Your Guide To Security Cameras
Your Guide To Security Cameras.
Security cameras were once only seen on the gates of luxury mansions or in large corporate buildings. Now, however, these cameras are becoming a common feature of many homes and smaller offices as more and more people seek to increase the levels of security on their premises.
Burglar alarms and locks can protect your property but what if an intruder is still able to enter your premises? Wouldn’t you like to know that you at least have evidence of the break-in so you can do something about it afterwards? Even if the intruders wear masks, security cameras can record the exact time of a break-in, how the intruders entered the premises and also give you and the police an idea of their height and build. Cameras outside the property may also capture the vehicle the intruders used which will be extremely useful for the police to track them down.
Other advantages of security cameras are that if you are inside the house you can see who’s at the door before you open it if a camera is monitoring this area. You can also monitor other areas of the home so you can see where an unexplained noise is coming from without having to investigate the area in person. If you run a business then security cameras can help to deter potential shoplifters as well as monitoring staff and ensuring staff and customers are safe.
The size and use of cameras vary greatly from visible cameras designed to put off potential intruders to tiny covert cameras designed to record people in secret. The type of camera you choose will depend on both your budget and your situation so check out the guide below for more advice.
Where to install your cameras?
Take a moment to think about why you’re investing in a security camera – is it because you want to monitor the outside of your home? Do you worry your staff may be slacking off or even stealing from your business? People invest in cameras for all kinds of reasons so considering this will help you define where to position the cameras and also how many cameras you need. It’s best to install them where they will have the optimum scope of an area so it’s a good idea to position them high up and pointing downwards. It also means that they’re less likely to be tampered with if they’re higher up and harder to reach.
What types of cameras are available?
The two main types of cameras to consider are wireless or wired cameras. Wired cameras are harder to move so are a good choice for areas which will need long term monitoring such as outside buildings and they also tend to have stronger signals than wireless cameras so are better at picking out details in darker conditions. The wires can give the whereabouts of these cameras away so even if you opt for a more discreet camera, you’ll still need to ensure the wires are well hidden. Wireless hidden spy cameras can be moved from area to area as and when they’re needed so they’re a great option for monitoring certain rooms at a time such as a staff room at lunch and main office at other times. Investing in a poor quality wireless camera can result in an unclear picture which won’t be much use when you come to review the recordings so make sure you go for a reliable model. If you’re worried about filming people covertly in the workplace then make sure your staff are aware that they could be being recorded by putting up signs to warn them. Signs on external gates and walls can even put potential intruders off from approaching the property.
How to install security cameras?
Once you know where the cameras are going and what cameras you want, you just need to install the system. If you opt for wireless security cameras then the majority of these don’t need any installation as they are simply placed in a room. Many wireless security cameras are actually disguised as household objects which makes filming covertly much easier.
Setting up the system correctly is vital to ensure the cameras capture high quality footage from the right areas – a camera angled in the wrong direction for example might end up recording little more than the floor. Another aspect to check is that the cameras are in focus and this is usually just a case of adjusting the lens until you receive a clear picture. Many security companies specialise in fitting these systems so it’s always a good idea to ask for advice for your installation, or even ask them to complete the project for you. Installing cameras outdoors has the added problem of them needing to be weatherproof. Sometimes it can be easier and cheaper to buy purpose built weatherproof cameras rather than trying to adapt unsuitable equipment or position them in awkward, weatherproof places. The Sniperbox is a heavy duty, weatherproof security camera which is discreet enough to go unnoticed by most intruders.
Security cameras can give you peace of mind that your home or business premises are protected even when you’re not present, and that if the worst happens you can capture any break-ins or vandalism on film. Check out the full range of spy gadgets and security devices at the Online Spy Shop.