These days, network IP security cameras are favored over analog security cameras because they offer more advanced features. Benefits include improved image quality, remote accessibility, and simplified installation and integration.
To gain the full amenities of network IP security cameras (or any security cameras), proper installation and placement is key. Follow these tips to maximize the performance of your network IP camera system.
Installation:
Positioning:
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Security camera systems can be helpful in just about any setting. Whether you want to protect your home and loved ones or you want to keep an eye on your business and employees while you’re away, surveillance cameras can play a large role in providing you with a better sense of security.
Before you invest in a security camera system, it is wise to determine your budget, as well as your specific needs. Will you be monitoring indoors, outdoors, or both? Will you need surveillance around the clock or only during certain hours? Depending on your needs, different styles and features of security cameras may best suit you.
Dome Security Cameras
These cameras are dome shaped and are often tinted or clouded so that the direction of the lens is ambiguous. You may see large scale dome security cameras in high traffic areas like casinos or subway stations. Because its style is rather elusive, dome security cameras keep people guessing which usually results in better behavior. While these cameras do well in public places, they can be successful in monitoring your home or business as well. People tend to opt for dome security cameras because they are fairly easy to mount and install.
These cameras are more noticeable than dome cameras. The bullet security camera gets its name from its resemblance to a bullet shell casing. These security cameras can vary in size; some people use this style to be discreet and others use it to provide a daunting presence. Bullet security cameras are best used when there is a specific area you want to monitor. While dome cameras can capitalize on PTZ (Pan/Tilt/Zoom) abilities, bullet cameras often boast a better long range zoom. With the appropriate mounting bracket, bullet cameras can be installed virtually anywhere.
Infrared Security Cameras
An infrared camera can come in either bullet or dome styles. Regardless of the style, infrared cameras have LEDs (light emitting diodes) which surround the lens and are usually automatic. The Infrared LEDs enable you to monitor your business or property through the night. When the light source is low or diminished, the LEDs kick in, and often turn your color camera to black and white for better resolution.
Indoor & Outdoor Use
Most cameras are suited for indoor use, but not all cameras are ideal for outdoor use. You can find security cameras that are waterproof, weatherproof, or vandal proof, along with additional housing for cameras you wish to use outdoors.
Be sure to evaluate the locations for your security cameras, including light sources, protection and weather conditions (namely for outdoor cameras), surveillance field, etc., before you make any final decisions on your security camera system. If you would like to further discuss your options or need any assistance, please feel free to contact us at 1-888-203-6294. We are happy to help you find the best security camera system for you. Visit us online to browse our stock and connect with us on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, and Pinterest.
There are plenty of security camera options out there today, from formal, elaborate security camera systems to simple, more straightforward DIY options. The latter seems to be a more affordable approach for home owners or pet owners who want a better sense of security. However, before investing in a DIY system, it is wise to understand your needs and the differences between devices.
Webcam vs. Security cam
While webcams can offer some security features and a live video feed, usually accessible from your phone or device, they fall short if your focus is safety and security. Some products do provide customizable alerts for when something happens (ex. motion detection alerts), however, others do not. Therefore, unless your eyes are glued to your live feed, you won’t know if something is happening.
If you’re simply concerned about checking in on a pet while you’re away, webcams are likely better suited for you. The security features of webcams can be great as a supplement, but if you want to secure your home or property, it may be best to invest in professional security cameras.
Video Quality
If you’re considering live streaming or need quality recorded footage, HD may be the way to go. HD resolution can either be 720p or 1080p, however, your WiFi connection can dictate which is better for you. If you have less than stellar WiFi connection, the HD video can consume a hefty amount of bandwidth, resulting in significant lag times.
Alternatives to HD include VGA, standard definition, and 640×480 cameras, which are typically less expensive and require less bandwidth. Unfortunately, video quality isn’t as clear, but if you only need a general video or photo of the area you’re monitoring, they are a smart option.
Location
Most DIY options come with a simple base that can be placed on any level surface. Others also offer magnetic bases for mounting on refrigerators, file cabinets, or other magnetic surfaces.
Some options require power adapters, which means you’ll have to consider outlet locations or employ extension cords depending on where you place your camera. Most new options are battery powered, making it easier to move around from location to location. Some products even boast their abilities to be used indoors and outdoors as well.
Also, it is important to consider that these devices usually operate on WiFi, which means choosing a location with strong WiFi signal is key. An unstable WiFi connection may interfere with your camera’s performance.
Cloud vs. Local Storage
When it comes to storage, you can either choose to store your footage in the cloud, usually for an extra fee, or locally on a micro SD card. While you may pay a bit more for cloud storage, you will also benefit from added features which may include facial recognition or third party integration.
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Choosing a security camera system properly equipped to suit your needs is ever important. When choosing a system, you should understand your wants and needs before you proceed to shop. Here, we’ll break down some basics to get you started.
Placement
There are many factors to consider when it comes to placement. Which areas would you like to monitor? Whether the security camera will be used indoors or outdoors will dictate which type of camera you use. Security cameras are usually identified as indoor or outdoor cameras, with outdoor cameras being built a bit more sturdy and, likely, weatherproof and/or waterproof.
Wired vs. Wireless
Placement may also determine whether you choose wired or wireless cameras. Wired cameras usually provide a more secure, constant connection. The downfall is that a simple cut or disconnection of wire and equipment can take down your system. Also, depending on its location, wiring may not be feasible. Wireless cameras make it a bit simpler, allowing connection through a local network, and letting you install them virtually anywhere. Connection may be an issue, depending on the distance between cameras and servers. Luckily, as technology improves, this problem will likely be eliminated.
Lighting
The lighting in the environment you will be monitoring plays a vital role in determining which features will produce the best results. For an area in which lighting will be relatively ample and constant, most cameras will work beautifully. However, in dimly lit areas, or areas where the light source will be intermittently available, you’ll want to invest in cameras with day/night vision and possibly infrared LEDs for better night vision.
Fixed vs. PTZ
Another thing to consider is the question of a fixed or PTZ camera. Ultimately, this depends on how you would like to survey your grounds. Fixed cameras are set on a fixed area, needing manual adjustment to view other areas, whereas PTZ cameras afford a more flexible range. With PTZ cameras, you can remotely adjust the lens to move left and right (pan), up and down (tilt), and zoom in and out as needed.
Viewing
As far as recording and viewing goes, you’ll want to choose the appropriate DVR (digital video recorder) or NVR (network video recorder). If you want to monitor your feed at home or in an office, a DVR and CCTV monitor will do just fine. If, however, you would like to view your live feed from your smart phone while on the go, you’ll want to find a DVR or NVR which supports mobile viewing and your mobile device.
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Security camera systems are a great way to protect your family, home, business and property. You can monitor your security camera systems while you’re at home or away, providing you with a stronger sense of security and safety as you go about your day to day activities.
Security cameras can help catch burglars in the act, or even deter them from targeting you. But much like everyone, security cameras are not perfect. Issues may arise here and there, but these tips should help you troubleshoot some common problems.
Problem: No Picture Or Signal
When there is no picture or signal, you want to double check that everything is properly connected. Start by ensuring that the power adapter is plugged in and the outlet in which it is plugged is functioning correctly. If your security camera is plugged into a surge protector, be sure that the surge protector is, in fact, on. To check if your security camera is receiving power, locate the light sensor and cover it with your finger. If your camera is receiving power, this will activate the night vision and you should see the LEDs glow red. If your camera has an Auto Mechanical IR Cut Filter, you may hear a clicking noise. Next, you’ll want to see that the cables are properly connected to the TV or DVR. If you suspect an issue with the extension cable, switch the cable that is connected to the camera. This will help to determine whether or not there is an issue with the extension cable run.
If you have issues with picture or signal on your TV, be sure that the correct input channel has been selected. Common inputs include: Input, AV, Channel, Line 1, Line 2, AUX. If a DVR is involved, make sure everything is properly connected (the camera video cable should be connected to the Video Input/Video IN/Camera IN port) and the correct input is chosen. You may also try connecting the camera to a different channel. Also, double check that the channel does not have Covert Recording enabled. This feature will prevent the camera from being viewed locally.
Problem: Picture Is Too Bright/Dark
If the picture is too bright or dark, you are likely having issues with the light source. If it’s too bright, be sure that your camera is not directly pointed at a light source (e.g. sun, spotlight). You can adjust the angle, or, if your camera has a sunshade, adjust it to block some of the excess light. If your picture is too dark, you’ll want to angle your camera more toward a light source and/or adjust the sunshade to let more light in. You can also control the brightness and contrast settings on the device that your camera is connected to (e.g. DVR, TV, monitor). If you are still having problems, you may need to find a different location for your security camera.
Problem: Picture Is Not Clear
If your picture is not clear, you may need to clean your camera lens. Check for dust, spiderwebs, dirt, etc. Another possibility is that your extension cable runs may be too long; the distance maybe compromising the clarity. If you have a camera with a varifocal lens, you may need to refocus the lens by adjusting the focus and zoom settings. Periodic readjustment of varifocal lenses is common.
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High resolution surveillance cameras can greatly improve you security camera system. Providing quality recordings can produce excellent footage and possible evidence for crimes. These cameras deliver high resolution through the employment of CCD Image sensors. Image sensors dictate how much light is let in, thus determining the ultimate outcome of the picture. To understand high resolution security cameras and image sensors, we will first discuss pixels.
Very simply, pixels are tiny dots that make up a picture. It’s likely you’ve heard the term “megapixel” before, related to either that digital camera you have or the specs of the camera on your smart phone. It’s widely assumed that the higher the megapixel count, the better the image quality. While this can hold true at times, it is not always the case. Megapixels are calculated by multiplying the pixel dimensions, therefore, the higher the megapixel count, the increased number of pixels there are in an image. For high resolution cameras, high megapixel counts paired with a proper image sensors help to deliver better recordings and image details.
Image sensors work with pixels by defining light exposure and converting it into the appropriate number of electrons. The amount of light and electrons are directly related; more light exposure results in more electrons. There are two main types of image sensors, one being CMOS (complementary metal-oxide semiconductor) and the other, CCD (charge-coupled device), which is used in high resolution security cameras. Both are useful and efficient with strengths and weaknesses in different areas.
CMOS image sensors tend to have lower photosensitivity and more susceptibility to noise. They usually have lower power consumption, are easy to produce, somewhat more versatile and cost less than CCD image sensors.
CCD image sensors usually produce high-quality, low-noise images. Thanks to their high sensitivity to light, these image sensors produce better images in low light environments. The downside to this is that they consume considerably more power than CMOS image sensors. Since CCD image sensors have been around longer, they have more sophisticated features and more pixels. Because of this, they provide excellent footage, thus, are better suited for high resolution security cameras.
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You can purchase the best security camera on the market and go to all the lengths to get the most advanced technology, but improper placement can interfere with the relevance of your surveillance footage. Security camera placement can make or break your case. At just the right angle, you may be able to identify a person, but even as little as one degree and stealthy maneuvers can keep a person anonymous.
Placing security cameras in high traffic areas is smart, but it is also important to monitor blind spots or areas of low traffic too. Footage of high traffic areas can help to create a timeline for a specific individual if need be. While these high traffic areas can capture many people, areas where foot traffic is slow, or known blind spots, can become hot spots for criminal activity.
It’s common for people to want to place security cameras on ceilings or up high on walls so that a wider area can be monitored. The problem with this placement is that image quality can be compromised when zooming in on a person. This can negatively affect identifying a possible suspect. Also, hats can interfere with getting a clear shot of a person’s face, making is nearly impossible to identify a person.
Better placement for security cameras is at or near eye level. If the cameras catch people’s eyes, they are likely to look straight into the lens, giving a clear shot of their face. This makes it easier to identify possible suspects.
If you’re able to utilize multiple cameras, it’s wise to carefully place the cameras so that they leave no blind spots and footage can be pieced together fairly seamlessly. Placing a camera on a ceiling or up high to oversee an entire room could work within a multiple camera security system, where cameras can be placed at various angles and levels.
One camera could hang above and be able to survey the entire area, while other cameras should be placed closer to eye level for better facial identification. The camera overseeing it all will not be able to zoom in on a person with great clarity, but once identified, surveillance footage from cameras at eye level can be used to identify the individual.
Because people can use hats, umbrellas, or other random objects to block themselves from view of security cameras, it’s important to consider all angles. If you’re able to use multiple cameras, consider the different security camera placements that can catch different, beneficial angles. Catching a criminal off guard can be what gets that person caught and brought to justice.
While there are many things to consider for security cameras and surveillance systems, there are also plenty of resources to help you. Contact SecurityCamExpert.com at 1-888-203-6294 for any questions or concerns you may have. You can also visit us online to browse our products or request a live chat while you shop.