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How To Choose An Infrared Security Camera

When you are making a decision as to what type of security camera to buy, you will want to consider an infrared security camera. These types of cameras are extremely well-suited to most security needs, because they are able to film in complete darkness. While many other types of cameras need at least some light, an infrared security camera can be placed in any location, without the need to locate it near a light source. This means you can place an infrared security camera in dark corners, where other types of security cameras would be unsuitable. Of course, dark corners are often the very types of places that you need security the most, to protect your home and property.

Infrared security cameras usually include a waterproof housing, and are extremely durable. This allows them to be used in any type of weather conditions. You will not need to provide auxiliary light, because they supply their own light source around the camera lens. When it gets dark, the LEDs turn on to provide its own lighting.

Under dark conditions, an infrared security camera will take photos in black and white, since this is the preferred mode for dark conditions. When the camera functions in daylight, a color infrared security camera will photograph in color. The camera switches between these two modes automatically, due to a photo cell inside the camera that monitors light levels. However, one condition that an infrared security camera cannot function in is smoke.

There are numerous styles of infrared security cameras, and each is well-suited for a particular type of need. Security cameras for indoor use, especially in stores and other types of buildings, are often a dome style camera. These types of cameras can be mounted on the ceiling, and are unobtrusive. They are also capable of being able to rotate a full 360 degrees, which makes them ideal for indoor security.

One thing you will want to note when shopping for an indoor camera is the range of the camera itself. If you choose a camera with a longer range than the inside of the building, it will not be able to take good photographs.

If you need a security camera for the outdoors, such as in a parking lot, a bullet style camera is a good choice. These types of infrared security cameras are extremely durable, and have a weatherproofed housing. They look somewhat like a radar gun, and are highly visible when mounted in areas such as parking lots. High visibility security cameras have a tendency to reduce crime just because they are visible. These types of cameras have a long range, and are capable of also viewing a wide area. It is not advisable to try to use an indoors infrared security camera outdoors.

One thing you do not want to do is to try to utilize an indoor security camera outdoors. Even if you install it in an outdoor housing, you will have problems with glare, because of the LED lights reflecting off the housing glass. When shopping for infrared security cameras, people often mistake them for other types of low light security cameras. Although a low light camera can operate in very low lighting conditions, an infrared security camera is necessary if you have areas with zero light.

Tags: home security, infrared security camera, security camera, surveillance
Posted in Security · January 18th, 2010 · Comments (0)

How To Use Hidden Cameras

It is not uncommon for someone to buy a hidden camera, set it up and then be unhappy with the results. All of that could have been avoided if the buyer took just a little bit of time and learned how to use it properly. You have to know what it can do, and what it cannot do, in order to get good results.

The first thing you need to do is determine the type of video you are hoping for. Do you want to record the video to an SD card and then view it later? Do you want the video to be put out to a monitor so you can watch it in real time? Many people have determined that the use of SD cards is very beneficial because it allows for backup and saving the videos. SD cards are tiny and they also save space because they are much smaller than the large traditional backup tapes.

Most hidden cameras that use an SD card to record are hidden inside an innocent looking common item found in any home. There are no wires or antennae visible. They are sometimes found in lamps, clock radios, air ionizers, calculators, clocks, you name it and there could be a hidden camera using an SD card to record inside it. These cameras are the easiest to set up and use. Now, you can get one of these cameras that can record in low light or no light at all! These cameras are truly “plug & play”.

A wired or wireless hidden camera requires different steps to set up. They usually require an external power supply. You either have to plug them into an electrical outlet or have a battery pack attached to it. If it is wired you will have a video “out” cable and a power cable or battery pack. That is a lot of wiring to try and hide. It can be done but takes a lot more work. If you have to plug it in try to place it as close to an outlet as possible so that you do not have to use an extension cord. That would look pretty obvious if you have an extension cord running across the room into a book that has a hidden camera inside!

Try to avoid buying a unit that has to be manually turned off and on. This will require you to put it in a location that you can get to easily when you want it to record. The other option is to get a camera that is either motion activated, sound activated or can be set to record at only certain times. This will permit you to initially turn the camera on and leave it that way. The camera will go into a stand-by mode until activated by sound or motion. Pretty convenient!

Again, if you decide that you want to watch the recording in real-time you will have to be running some wires. No big deal if the situation permits. For the wireless hidden cameras you will need a transmitter attached to the camera. This tends to make it not as easy to hide. Then you need a receiver at your monitor or TV. You have to run a cable from the receiver to your TV or monitor. More cables! On wired cameras you will not have a transmitter or receiver. You run a cable directly from the camera all the way to your monitor or TV.

Save yourself a lot of headaches. When you buy a hidden camera take just a few minutes to learn how to set it up correctly so that you get the results you want. You will be glad you took the time because it will do what you want it to, capture the criminal on film so you can have them arrested.

That one video could have saved you a lot of trouble.

Learn more about today’s hidden cameras. Visit Jim Wilkinson’s website at www.YourGreatestProtection.com. Find an All-In-One hidden camera that is right for you.

Tags: crime prevention, hidden cameras, safety, Security, surveillance, Tips
Posted in Tips · November 14th, 2009 · Comments (0)