Archive for the ‘Camera’ Category
August 6th, 2011 | 
Author: Security Cameras explained in plain English
a problem or security risk at your home would be, a stranger ringing your bell an offering a service you either never heard of or did not ask for. Many elderly fall victim to this scam. The benefit of having a security camera outside of your home would be that the stranger would think they are being videoed and most likely just go to another home to try the scam. Fake or dummy cameras work fine as long as they are real looking. Remember buying a dummy camera is to save money but buying the cheapest model might not help deter anyone if it looks fake.
Obviously a real camera has much more benefits. With a real camera you can see who is at the door without even opening it. There are a few different types of security cameras, wired cameras, wireless cameras, ip cameras, ptz cameras, motion detecting cameras, and night vision cameras. I will try to explain each type in plain English.
First is a wired camera. Simply a wired camera means you will have to run a wire to either a recording device, such as a dvr or run a wire to a monitor. These wired cameras are usually less expensive but make sure you can easily run and conceal the wire. After all if I can see the wire I can cut the wire.
Second is a wireless camera. Wireless means wireless, mount the camera and you’re done. Well sort of, you will have to purchase a wireless camera and a wireless receiver. The camera will speak to the wireless receiver. The wireless receiver is what gets plugged into your DVR *Digital Video Recorder) or monitor.
Third is the IP camera. This is my favorite type of security camera. The reason is that with an IP camera you can set it up anywhere and monitor it from any computer (with internet access) in the world. This is an ideal camera if you have a routine work schedule or you travel often. The newer IP cameras are also compatible with many cell phones such as the Apple IPhone and the Motorola Droid. Several new model phones are coming with this compatibility feature. So to sum up you can view your home from your office, the library or on your mobile phone. This is the safest way to discover a burglar in your house, you won’t even be there.
The rest of the types of cameras I listed are PTZ, Motion Detecting, and Night Vision cameras. These are actually features you can get on any of the three camera types listed above. PTZ is short for pan, tilt, zoom. Simply with a remote controller you can pan, move camera side to side. You can tilt; move the camera up and down. And you can zoom.
Motion detection is a nice feature to have on a home security camera; this allows the recording to be activated only when there is motion in the home. This feature is great for nanny cameras, or to save space on your hard drive. If you do not want to invest in a DVR you can record to your home computer and motion activation will save you allot of hard drive space.
Night vision is a very important feature to have in a security camera. After all when do most crimes happen? At night of course. The main things to look for in a night vision camera are the amount of infrared lights it has. For example a cheap model night vision camera might have 12 infrared lights and you will get a very grainy picture making it very difficult to make identification on the criminal difficult. I recommend at least 24 infrared lights on a camera.
Home Security Cameras. Why Sleuthgear Premium Security Hidden Cameras?
There is a high demand for hidden cameras in today’s world. Hidden Home Security Cameras or Hidden Cameras are generally used to secretly video tape a certain area to get to the truth. They are used to monitor a Nanny, to maybe catch a cheating spouse, to catch a dishonest employee and are certainly great for a home security camera systems.
But what kind of hidden camera is right for home security and your situation? There are just so many variations of hidden cameras out there. Not to mention that it gets very confusing due to all the different names of a security camera or hidden camera that they can go by. Some of the most common names a hidden camera can go by are Spy Cameras, Spy Cams, Security Cams, DVR meaning Digital Video Recorders, HVR meaning Hidden Video Recorder, Nanny Cam or Nanny Camera, Video Spy Recording Equipment, Security Surveillance Cameras, Security Cameras, Home Security Camera system and so on. All these terms could refer to the same hidden camera so it gets pretty confusing.
SleuthGear is a line of premium hidden security cameras that you should seriously take a look at. If you are looking for something that you can just place in an area that you want to record and turn it on and walk away, then you want SleuthGear. KJB Security manufactures all SleuthGear Hidden Cameras and Security Cameras right here in the USA. They take high quality functioning house hold items like cube clock radios, air purifiers, wall clocks, DVD Players and well you get the idea. They then put high tech hidden security cameras in side of these items so no one will know that the house hold item is truly a high quality SleuthGear hidden camera home security system.
But you say you are no techie and so it has to be so easy to use that your child could set it up. No problem. All of these SleuthGear Hidden Cameras are wireless cameras, so no running cables or having to be a genius to set it up. You just place the hidden wireless cameras where you want them throughout the house or business and turn them on and walk away. Could you ask for any thing more easy? Most SleuthGear comes in two formats, color or black and white. Obviously color cost more but not much more. These wireless security cameras use SD cards. You know what these are they are the same type of SD card you would slide into your digital camera. Depending on the size of SD card you use you can record up to 132 hours of video. You just take the SD card out of you hidden security camera and place it in your PC SD card slot and begin to review the hidden camera video you captured. It is that simple and that is why home security cameras like SleuthGear security cameras are top sellers in the USA, for their ease of use and high quality.
So if you are looking for one of the best Nanny Cameras out there, or maybe need a great hidden camera to catch a cheating spouse or maybe you need a dependable, high quality hidden security cameras for your home security system or a business security system then SleuthGear is what you really want to take a look at. No matter what you need in a hidden camera, SleuthGear has the right one for any job.
There are many versions of the SleuthGear. Some of the best selling SleuthGear hidden cameras are the SleuthGear Recluse and the SleuthGear Tissue Box Recluse. These two hidden security cameras have provin time and time again how effective they are. Also there has just beeen released this February 2010 the newest SleuthGear, the SleuthGear NightOwl Security Camera that can record in total darkness as well as day light. A few SleuthGear NightOwl hidden cameras throughout the home and you would have a fantastic home security system. Having a hidden camera that can record in total darkness is very valuable. The SleuthGear Cube Clock Radio and the SleuthGear Air Purifier hidden cameras are big sellers also due to the fact that they fit right in to almost any home or office with out any one supsecting a thing.
The point is that all this high tech hidden camera surveillance equipment does not have to scare you away from using it. SleuthGear Hidden Cameras were made with you in mind to make it simple for you to use the best home security hidden cameras and get the security and the truth you are looking for.
If you would like to see SleuthGear Hidden Cameras for yourself check out this SleuthGear Hidden Cameras site out.
I looked into trail cameras recently. My son wanted on to monitor our woods with, and I thought it might put a new spin on my wildlife photography. No, I am not suggesting that anyone use trail cameras to capture wildlife photos for sale or display. The pictures you get, however, can put you in the right area with your wildlife gear.
Much of the time spent afield by wildlife photographers to establish details on their intended subjects. Granted, kicking around the woods is a great way to spend a day. But, if you have limited time and need some specific wildlife images, a trail camera can be a big help.
Let’s use my land as an example. I have well over 100 acres for critters to live in. Where are they? What watering locations are they using? Is there a particular area where they are feeding? All of these questions can be answered with the application of good woodsman skills, but a trail camera can tell you more in less time.
Let’s say that I know a large whitetail buck is walking a particular old woods road. His tracks show me where he likes to get his water from. I can estimate his weight from the depression depth of the tracks, but how big are the antlers? Try figuring that one out with basic tracking and hunting skills.
A trail camera can capture a picture of my wandering buck and I will be able to see precisely how many points can be counted on the animal’s rack. Ah, how could it get any better than this? Well, believe it or not, it can. I recommend to members of World Photographers Organization that they used trail cameras to increase scouting for better wildlife photography.
Imagine that you are in your office making deals. As you talk on the speaker phone, read some briefs, and toy with your computer, you are shaken back to attention by a passing bear. What? A bear at your office? Not quite. The bear is on a live feed on your computer monitor. That’s right, your trail camera has a video feed and has locked onto a strolling bear. The trail cam sends a signal to a modem. Then the modem uses a cellular connection to send the video footage to your computer. You are talking about selling a hotel and watching a bear walk along your favorite game trail at the same time.
Okay, enough of setting the stage. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of trail cameras. Our goal here is to look at them as tools for wildlife photographers who have limited time to spend in the field.
How Many Megapixels?
What kind of quality can you expect from the various types of trail cameras? Each camera has its own features and benefits. Price is usually a factor in quality, and there is no exception here. If you want to spend top dollar, around 0, you can get a camera with a 7 mp rating. Want more? Spend 0 and you can get high definition. On the low end, you can spend for a camera with 2 mp. The surveillance systems give 1.3 mp for 0. A still camera that provides 1.3 mp is 0. From what other owners have told me, cameras with 4 megapixels get the job done well and more megapixels does better. No surprise there.
How Tough?
How tough does a trail camera have to be? The quality of the lens is always important, as is the overall performance of a camera. Trail cameras are forced to endure some tough times. They get rained on, caught in high winds, bounced around, and worse. Look for a camera with a solid encasement.
One complaint I have heard of often is the attachment system between some cameras and their source of stability, which is usually a tree. Many users have experienced broken straps. I suggest that you look each camera you are considering over closely to see that their means of attachment will be dependable. You don’t want a 0 camera falling into a trail only to be walked on by a moose.
Won’t Someone Steal The Camera?
It could happen. Containers are made to protect cameras from pawing bears and such, but I doubt that any of the protection against humans would be effective. The best means of security is concealment. Get creative with some natural cover and make the camera housing melt into the background.
What’s The Difference Between IR Cameras and cameras with Flashes?
Price is the first difference that you may notice. It is common for cameras with white flash to cost less than infrared (IR) flash. The reason is simple. When a common flash fires, animals can see the light. When an IR flash fires, the beam is not visible to the animal. Smart, old animals will quickly learn to avoid areas that flash at them.
The distance that a flash covers varies greatly with trail cameras. An average distance is probably 35-40 feet. Some only reach out to 20 feet and others go out to 60 feet. The one I ordered covers 50 feet with an IR flash.
What Else Should I Look For In The Comparison Of Trail Cameras?
When I started looking for a good trail camera I figured it couldn’t be too tough for a pro photographer to pick out a viable camera. Let me tell you, trail cameras are not as easy to decide on as a Canon 5D MarkII.
My quest took me to 25 different trail cameras. Of these, there were 10 different brands. I had my work cut out for me. A lot of information was available through Internet searches. The best overall comparison I found for trail cameras was at Cabelas. Check out the list below to see some other features to consider when buying a trail camera:
Power Source How Many Batteries Are Needed? Does The Unit Offer Video Options? Can The Camera Be Powered By A Solar Panel? Does The Camera Have Built-In Memory? If so, how much? (16-32 mb is common). Will I Have A Viewer Built Into The Camera? What Is the Unit’s Memory Card Capacity? How Fast Can The Camera Fire? How Many Bursts Can The Camera Shoot? At What Temperature Ranges Can The Camera Function? What Do You Get As A Warranty? And, Of Course, How Much Does The Camera Cost?
There You Have It.
Well, there you have it. You can spend less than 0 or more than 0 for a camera. There are a few good ones available for less than 0. Until you start spending upwards of 5, don’t expect a lot of bells and whistles or long-term toughness.
I spent a lot of time compiling all of this information is my search for a suitable trail camera. Hopefully, you will find the data useful. If you enjoy wildlife photography, a trail camera might be your best next investment
wifi Security camera
Online store for wifi security camera
What is wireless security camera ? or WIFI?
“Wi-Fi” is an industry term to represent a type of wireless local area network (LAN) protocol that uses the 802.11 IEEE network standard. It’s the most popular means of communicating data wirelessly, within a fixed location. WiFi is a trademark of the Wi-Fi Alliance, an international association of companies involved with wireless LAN technologies and products. A wireless security camera can perform many functions such as remote viewing, motion detection and recording. Wireless security camera can be a battery operated. WiFi is a wireless technology that handles communication between devices, PDA, computers, radio etc. WiFi is Radio waves that are transmitted from an antenna and WiFi receivers pick them up, and then these signals are then broadcasted to a device with WiFi connection. WiFi security camera, signals can go over a wireless LAN and then to a video recorder or PC. You can install a WiFi security camera easier and much quicker than the usual wired security camera. Best of all wifi security camera can be remotely controlled by laptop or phone with Internet facility. A WiFi security camera is made for indoor use; it should be installed in a place where there is a minimum RF interference.
How to Install Weatherproof wifi security Camera, By an eHow Contributor
Rain, sleet, snow, wind and even high temperatures can all interfere with the workings of a surveillance camera if itâs not weatherproof. Hereâs how to install weatherproof surveillance cameras.
1.Create a surveillance diagram of the exterior of your property and plan where to position your cameras. Shade any areas that will fall in the line of sight of the cameras. (The cameraâs range should be indicated in the deviceâs literature.) Remember to incorporate the total area of sight if the camera can pan.
2.Install weatherproof surveillance cameras by securely attaching the mounting apparatus to the exterior walls. Use screws appropriate to the surface you are working with. You want the camera to be as stable as possible to prevent it from falling down in high winds.
3.Attach weatherproof wiring to the cameras. Even wireless cameras typically need wiring to run to the power source and the antenna.
4.Run wires for wired cameras (or install the receiver if using wireless cameras) to the recording or monitoring devices. Protect the wires from being cut by running them overhead or installing a protective casing around them.
5.Install and set up the program to monitor your exterior cameras. You can program when you want to record and set up remote monitoring via the Internet. You may have to purchase additional software
Tips & Warnings
1.Buy after-market weatherproof housings for cameras you already have that are not weatherproof. The housing fits around most cameras and can turn an inside camera into an outside camera.
2.Mount your cameras high enough that they cannot be reached from the ground. This will prevent tampering.
3.Use a range amplifier to boost the range of wireless surveillance cameras located outside the normal range of the transmitter and receiver. With amplification, you can extend the range as much as 1,500 feet.
Choosing A Digital Camera – Overview Of The 3 Main Types Of Digital Cameras
Choosing a digital camera will be a lot easier when you look at each of the three types of digital cameras: the digital SLR, compact (automatic) cameras and Bridge cameras. This article introduces you to the advantages and disadvantages of each, so that you can narrow your choices down to the type of camera you want.
Digital Single Lens Reflexes (DSLRs)
Digital SLRs, also called “DSLRs” are expensive, and until recently were used almost only by professional photographers. Prices have come down for entry level DSLRs like the Canon Rebel. However, just remember that when you get a DSLR you also have to buy lenses to use. Some DSLRs do come with a basic starter lens so you’ll be able to start taking pictures right away. If you want to take some pictures of something far away, you can’t just push a button to zoom but will need to get a telephoto lens. These come in all kinds of sizes to fit the many different needs of photographers. Many photographers also buy quality used equipment to keep costs down.
One of the great benefits of DSLRs is that you can get telephoto lenses that will let you take a close up of a bird on the top of a tree and you’ll never be able to tell from the picture that the bird was so far away. And they are lightning fast! That means you won’t miss actions shots because the camera took too long to record the picture after you pressed the shutter release button.
DSLRs also work with advanced accessories such as an external flash. DSLRs are great for taking action pictures in low light situations where a flash isn’t allowed or won’t reach.
And due to their larger sensors, you can increase ISO to get shots in places without adequate lighting but where you need high shutter speed to capture action. With other types of cameras you can’t do this because they have smaller sensors and end up producing pictures with unsightly graininess called digital noise. Digital noise can often be removed with software but with the DSLR you never have this problem.
These days, the main disadvantage of a DSLR is the higher price tag when you compare it to other types of cameras.
If you are serious about photography and want to advance your skills, then a DSLR is the camera for you. Many get started with a camera body and kit lens, and then add bigger lenses over time.
Point & Shoot Digital Cameras (also called compact or automatic cameras)
Digital compacts or points and shoots are the most popular cameras in the Western world and for good reason. A compact is so easy to pack around and can take such good quality shots that many a pro with an expensive DSLR and a bag of big lenses has a small compact tucked in a pocket. (Pocket size compact digital cameras are often called subcompacts).
As mentioned above, compacts biggest benefits is their small and compact size. Unlike DSLRs which usually require a small bag of camera gear (if you have a couple of lenses) these cameras can go virtually anywhere.
And while you can just point and shoot with these cameras, many have all sorts of modes from which to choose, and plus some also give you some manual controls, such as Aperture Priority and Shutter Speed Priority. If it has optical zoom, you can also get some great telephoto shots too!
Bridge Cameras
These digital cameras bridge a gap between compact cameras and DSLRs. They are also called prosumer cameras (a blend of professional and consumer).
Almost all of the bridge cameras have higher price tags than most compacts but lower than most DSLRs, much lower when you consider you don’t need to add on the price tags of lenses.
Bridge cameras usually have larger sensors and more megapixels than most compact digital cameras. With bridge cameras you can increase ISO more than on a compact but not nearly as high as with a DSLR. If you don’t need to take action pictures in low lighting conditions, then this will likely not be a problem for you.
Many bridge cameras have hot shoes to work with external flash, meaning you can get better indoors pictures. Bridge cameras also have movie mode and allow you to compose shots on the LCD. Many are super zooms. Super zooms are cameras with optical zoom ranges of 10x to 20x. Plus bridge cameras have almost or as many manual controls as DSLRs.
Once you decide what type of camera you want (DSLR, bridge or compact), selecting a camera will be a lot less confusing. So no matter what type of digital camera you get, take time to learn how to use your camera and you’ll be sure to start taking some great pictures.
So you own a business and you just got broken into, again! The desire for security cameras has just gone from a want to a necessity in the time it took you to call the police, and they, (as nicely as possible) told you there is still NOTHING they can do for you.
At this point you are mad, scared or downright ready to throw in the towel. You probably feel like it is all up to you to prevent it from happening again. You are ABSOLUTELY correct! Unfortunately in this day and age crime is on the rise, and only security cameras can give you a 24/7 presence that criminals not only notice, but fear.
After making the decision to bite the bullet and get a surveillance camera system for your business, I bet you’ve done a search on the internet hoping to find that one link that answers all your questions and tells you exactly what you need. Yeah, good luck on that! There is so much out there, and so many companies, good and bad, that can offer security cameras to you. It takes hours and hours to filter through it all and separate the need to know, from the not what you are looking for.
I have customers call in everyday overwhelmed with information and underwhelmed with the response they are getting from the companies they are calling. Well, have no fear! I can very simply narrow down the questions you have and help point you in the right direction.
Without further adieu – Here are the Top 10 Questions I am asked on a daily basis for what a business needs in reference to security cameras.
Question # 10. How far and wide of an area will the cameras see?
Answer – How far a camera will see is based off of truly one thing – how big your lens is, and in this case size really does matter! The larger the number the farther away you’ll be able to see. So for example – if you have a 3.6mm lens the area of sharpest focus is around 12′ away from the camera. But if you have a 50mm lens, then the focus moves to around 75′ away from the camera.
Now, how wide a camera will see is based off of two things – The image sensor and more importantly the lens. The two most common image sensors are 1/4″ and 1/3″. The larger the number the better. It will let more light into the picture and give you a slightly wider angle of view. The lens has a bigger impact on the angle of your cameras though. As in our example in #10, a 3.6mm lens will see about 80 degrees wide, if you put it in the corner of a room you’ll see pretty much the entire room. Now a 50mm lens will only be around 5 degrees wide. Think of it this way, if you zoom in with a camcorder you can see farther away but your scene gets narrower. It’s the same scenario for security cameras. A lot of people also want to know if there is a camera out there that can see perfectly clear at 5′ and at 200′ at the same time. No there is not. Pan-Tilt-Zoom Cameras (PTZ’s) can zoom in and refocus electronically, but it is still one focal distance at a time.
Question # 9. Do I need infrared?
Answer – If your camera is inside, it depends on whether or not you want to be able to see at night, and if you routinely leave any lights on after you close. Some facilities are like Fort Knox when it comes to outside security and you have to have Presidential clearance to get inside. The security cameras inside are only used to watch employees or processes, and after hours surveillance isn’t needed at all. In this case a regular hi-resolution color camera is perfect. No point in paying for something you don’t need.
For outdoor security cameras, infrared is great. Infrared LEDs can illuminate an area on its own with no other light source. So if you have a camera with LEDs, then even in a pitch black parking lot or alleyway you’ll still be able to see. It lights up people and objects like a Christmas tree. Most LEDs have a faint red glow to them, so yes people might be able to see them. I always think this is preferred because it would be much easier if you deterred people from messing with your property, as opposed to filing a police report, locating, and then prosecuting them after they’ve done something bad. Having lighting with your cameras is wonderful, but what happens if your power goes out? See # 8.
Question # 8. Do I need battery backup?
Answer – YES YOU DO!! You want an Uninterruptible Power Supply with around 1000VA or more of battery backup. You also want the ability to plug at least 2 things into the battery-backed outlets provided. Those two items are your DVR and your camera power supply. So if you have a power outage your cameras will still get juice and your DVR will still be recording. The higher the VA rating – the longer your unit will stay powered off the battery. Also make sure you get an automatic reset UPS. This means if the power is gone for long enough to completely exhaust the battery, and it dies too, you want the UPS to turn back on as soon as power is restored. Most UPS’s have non battery powered outlets as well, but still give you surge protection. This is very handy. You want to keep your monitor plugged into a surge protected outlet but you don’t want it draining your battery if the power goes out. Having a UPS is normally a requirement of a full DVR warranty, and besides, it’s just smart to have.
Question # 7. Do I need fixed lenses or varifocal?
Answer – I get this one a lot, and honestly it depends on the camera location and preference of the owner. Fixed lenses give you a very sharp picture, but no ability to adjust how the camera focuses. You can normally point the camera in a different direction, if your hand is on the camera, but what you see through the camera is what you get. Varifocal lenses give you the ability to manually adjust the zoom and focus on the camera to get the view you need.. So not only can you move it with your hand to aim it at a different area, but you can also change how wide and far it sees. This can be worth a lot if you are trying to cover wide areas far away, or you aren’t positive exactly what you need to focus on.
Question # 6. Do I need fixed cameras or PTZs?
Answer – Well to start with I’ll explain both just so we’re on the same page. Fixed cameras in this instance are cameras that don’t move. They may have a varifocal lens but they would still be manually adjusted. You’re hands would have to be on the camera to adjust their view or zoom. PTZ stands for Pan Tilt Zoom, and these cameras are electronically controlled cameras that have additional wiring requirements because you can actually adjust them remotely. The cameras require the same video and power, wire but they also need a twisted pair (Cat5 or Cat6) data wire run to them as well. Either through a keyboard/joystick controller, your DVR or remote software; these cameras can actually be controlled. You can adjust the direction the camera is pointing to, the tilt of the module itself as well as how the camera is zoomed and focused. These cameras can be a godsend or a waste of money depending on where they are mounted and how they are used.
For most PTZs you have preset locations you can save for each camera. Starting at 8 presets and then up to hundreds depending on what you are using to control it. Then you can have auto pans and tours and…I digress. If you haven’t noticed already PTZs are complicated. They are infinitely settable and difficult to configure for even the seasoned installer. So if this is your first foray into cameras I would stick with fixed until you are comfortable with your equipment.
PTZ cameras are great and awful for the same reason. They move. If you are sitting at your house and manipulating your PTZ camera through your central monitoring software (CMS) and you leave it looking at your dumpster, and then walk away…what happens when somebody comes screaming around a corner and plows right into your brand new 00 lighted LED sign. So it’s a good idea to purchase a PTZ that can return automatically to it’s programmed home position after a preset dwell time. And before you ask – no you can’t turn the camera back after it has been recorded and see what you missed. Your DVR will only record what your camera is looking at. So you can miss things because your PTZ can’t be looking at everything all the time. On the flip side of that scenario, PTZs can be used to capture supremely important footage. Say you are sitting at your house again looking around your property. You are about to turn it off and go to bed when you see that same person screaming around the corner. You turn the camera and zoom in to get the plate before they drive away. The PTZ probably just paid for itself.
One other thing to remember if you buy a PTZ and then leave it sitting in its home position all the time – you’ve just purchased a very expensive fixed camera. But if you use it to look around your property every time you log in to look at your cameras, then a PTZ is the right choice.
Question # 5. Can one camera work for every location?
Answer – Every property is different, and sometimes each camera location on one property might need a different style, or a different lens. So if you found a company stating that they have one “end all, be all” camera that will suit every environment and all customers, hang up the phone. There is not a camera out there that is right for everyone or every scenario. That is why you got 8 bazillion entries when you searched for business security cameras. Now pick up the phone again and call a company that offers custom quoting and design for each business they talk to. They are worth their weight in gold when it comes to holding your hand through the entire process.
Question # 4. Can I go wireless?
Answer – Honestly…probably not. Most wireless security cameras are made for outdoor use and line of sight. Meaning the transmitter antenna and
receiver antenna must be outside of all structures and be able to physically see each other. The signal will not go through walls very well, and trees swaying in the breeze will cause constant problems. So, if you have anything in the way, then you will either get no picture, or unstable reception. Power lines and cell towers can kill your picture, as can motors and pumps in the vicinity. Not to mention anything close to the same frequency band as the transmission. Cell phones, cordless phones, vacuums, microwaves – you name it. Don’t forget, you still have to hard wire all of the wireless equipment to power. The only thing you’re making wireless is the video, so normally if you have to run power wire, you might as well run video cabling along with it. Save yourself some money, and get much better quality video with a hard-wired connection.
Question # 3. When you say a camera is focused 10′ away from the camera does that mean I can’t see anything past that?
Answer – No. That means the “Sweet spot” of the camera is around 10′ away from that particular camera. Where ever a camera is focused, you’ll be able to see to infinity past that point, but it will get increasingly out of focus the farther away you get from that point.
Question # 2. Can I get license plates?
Answer – That is a loaded question. Sometimes the answer is a resounding yes, and sometimes no matter how much you want them, you just can’t capture them reliably. License plates are one of the hardest things to ask a camera to see. If you have an area that is around 12′ wide, where all of your vehicles have to filter through, and you can place a License Plate Capture Camera within 25′ of the tag, and no more than 30 degrees off center from the plate – then you will get most plates day and night.
But if you have open access to your property that is 4 lanes wide, and customers can come in and out as they please, it will take several cameras. Also, if you are 150′ away from the point you want to get plates you’ll be more apt to get struck by lightning than actually capture a plate with even the best License Plate Capture Camera available. So this one really comes down to working with a company that knows their products, and can explain to you what can be expected in a real life scenario – not just on paper.
And the # 1 question is… How much will cameras cost?
Answer – Fixed Indoor cameras normally start at around and go up to 9. Fixed outdoor cameras start at and go up to 0 or so. PTZ cameras can vary widely from 0 to several thousand. You can sometimes get all of these kinds of cameras cheaper but that truly isn’t all you need to be concerned with. I tell my customers all the time, don’t go down to Cosco or Sam’s and buy a cheap observation system, because you will get what you pay for. If you found a 4 camera system for 0, Congratulations – you’ve just bought a system that will be a very expensive paper weight in mere months. And that’s if you can get it working to start with, because tech support is non-existent with those systems. Getting it on the internet to view it remotely is a pipe dream if you don’t have an IT person on staff Monday through Friday, or a 12 year old nephew with a degree in networking. So choose a company that provides assistance with getting your system accessible on the network and/or the internet.
So cost is what everyone is most concerned with, and rightly so. Just keep in mind – when you get robbed again and the police are there to review your footage, you’ll want to be able to pull up and playback footage easily, so a quick reference guide is what is needed. That will allow you, in just a few seconds, to see John Doe stealing the set of rims you had parked on a pallet out back. What you don’t want, is to be on hold for an hour waiting for tech support from someone in India. Then when you’re lucky enough to stumble on the right footage, the wrong camera choices you made will make it impossible to tell if you’re looking for a pair of white guys, both around 6’2″ and 200 lbs, or a 85 year old grandmother with her dog named Pixie.
These days without good quality cameras and video proof of the crime, and footage of vandals doing the deed you get nada from your local police department. So let your security camera system do the work for you.
Remember to do your homework! Find a reputable company that’s been around for more than a few months. Make sure they give you a good warranty, and above all else, provides TECH SUPPORT / TECH SUPPORT / TECH SUPPORT! The right company will make all the difference. Remember you want to do this right the first time, and be happy with your new system. It’s supposed to be an asset – not asinine!
Need A Gift Idea? Camera Flash – The Best Digital Camera Accessory
Here is a gift idea for the DSLR photographer in your house. An accessory Camera Flash is easy to give and offers immediate benefits. And there is a good chance that you aren’t giving a duplicate item. Camera Flash is one of the more overlooked accessories for a photographer’s bag and the ability to add an accessory camera flash is one of the major advantages DSLR cameras have over compact digital cameras.
Almost every digital camera comes with a built-in flash, and these are useful tools for improving many images. However the fixed position of a built-in flash limits its effectiveness. The built-in flash is so close to the camera’s lens that it is prone to red-eye. Since the flash is immovable it cannot be positioned to create flattering side light, the built-in flash is always straight on and a little flat. In short, built-in flash is great for snapshots and adding light to dimly lit scenes but for better images a hotshoe-type camera flash is needed. By adding a separate camera flash a whole world of possibilities open up.
Here is the good news about today’s digital camera flash options: Given the high degree of automation there isn’t any learning curve for the photographer to tackle before instantly seeing improved pictures. Simply load the AA batteries into the flash, slip the flash onto the camera’s accessory shoe and turn both the camera and the flash on. If the camera is set for “P” or “Auto” mode it will make all of the decisions necessary for better pictures.
I’ve said “better pictures” several times now, better how? By moving the flash farther from the lens red-eye is all but eliminated. That greater distance also means that the flash’s light is directed downward on the subject rather than straight on, this produces more flattering people pictures. Many accessory flashes have a larger diffuser over the flashtube which produces broader, less pinpoint light – a tremendous improvement for people pictures!
Better also refers to power; the least expensive accessory flash produces almost three times the light of a built-in flash. More power not only improves the range of a flash but it also provides more room-filling light so that the subject is less frequently pictured against a dark or black background.
And those are just the instant improvements. If the flash selected has a tilt head even more possibilities are opened up. By taking the small, easy next step into using add-on flash diffusers a camera flash offers even more benefits. The amazing number of accessories available for camera flash allows a photographer to both solve lighting problems as well as a means to create beautiful lighting effects. (Think: Gift ideas for years to come).
Here is how to buy a camera flash. First we need to know the brand of the camera. All flashes are made to mate with one specific camera brand and they won’t work for any other brand of camera. This is because each manufacturer has different requirements on how the flash connects with the camera’s internal computer. Canon flashes for Canon cameras, Nikon only for Nikon and so on.
There are brands like Promaster that offer flash models that have a unique and distinct version for each camera brand. For example, Promaster offers a model 7400EDF flash, and the model is offered as a 7400EDF-N for Nikon and a 7400EDF-C for Canon.
So the first step is to know the brand camera that the flash will attach to.
A next step is to get some idea of how the photographer uses their camera. In general terms are their interests in people pictures, family pictures, wildlife, travel or sports? There are many interests in photography and only a few will not benefit from adding a camera flash. Sports and wildlife are two interests that don’t benefit very much from adding a flash, but it is the rare sports parent that doesn’t also take family photos too.
The photographer’s interests are important in this way: if they like taking pictures at events and in large spaces or if they are truly a hobbyist photographer a higher powered flash is recommended. If the photographer is more of a Holiday gathering and family vacation type a lower powered and more compact flash should work.
For any photographer other than the vacation and Holiday shooter a camera flash with a tilt head is strongly suggested. A tilting head (also called a bounce head) describes a flash that has a positionable head, the head can face forward toward the subject or it can be tilted upward by degrees until it is pointed at the ceiling.
A tilt head is pretty much required if there are flash accessories such as diffusers in the photographer’s future. And I guarantee that any photographer that gets even a little bit hooked on using a camera flash will soon want these accessories. If a tilt head fits your idea of what the photographer needs don’t be lured by lower cost compact flashes where only the flash tube itself tilts upward. These compact flashes cannot use the add on flash accessories.
So we need to know the camera brand, some idea of what the photographer likes to shoot and we seek out a flash with a tilting head for all but the strictly vacation / holiday photographers.
The power of the flash is another consideration and power directly effects price. Within the same brand of flash, the more powerful the flash the more costly it will be. Hand in hand, a more powerful flash is also physically larger than a less powerful flash. Simply put, unless you know that smaller size is desirable go for as much power as can be afforded. I have never heard a photographer complain that their flash was too strong.
The last consideration is to stick with the camera manufacturer’s brand or to purchase a secondary brand. With this decision there is as much personal preference involved as fact.
Camera branded flash will always be more expensive at the same flash power level. A Nikon SB-700 costs over twice as much as an equally powered Promaster 7400EDF. However the camera branded flash will usually have a few additional tricks or controls available that can benefit advanced photographers. So if the photographer is a very advanced hobbyist or even a part time pro you might consider the camera branded flash first.
The advice often given to first time birding camera buyers is, “Get the best camera you can afford.” As with most simplistic answers, that one contains just enough truth to be dangerous. A more useful answer would be a return question like, “What do you intend to use the camera for?” Different situations benefit from different equipment. Birding covers so many diverse activities from sitting on a patio watching the backyard feeder to an Antarctic expedition observing penguins. What you intend to do with the camera will determine which is best for you. While cost is an indicator of quality, a more expensive camera might not be the most appropriate for a particular need.
Bird photography requirements
There are a couple of generic requirements that a good birding camera must fulfill. A birding camera needs a lens with strong magnification. Getting close to birds is difficult and you will need a lens capable of capturing a good image at a distance that won’t spook your subjects. Ignore the 3X or 5X rating on cameras. It is a relative measure that gives little objective basis for comparison. More useful is the focal length. On digital cameras that is normally stated as either effective focal length or 35 mm equivalent focal length. Those measurements compare the magnification to what a 35 mm camera would offer. As digital camera sensors essentially magnify the actual focal length of a camera anywhere from 1.5 yo 2 times, the effective or 35 mm focal length measurement gives a standard for comparison. Consumer camera lenses that offer 450 mm – 600 mm effective focal lengths are good choices.
Another feature that a birding camera needs is manual focus. Under normal conditions the automatic focus on digital cameras does a great job. Unfortunately, birds often hang out among branches and leaves. Your camera can’t know which of the many possible subjects to focus on. Therefor, you will sometime, or often, need to manually focus on the bird to get a good shot. If you primarily observe shore birds that many not be as important a consideration. Otherwise it’s essential.
Camera manufacturers often advertise the number of megapixels their cameras will capture. That’s mostly a marketing gimmick. For current consumer level cameras anything more than 10-12 megapixels, and perhaps less, provides no measurable advantage and some experts feel that larger megapixel sensors produce more image noise or graininess.
All modern digital cameras that cost more than a couple hundred dollars are extremely capable and will produce excellent images under most conditions. A 0 camera that you have with you will do you more good than a 00 one that got left behind because it was too heavy or complicated to take along. Yes, the more expensive camera will do a better job under difficult photo taking conditions. It will offer more controls. The photos it takes will provide more editing latitude. It will also, at a minimum, weigh and cost two to three times as much. For the casual or beginning photographer the disadvantages of cost, weight and complexity will often outweigh the technical advantages. For smaller or less fit individuals the weight alone can be the most important consideration.
Photography Intentions
That brings us to the question of intentions. If photography is the primary intent of for your birding outing then a digital single lens reflex camera (DSLR) offers more creative control and will give you better photos in poor light as well as more post processing options. Under average daytime lighting conditions the image quality advantage diminishes to minuscule for image printed around 11” X 17” or smaller. If you want to make posters, shoot in minimal very early morning or late evening light then get the DSLR camera.
If photography is a secondary goal to observation and identification then a point and shoot camera with a long zoom lens might be a better choice. These are classified as super zoom cameras and can take excellent images under adequate daytime lighting. The advantages of a super zoom are lighter weight, lower cost and lower complexity. Their single lens can can do the job of two or three DSLR lenses, meaning that you only need the camera not a whole bag or backpack full of equipment. Street prices run from 0 – 0 for models that offer manual zoom capability. They are a particularly good choice for people moving up from a pocket point and shoot camera. The provide enough manual controls to keep a dedicate learner busy for a couple of years and are not unreasonable to haul around along with a good pair of binoculars. Super zooms also include movie capture modes, which as of Jan 09, only two DSLR’s offer. While the movie mode isn’t a substitute for a good video camera, it is a nice bonus to grab an occasional movie clip.
A good super zoom camera can make a good bridge camera. If you think you want to get into photography but haven’t actually done a lot of it, then the lower cost is a big plus. If you later decide to upgrade to a DSLR you won’t have wasted your money. There will always be situations where the super-zoom’s lower weight and wide focal length capacity make it a good choice. It also makes a great camera to lend.
I you already have extensive photography experience then a DSLR would be the better choice. It is a more capable camera. It will give usable photos at a higher ISO setting (lower light). You won’t be intimidated by the extra controls and buttons. You may already own 35 mm camera lenses that will work with the camera. You’ll be used to dealing with multiple lenses. If you enjoy digital darkroom work then a DSLR shooting in raw mode will give you more information to work with. You will also be familiar with the high price tags that quality lenses carry and won’t suffer as much from sticker shock.
Wireless Cameras Mysteries: How Is GSM Related To Security Equipment?
When it comes to security in this modern information technology age, it seems that there are unlimited methods to get higher security. Furthermore, with CCTV and other newly developed wireless cameras today, security is at an increased level than ever . One fine example is GSM wireless cameras. This is exactly what this article is going to describe to you.
GSM stands for Global System for Mobile communications and it really means mobile. With GSM wireless cameras, you can get security most everywhere you want it. There aren’t any more restrictions due to time and distance.
A GSM wireless camera system usually works alongside assistance from a GPS tracker. If you do not know yet, GPS stands for Global Positioning System. The utilising of a GPS tracker is to try to get where exactly someone or something is at any specific time by making use of the services satellites can offer.
So how does this GSM security camera tell you when there’s an interloper, for example, or if it is simply a moggy? Well, so as to achieve this goal, a GSM security camera uses a SIM card. With this SIM card, the GSM security camera can work exactly like a mobile phone. You can call the quantity of the SIM card when you think necessary. You can even send messages to the GSM security camera thanks to the SIM card.
The wireless camera will then answer to you by means of SMS messages – either SMS or MMS — with information on the details of its GPS coordinates. You may then enter these details into the actual tracking software you have – Google Earth is one nice example – and you can view the position of your GSM security camera exactly on the map.
In this manner you’ll be cautioned by wireless cameras that have seen ‘something,’ can check their location to grasp which camera is contacting you and then go to its location to double-check what’s occurred. This is more active security than just periodically checking footage from wireless cameras and seeing events after they have occurred and it’s too late to do anything.
You could need to be advised that MMS may result in some issues with a GSM security camera. MMS isn’t invariably available in all places. As an important point, there remain a great number of places that haven’t yet been reached by MMS.
There is another possible problem if you utilize a GSM wireless camera for security. It’s the limited bandwidth issue. Taking into account the quantity of data the camera sends to you, possibilities are it requires a high volume of bandwidth. With that having been said, if the SIM card you insert into your GSM security camera only has limited bands, you may quite likely not be in a position to receive the data you’ll have anticipated to receive.
On the other hand, these flaws should not really hinder you from buying such an ideal security wireless camera system. Furthermore, GSM wireless cameras are frequently sold at rather low costs today. Actually this is the reason why more elders are utilizing them to maintain a record of their children and what they do. If you need to find a cost-effective, yet quite trusty GSM security camera, you might need to consider the ones that come from the Chinese manufacturers. At around only 1 hundred bucks, you can bring back home a camera.
Wireless Cameras Mysteries: How Is GSM Related To Security Equipment?
When it comes to security in this modern information technology age, it seems that there are unlimited methods to get higher security. Furthermore, with CCTV and other newly developed wireless cameras today, security is at an increased level than ever . One fine example is GSM wireless cameras. This is exactly what this article is going to describe to you.
GSM stands for Global System for Mobile communications and it really means mobile. With GSM wireless cameras, you can get security most everywhere you want it. There aren’t any more restrictions due to time and distance.
A GSM wireless camera system usually works alongside assistance from a GPS tracker. If you do not know yet, GPS stands for Global Positioning System. The utilising of a GPS tracker is to try to get where exactly someone or something is at any specific time by making use of the services satellites can offer.
So how does this GSM security camera tell you when there’s an interloper, for example, or if it is simply a moggy? Well, so as to achieve this goal, a GSM security camera uses a SIM card. With this SIM card, the GSM security camera can work exactly like a mobile phone. You can call the quantity of the SIM card when you think necessary. You can even send messages to the GSM security camera thanks to the SIM card.
The wireless camera will then answer to you by means of SMS messages – either SMS or MMS — with information on the details of its GPS coordinates. You may then enter these details into the actual tracking software you have – Google Earth is one nice example – and you can view the position of your GSM security camera exactly on the map.
In this manner you’ll be cautioned by wireless cameras that have seen ‘something,’ can check their location to grasp which camera is contacting you and then go to its location to double-check what’s occurred. This is more active security than just periodically checking footage from wireless cameras and seeing events after they have occurred and it’s too late to do anything.
You could need to be advised that MMS may result in some issues with a GSM security camera. MMS isn’t invariably available in all places. As an important point, there remain a great number of places that haven’t yet been reached by MMS.
There is another possible problem if you utilize a GSM wireless camera for security. It’s the limited bandwidth issue. Taking into account the quantity of data the camera sends to you, possibilities are it requires a high volume of bandwidth. With that having been said, if the SIM card you insert into your GSM security camera only has limited bands, you may quite likely not be in a position to receive the data you’ll have anticipated to receive.
On the other hand, these flaws should not really hinder you from buying such an ideal security wireless camera system. Furthermore, GSM wireless cameras are frequently sold at rather low costs today. Actually this is the reason why more elders are utilizing them to maintain a record of their children and what they do. If you need to find a cost-effective, yet quite trusty GSM security camera, you might need to consider the ones that come from the Chinese manufacturers. At around only 1 hundred bucks, you can bring back home a camera.