A security camera is a video recording device that captures footage of your home and property that you can view on a smartphone, tablet, or computer from anywhere using an internet connection. Most security cameras are motion-activated and will record when they detect motion, as well as send you an alert.Some can record 24/7, which is known as continuous video recording (CVR).

A security camera is an excellent tool for providing home security and the peace of mind that goes with it. “Homeowners, in general, like to be able to keep an eye on things, whether it’s knowing about particular incidents or simply seeing who just came to the front door,” says David VanWert, a home technology consultant and founder of VanWert Technology Design Inc. “A security camera can do that for you.”

There are two types of security cameras: wired and wireless. Wireless security cameras use Wi-Fi to transmit surveillance footage to a cloud-based server over the internet. This allows you to view the footage on any internet-connected device. Note that many wireless cameras are not entirely wireless because they need to be plugged into AC power via a power cable, although some use rechargeable batteries instead.

Wireless security cameras are often referred to as “smart cameras” because they’re controlled with an app on your smartphone and can integrate with smart home devices and systems like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, smart locks, smart speakers, and smart lights. Some also can analyze the footage and provide insights such as whether there’s a package at your front door, or whether that’s a person or an animal in your backyard.

Wired home security cameras are physically wired to an on-site video storage device, either a digital video recorder (DVR) or a network video recorder (NVR). Each camera has a cable running to it from the local storage device for both power and transmitting footage. Wired home cameras don’t use Wi-Fi but can be connected to the internet via an ethernet cable for viewing footage remotely.

What is the difference between a security camera and a surveillance camera?

Security cameras, also known as CCTV cameras, are used to convey signals from one particular place to a monitor situated at a distance, whereas surveillance cameras normally work on IP networks which link the camera from the remote area to the assigned security location

TYPES OF SECURITY CAMERAS

Box Style Security Camera

A Box Style camera is a standalone camera. The name is derived from the shape of the camera.

Features:Functions like any other camera.Can be used in Outdoor Environmental Housings or for Indoor mountings if aesthetics are not a concern.Benefits:Allows for customization of the lens, camera and housing to fit the needs of the installation.Offers many lens options, including vari-focal and fixed.

Dome Security Camera

A dome camera is a combination of camera, lens, and ceiling mount packaged in a discreet dome shape.

Features:Functions like any other camera but comes in a dome-shaped housing.Is well-suited for environments that tend to get dirty, like kitchens and warehouses.Typically available in indoor or outdoor housings.Benefits:Aesthetically pleasing / compact in appearance.Available in vandal-resistant housings.

PTZ Security Camera

A PTZ camera contains mechanical controls that allow the operator to remotely pan, tilt, and zoom the camera.

Features:Pan, Tilt and Zoom features.Control movement via joystick or software.Can automatically run patterns or turn to a preset position.Benefits:Focuses on areas of interest.Auto Track movement.Survey a wide area of interest and zoom in to detail

Bullet Security Camera

A bullet camera is a combination of camera, lens, and housing packaged in a bullet-style body.

Features:Commonly includes IR illuminators.Sealed enclosure decreases need for servicing.Small footprint.Benefits:Requires no separate housing or lens.Good for low-light situations

IP Security Camera

An IP camera transmits a digital signal using Internet Protocol over a network.

Features:Increased resolution and scalabilityMany have built-in video analytic software.Benefits:Better system management than analog cameras.Resolutions from VGA to 29 Megapixel.

Day/Night Security Camera

A day/night camera is a camera used indoor and outdoor for environments with low light conditions.

Features:IR filter that is lifted as lighting levels decrease.Benefits:Handles both day and night-time lighting situations.

Thermal Security Camera

A thermal camera uses thermal imaging to produce surveillance footage in dark or harsh environments.  It uses heat to differentiate objects.

Features:Uses heat sensing to distinguish objects and people.Benefits:Detect people and objects in smoke, haze, dust, light fog.Works in complete darkness.

Wide Dynamic Security Camera

Wide Dynamic Cameras have the ability to balance light-levels on a pixel-by-pixel basis.

Features:Capable of handling a wide range of lighting levels in the same scene.Benefits:Capture clear face shots when a people are entering with bright light behind them and with dark shadows on their faces.Used in areas with too much sunshine or where headlights are used, such as parking lots.

Wireless IP Camera

Wireless IP security cameras offers ease of installation and eliminates the cost of network cabling when adding this camera to your video surveillance system.

Features:Wi-Fi enabled for easy installation and setup.Tilting and swivel options to maximize viewing. Benefits:Motion detection for instant alerts of intruders.Crystal clear images, even in low light conditions.

BENEFITS OF SECURITY CAMERAS

Benefits of CCTV Cameras

Here, we run through some of the top benefits that this safety system can bring to businesses of all types, and why it is a great thing to have installed at your business premises.

1. Crime deterrent

It goes without saying that having a CCTV Camera  installed at your premises will act as a serious deterrent to criminals and anyone carrying out illegal activities. The sight of a CCTV camera infers an air of danger and the presence of the law, deterring anyone planning to carry out a crime from doing so.

2. Monitors activities

CCTV systems are able to keep track of what is happening at the premises where they are installed. By monitoring the activity of workers and visitors at your business’ site, you and your workforce can have total peace of mind about exactly what is going on under your roof.

3. Collect evidence

In the unfortunate event of a crime occurring at your premises, having a CCTV system really does pay dividends as it provides a way of collecting evidence to help ‘suss out’ exactly what happened. Crimes can be solved far more easily with additional evidence from a CCTV camera, helping place times, locations and, most importantly, suspects.

4. Decision Making

When it comes to settling disputes, footage from security cameras can be incredibly important. This applies to both domestic and commercial scenarios. Whether it’s dealing with family disagreements, employee feuds or altercations between staff and customers, by referring to CCTV footage, you’ll know the truth.

5. Keep records

It is always a good idea to keep records of when your staff are coming into and checking out of your site, as well as when deliveries are made or visitors enter the building, so you can ensure everything’s running smoothly.

There are many further reasons why CCTV really is an advantageous installation for any business premises, so why not consider getting cameras installed at your company’s site and give yourself and your staff total peace of mind in the safety of your operations?

HOW DO YOU DETECT A HIDDEN CAMERA WITH YOUR CELL PHONE

How to Detect a Hidden Camera Using Android Phone

If you suspect you’re being watched via a hidden camera somewhere in your house or private space, your Android phone is a useful tool for detecting certain types of surveillance equipment. Although not foolproof, it’s possible to use your Android phone’s camera and magnetometer sensor to detect hidden cameras and microphones or other listening devices.

Some hidden cameras emit IR (infrared radiation) light, which isn’t visible to the naked eye. The camera lens on your Android phone will pick up infrared light if you hold your device close enough. If you find a hidden camera that emits IR, it will appear in your camera’s display as bright blue-white light.

1. Launch your phone’s camera app.
2. Go around the room and point your phone’s camera in areas you suspect spy equipment is hidden.
3. If you spot any small, bright-whitish light, set your phone down and investigate further. It may be a hidden camera.

How to Detect Hidden Cameras and Listening Devices by Scanning Wi-Fi

It’s possible for some lower-end spy cameras  and listening devices to show up in your phone’s list of Wi-Fi connections. Refresh your network list as you walk around the room and look for any odd-looking connections or devices.

Your phone will most likely pick up several wireless devices and networks. Look for specific brand names or the word cam, camera, or similar.

1. Open the Settings app and then tap Network & internet.
2. Tap Wi-Fi.
3. Move your phone around and watch the list of nearby Wi-Fi networks.
4. That’s it!

How to Scan for Networked Cameras

You must have Fing App installed on your phone

On Android, tap on the “Refresh” button at the top-right of the app’s screen to get started and agree to give the app location permissions. The iPhone app performs this step automatically.

Wait for the app to finish scanning, then look through the list of found devices. You’re looking at devices on the network the app identified, you’ll want to keep an eye out for anything that shows a camera manufacturer (like Nest, Arlo, or Wyze), or lists as “IP Camera.”

Even if you don’t spot a camera on this list, take stock of how many devices you do see listed and what you can find around the place you are staying. If something stands out as unusual (perhaps with no recognizable details), and you can’t locate a good source, write down the IP address. The next step is scan for open ports.

If you find any suspicious devices on the network, you’ll want to scan for any open ports those devices are using. First, tap the “Network” button at the bottom of the screen.

Then tap “Find Open Ports.”

Type the IP address you wrote earlier and then tap the blue “Find Open Ports” button.

The list will show what ports are open, and what services they use. Keep an eye out for RTSP and RTMP; those are common for streaming video. Anything with HTTP or HTTPS as a service you can try to connect to with a browser, which may reveal video streaming. Just type the IP address into your browser, followed by a colon, followed by the port listed (i.e., 192.168.0.15:80).

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