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Should You Install Indoor Security Cameras?
Security cameras offer home and business owners peace of mind by allowing vigilance over properties. As a homeowner, installing an indoor security camera can help you check in on pets or simply watch over your home while you’re away. Although these benefits are appealing, there are a few things to consider before deciding on installing indoor security cameras.
Worries
It’s true that security cameras are meant to put your worries at ease, but at the same time, they can feed your anxiety. Because you can check in on things at any time, you may find yourself obsessively monitoring your feed.
To minimize this, set up a camera with motion detection so that it may alert you when there is activity. If you have pets, you can filter out their activity so that you are not inundated with false alarms.
Hackers
With internet-connected security cameras, you run the risk of hackers gaining access to your camera. This type of attack is much more common with cameras that have little to no built-in security. Luckily, there are ways to combat these risks. First, you should invest in well-know, higher quality security cameras that have better built-in security. Once you have chosen a camera, change any default logins and use strong, hard-to guess passwords. Also, be sure that your home Wi-Fi network is also highly protected.
Pets
As previously mentioned, indoor security cameras provide an easy way to keep an eye on your pets when you’re away. But when it comes to motion detection, they can easily trigger false alarms. Once you adjust your settings to accommodate pet activity, the security camera can be a great help. Whether you’re missing your pet while you’re away or if you’re working at home, security cameras allow you to see what they are up to.
Valuables
Of course, security cameras are meant to keep you safe from burglars. Their presence alone can help to deter criminal behavior. But in the case that it does not, it can provide useful footage that can be submitted as evidence.
Do you have security cameras installed at your home or business? How have they helped? Share your experiences with us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Pinterest.
For a great selection of quality IP and HD security cameras for your home or business, please visit SecurityCamExpert.com or call 888-203-6294 today!
The Advantages & Disadvantages Of Nanny Cams
Nanny cams can give parents peace of mind when they’re away from home. They can be hidden or installed in plain sight to monitor the nanny and children’s activities and behaviors. While some see as it as helpful, others may see it as an invasion of privacy or an uncomfortable situation.
Of course, there are rules and regulations in place to combat these issues. Recording a video of anything that happens in your home is legal, however, you must have a legitimate reason for doing it. Monitoring your baby or caregiver falls into that category, but regardless of whether the surveillance camera is hidden or not, they must be located in public areas of the house such as the kitchen or living room. Video recording in areas where there is an expectation of privacy (such as the bathroom or your bedroom) is not permitted.
When it comes to audio recording, you must inform and get the consent of the person being recorded. Because of this, often times nanny cams do not record audio. If you do record a video with audio that has evidence of abuse, the footage would be inadmissible in court and you could be liable for breaking privacy laws.
With that said, if used appropriately and within legal limitations, nanny cams can be a useful tool for parents. If you are considering installing a nanny cam, here are some of the pros and cons.
Pros
- Peace Of Mind
Especially with new parents, it can be hard leaving your children in someone else’s care. With a nanny cam, you can ease your worries by checking in on your children to see that they are safe. - Nanny Behavior
If your children are young, they may not be able to tell you what is happening while you’re away. You can’t always rely on feedback from friends and neighbors who may see your children and nanny together at the park or school. The nanny cam allows you to monitor behavior and address any issues accordingly. - Connection
For parents who feel guilty for going back to work and missing quality time with their children, nanny cams can enable them to feel more of a connection as they can periodically check in and see what their kids are up to.
Cons
- Trust
Aside from privacy issues, the person being recorded may feel violated or offended if they find a hidden camera. To combat this issue, it’s best if you are upfront and honest about your plans to install a nanny cam. Most nannies are comfortable working in the presence of a nanny cam. - Misuse
Your nanny cam should be used to deter or prevent potential neglect or abuse, not used to capture it. Communicate your expectations and take action if you feel something isn’t right. - Legalities
As mentioned, you must abide by the law. Look into your state’s laws regarding privacy and recording and be sure that your nanny cams and surveillance system are in compliance.
How have nanny cams helped you as a parent? Share with us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Pinterest.
Need help choosing the right nanny cam or surveillance system for you? Contact us at 888-203-6294 and we will be happy to discuss your options. You may also browse our stock of IP security cameras and other surveillance equipment online at SecurityCamExpert.com.
Security Camera: What NOT To Do
When it comes to security cameras, there are many mistakes that can compromise the effectiveness of your surveillance system. Don’t make these mistakes when installing your security cameras.
- Don’t use indoor security cameras outdoors.
Sounds like common sense, right? Indoor security cameras are tailored to indoor conditions, so using them outside would produce poor quality videos and images. And the same goes for outdoor cameras being used indoors – just don’t do it.
- Don’t mount security cameras in or near direct sunlight.
Direct sunlight can damage your camera overtime, decreasing its overall lifespan. In addition, it can wash out images, deeming your footage useless. Consider investing in outdoor housing that can protect your cameras and adjusting the angle of your camera so that the sunlight does not interfere with your images.
- Don’t place your camera in an area where it will be completely exposed to the weather.
You want to be wary of weather conditions when installing outdoor cameras. Be sure to check the IP ratings of the cameras and any additional housing you may invest in. And, if possible, install your outdoor cameras under the eaves for added protection.
- Don’t install surveillance cameras in areas that are not well lit at night.
That is, unless you have a night vision camera. Cameras without night vision or a comparable feature will not produce any usable images in the dark.
- Don’t install cameras without informing employees, neighbors, the public, or loved ones.
When recording, you must inform others that they are under surveillance. The easiest way is to install a well-designed sign in a high traffic area so that it is seen by everyone. Be sure to check with local laws and ensure you are in compliance with all laws before implementing your surveillance system.
- Don’t use substandard or weak mounting equipment.
If your mounting equipment is not as sturdy, you decrease performance and safety and leave your equipment vulnerable to tampering or theft. Also, it should go without saying, but please do NOT attach your cameras to the gutter.
- Don’t place cameras where there may be obstructions.
Again, this may sound like common sense but it must be said. While it may seem like there are no obstructions when you first install your cameras, sometimes natural elements can change that. For example, on a particularly windy day, a branch from a nearby tree may block your camera’s view. Be sure to consider all potential obstructions before settling on a location.
- Don’t leave wires exposed.
By doing so, you may invite others to hack, damage, or disable your camera system. In addition, exposed wires can pose a safety hazards for young children and adults.
- Don’t place your camera where it will be easily accessible or within reach.
Again, this makes it easier for intruders to hack, disable, or even steal your cameras. It helps to install your cameras high and out of reach, not only to prevent theft or vandalism, but to also get a better view of the area.
- Don’t merely place your camera viewing your front door.
Of course the front door is an important place to monitor, but really, you should be watching all potential points of entry (ex. sliding doors, basement doors, windows).
If you have any other security camera tips to share, connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Pinterest.
Need help finding the right security system for you? Choose SecurityCamExpert.com! We can guide you through the process of choosing the security cameras that will best suit your needs. If you are in Southern California, we can even install the system for you. Visit us online or call 888-203-6294 to learn more.
What Can Your Security Camera Do?
Surveillance camera systems help to provide home and business owners security, protection, and peace of mind. But did you know you can use your security cameras for additional purposes? Here are some lesser known uses and benefits of security camera systems.
- Time Lapse Videos
Some cameras come equipped with a time lapse feature which can allow you to create videos to display changes over time. These are great for construction or demolition sites, for capturing weather, nature, or wildlife.
- Animal Life
Do you manage a barn, farm, or ranch on your property or remotely? Security cameras can save you time and travel costs by allowing you to check in on your animals remotely. And if you have pregnant livestock, you can keep an eye on the progress and possibly record the birth.
- Pranks
If your family is a fan of pranks, security cameras can come in handy. Features like two-way audio and alarms can startle your unsuspecting guests, and you can capture the reactions as a souvenir.
- Check Weather
Did you know security cameras help when checking the forecast? When you see images and footage from remote areas, such as when you are checking a weather application, those are taken from strategically placed security cameras.
- Capture Precious Family Moments
Whether it’s your baby’s first steps or first words, you may be able to capture it on video. If you were away when it happened, you can review it later, and you can also share the special moment with other family members and friends.
- Insurance Discount
While the cost of security cameras may discourage homeowners, the benefits of having it should be considered. Aside from peace of mind, insurance agencies often offer a discount as well. And this discount can help to offset the costs of the system.
- Prevent Abuse
Nanny cams help to ensure that your babysitter is behaving properly and that your children are safe. On the other hand, nanny cams can also help you keep an eye on your elderly family members and caregivers to make sure your loved ones are not in danger.
- Medical Assistance
Speaking of seniors, especially those who live alone, some home security systems come equipped with emergency pulls or medical alert pendants. When triggered, these instantly dispatch emergency assistance to homes.
- Stop Trespassing & Vandalism
Whether it’s the neighborhood kids or unwelcome intruders, your security cameras can help to prevent any trespassing or vandalism.
- Household Mysteries
Have things gone missing or end up in random places in your home? Want to know who finished your leftovers in the refrigerator? You can review your surveillance footage to solve the mystery.
- Guard Your Garden
For the gardeners out there, you can set up security cameras with motion detection to monitor your goods. If squirrels, raccoons or the like are ruining your crop, you can set up your motion sensor to sound an alarm to scare off the critters.
- Latchkey Kid Safety
Security camera systems enable you to have peace of mind when it comes to latchkey kids. Your system can alert you when someone enters your home, therefore, you will know when your kids get home from school. You may disarm the alarm remotely or have your children do it.
- Increase Resale Value of Home
Having a surveillance system already installed in your home can increase the resale value of your home. It can also keep your home protected during the selling process as you can keep an eye on the strangers that come and go during open houses and inspections.
What other benefits can you think of? Share with us on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Pinterest.
Let us help you choose and install the security camera system of your dreams. Browse our stock online at SecurityCamExpert.com or call 888-203-6294 today!
Commercial Surveillance Camera Placement
For commercial businesses, video surveillance not only keeps customers, employees and properties safe, but it can also prevent incidents and potentially catch the perpetrator if a crime occurs. Should you decide to install a video surveillance system at your business, choosing the right locations is crucial. You want to avoid leaving blind spots as that will compromise your security, making your investment virtually useless.
For a better idea of where you should place your security cameras, here are the best locations for commercial properties.
Entrances & Exits
From the front/main entrance to side or back doors, you want to monitor any and all areas in which individuals can gain access to your building. This allows you to track who enters and exits, and whether or not they have authorized access.
You want to aim your indoor cameras toward the inside rather than at the door. The lighting conditions may change drastically when the door opens and closes, thus compromising the quality of your video.
For increased security, you may want to consider installing monitors that display a live feed on the screen at the entrance of your business to let visitors know they are under surveillance.
Restricted Access Areas
Doors that require a key card or an entrance code should be monitored. This provides an audit of who comes and goes, and who may have tried to gain unauthorized access.
Asset Storage
Whether it’s a warehouse full of merchandise or a server room filled with priceless equipment, you want to position a few cameras (the number will depend on the size and layout) to keep an eye on the area(s) where you store your assets.
By installing surveillance cameras in places where you store resources, documents, or even office supplies may potentially reveal cases of employee theft that may otherwise go unnoticed.
Monetary Transactions
It should go without saying that any point at which money regularly changes hands should be under surveillance. For example, security cameras should oversee cash registers at retail locations, teller stations at banks, and other transaction points on the property.
And you want to mount cameras low enough to see faces. You may even consider mounting a small camera at counter level in case of hats or hooded garments that may obstruct the view of a person’s face.
Work Areas
Whether or not you deal with customers at your location, it is still beneficial to keep an eye on employees. This usually discourages any slacking off or misbehavior. Just remember, you must disclose that there are security cameras and that they are under surveillance.
Loading Docks
Loading docks are prime targets since shipments are delivered and/or sent out from there. You want to have surveillance cameras watching over these areas to protect your employees and assets.
These cameras can also help with false worker’s compensation claims related to injuries sustained while loading or unloading equipment. Installing flood lights in this area also helps to produce clearer footage.
Secluded Outdoor Areas
These include parking lots, alleyways and dumpster pads – all of which are prime locations for shady activity. Security cameras installed in these areas should deliver a live feed to the security office so that a guard may watch for suspicious activity.
Along with surveillance locations, quality equipment suited for your security needs is vital for a successful surveillance system. Let us help you find the right security cameras and equipment for you – visit SecurityCamExpert.com or call 888-203-6294 today! You may also connect with us on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Pinterest.
Building The Ideal CCTV Surveillance System
When it comes to securing your property, CCTV cameras can be very effective. However, because there are a wide variety of CCTV cameras suited for different applications, if they are not properly implemented, their effectiveness may be compromised.
Before choosing your surveillance system, review the different types of CCTV cameras and the application for which they are best suited.
Different Types Of CCTV
Dome Camera
- Commonly used for indoor surveillance
- The ambiguous shape & design acts as a deterrent as criminals are unsure which way the camera is facing
- Ease of installation
- Vandal-proof features
- Infrared capability
Bullet Camera
- Long, cylindrical shape ideal for long distance viewing
- Better suited for outdoor use
- Protective casings safeguard against dust, dirt, and other natural elements
- Compact size makes for easy installation and mounting with bracket
- Fitted with either fixed or varifocal lenses depending on the requirements of the intended application
- Adaptability (can be used indoors and outdoors)
- High quality image resolution
C-Mount Camera
- Detachable lenses allow for simple lens changes to fit different applications
- Specialized lens use allow these cameras the ability to cover distances beyond 40ft
- Can support changes in technology
- Effective for indoor use
- Bulky design and presence acts as a deterrent
Day/Night Camera
- Can operate in both normal and poorly lit environments
- They utilize extra sensitive imaging chips (instead of infrared illuminators)
- Ideal for outdoor applications in which IR cameras do not function optimally
- Record in both color and black & white
- Wide variety of sizes available
- IR (Infrared) capability
PTZ (Pan/Tilt/Zoom) Camera
- Used with live guard or surveillance specialist operating the security systems
- Pan and tilt rotation
- Smart tracking features
- Powerful zoom and autofocus
What To Consider
Choosing the right CCTV camera for your property is important. You want to evaluate your needs to determine where you will place these cameras as well as their primary use in that location. Some factors to consider when choosing include the lens, sensor, and output resolution.
- Lens
The lens will dictate the quality of the image. The appropriate lens will allow your camera to focus and bring in enough light to the sensor, providing clarity and the ability to better identify things such as faces and license plates. A zoom lens will allow for further detail since it can adjust the light as it reaches to sensor for enhanced pictures and flexibility.
- Sensor
There are two types of sensors:
- CMOS (complementary metal oxide semiconductor)
- CCD (charged coupled device) cameras
CCD are more expensive than CMOS and produce clearer images (ideal for identifying faces and license plates).
- Output Resolution
Generally speaking, the more pixels, the better the picture. The highest resolution you can get is 700TL, but most cameras range between 300-550TVL. Be sure to match a resolution that your camera can produce because anything more is unnecessary.
Other Things To Consider:
- Discreet Vs. Visible
Box cameras are easier to be seen and clearly tell passersby that they are being recorded, which acts as a great deterrent. Dome cameras, on the other hand, are smaller and more discreet, making them ideal for monitoring larger areas such as front or backyards.
- Indoors Vs. Outdoors
Consider where you will place your cameras both indoors and outdoors. If you plan on placing them outdoors, you want to ensure they are in the best location and well protected (weatherproof and vandal proof housing). For indoor cameras, you want to make sure it will not be affected by things like grease or steam from the kitchen.
- Lighting Conditions
Whether indoors or outdoors, lighting will always change so it is advised that you test different camera models to see what works best with your lighting conditions. You also want to check for any reflections or backlighting during day or night.
- Image Clarity
This will depend on the size of the area you want to monitor. Thus, a camera situated in a small room need not be of high resolution. The resolution of your CCTV camera should reflect the landscape in order to provide effective images.
- Audio?
This depends on your personal preference (you should also look into the laws regarding audio recording if applicable). Some CCTV systems allow you to speak to the intruders, or you can have audio or alarms sound automatically when they reach a certain point. These tactics are meant to scare the intruders away before they can cause damage.
If you need help choosing the right CCTV surveillance system, call 888-203-6294 and we will be happy to help! You may also browse our selection online at SecurityCamExpert.com and connect with us on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Pinterest.
Tips For Improving Your Home Security System
Home security camera systems help home owners protect their property and loved ones. They provide an extra set of eyes to monitor your home whether you are at home or away. Because of the financial investment, it is important to ensure that everything is working properly.
There are many ways in which you can optimize your surveillance cameras to get the most out of your security system. Here are a few smart security tips to improve your system.
Use Motion Detection
A security camera that is recording everything all the time sounds good in theory, but will require a large amount of memory and power. It will also be more difficult to sort through the mundane footage to find what you are looking for.
Thanks to motion detection, your camera does not have to record all the time. Motion detection enables your camera to start recording when activity in the field of view triggers the sensor. This means you will not need to worry about running out of storage space and makes it easier to sort through your recordings.
Consider Location
Choosing the right location for your security cameras is crucial. Be sure to adjust the angle of your camera to maximize your field of view and ensure that obstructions, such as trees or bushes, do not block the camera’s view.
Other Home Security Solutions
Although security cameras are important, they cannot do everything. Pairing your security camera system with a high quality and reliable alarm system can increase your home security overall and may even help with insurance discounts.
Multiple Cameras
While an outdoor security camera is common, often times, one camera is not enough. If there’s only one security camera present, it’s likely that burglars will work around that. You want your security cameras to monitor high traffic areas and points of entry (ex. front door, back door, first floor windows). That way, you get more comprehensive video surveillance should you become a target for home invasion.
Proper Maintenance
You can’t just set it and forget it when it comes to your surveillance system. Keeping your cameras clean and any potential obstructions at bay will help maintain the performance and effectiveness of your system. Skipping routine maintenance checks may cause your cameras to miss important moments.
Do you have any other home security tips? Share with us on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Pinterest.
For a great selection of affordable security cameras and CCTV surveillance camera systems, please visit SecurityCamExpert.com. For more information about our installation services or to request a free quote, please call 888-203-6294.
Low-Light Security Cameras
There’s something to be said about low-light security cameras. Because lighting conditions in different environments are not always ideal for surveillance, low-light security cameras enable us to capture respectable footage in these situations. And with new technology, the quality of low-light camera images has vastly improved.
But before you invest in low-light security cameras for your home or business, here are some important facts and tips to know to make the most of your security systems.
Here’s some important information in order to make the most of your security systems.
First and foremost, you should know the related terms you may come across:
- Low-Light
- Day/Night
- Starlight
- SenseUp
- Night Vision
- Light Finder
- Light Toucher
- Dark Finder
- Light Catcher
- Thermal Imaging
All of these terms refer to the same classification of surveillance cameras. And while some of these terms are trademarked by manufacturers, the most commonly used terms for these cameras are “low-light” and “day/night.”
How It Works
Despite the sometimes confusing terminology, the basic components remain the same for all low-light cameras: a lens and sensor and some level of image processing. And to be clear, low-light cameras are different than thermal cameras (which track heat rather than motion or images) or cameras with IR illuminators.
A majority of low-light cameras use an IR cut filter, which is a mechanical filter that sits between the lens and the sensor (CMOS chip). The name is derived from its ability to “cut out” or filter out IR illumination during the day to improve color quality. At night, as available light diminishes, it slides out of the way to allow more light to get the sensor, thus improving low-light video quality. In order to help the video quality, it is also captured in black and white. In most cameras the filter is mechanically driven by an algorithm, however, some cameras allow manual control.
Optics
Because nearly all the cameras contain IR cut filters, it comes down to the lens and the processing to set these items apart from one another. The lens transmits light to the sensor and then the data on the sensor is processed by a processor. The variance among cameras is often in the optics. You want to be sure that both the lens and the sensor are of great quality, otherwise the potential for stellar images will be wasted.
Processing
Aside from the optics, processing is an important factor in determining the best low-light camera for you. Most manufacturers employ the same OEM processor yet make their own adjustments to them. The ability to control the tuning of an image is crucial as the tuning of an image during daylight will likely not hold up at night or in complete darkness.
Pay close attention to image toning, noise suppression, and the ability to maintain color and contrast in low light as these often differentiate one camera from another.
Lux
Typical IR cameras will capture images between 1 lux and 0.1 lux, however, the latest technologies can allow .01 lux to 0.00001 lux. This means that what would have been a completely black image a few years ago now looks like a near-daytime picture thanks to new low- and ultralow-light sensors.
While this achievement is impressive, in reality, there will rarely be any situations where there is complete darkness. Some ambient light will likely be present, whether it is from street lamps, the moon, or even the stars.
Spec Sheets Vs. Live Demo
As discussed, the impressive low-light sensitivity and lux will likely be included in the spec sheets, along with other important features. However, these spec sheets often represent technical specifications as opposed to actual performance.
Instead of simply relying on spec sheets, try to find a manufacturer or company that will provide you with a live demo and comparisons. This will give you a better idea of the low-light camera’s performance and whether or not it lives up to your requirements. In addition, third party reviews can give you more insight as well.
Resolution
Just because a camera boasts a high megapixel count does not necessarily mean it will produce a better low-light image. With higher resolution and higher megapixels, each pixel becomes a smaller percentage of that sensor. For example, image the sensor has a fixed size, yet the resolution is doubled. The pixels are smaller, thus, the sensor for each pixel is also smaller, increasing the amount of sensitivity needed to maintain the same level of quality.
Lens Speed
The speed of the lens is important and investing in a fast lens and better optics is crucial. The lens determines what information reaches the sensor, and, because of this, you get what you pay for when it comes to lenses and optics.
Positioning & Distance
Proper positioning of your security cameras is critical. Focus on what you want to capture and the level of detail you need when choosing the location of your cameras.
Position surveillance cameras so that the common range of motion is moving across the field of view rather than having common movement coming toward the camera. Also, avoid bright light pointing directly at the lens – this can cause flare or “fog” on the image.
Consider the field of view in terms of distance. The level of detail from the camera is highly dictated by how close the camera is and how much it’s zoomed in.
And when it comes to distance, you want the right combination of lens and camera that factors in the distance from the area you are trying to monitor. If you need to detect motion from long distances, your best bet would be to switch to thermal cameras. Activity will be detected, however, it will be harder to determine whether it is a person or an animal.
Share your own knowledge of low-light surveillance cameras with us and your peers on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Pinterest. To shop our selection of quality CCTV surveillance systems and security cameras, please visit SecurityCamExpert.com or call 888-203-6294 today!
Why You Should Invest In Business Surveillance Systems
As the New Year approaches, you may resolve to invest in a better business security camera system. Increasing your security measures can provide numerous benefits and will likely pay off in the long run. Here are a few ways a security system can help improve your business.
- Increase Customer And Business Safety
The presence of security cameras not only helps to deter burglars from targeting your business, but it can also bring peace of mind to your customers and employees.
- Reduce False Claims
There have been instances where employees fake an injury to claim worker’s comp, as well as customers who may make false claims against the business or employees. Security cameras can prevent these instances or provide evidence to refute these claims.
- Minimize Employee Theft
Security cameras and surveillance can positively influence behavior, resulting in employees complying with company policies.
- Avoid Loitering Around Premises
You not only want to secure the inside of your business, but protecting the perimeter is just as important. Loitering may send the wrong message to your customers, and may negatively affect your business.
- Prevent Site Littering
Aside from loitering, litter scattered around your business can damage the business reputation. You want to maintain an appealing look for your customers, and excessive litter can be detrimental.
- Replace Full-Time Security Guards
Rather than having a security guard on the grounds, you can actively monitor your premises from within or remotely.
- Track Business Traffic
Keeping track of your business traffic can improve your business success. You can identify the busiest hours and adjust your staffing accordingly. It may also give you insight to the most efficient business hours for your location.
- Tie multiple locations into one surveillance system.
If you have more than one location to monitor, an advanced security system will allow you to connect the different security systems. That way, you may be able to remotely monitor all sites from one app or system.
If you need help finding the right security camera system for your business, feel free to visit us online at SecurityCamExpert.com or call 888-203-6294 to speak with a representative. You can also connect with us on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Pinterest.
Indoor Security Tips
Security cameras placed outdoors allow you to monitor your property while acting as a deterrent for trespassing. But what happens if criminals proceed anyways?
Indoor security cameras will show you what happens when the intruders get in. Should theft or damage occur, you are left with video evidence of the crimes to assist in capturing the criminals.
For everyday use, indoor security cameras help to monitor daily activities, such as kids returning home from school, or checking in on pets while you’re at work.
While there are several benefits of indoor cameras, it may be difficult discerning the most effective places to install them. Here are some helpful tips for choosing the best locations for your indoor security cameras.
Statistics show that the most common entry points for burglars are through first-floor doors or windows, thus, your main entrances should be your top priorities. The front door, back door, garage door, and other first-floor exterior doors and windows should be equipped with some type of security (ex. locks). If possible, installing security cameras to cover all of these spots would be ideal.
- One of the most common places for an indoor security camera is in a high traffic area that provides coverage for as many areas as possible. Try to find the right angle and placement for a camera that will give a bird’s eye view of the larger area. For example, the family room may have views of the kitchen, back door, garage door entrance, and possibly even the front door.
- For larger homes or homes with a second or third story, additional security cameras may be necessary to sufficiently cover the interior of the home. Expansive one story homes may need multiple cameras to cover different rooms and entrances, while multiple story homes may need more cameras to cover each level.
- If an extensive security camera system does not fit within your budget, choose key areas that are highly targeted by burglars and install cameras there. For example, the family room often houses expensive televisions and electronics. Or if you have a family safe, you can place a camera in that room for added security.
- Once you have chosen the locations for your cameras, be sure to install them out of reach. Not only will this help to get a better view, but it will also help to prevent any damage of theft. If your security cameras are easily accessible, burglars may destroy them to eliminate evidence, or possibly steal them.
Share your indoor security camera tips with us on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Pinterest today!
For a great selection on indoor security cameras and more, visit SecurityCamExpert.com. For more information on site surveys and our installation services, please call 888-203-6294.