A camera is called a mirror with a memory! It can rarely be tampered with. It can work constantly. Maybe that’s one of the reasons why it has evolved into one of the greatest security devices of all times. Today, a camera is much more than a recreational or professional image capturing device. It has found myriad other applications too including non invasive surgery and security imagery. Videos and images recorded using security cameras are considered to be authenticated evidence in case of a lawsuit. Not to forget the fact that a camera can be your eye. It can reach all those places where your eye cannot. Do you want to keep an eye on the kids when they play in the lawn or by the pool? Do you want to ensure that your nanny treats your kids well? Do you want to screen your visitors before they enter your home? Maybe you want to record the movement of each and every employee of yours in office. Or the best and most obvious use is to scare potential intruders away. Yes, even the sight of a security camera can cause jitters in the minds of burglars. After all, nobody wants their acts to be caught on cam, do they? No matter what the requirement, a security camera system can serve your purpose.
But there are hundreds of different options when it comes to security cameras for your home or commercial space. There are wired and wireless cameras with different features like night vision, motion sensors and Infrared. Depending on your budget, you can buy a simple camera setup or a top of the line wireless Infrared network cam that can relay the footage to just about any corner of the earth using an internet connection. Always take the size of your home and your budget into consideration before selecting any kind of camera system for your home. Let us look at some of the most common types of security cams.
Wired Camera Surveillance
Wired security cameras are the base of the ladder. It is how it all started and they have steadily evolved over the years. The term wired camera brings about a picture of an ordinary camera with wires dangling all around it. While it is true that they are connected by wires from the camera to the RCA video plug which can be connected to any TV or DVD player, they are much more stable and reliable than even the wireless cam. The signal strength is strong and uniform. It is not subject to distance or obstructions in the line of path. The only condition is that a wired security camera has to be installed close to an electrical socket. A lot of people opt for wireless cams solely because wires tend to look untidy when left in the open. But concealed wiring and conduits have closed even that loophole.
Wireless camera systems
Wireless camera systems offer the convenience of video security monitoring minus the hassles of camera cables. The camera will have no wires running to the TV or DVD player. It might require power or may run on batteries depending on the model and type. The system includes a receiver which receives the images from the camera via radio frequency (typically 2.4GHz)). This receiver can then be connected to a TV or VCR. Some self contained wireless camera systems also include a built in monitor that aids in remote monitoring. Wireless security cameras differ in their maximum transmission range. While high end models can function to their optimum for a distance of up to 1000 feet, basic models have a maximum range of about 100 to 300 feet. However, the variables in building construction and obstructions in the line of sight can affect the performance of wireless cameras. The main advantage of using wireless cameras is that they can be installed even in difficult hard to reach places without having to worry about cords or power outlets. Also, they are portable. You can install a wireless camera at one place and then move it to another place without having to worry about its performance as long as the new place is within the maximum permitted range.
There are different types of security cameras that are used in home and office surveillance. Let us take a look at some of them.
- Dome Cameras: The ever so popular dome security camera is one of the most effective security systems and can be seen in commercial as well as residential spaces. This camera is shaped like a dome and fits easily on the ceiling of the home. Casinos were the first to use this type of security cams but have now advanced to more discreet models. There are different varieties of dome cameras.
- Bullet Cameras: Bullet cameras have derived their name from the shape of their lenses which is long and resembles a rifle. Bullet cameras are extremely efficient high end cameras and can also include motion sensors. They can be mounted on walls and ceilings and usually change from color to black and white depending on the light conditions in the surroundings.
- Network Cameras: A network camera can be any camera that is connected to other security devices using either wired or wireless networking technology. These include network IP cameras and cameras connected to video surveillance equipment.
- Hidden Cameras: Hidden cameras have become extremely popular in the last few years for their versatility and discreetness. A hidden camera can be wired, wireless, color or black and white depending on the model and type. It can be hidden in showpieces, decorative items or even stationary.
