Choosing what type of Security Camera you need for your Installation
Choosing the right security cameras for a particular application is an important step in designing a surveillance system, especially if you want that system to actually be an effective crime solving tool, rather than simply a deterrent.
If you are in the market for such a system and aren’t sure what type of cameras you should be looking at, hopefully this writeup will help!
Security Camera Styles
This covers the main styles of CCTV Cameras that are out there and their typical applications..
- Box Cameras:
These are your traditional cameras that you often see mounted in almost any location and used for most applications. The real benefit to box cameras is that you can, in most cases, use a wide variety of changeable lenses on them that allows you to get the right field of view for your video, depending on the distance from target, etc. You can often find higher quality build standards on box cameras, as well, although the other styles are catching up. Box cameras can be placed in outdoor housings to allow them to be used outside, but they are not typically weatherproof themselves. Box cameras don’t generally come with infrared devices, although you can get extremely low-light versions or purchase infrared illuminators to go with the camera.
Box cameras can be used just about anywhere and offer the most flexibility when you need to “hone in” on a specific area from any distance or angle. They are easily noticeable, as well, but need housings if they are to be placed outside. They come in analog or IP/Network types, and can be intergrated into any system fairly easily.
- Dome Cameras:
Dome cameras are widely used because it is more difficult to tell which direction the camera’s lens is facing. They are also easier to mount, less obtrusive, and can come in weatherproof versions for outdoor surveillance. These cameras come in small and large form factors, with clear and blacked out domes. They are also available with infrared. Lower-end versions usually don’t have replaceable lenses, but some higher-end models do.
If you want your security cameras to be less obvious, more deceptive, and have a bit more flexibility when it comes to having infrared and being able to mount it outside without purchasing additional equipment, you may want to consider a dome camera. These can also be found in analog and IP/Network types, and some are vandal resistant/proof, as well.
- Pan/Tilt/Zoom (PTZ) Cameras:
Pan/Tilt/Zoom (PTZ) Cameras usually have a slightly larger form factor than dome cameras and are much more flexible because they can focus on more than one location and zoom in or out to capture specific areas or events. They aren’t usually weatherproof, but can be placed in an outdoor inclosure with a blacked-out dome that would protect the camera and deceive subjects. PTZ Cameras require more monitoring and configuration to truly bring out their potential, and can be extremely helpful in monitoring live situations. They are also meant to be place in more of an open location so that an entire 360º area can be covered, rather than a corner where you only have 90º of visibility.
Overall, PTZ cameras allow for more flexibility and an extended range of possibilities that could add a lot to a surveillance system. It might be a good idea to consider having a few of these around just for their flexibility. These come in analog & IP/Network Types and are growing in popularity as quality increases.
- Large Bullet/Barrel Cameras:
This style of camera can be best compared to the Box Cameras mentioned above. They are often mid-large on the size scale, with built in infrared/night vision, and usually have varifocal lenses that are adjustable for different distances. These have grown popular because of their cost effectiveness, allowing someone to purchase a relatively price-efficient camera that has a built in lens and infrared that can be mounted and left alone. Another reason they are becoming more popular is because there are several high quality versions that can be placed outside without additional accessories.
If you have a location, inside or outside, that needs a cost-effective solution that produces OK-good image quality and is easy to setup, this may be the solution for you. There is often less flexibility with the focal length, so I suggest using a lens calculator tool to make sure you are going to get the intended results from the lens size you are purchasing. These cameras aren’t as easy to find with IP/Network support, but we should see more and more with that feature in the near future.
- Small Bullet Cameras:
You often find these in convenience stores and other shops. They are smaller than the above styles and often produce less quality. They aren’t necessarily cheaper, but some are. They will fit almost anywhere and usually have fixed lenses. Many of these cameras are weatherproof.
The small bullet camera is best suited for general applications that don’t require awesome clarity or performance, but as technology changes we are likely to see much better quality come out of this smaller form factor. There are some IP/Network bullets that are slightly larger than the average ones out there, making it possible to include this camera in an IP-based solution.
- Covert/Spy/Imitation:
Coming in all shapes, forms and sizes, the “Spy” camera market is huge. From wall clocks to height strips and fully functional pens, you really can’t nail down a specific form factor for this type of camera. If you are considering a “covert” approach to your surveillance, you may want to look into them, though. Their quality is often sub-par, because manufacturers are trying to squeeze too much technology into too small of a package, but if you look around at test-footage from different cameras, you can surely find something acceptable.
Some covert cameras are analog and wired, while others, like this mini dvr pen camera, record onto a thumb-drive device that is built into the pen.If you want to be covert about it, this is the only way to go. Most of these cameras are analog or use onboard recording methods. Make sure to be careful with local laws on recording video and audio when utilizing something like this, though, because laws vary from location to location.
In closing, always consider camera style, location, perspective, expenses and monitoring when putting together a security system. Too many out there are incapable of actually solving crime, which is the entire purpose of spending the time and money, so please make sure you are doing it right before just throwing something together.
Networking Guide Video Tutorial Series – Part 7: Finding Your Public IP Address & Setting up Dynamic DNS
So you’re almost done setting up your security system and are ready to try to access it from the “outside world” of your local intranet. You’ll need to find your public IP address to do that, and then, for convenience, you’ll need to setup Dynamic DNS so that the system’s IP address is always updated when/if your ISP changes the public IP on their end. Don’t worry, it’s free, and without it you could be forced to have to go in and change your settings every so often (it’s rather unreliable).
Check it out, and let us know what you think!
Part 1 – Basic Networking Information
Part 2 – Finding Your Router’s IP Address, or Default Gateway
Part 3 – Finding Your Router’s Default Username & Password
Part 4 – Finding Your Network’s DHCP Range
Part 5 – Finding Your Router’s Existing Port Forwarding Information
Part 6 – Finding a Static IP Address for Your Network Device
Part 7 – (You are here)
Part 8 – Locating Your Static IP Address Information
Part 9 – DNS & WINS Setup Best Practices
Stay tuned, the next video will be released next week, and don’t forget to let us know if our videos are helpful!
Solar Powered Wireless Security Camera – Video
I ran across this video the other day and thought others might find it interesting, useful, and maybe even inspirational.
Everyone is trying to go green, and solar energy is something most people would love to be using but either don’t know how or it’s out of their price range.
Anyway, in an attempt to help out, Jake here has put together a video demonstrating how to take a wireless security camera and make it completely wireless with solar energy.
Enjoy! And let us know if you’ve done anything similar – we are interested to see if anyone out there taking CCTV to the green stage.
Active X & Direct X Troubleshooting for Windows 2000 & XP
Many sites on the Internet use Active X or Direct X controls to display web content on your computer monitors. If you are having the following issues, the below instructions offer possible solutions.
Issues:
- Active X or Direct X Will Not Load
- WINXP IE Service Pack 2 Not Allowing Load
The following applies to Windows 2000 and Windows XP, and is meant to be used by experienced PC users ONLY.
- Open Internet Explorer, click on Tools, click on Internet Options
- Click on the Security Tab
- Click to Highlight Internet, click Custom Level button
- .NET framework-Run Authenticode not signed—click to ENABLE
- Run components signed with Authenticode—- click to ENABLE
- ActiveX controls and plug-ins
- Automatic prompting for ActiveX controls—- click to ENABLE
- Binary and scripting behaviors—- click to ENABLE
- Download signed ActiveX controls—- click to ENABLED
- Download unsigned ActiveX controls—- click to ENABLED
- Init and script ActiveX controls not marked as safe—- click to ENABLED
- Run ActiveX controls and plug-ins—- click to ENABLE
- Script ActiveX controls marked safe for scripting—- click to ENABLED
- Downloads
- Auto prompt for downloads—- click to DISABLE
- File downloads— click to ENABLE
- Font download—- click to ENABLE
- Java VM
- Java permissions—— click to HIGH SAFETY
- Access data sources across domains—- click to DISABLE
- Allow META REFRESH—- click to ENABLE
- Allow scripting of IE web-browser controls—- click to DISABLE
- Allow scripting of windows without size or position—- click to DISABLE
- Allow web pages to use restricted protocols for active— click to PROMPT
- Display mixed content—– click to PROMPT
- Don’t prompt for client certificate selection —— click to DISABLE
- Drag and drop or paste files—– click to ENABLE
- Installation of desktop items—-PROMPT
- Launch programs and files in an IFRAME—- click to PROMPT
- Navigate sub-frames across different domains— click to ENABLE
- Open files based on content, not file extensions—- click to ENABLE
- Software channel permissions—– click to MEDIUM SAFETY
- Submit non-encrypted form date—- click to ENABLE
- Use Pop-Up blocker—- click to ENABLE
- User data persistence—– click to ENABLE
- Web site in less privileged web content zone can navigate—- click to ENABLE
- Scripting
- Active scripting—– click to ENABLE
- Allow paste operations via script—– click to ENABLE
- Scripting of Java applets—- click to ENABLE
- User Authentication
- Logon
- click to Automatic logon only in Intranet zone
- Logon
Networking Guide Video Tutorial Series – Part 6: Finding a Static IP Address for Your Network Device
Yet another Networking Guide Video Tutorial for everyone out there. This one focuses on finding a static IP address for your network device so that you don’t put a DVR or IP Camera on the same internal IP address as, oh, lets say your son’s old school EverQuest Emulator Server – he wouldn’t be happy!
Let us know if you have any questions!
Part 1 – Basic Networking Information
Part 2 – Finding Your Router’s IP Address, or Default Gateway
Part 3 – Finding Your Router’s Default Username & Password
Part 4 – Finding Your Network’s DHCP Range
Part 5 – Finding Your Router’s Existing Port Forwarding Information
Part 6 – (You are here)
Part 7 – Finding Your Public IP Address and Setting Up Dynamic DNS
Part 8 – Locating Your Static IP Address Information
Part 9 – DNS & WINS Setup Best Practices
Stay tuned, the next video will be released next week, and don’t forget to let us know if our videos are helpful!
Cop Caught Dancing on Camera – Funny CCTV Video
Fake, staged, completely bogus or not – Why wouldn’t I post this? lol!
Arguments against Video Surveillance
As the use of CCTV cameras increases across the United States and globe, so does the debate over their numbers and motives. In a previous post, Arguments for Video Surveillance, we looked at four arguments for video surveillance. These arguments included peace of mind, loss prevention, crime deterrent and crime solving.
Now, what about the other side of the fence? The ACLU has an entire Web site, You Are Being Watched, devoted to the “high costs of camera surveillance systems, both in terms of money and civil liberties,” and there are a large number of individuals and other groups out there that oppose “big brother” watching our every move.
So, what are some of the arguments against the use of CCTV surveillance systems?
- Invasion of Privacy – This is the most common argument against surveillance systems. While video surveillance is more commonly accepted in public areas, this sentiment comes into play with the use of covert and hidden cameras in almost every case.
- Mistrust – The use of security cameras in your home or business can make its occupants feel mistrusted. If your family members or employees are under constant surveillance, there is likely to be hostility and animosity in the air.
- Not Proven Effective – Studies done in California and London have found that security cameras had little to no effect on reducing the crime rate. With an increase in the sheer number of cameras in many large cities, many replacing human security guards, this is a strong argument that will be the main target of many opposing groups.
- Misuse and Abuse – The footage captured by CCTV cameras becomes susceptible to abuse and misuse by those who have access to it. For instance, the footage can be used to discriminate against people and for voyeurism. In the age of the internet, this is another huge deal, as can be seen by all of the “hilarious” YouTube videos out there. I doubt the subjects would find most of them as funny.
All of these reasons are valid arguments against CCTV surveillance. There are many cities and countries that have massive surveillance systems, and we will likely see a large increase in public monitoring in the near future, so the more the public knows about the industry and their rights, etc, the more everyone can prepare for when it happens in your little corner of the globe.
Do you have any additional arguments against the use of security camera systems? What are your thoughts? Will you fight them or open your “public” life up willingly to being observed? Let us know, we’d love to hear from you.
Networking Guide Video Tutorial Series – Part 5: Finding Existing Port Forwarding Info on Your Router
You might be asking, “What is port forwarding?” Well, the short answer is that sometimes you need certain outside applications or equipment to access devices on your network – port forwarding allows specific ports to let specific outside devices and services access to your equipment or software. Read more here.
The below video demonstrates where you’ll be looking fort his information on a typical router, etc. Have a watch!
Part 1 – Basic Networking Information
Part 2 – Finding Your Router’s IP Address, or Default Gateway
Part 3 – Finding Your Router’s Default Username & Password
Part 4 – Finding Your Network’s DHCP Range
Part 5 – (You are here)
Part 6 – Finding a Static IP Address for Your Network Device
Part 7 – Finding Your Public IP Address and Setting Up Dynamic DNS
Part 8 – Locating Your Static IP Address Information
Part 9 – DNS & WINS Setup Best Practices
Stay tuned, the next video will be released next week, and don’t forget to let us know if our videos are helpful!
ATM Stolen from Convenience Store in "36 Seconds" – CCTV Video
Now, we obviously don’t condone this type or behavior, but man, these guys are in and out of there – they had a plan!
It definitely makes you wonder if there were other cameras in the store that caught better images of the perps. There is one within the camera’s view, if it’s a real camera and on, that may have gotten the actual theft of the ATM, if it was facing the right direction, but I guess they might not want to put that one up because it would show exactly how the robbers got the machine out!
Perhaps they caught these guys and had more, better footage… or perhaps this is another lesson in placement, placement, placement! Always consider the dynamics of a potential theft, etc, before just throwing cameras up everywhere as “deterrents.”
Security Cameras & CCTV Practices – Jan 5, 2010 – 3rd Ed.
Welcome to the January 5, 2010 edition of Security Cameras and CCTV Practices. We hope everyone had a great holiday season and that the new year starts off wonderful! Here at ApexCCTV, we plan on continuing to push online collaboration in the physical security industry, with a focus on providing relevant information that educates the populous.
You can help by submitting relevant CCTV Industry articles, hosted on your blog or someone else’s. Simply use the carnival submission form.
Digital Video Recorders
ApexCCTV presents How Recording Resolution Effects a DVR’s Frames per Second posted at The CCTV Blog, saying, “There are a lot of variables that affect what you see on the monitor when viewing video playback files from a CCTV security camera system. Frames per second (FPS) are usually one of the first and main considerations when making a system purchase, but there are a few things you should know before running out and buying a surveillance system that simply boasts “30FPS!”.”
Security Cameras
Shawn Taylor presents Nanny Cam – How to Avoid Misusing this Security Device posted at Hidden Surveillance Camera.com.
Software
ApexCCTV presents GeoVision & AVerMedia Pros & Cons posted at The CCTV Blog, saying, “Greg, one of our technicians, compiled this quick-reference Pros & Cons guide for AVerMedia & GeoVision. These are opinions, based around several years of experience with both manufacturers, and are open for discussion. It is also not a GeoVision vs. AVerMedia war, only observations of both systems.”
ApexCCTV presents GeoVision Troubleshooting – KeyPro Not Found & Recycle Empty posted at The CCTV Blog, saying, “We recently posted a list off GeoVision OS Issues & Troubleshooting Suggestions that many of you may have found useful. Well, we came up with a few more that might be stumping some people out there and wanted to go ahead and share them. If you’ve had issues with the KeyPro Not Found or Recycle Empty errors, read on!”
That concludes this edition. Submit your blog article to the next edition of Security Cameras and CCTV Practices using our carnival submission form.
Past posts and future hosts can be found on our blog carnival index page.
Technorati tags: security cameras and cctv practices, blog carnival.
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