Types of Security Cameras
Security cameras are used in parks, schools, homes, businesses, and parking lots to deter crime, manage incidents, and enforce rules. They also help identify suspects.
It’s easy to secure your camera by ensuring it connects to your private Wi-Fi network and encrypts its data. Otherwise, anyone with access to your router can see your video footage. Contact Vision Detection Systems now!
Security cameras are an important component of many home and commercial security systems. The system may be a stand-alone camera that records to a video recorder, or it may include multiple cameras that can communicate with one another and transmit data over the Internet. In the latter case, the cameras are usually bundled with a monitor that allows the user to view the livestream on their smartphone or computer.
Some cameras can be used to check on children and pets while they are away from home. Some can also be incorporated with doorbells and voice-controlled devices to allow you to see who is at the front door before answering it. Some cameras are also capable of detecting motion and will only record when they detect a scene change that is larger than a pre-defined threshold. This can significantly reduce bandwidth and storage requirements.
Many modern cameras come with features that make them able to operate in difficult lighting conditions, such as infrared night vision. They can also be equipped with automatic lighting controls that will turn on the lights when they detect movement. These capabilities are designed to deter criminal activity and can provide useful evidence in the event of an intrusion.
The most basic security cameras only capture images, but more advanced models can send and receive messages. Incoming messages can instruct the camera to reposition itself or adjust its field of view, or they might prompt it to activate a specific feature such as recording or sending a livestream. Some security systems allow the owner to set up a password-protected login so only authorized users can access the cameras. The owners can even configure their cameras to send a notification if they become offline, which can be particularly helpful for monitoring business-critical assets like retail stores and large parking lots.
Outgoing messages can be a bit more problematic. Security cameras that are connected to the Internet can be subject to hacking and other malicious attacks, just like any other Internet-connected device. It’s therefore important to choose a reputable brand and to consider options for offsite storage of recorded footage, such as that offered by Reolink.
Surveillance
Surveillance cameras have become a ubiquitous technology. You might have seen them at your local mall or in your neighborhood, but they are also widely used at schools, businesses, and private homes to deter crime and monitor activities. These devices are able to keep track of what is going on and even provide evidence in the case of a criminal activity.
Some are conspicuous and placed in obvious areas to deter criminals, while others are less prominent for more discreet monitoring. They may be connected to a network via wireless or wired, depending on the needs of the situation. Most modern surveillance cameras are IP (internet protocol) cameras, which send data to a central location within a network over Wi-Fi or an Ethernet cable, known as PoE.
This data can then be accessed live by security guards or remotely, depending on the system set up. In some cases, footage may be stored on a DVR or NVR for later review. The advantage of using a wired camera and system is that it will continue to operate when the power is cut, unlike a wireless system, which will shut down.
Modern surveillance systems often include edge-based analytics to detect and alert users of suspicious activity. This helps minimize the number of false alarms that can be generated by motion detection sensors and reduce the need for human monitoring.
Most cameras can be viewed from anywhere that is connected to a home or business network. This can be done from a smart device such as a smartphone or tablet, or from any computer that has access to the Internet. You can also find cameras that connect to your Wi-Fi, meaning they will be able to communicate with other devices in the house as well. Some even support cellular communication, allowing them to transmit the video to your phone even when you are away from home.
Unfortunately, some surveillance cameras can be hacked and manipulated. In 2014, a journalist discovered a website that had indexed 73,000 unsecured cameras in locations around the world. This kind of incident raises concerns about the privacy and safety of consumers’ personal and business data. It also highlights the need to ensure that all security cameras have unique login credentials and are not exposed to hackers.
Deterrence
Unlike the majority of cameras that only record events after they occur, deterrence security cameras are designed to act as proactive tools to stop unwanted events before they happen. These smart surveillance cameras combine audio, visual, and intelligence features to ward off potential threats and effectively prevent them from occurring.
Deterrence cameras are an ideal addition to any business that needs a powerful solution to protect their premises and assets. These advanced cameras are able to deter would-be criminals with the use of a siren, strobe light, and recorded voice messages that can be customized to your specific requirements. These powerful deterrence tools can be triggered manually or by motion detection. They are a cost-effective way to reduce theft and vandalism in parking lots, warehouses, industrial sites and other commercial property.
A deterrence camera works by detecting motion and activating a strobe light or loud siren to alert people in the area that they are being watched. These advanced cameras also offer a wide range of other features that help to improve video surveillance, such as color night vision and intelligent motion detection. These cameras can detect and then follow a moving person or vehicle, keeping them in their field of view for as long as possible. This can be particularly effective in parking lots, where studies have shown that visible deterrence measures can significantly reduce crime.
Optiview carries a variety of deterrence cameras that can be used to monitor your premises at all times. These cameras come with a variety of customizable warning features and are easy to integrate into your existing system. They can also be combined with other advanced camera types, such as PTZ and panoramic/fisheye cameras. Moreover, some of these cameras can even be fitted with CCTV signs to further enhance the passive deterrence of your system.
Another great feature of a deterrence camera is that it can be installed without the need for a power outlet, as it runs on battery power and uses High-Efficiency Video Encoding (HEVC) technology to deliver exceptional video quality with less bandwidth. This helps to minimize storage costs and provides a flexible way to access live or recorded video remotely.
Detection
Detection cameras are a specific type of security camera that, as the name suggests, detect motion. This is the primary function of these types of cameras and they can be found in a variety of environments such as intersections, parking lots, roads, and many other locations.
Unlike digital cameras that save and transmit images whenever they want to, security cameras only record when they detect motion. They do this using a special process called “event recording”. This allows you to save hard drive space by only recording when something happens.
Most detection cameras have night vision capabilities, allowing them to monitor scenes in the dark. They do this by using infrared technology to see the environment rather than visible light. This technology also helps them capture more detail in darker environments. Many detection cameras also have audio capabilities, allowing them to hear sounds in addition to seeing it.
One of the most important benefits of a security system is deterrence. The mere presence of a security camera can deter criminal activity by making potential thieves think twice about entering the property. This is especially true if the cameras are high-quality and well-placed.
When shopping for a camera, be sure to look for the DORI rating. This is an industry standard that indicates how much detail a camera can provide at different ranges. Typically, the higher the DORI rating, the more detailed an image is, and the easier it is to identify people or vehicles.
For example, if you are purchasing a traffic surveillance camera, you will likely want to find one with an image resolution of at least 25PPM. This will ensure that you can read license plates and distinguish facial features.
Another feature to consider is whether you want a camera that is wireless or not. Wireless cameras can reduce the cost of installation by eliminating the need for wires. However, be sure that the camera you are considering has Wi-Fi encryption and is not susceptible to security breaches. If you are worried about this, you can always use a network scanner app to scan for devices on your home or business network.