Home Security Cameras – The Basics October 27th, 2009
A Word About Cost
What’s amazing to me is how cheap home security cameras are now. It wasn’t long ago that you practically had to be rich to have such a system. Now they are in reach for almost anyone who wants one.
They range from simple one-camera black-and-white systems which don’t record anything, to very sophisticated multi-camera color camera systems with DVR recording, motion detection, and lenses that pick up the subject in the lowest of light.
Some Decisions:
Hidden or Open
You can choose between cameras that are hidden or “covert”, or you may want to have cameras that are out in the open.
Hidden cameras are generally used for surveillance, such as keeping an eye on a child’s caregiver, or watching and recording employees who might not be trusted.
Normally, however, cameras are left out in the open, so as to prevent unwanted activity, rather than record it when it’s already too late. Seldom will someone who sees a camera watching them do things that they wouldn’t want to be seen doing. Simple logic.
Color and Speed
Most cameras now days are in full color. The cost has come down so much, and the quality is so much better than black-and-white. I would highly recommend color for almost all uses.
But speed is still evolving, and more related to cost. The more “frames-per-second” or “images-per-second” a camera has, the smoother will be the playback of the recording.
We’ve all seen surveillance camera footage on the TV news, where the perpetrator of a crime seems to “jump” from one side of a convenience store to the other instantly. Well, that’s because the camera was slow in it’s “frames-per-second”.
Check out the speed for your own use.
Basic Equipment
Normally home security camera systems will have:
- One or more cameras
- A recording device, normally a DVR “hard-drive” unit
- A monitor, which can be watched from another room
- A motion-sensor, so that recording is done only when there is actually a person present
How Important Are Home Security Cameras?
Only you know your needs, budget, and home situation. Probably the most important advice here is:
Don’t put off getting a Basic Home Security System until you can afford or install a home security camera system.
It’s far more important to have your home secured with door contacts and motion sensor, to deter the ordinary burglar or home invader, than to have camera surveillance. If they break in while you’re gone or sleeping, cameras will be too late.
Get a basic system as soon as you can.