Night vision cameras

What exactly is the purpose of a security camera, what were they invented for? Well as far as I am concerned as well as any one who owns one or even back to the person/s who invented it was to inhibit criminal activities, to capture the criminal right in the middle of the act on camera. But here is the problem that we face, crime does not only happen in the day but also happens at night but not all cameras work well at night without the aid of an additional external light to aid it. For one thing, it is an extra overhead expense on a companies part and particularly for nature conservationist who use cameras to monitor animals in their natural habitat at night this would hinder there progress. For that specific reason one such camera exist that takes care of this problem, night vision security cameras.

The thing is most security cameras have the ability to produce relatively decent pictures in dim or low light but is an impossibility for them in total darkness, which is the weakness in most cameras. As previously stated this is where night vision security cameras come in, but with one

slight disadvantage in that the current generation cannot record in color but in black and white. There is however an option of getting those equipped with a hybrid configuration that allows it the ability to produce color images in good lightning but returns to black and white in night vision mode. This however is an aside considering it does its job and keeps view of the surroundings even in the dark.

There are many shows and movies on television depicting night vision goggles and cameras whereby the image produce is something like a green background or coloring with shadows for images. What you should know though in reality images produced from the night vision security camera are somewhat similar but however the actual quality and detail or the produce images are much more defined and therefore are liked more by people in comparison to what is seen on television.

Home security equipment

Home security equipment used to be a luxury reserved for the rich and famous; but these days, countless companies provide average homeowners with reliable security systems. While the equipment can vary depending on the company or manufacturer, all systems are comprised of the same basic equipment.

1. Keypad: This is a small box with a numbered faceplate that performs two main functions: to initiate security commands, and to display the status of the security system. Keypads include an alphanumeric keypad and an LED display. Homeowners enter a predetermined code to activate the alarm when they are leaving the property, and to deactivate it when they return home.

Many keypads include a panic switch to alert the system immediately in case of emergency, as well as a bypass function that lets the homeowner customize the system to bypass areas where family members may be present. The LED display shows the status of the alarm system; that is, whether or not the system is active.

2. Sensors: These protect the perimeter of the home, as well as open spaces inside. Most common sensors used in home security equipment are window vibration detectors, magnetic door or window switches and acoustical detectors. These sensors are installed on doors and windows to prevent intruders from entering the house. Space protection sensors can also be installed to detect intruders within hallways and interior rooms.

Home security devices

With an increased emphasis on home security, devices have been designed to help prevent break-ins and protect lives and property by keeping the bad guys out. When home alarms first hit the market, home security devices were limited to door and window contacts and under the carpet pads but since then many innovations have been added to the homeowners’ arsenal for home protection. For many people, it is not so much that some of their possessions will be stolen as it is the potential violation of their personal property and space. Physical protection is the main driver behind a family’s use of home security devices to deny a burglar entry into their home. Infrared motion detectors and glass breakage detectors can all be connected to a home alarm system to sound an alarm if illegal entry is attempted.

Automatic dialer systems are another of home security devices being used to notify the proper authorities in the event of a break-in or other emergency. Most can be activated either by the home security devices connected to the alarm’s loop or by pressing an emergency activation switch on a remote or on the alarm panel. Most of the dialers place a call to an emergency call center that in turn contacts the police, fire or ambulance depending on the types of alarm being sounded.

One of the most common and most often overlooked home security devices are a homeowner’s car keys. In today’s automotive market, the majority of vehicles are equipped with remote window and door locks as well as a panic mode button that sounds the car’s horn or alarm. By keeping the car keys on the bedside table when sleeping, if a person hears someone attempting to break into their home they simply hit the panic button and car horn begins to sound, scaring off the would-be burglar.

Many home security devices recently developed are the result of alarm manufacturers talking with burglars concerning their ability to gain entry into a locked, secured home. There should be no misunderstandings that a professional thief who wants to get into a home will be able to do so. It is the amateur and the ones who decide to burgle a house in a spur of the moment decision that home security devices will stop in their tracks.

Infrared security cameras

Infrared security cameras are great for enclosed areas that are not well-lit like car parks and warehouses. You can also put them near your front door or backyard to keep track of what's going on outside your house at night. With the help of infrared security cameras, you no longer need to wonder what's causing the sound in your doorsteps.

How They Work

This type of camera can record images in total darkness because it illuminates figures in the dark using infrared light. This spectrum of light is invisible to the human eye but not to the cameras image sensor. Unlike standard cameras that use the regular lighting spectrum to receive and display images, infrared security cameras use the reflected infrared light to produce an image. This results in pictures that can only be displayed and recorded in black and white.

Choosing the Right Infrared Security Camera

If you plan on putting the security camera outdoors, you can opt for a Day/Night infrared security camera. This type of camera uses an image sensor that can record images in full color during the day then switch to B/W at night and use infrared light to maintain picture quality. Since you will be placing the camera outdoors where it would be at the mercy of the changing weather, you should make sure that it has a weatherproof structure. This feature will ensure the

durability of your security camera. Some infrared security cameras even come with a heater and a blower that would save it frosty winters and hot summers. Choosing a camera with the right lens for the viewing area desired is also important. Wide angle lenses such as the 3.6mm or 4.3mm provide a very good overall view of an area but may not provide enough detail if objects are more than 40 feet away. If you are unsure of the lens size you want or need you can opt for a camera with a varifocal lens. The most common varifocal lenses are 3.5-8mm or 4-9mm and can be easily adjust for the field of view you need.

Outdoor security cameras

Outdoor security cameras are used for the surveillance of exterior of the building, home or office. These cameras are helpful in providing security to banks and home. Outdoor security cameras should be weather proof and sturdy, as these cameras are installed outside the building.

Outdoor security camera comes in different models. Some models can capture color video and some can take black and white. Some outdoor cameras are even capable of taking color videos in day time and black and white video in the night. Outdoor surveillance cameras with advance features may also have infrared illumination (IR) with a passive infrared detector (PIR). This feature lights up the moving objects in complete darkness, which is really helpful for the surveillance of area with no lights. There are outdoor security cameras available, which have audible or visual alarms, threat imaging, or built-in camera speakers and microphone. For monitoring, an outdoor security camera with a wide angle lens will be useful.

You can get wired as well as wireless outdoor security cameras. Wireless security cameras are very convenient to use because they do not have cables. Wireless security cameras are weather proof. Mostly, these cameras are covered in a box or a shield, which protects the camera from a harsh weather. But the drawback of wireless security camera is high battery-consumption.

There are many advantages of an outdoor security camera. Few of them are:

• Weather resistant – Outdoor security cameras have weatherproof lenses. These lenses are clean and dry even in rain or snow. However, you should cover these cameras with some shade, because constant exposure to rain and sun may damage the camera lenses.

Business security cameras

As business owners we sometime like to trust our staff 100% but in a perfect world this may not be the best possible scenario. While it is good to have that warm fuzzy feeling inside and feel good about your staff but sometimes the temptation is to much for even the most honest of staff.

Many business believe that the largest problem with theft at their business is customer theft but it has been proven time and time again that in fact the largest theft by far is from staff. This is not just an off the cuff remark but a problem that is documented time and time again.

So as a matter of coarse when installing security cameras for business you are watching your staff and your staff are watching your customers. Many businesses also use cameras to check not only for theft but for performance , just say your jobs aren’t completed when they should be and imagine your staff telling you they have been busy . Imagine your absolute shock when you watch the replay and find them chatting to their friends for the bulk of their shift.

Many times after security cameras are fitted at a business the amount of stock loss almost stops , initially causing a jump in profit that may surprise even the most pessimistic and trustworthy of owners and bosses. The main thing to think about when initially installing cameras is to hide them or have fully visible types.

Generally owners may think that a hidden camera would be best , but from experience this may not be the best option. The reason for this is quiet simple from the numerous installations of hidden cameras we have witnessed , it was without a doubt6 every single staff was found doing something wrong. Im not saying stealing but , sleeping , deliberately breaking things , its really quiet a shocking statistic.

Dummy security cameras

From the outside, dummy cameras appear to be real security cameras, but they lack the expensive recording components inside. Without physically taking a dummy camera apart, there is no way of knowing it is actually a fake. Dummy cameras provide added security without the high costs of additional cameras. When a criminal sees a security camera, or what is thought to be one, he is likely move on. When faced with a tight budget, dummy cameras are an excellent alternative to fully functioning security cameras.

Various dummy cameras offer an assortment of capabilities, and it is important that you think about the different features and abilities available to you when choosing dummy cameras. Your choice of dummy cameras depends on which elements you feel are the most important and which ones fit your needs and budget the best.

Choosing dome style dummy cameras will lead burglars to believe you have the ability to view a 360-degree range of an area, while bullet style dummy cameras give off the perception that a close-up picture of his or her face is being recorded.

Home Use

If you have already installed surveillance equipment in your home, but would like to give the impression of having more cameras, dummy cameras are the way to go. Burglaries are not hasty crimes. Homes are usually staked out by burglars before any crime takes place, and the presence of cameras, especially more than one, is enough to send any burglar on his or her way.