both wired and wireless surveillance cameras. So instead of asking which one works better, the only question that you really need to ask yourself is which one will work better for your particular situation.

By: SA Rubin

About the Author:

Hidden cameras (Nanny Cams) help many parents to view potential child abuse while they are not home and left their child with a baby sitter or “nanny”. More and more parents are using hidden cameras to watch their children and their caregivers.

All of us have been reading news articles and watching TV about the increase in sexual and physical abuse towards children. In a lot of cases, the abuse has been ongoing for a long time before being discovered with the abuser being known to the child. Many times it is a family member or someone that has gained the trust of the child and the child’s parents. Before hidden cameras, it may have taken years before the abuse was discovered.

Most of the crimes of child abuse went unreported because parents were simply not aware of the abuse going on. It is not until the parent starts to see changes in their child’s behavior or the parent comes across some evidence of child abuse by accident. This all changed once these special cameras became popular.

Concerned parents can now monitor their homes from any location using cameras. The camera allows the parent to view what is going on at home via an internet browser on their computer or cell phone. This gives peace-of-mind that their child is safe while they are not at home.

Hidden cameras come in many varied sizes and shapes. They can be placed anywhere in the parents home. Some cameras have voice control which is able to pick up voices as well as monitor what is going on at home while the parent is not there.

At one time, surveillance equipment was mostly used by private investigators. Today, millions of people are using surveillance cameras (nanny cams) to check on their babysitters, housekeepers, or anyone that is home most of the day when the concerned owner of the home is not there. Surveillance cameras not only keep an eye on homes to catch child abuse, infidelity, or even theft, but businesses use these cameras as well to catch theft.

Surveillance cameras are also popular because they are very easy to install. Most cameras are plug and play or wireless, you can have a camera that only shows black and white or you can have a camera that shows in color. Wired cameras have video cable that runs from the camera to a recording or viewing device such as a DVR, VCR, TV or monitor. Wireless cameras have a built-in transmitter that sends the video signal to a receiver, in turn, the receiver connects to the recording or viewing device. Standard wireless hidden cameras can transmit up to 1000 feet and high-powered wireless cameras can transmit up to 2500 feet.

By: Curtis James LaPiere

About the Author:

Home security concerns are foremost on all homeowner’s minds, as the number of thefts and burglaries are on the increase. Surveillance equipment has become popular, as they are deterrents to unsavory elements with nefarious intentions.

Wireless Video Surveillance Systems

These are easy to use and install. The systems comprise camera, transmitter, receiver, antenna, cable, monitor or VCR, motion detectors, alarm and about 12-volt dc. Be sure to study your house carefully and determine the optimum positions for your cameras. Figure out if you will be using a covert style or overt style of surveillance system. In covert style select optimum positions for your cameras, which you choose to hide from prying eyes. In overt style you are letting people know that you are filming them, which can be a cause for criminals to hesitate attempting a break-in.

While video surveillance system has its advantages such as catching criminals in the act of burglary, identifying criminals and getting them a firmer punishment, it is a costly procedure requiring constant maintenance and cameras themselves could be the targets of potential thieves.

Night Vision Cameras

Night vision cameras could be based on thermal imaging or image enhancement technologies. They are used to detect motion, which are not perceptible to the human eye in the dark. They are good additions to your home security systems.

Web Cameras

Many people have resorted to using web cameras placed at convenient locations to become rather inexpensive video surveillance systems. People get alarm systems that permit PC’s to call cell phones when alarms are sounded alerting homeowners who are away and concerned about home security. These networking cameras are easier to use, could provide details such as who visited and when the kids left to play etc. giving parents far from home accurate information about their home security as well as their children’s security. But the images are not of high quality, maintaining it could drain your computers resources.

These are all very well, good home security systems, but you need to strengthen your doors, windows etc. to make it real hard for a burglar to vandalize your house. You could go in for a high priced top end CCTV surveillance system offering better control, security and peace of mind!

Home security is extremely important for security sake as well as to be able to leave your kids alone at home while you are at work, or when single senior citizens live by themselves, or when you leave your house due to seasonal reasons etc. choose your home security system wisely within a budget and make sure it is utilized to a maximum.

By: Milos Pesic

About the Author:

Home security surveillance options include hidden and visible cameras. Cameras are available in wired or wireless styles. Recording options include digital and DVR or VCR.

Hidden cameras are ideal home security surveillance options. They are small enough to place almost anywhere and are often inexpensive. Although hidden cameras can be purchased already hidden (they appear to be plants, clocks, toys, etc.) the image quality may be poor. If the image cannot be seen, the camera is useless.

Web cams can be visible or hidden. The same camera that computer users use to transmit their own image while computing can be used to monitor a room or area. These cameras are also inexpensive. Potential camera locations are limited by the length of the USB cord unless the camera is a wireless version.

Camera lens determines what images are captured. Dome shaped, wide-angle camera lens produce distortion free images and have a larger field of view than standard camera lens.

Homeowners utilizing cameras for home security surveillance options should consider lighting. For low-light or night light recording, infrared capabilities are required. The infrared gives the camera night vision, resulting in captured surveillance images.

Wireless cameras are available almost everywhere. They are excellent home security surveillance options. Easy to install and easy to use, they can be placed almost anywhere. Homeowners can use as many cameras as necessary to monitor home or property.

Images can be viewed on cell phones, televisions and the computer. Some hand held gadgets allow viewing of images.

Wired cameras are usually installed by experienced installation technicians. Installation can be done while a home is under construction or added later. Adding them later can result in a mess and some expense.

Digital recording video allows homeowners to capture more footage, and gives more recording and viewing options. The DVR can be set to capture the image feed from the camera constantly or only when certain actions or events occur. Captured home security surveillance images can be viewed remotely via Internet. Newer systems now provide for the addition of a wide variety of add-ons. Motion sensors, temperature change sensors, lighting change sensors and smoke detection sensors are some of those available. The DVR can be set to notify the homeowner should a sensor be activated.

Homeowners considering home security surveillance options can often get free assessment sheets from local surveillance and security companies. By answering the questions on the sheet, the homeowner can better determine what kind of security and surveillance is best.

Size of the area to be monitored, conditions and budget are considerations. Homeowners who choose to sign up for subscription monitoring of the home security system will have to decide which company to go with. The most popular, and largest, security companies will charge hefty fees and may require long term contracts as well. Newer providers are becoming available with lower prices. Price shouldn’t be the only determining factor when considering a home security company.

Home security surveillance can be as simple as a web cam and a laptop. It can also be as involved as installation of a complete hardwired system. Looking at what is available and comparing that to what is actually needed will help homeowners decide.



By: Emerson Swanson

About the Author:

Consider the following hypothetical situation. You are a couple of working parents and you have a five-year-old son who is cared for by an au pair during the day when he is parentless at home. One day you notice that your son has some suspicious looking bruises on his arms or his legs. Of course, they may have simply been caused by rough-and-tumble play. And the au pair appears to be a decent type and can even give a reasonable explanation for the bruises. But you may end up wondering and worrying anyway, even if you have no rational basis for doing so. Wouldn’t you like to find a way to save yourself from worrying and get back your peace of mind?

There is a very simple solution to this kind of parental dilemma. All you have to do is purchase a digital surveillance camera for your home. You can order it online or just drop by a nearby electronics store to get one. The cost to you will be from $200 to $400. Once you have the camera, you can secrete it in a hidden place where it can watch what goes on in your home while you are not there. Many homeowners disguise the camera using home décor or an innocent-seeming household item, sometimes even a toy. With the camera keeping video surveillance over your child, you can watch the recording to see if your child was just hurt playing or if your babysitter was the cause of his injuries. Even if, as you hope, the camera reveals no wrongdoing, you will be able to put all your worries to rest.

It is not only your children who may be in danger of receiving harmful care. Our elderly parents and relatives are similarly vulnerable. There have been many cases of elderly people in nursing homes who have been victims of neglect and abuse by the nursing staff. If you have an elderly loved one in a nursing home, you may want to ensure that he or she is being taken of properly. As with your child, you can buy a digital surveillance camera and hide it in your elderly relative’s room to watch for any evidence of poor nursing or even direct harm.

This is a very controversial practice, it is true. Some people would deem it an invasion of privacy. However, no one can deny that the option to do surveillance exists, and in fact it can even be quite beneficial. There was this one case in the state of New York where the use of security cameras in the elderly residents’ rooms led to the arrest of 19 employees who had allegedly failed to provide even the most basic care for their patients.

By: Joseph Ducat

About the Author:

Using surveillance cameras for protection is no longer limited to convenience stores, other banks, gated communities or other establishments that have been using it quite commonly. It is now much easier to avail and with that, you can choose from a lot of setups no whether you would go for the simple or the more elaborate ones. Considering the many benefits of having a surveillance camera for you to be aware of what is going on around you, perhaps you could think about having a system installed now?

Why Get Protected By A Surveillance System?

You may be wondering why you would need a video surveillance camera. Everyone with a house or a business would of course; want the best protection there is possible. So if you do not have a surveillance camera, what would be a better alternative? Video surveillance is very reliable because it is the only home security option that would stay on whenever you need it and can record what it has seen allowing you to view it later on.

The even better part of this is that you can choose from a whole lot of them. Whether you would only need a simple camera for you to just be able to see what is going on outside or if you would want to go for the more elaborate types which has the best features some of which would allow you to zoom in or out in good detail, could record sound very clearly and do so much more.

The Surveillance Camera You Need

With so much option to consider, the next thing you might be wondering about is what camera you need exactly. Some good criteria for judging are how much you are willing to spend and what you really need.

A camera that wouldn’t move on its neck is called a fixed camera but if you prefer something that would move, that would be called a PTZ. PTZs cost much more expensive than fixed cameras do but are able to do so much. You can also choose whether you surveillance camera would shoot its videos in either full color, infrared and thermal. Of all these, the color is the most basic while the thermal is the most expensive.

When it comes to clarity of picture, you can choose between megapixel and standard definition with megapixel as the clearer and the more expensive option. This is more important to choose if you want to pay attention to small details.

While analog cameras are more common, a large trend for surveillance cameras is shifting from analog to IP cameras. Only IP cameras are able to digitize just by the camera itself while the others would have to have the video downloaded into the computer to have it digitized. IP cameras only come in megapixel cameras.

With the many benefits of a surveillance camera as well as excellent video surveillance solutions every home or business owner is sure to be more secure about what is going on around.

By: Nahshon Roberts

About the Author:

Jack Kohen asked:


As most sane men will attest, often the source of inspiration comes from our spouses or significant others. I plead guilty. When I asked my fiancée the other day what the first thing was she thought of when I mentioned “home security” she promptly replied hidden cameras to watch the children. Now that’s a home security device that would have been on my list but not first.

So let’s look at why hidden cameras have become so popular and why prudent people have them and what exactly they can be used for.

You have young children. You hire a babysitter. What happens when you leave the house? You have older children that don’t need a sitter. What happens when you leave the house? You have a nanny-a trusted part of the family. What happens when you are not there? Are you curious about what happens when you leave the business you own, after all you can’t be there 24/7? Do you really trust all those employees?

Hidden cameras, spy cameras, surveillance cameras come in many sizes and shapes. There’s bound to one just right for almost any situation. They are meant to blend in with their surroundings so no one would suspect they are being watched. They are becoming more popular as part of an overall home security system and a recognized way of providing home security monitoring.

A book, a pair of glasses, a boombox, clock radio, wall clock, smoke detector, a motion detector all are examples of items used to house hidden cameras. Most are available with night vision capability to see in almost complete darkness. They are easy to install-most can be either wired or wireless. And they have become very cost effective.

So if you are not sure what is going on when you are not there get a hidden camera and find out.

Nahshon Roberts asked:


When you hire, you will fire. As employer, you will have to face situations where you have to terminate your nanny’s services – you do not need a full-time nanny because the kids are grown, or you cannot afford her services anymore, or you are unsatisfied with her performance, or she starts snooping around for the wireless nanny cam.

But what happens when you catch your nanny being abusive to your children? What will you do when you have irrefutable proof, via wireless nanny cam, that your nanny is physically and sexually abusing your kids? Well, you immediately fire her. Keep these tips in mind.

Protect your Children

Over and above everything else, you have to spare your children further stress regarding the nanny. Make sure that you fire the nanny without the children around, which can mean that you confront her when the kids are either in school or with your relatives.

You also need to protect yourself. If it is possible, turn on the wireless nanny cam and the audio recorder to document your possibly heated exchange. The emphasis is on “possible” since videotaping with audio if you are not a law enforcement agent is illegal in most states. Consult your lawyer, even if it is done hurriedly, about the possibility.

Legal Actions

When you call your lawyer about the legality of videotaping the confrontation, you also have to ask him about possible legal actions you can institute against the nanny. This is especially true if you want justice done, or quite simply, if you do not want other families to suffer the way you did.

Call the Nanny Agency Beforehand

Tell the nanny agency your reasons for firing her. Even if you are only suspecting abuse or neglect, you need to act on your suspicions immediately. Otherwise, it might be too late. Always remember that a wireless nanny cam can only capture on video the abuse, definitely not deter abuse. Otherwise, stores and banks with clearly seen surveillance cameras will not robbed.

This step is very important as you might have contractual obligations to the agency regarding termination of contract. You need to be clear on legal issues as you do not want to be burdened with more legal and financial problems. If the evidence of abuse or suspicion of abuse from the wireless nanny cam is necessary, then present it to put the balance in your favor.

Finalize the Paperwork and Last Pay

If you hired the nanny legally, then you have to finalize the legal papers required. Ask the nanny agency regarding this matter since they are in the best position to advise you on their specific policies.

More importantly, prepare the nanny’s last check. You have to hand it to her as soon as she leaves your house. You certainly do not want her to come back ranting about her last pay. Just remember that in cases of abuse, you are not obligated to give her severance pay.

House and Child Security

Ask for your nanny’s set of house keys. You can change the locks if you wish. You can even reposition the wireless nanny camera to enable you to see who goes in and out the house when you are somewhere else. This might sound paranoid but it is always better to be safe than sorry.

You also have to inform the school and the doctor’s office that the nanny is no longer an employee. You can avert kidnapping this way.

Firing anybody is hard. But seeing your children suffering is harder still.

Fred Romano asked:


The creative strategy behind inventing the hidden cameras, spy cams, cameras, nanny cams and various more cameras is to serve people with its specific characteristics for all the purposes. Nowadays surveillance is very important. With the changing trends of life styles, changing methods of doing work and the changing patterns of the surveillance, the installation of the hidden cameras have become an obligation for every body. In the modern world of productivity, different types of cameras have been invented and are being put into use by the people to correspond about the various advantages of the hidden cameras at their work place or their homes. There are many other functions which have gained importance during the course of time from the users of these hidden cameras. The main purpose of installing the hidden cameras is to stimulate, maintain and increase the surveillance at every aspect of the organization which results in a smooth flow of work. Surveillance is a form of achievement in any section of society. This is a new way to stimulate protection among our selves.

The basis of human motivation has been completely changed with the means of new equipments. While in the past, people were much worried about the bare necessities of life and they lived and worked for them, but in modern days, total emphasis has been transferred to provide for themselves, the comforts, luxuries and semi-luxuries. Thus, the motive force of fear {of going without the necessities of life} has been replaced by desire to possess more and more new products and appliances at their aid. The hidden cameras are one of them. People are opting for better standard of living. Hidden cameras have been an effective equipment to raise the standard of living of the people. They can now easily observe the deeds and misdeeds of the employees at their work place with the installation of these types of cameras. Surveillance gives a start and a direct stimulus to the users which ultimately provide with better quality and satisfactory services. Surveillance with the help of such cameras helps to provide gainful information and opportunities to many directly or indirectly. Direct surveillance opportunities can be obtained by installing them at our work place and indirect surveillance means installing them in the public places where the natives are unaware that their actions are being captured and the culprits can be spied easily.

Surveillance ensures better and improved management in our daily routine. It points out and emphasizes the behavior of our colleagues and employees at our work place and the behavior of the baby sitter or the security guard which we have employed for the safety of our house and children. The utility of these cameras are increasing day by day all over the world for the safety in every aspect of life. Surveillance for our own safety teaches a new way of life for the people and a positive attitude develops towards the challenges of life. The use of the hidden cameras definitely confirms great expectations and confidence for the same.