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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.
How To Utilize Your Security Cameras
Aside from keeping your home safe from intruders, security cameras can serve many different purposes. Here are some clever and smart ways you can utilize your surveillance system.
Security Cameras & Floodlights
While there are security cameras with night vision and infrared LED lights, sometimes clarity and resolution is compromised in these settings. If you’re monitoring outdoors, consider installing floodlights to keep your surroundings illuminated. Floodlights with built-in motion sensors can help you save energy and startle whoever may be lurking in the dark. Consider installing these near doors or windows, patios, and backyards.
Wireless Security Cameras
Going wireless allows you to monitor places in your home that are off limits to your children, and can even allow you to keep an eye on your pets while you’re away. So long as there is Wi-Fi connection nearby, they cameras should be able to operate.
Baby Monitor
If you’re already using security cameras within your home, there’s no need to invest in a separate baby monitor. You can use a security camera, or a web cam, to monitor your toddlers while they sleep. Depending on your equipment, you may also be able to speak and soothe your child through the camera.
Peace Of Mind
If you have teens, you can make sure that they arrived home safely after school and are on their best behavior. If you have elderly parents that live on their own, remote access to their home security camera can alert you when something is wrong. Some systems even allow two-way audio so you can communicate with your family without picking up the phone.
Doorbell Cameras
There are devices on the market now that integrate a security camera with your doorbell. That way, whether you’re home or not, you can see who is at your door and communicate with visitors. This can be helpful if you have received a package, but no one is home to accept it. You can ask the delivery person to set it aside in an inconspicuous area.
The Unknown
You never know what you’ll catch with your security cameras. Whether it is the cause of a strange noise or an unfamiliar, suspicious-looking car from your outdoor cameras, or simply the culprit who is always leaving the food out, you can get to the bottom of some mysteries.
Nanny Cams
As one of the first mainstream home security cameras, nanny cams can be rather helpful. Whether you are wary of your nanny or other visitors in your home, you can use nanny cams to put your mind at ease. These cameras are often hidden in ordinary objects such as clocks, smoke alarms, teddy bears, etc., making them hard to distinguish.
Smart Homes
Lastly, your security cameras can be incorporated into your overall smart home system. IFTTT (If This Then That) service is a free service that allows different smart home devices to connect and “talk” to each other. Some examples of what you can program include having your lights turn on whenever motion is detected in that room, or only having your cameras record when you are not at home.
How else do you use your security cameras? Share your ideas with us on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Pinterest!
If you’re looking to invest in a quality security camera system, choose SecurityCamExpert.com! We carry a wide selection of surveillance cameras and equipment, plus we offer free site surveys and affordable installations and service. Call 1-888-203-6294 to learn more.
Stop Elder Abuse With Hidden Security Cameras
Abuse is an ongoing problem and awareness is an important measure to prevent it from happening. Child abuse is always on the radar and on people’s minds, thus nanny cams have gained popularity. But often overlooked are the elderly who can become just as vulnerable with declining health and increased risk for dementia. Nanny cams can be just as helpful with your elders and their caregivers.
Commonly, the help of caregivers are enlisted within the home, so nanny cams and hidden cameras can be extremely beneficial, monitoring activity when you cannot be there. The elderly may also be placed in convalescent homes or assisted living communities. These facilities may or may not utilize security cameras, so it is best to inquire and do extensive research beforehand.
Elder abuse can take various forms, whether it is physical, verbal, emotional or financial abuse or neglect. They can be exploited, berated, or forced to sit in filth because they cannot help themselves. We fight to keep our children safe but we must also protect our parents and elders.
Our best measure to prevent elder abuse is to catch it early. If you have an in-home caregiver, do a thorough background check. Strategic, covert placement of nanny cams or hidden cameras around the house can help to catch any wrong doing. It is also important to watch for warning signs such as a change in mood or affect, or signs of physical trauma in the form of bruises or bed sores. Listen to what they have to say and take note of body language, especially around the suspected abuser.
Another factor to consider is that the abuser is often a family member. Be wary of the warning signs as well as suspicious behaviors. Nanny cams and hidden cameras can show you how the caregivers act while you’re away and will subside or prove any suspicions you may have.
With the footage from the nanny cams or hidden cameras, you can build a case against the abuser and be sure that justice is served. With children and elders alike, we want to protect them from harm and nanny cams or hidden cameras can help to provide a sense of safety.
Visit SecurityCamExpert.com to browse our recently updated stock of hidden cameras & nanny cams. For any questions about our inventory, call us toll-free at 1-888-203-6294.
Protect Your Children With A Wall Clock Nanny Cam
An ordinary wall clock is an ingenious disguise for nanny cams. Functioning as a normal clock, a wall clock hidden camera is perfect since wall clocks are such a commonplace item in any room. With its convenient features, the SecurityMan Wall Clock Hidden Camera can help you monitor your home or small business.
Whether you are suspicious about your nanny or your kids, employing a wall clock nanny cam enables you to observe any activity when you’re not around. The SecurityMan Wall Clock Hidden Camera is an ideal candidate if you’re shopping for nanny cams or hidden cameras. This wall clock nanny cam captures color video, combats wireless interference, and is easy to install. The installation of this wall clock nanny cam involves minimal work – simply mount the wall clock nanny cam in the desired location and connect to a power supply. The clock itself takes AA batteries, but the camera requires an AC power adapter. Next, in relation to the wall clock nanny cam, the wireless receiver should be no further than 330ft in open space, or 100ft indoors. Maintaining a clear line of sight will aid in better wireless transmission, providing a more efficient wall clock hidden camera. The wireless receiver needs to be connected to a monitor for live, high quality color feed and you’re set! You can add a micro SD card for added recording memory (up to 32GB; not included). Additional receivers may be added so you can monitor from another room, however, additional wall clock nanny cams are not supported.
The benefits of hidden cameras and nanny cams can be quite significant. Have you noticed things missing in your home? Curious about what your kids do while you’re away? Nanny cams can capture all that activity and more, giving you hard evidence of theft or misbehavior. There have been far too many instances of child abuse and neglect with baby-sitters. Employing nanny cams could possibly prevent the abuse or catch it early before the repercussions worsen. If you even have the slightest suspicion, installing nanny cams is the easiest way to help keep your children safe so you can feel at ease.
Without costing an arm and a leg, the SecurityMan Wall Clock Hidden Camera can give you a sense of security. Wall clock nanny cams are perfect for hidden surveillance since people would rarely question the presence of a clock in a room. As technology advances, hidden cameras and nanny cams can be implanted in the most unassuming, mundane objects. Check out the SecurityMan Wall Clock Hidden Camera at SecurityCamExpert.com and find more options for nanny cams. If you have any questions regarding nanny cams or security cameras in general, call us at 1-888-203-6294.
The Different Types Of Hidden Security Cameras
Hidden cameras can be a controversial topic; benefits and drawbacks can be argued on both sides. The thought of hidden cameras can be a bit scary and intrusive. But on the other hand, proper use of hidden cameras can save lives or bring criminals to justice. Some cameras are not so “hidden” as in the case of convenience stores using the mirror camera. Doubling as a way to keep an eye on the store front, these hidden mirror cameras can catch valuable footage. Depending on your location, there may be specific laws regarding video footage. It is important to look into these laws before employing hidden cameras or security cameras in general.
Installing a hidden camera in your home can be useful for the worried parent or homeowner. It’s natural to be protective of your belongings and your family, and hidden cameras allow you to keep a close watch on your possession discreetly. If you’re suspicious about your nanny, whether you are concerned about theft or neglect, you can install a nanny-cam. These have grown in popularity over the years. If you suspect dishonesty or irresponsibility with your children, you can find out what they really do while you’re away. Also, if you travel often, you can rest at ease knowing you can remotely check in on your home.
The best hidden cameras are those that offer dual functionality, meaning, aside from functioning as a camera, they also work as whatever the camera is being disguised as. For example, a hidden camera wall clock – proper placement can provide a wide range of vision as well as serving as a simple wall clock. In addition, most hidden cameras come with a USB plug or RCA video output. That enables an easy connection to your computer for playback and storage. Most hidden cameras are fairly easy to install, but something to keep in mind is the power source. Using an AC powered camera would be ideal since battery powered devices are subject to altered performance when battery life is low. However, the placement and type of hidden camera may dictate the type of power source needed. It’s best to consider your options before committing to a certain hidden camera.
Other things to consider with hidden cameras are legal issues. Using a hidden camera in your own home is generally authorized. However, it is important to look into your state’s specific laws, if any. In the home, bedrooms and bathrooms may be off limits due to the “reasonable expectation of privacy” as noted in the Fourth Amendment. As far as hidden cameras in the workplace, firm laws have not been set, but small business owners usually disclose information regarding use of video surveillance. Larger businesses usually work with the union to establish their own rules regarding video recording. If you are concerned about this in the workplace, speak to your supervisor or manager.
When used appropriately, hidden cameras can be quite beneficial. It is advisable that state and local laws regarding video recording be researched before installation. Shop our selection of hidden security cameras at SecurityCamExpert.com or give us a call at 1-888-203-6294.
Features Of A Pen Hidden Camera
Ever wish you could record video or capture pictures without getting caught? The Cobra Digital DPS030 4GB Digital Camera Pen may be the product for you. Disguised as a functioning ballpoint pen, this hidden spy camera is completely unassuming.
The Cobra Digital DPS030 4GB Digital Camera Pen has a 4GB internal memory and can record up to 2 hours with a full charge. The videos are AVI files with a 640×480 resolution, while the pictures are JPEG format with a 1280×1024 resolution. Capture candid moments in the office or on the go without anyone catching on. An added bonus – the pen actually works!
The Power/Capture button is located at the top of the pen, where it would normally click. The camera lens is located near the clip and the light indicator is on the opposite side. You may unscrew the pen to reveal a USB which you can plug directly into your computer to upload files. This enables you to clear the internal memory as necessary.
With a rechargeable battery and plug-and-play capability through your computer, the Cobra Digital DPS030 4GB Digital Camera Pen is a convenient and inconspicuous hidden camera. For its small size, it produces quality picture and video. Whatever your surveillance need, Cobra Digital DPS030 4GB Digital Camera Pen can be an inexpensive, handy alternative.
Visit us at SecurityCamExpert.com to learn more about this product, or other hidden camera options. If you have any questions, give us a call at 1-888-203-6294.