security camera system Article

Security Camera System - Buyer Guide
By Robert Moskal

Although the application of CCTV security has not changed very much over the past years, the tools and equipment have significantly. Surveillance cameras became smaller, cheaper and better, but the major break through happened in recording equipment. Therefore many customers shopping for complete CCTV monitoring and recording systems are confused by such a variety of available products. Goal of this article is to guide buyers toward best possible and most economical type of CCTV equipment,based on intended implementation and requirements. Selecting the right surveillance cameras. It is virtually impossible to describe all types of available CCTV cameras in this short article. We will focus our attention on most popular and widely used camera types instead. CCTV security cameras produce images using CMOS or CCD (Charge Couple Device) chips. Tiny, very low price CCTV cameras usually use CMOS technology, produce poor quality images and have very poor light sensitivity. Decent quality CCTV cameras use CCD technology. The size of the CCD chip is normally 1/4", 1/3" or 1/2". As a rule of thumb, the larger the size, the higher the quality of the image produced and the higher the price. However, higher density 1/4" and 1/3" CCD chips can now produce as good an image as many 1/3" or 1/2"chips. The number of TV lines in the security camera image is a measure of picture resolution (sharpness). The larger the numberof TV lines, the better the resolution and hence, overall picture quality. Standard resolution camera may have 350-380 lines, over 400 TV Lines is generally considered good resolution while over 500 TV lines is considered high resolution. B/W chip cameras produce greater resolution and better light sensitivity, therefore suitable for use in dark areas where light conditions are poor most of the time. On the other hand color cameras offer more realistic and natural picture. CCTV cameras are usually divided into different types based on the body of the camera used.

 Board Cameras are basically fixed lens mounted on a circuit board. These cameras may be packaged in a small case(Mini Cameras) or dome (Mini Dome) or simply sold unpackaged,for mounting by the purchaser. Lenses in these cameras are either of a normal industry aperture or a "pinhole" lens of very small aperture. Pinhole lens cameras are often called "spy"cameras and may be mounted in a concealed way for covert surveillance purposes. The most popular examples of covert board cameras are smoke detector and motion detector cameras. Since the lenses in board cameras are pre-mounted, have a fixed iris and are usually of a short focal length (i.e. wide angle), their flexibility of usefulness is limited. However, this type of camera can provide a low cost solution in the right situation, particularly in a home environment. We have shortly described most popular types of cameras, lets now discuss, how and where they mite be used. Professional type cameras with C/CS mountlens attachment generally offer best performance and many important futures, like lens control output, Back LightCompensation and many more… Distance from monitoring object tothe camera is not an issue, that is why ability to select different lenses, based on camera location is so important. Installation is bit complicated and professional installation strongly recommended. We recommend this type of security cameras for commercial installations. Most Bullet cameras in comparison,do not offer high resolution and lens selection flexibility, but are likely to be weatherproof, some will have infrared lightbuilt-in and most of all they are relatively easy to implement. Bullet cameras usually come with 3.6mm lens witch are consideredto be suitable for most standard installations (good for covering small to medium size room or equivalent). For larger rooms or longer distances, cameras with 6mm or higher lens may be required. They are great choice for any do-it-yourself installation. Board cameras in contrast are widely used in covert camera installations, sometimes called Spy Cameras. Many wireless cameras are basically board cameras with built-in transmitter.

Top Tips Revealed On Reviewing Your Physical Home Security
Physical security is about measures that deter or prevent intruders from accessing your property and is very important as the first line of defence against an intruder. You will want to do everything you can to prevent physical access to, or theft from your property and belongings. This can be as simple as having secure locks on all of your outside facing doors/windows to metal shutters or high security gates.
Security Cameras in Vacation Homes
People often consider installing security systems when they plan to leave their homes for extended vacations or business trips, but the reverse also holds true. Vacation homes and cabins need to have security systems as well. Some people may not keep any valuable items in their vacation homes, but these homes still need to be protected from vandals and squatters. Plus, if any vandalism or destruction does happen, evidence is crucial for police reports and for insurance claims. It is best to have objective evidence for any potential crime or vandalism.
Outdoor Security Cameras
There are many reasons to post security cameras outside on your property. Some people may need extra security because they have a large number of acres, and empty fields, empty forests, or other spaces are popular places for vagrants, homeless people, hunters, and people looking for a private place to party. If you do have a problem with trespassers on your property, one of the best things you can do is install some sort of security system. All too often, fences can either be destroyed, damaged by the weather, or have small holes and weak points. Though fences are a good first step for security, they are not the only way to keep your property secure. In some cases, motion sensors might be an excellent addition to the security system, especially since motion sensors on large lights will frighten people away. However, if you are looking for evidence in the event of a crime, or have some other reason to know who is on your property and when, then motion sensors will not fulfill all your needs.
Security Cameras and Pets
With more and more pets in American homes, people are becoming increasingly concerned with watching and monitoring their beloved animals. Dogs, cats, birds, small rodents, and even snakes are often treated as beloved members of the family, but not everybody has a large yard and ample space to keep their pets. As a result, dogs and cats are often left in homes, or locked in single rooms, while their owners are at work, at play, or on vacation. People who keep their pets locked up often want to know what their pets are doing all day while they're gone. Pets often do adorable and memorable things when nobody is looking, and having a security camera set up to monitor and record such events is a good idea. But on a more serious note, keeping a security camera in the house to watch pets might reveal certain behavioral problems or even illnesses.

We are not going to go into wireless cameras right now, as this would be enough material for completely new article. Board cameras are sold as plain circuit board, for integrating into hidden camera devices. They are also available in dome housing, as very popular Dome Camera or integrated with Smoke Detector, Motion Detector, Exit Sign and so on. Most board cameras also come with 3.6mm lens although some will allow lens to be replaced. Over the time, most practical design has been Dome Camera with its esthetic appearance it blends into surroundings, especially with drop down sealing, great for use in stores, lobbies, gas stations, and other public places. Practical solution for covert installation are also, Motion and Smoke Detector cameras, they are absolutely not substitute for your security alarm or fire protection. Cameras should always be selected based on the location of the camera (inside/outside), distance from the monitoring object, light condition, and budget. When shopping for security cameras, customers are faced with the fact that they will need to select one or another recording device. The days of well-known CCTV time-lapse VCR recorder are almost over. Although some customers still prefer this old fashioned recording solution, it is well worth to invest some extra money to purchase a good quality digital video recorder(DVR). Digital recorder transfers analog camera video feed into digital format, and stores it on hard drive. There are two major types of digital recorders on the market right now.

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