Security Camera Reviews will help you to answer most of the security camera questions and give some ideas about them in general. In this post, you will also learn about security camera information.
How to detect a Hidden Camera
Today’s mobile phones are “small” computers to which we are very close.
And among other tasks, we can use them to detect hidden cameras.
If you think you’re being spied on, or if you just want to try new features on your phone; in any case, here’s how to do it.
Whether you have an Android phone or an iPhone, there are already apps designed to help you locate hidden cameras.
These applications use two technological methods to locate hidden cameras or microphones:
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detecting the electromagnetic fields, or detecting infrared lights that, of course, are imperceptible to the human eye.
– Using mobile to detect electromagnetic fields.
The magnetic sensor is the compass of your mobile and almost all smartphones have it to determine the orientation of the phone. It is widely used, for example in applications, such as Google Maps or Pokemon Go.
– Using mobile to detect infrared lights.
This method is based on the detection of light reflection using a lens.
When using an app, you’ll see a beam of light or white circle on the screen, which is not naturally seen. However, this option is much less accurate.
In both Android and iPhone, you should look for the application with the name “Hidden Camera Detector”. There are many applications to choose from.
How do you know if a security camera is recording?
There are a few ways to know if a security camera is recording.
The first, and the most straightforward, is to access the security camera footage yourself or talk to someone who has access to the camera feed.
This is not possible, however, in any instance where the security camera is not one you have access to.
Another easy way to know if a security camera is recording is to look at the movement of the camera.
Many security cameras move constantly when recording, usually accompanied by a high-pitched buzzing sound.
There are, however, fake security cameras that mimic this behavior and thus this is not always a reliable indicator of whether a camera is actually recording.
Most security cameras also have a red LED light that blinks occasionally, with one key difference between fake and real security cameras.
Usually, a fake security camera will have an obvious LED that blinks at all times (to better act as a deterrent).
A real, recording security camera will only use the LED when needed, which is usually only in the dark or in low-visibility conditions.
How many days can a security camera record?
On average, the footage of the security cameras will be stored approximately 30 to 90 days in a typical hotel, stores or supermarket.
To get deeper into this topic, keep on reading.
It’s very important to identify some factors first before we get to know the duration of how long can a security camera record our video.
The variables provided below are going to determine the duration of the video recording of the security camera.
1. Screen Resolution
To make it simple, the higher the screen resolution of the video that needs to be recorded, the lower the time the security camera will record.
2. Video Compression
Video compression is able to reduce the size of the initial video so that security cameras are able to provide a longer time for the security camera recording.
3. Bitrate
The higher the bitrate, the lower the period for recording for the security cameras.
4. Number of Cameras Available
The higher the number of cameras that you have will result in a need for a higher space for data storage.
Consequently, this will also cause the time for video recording to be reduced.
The formula for Videos in HDD of DVR Security Camera System:
Recording Days = ( Storage Space (GB) * 1024^2* 8) / (Bitrate (kb/s) *3600* 24* Cameras)
Is there a security camera that works without WiFi?
Currently, the choices for security cameras without WiFi are available but limited. There are 3 choices which you can choose from.
1. Cellular Security Camera System
The first option is the Cellular Security Camera System.
The cellular security camera system may not need an internet service to send the security camera image to the recorder.
On top of that, it also doesn’t need to be charged for electrical supply. You may also choose to have an HD video for the screen resolution.
2. Analog Surveillance System
The second option is the Analog Surveillance System.
Analog cameras can be easily installed anywhere. It is more reliable due to the fact that the data of the video are sent via coaxial cables and consequently prevent any unauthorized or unknown people from accessing the security system to edit the data of the video.
3. W-LAN Cameras
Finally, the W-LAN cameras are the best option for you if you want to install a security camera which does not use any internet service, but at the same time have wired-Ethernet connectivity in your whole building.
The only thing that you may need to do is to link your cameras and recorder to all of the available access points by using a CAT6 Ethernet cable.
Is wired or wireless security cameras better?
Basically, there are two types of security cameras. Wired and wireless security cameras.
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Below we will see the basics of both and the pro and cons before deciding which is better.
1)Wired security camera
This type of security requires a cable that connects the camera to recorder and router.
** Pros
– Very reliable
– Can support a larger system
– Equipment is easy to maintain
– Hacking is a bit difficult
– impossible for the signal to be jammed
** Con
– lengthy installation process
– Expensive to install
– vulnerable to power outages
– Permanently installed in one place
2) Wireless security camera
This type of security camera connects to your WiFi and transmits the footage wirelessly from the camera to the recorder.
** Pro
– Easier Installation
– Easier to take down and setup
– Extra protection due to wireless nature
– Can be simply modified
** Con
– vulnerable to interference from wifi
– vulnerable to hacking
– limited in distance due to sensor
– battery operated so need to check
Based on the above details even though wireless security camera is easier to install but wired security camera is more reliable and safer.
So in my opinion, I will go with the wired security camera.
Are Wireless Security Cameras Good?
To determine whether wireless security cameras are good or not, let’s make a shortlist of pros and cons.
Pros:
– Low installation costs: You won’t have to hire a specialized technician to mount the system. You can do it by yourself.
– Easy relocation: If you need to move or you simply want to change the location of the camera so you can monitor another area, you just have to disconnect it and take it to another side that has WIFI coverage and electrical connection.
– Monitoring: Easy for you to monitor an area for a few days, also easy disassembling in case you want to take it with you.
Take it on a trip if you’re looking to monitor your young children. In this cases, these types of cameras are your best option.
– Its price is much lower than a wired surveillance system.
Cons:
– They are useless where there’s no internet connection.
– They are very easy to sabotage: a WIFI signal blocker can fool the system.
– Walls and distance are their worst enemy.
– It doesn’t have its own storage system.
In conclusion the answer is: it depends. If you only require a camera, without much installation and it’s going be not far from the modem and you don’t mind the signal goes away from time to time, then WIFI security cameras are for you.
Otherwise, if you need more stability and a larger kit, go with a wired camera system.
What internet speed do you need for security cameras?
Firstly, there are a lot of other factors which you will have to consider before you begin to invest your money in wireless technology and when you want to check the speed of the internet to the system of your wireless home security.
If you are not sure, it’s highly recommended to contact your manufacturer for more information and guidance.
These are the things that you will need to look at the most include:
1. The screen resolution of the recording
2. The codec
3. The amounts of cameras that are being used
4. The frame rate every second (FPS)
In my personal opinion, it’s better not to use security cameras if the speed of your internet is less than 2.5 Mbps.
You need to have at least 2.5 Mbps for every security camera that you have. For instance, if I have 4 cameras, then I would need at least a decent 10 Mbps.
Where is the best place to put security camera?
Security Camera Placement
“Where is the best place to put security cameras?” is often a question that most new camera owners ask.
Placement is everything when it comes to security cameras.
You want to capture the areas that you believe need the most vigilance.
These areas can be divided into two categories, exterior and interior.
You will also have different considerations when installing security cameras for home or business places. First we will look at placement in the home environment.
Garage Area
The camera can be placed facing the driveway so that it can pick up any suspicious looking activity.
It may also be a good idea to place the camera inside the garage area, so that in the event that the door opens or if there is any movement, the camera will be able to record it.
Front Door/ Side Doors/ Back Doors
This may seem a bit obvious, but it is important to cover all of the entrances or exits. Any activity at these points may mean an intruder is already in your house.
Yard
If you have a backyard, this area is a must. Intruders have been know to enter a property by these secluded areas.
Kitchen/ Living Room/ Stairways
Inside your house, you can use high traffic areas as a guide. Also rooms on the ground floor with large windows can be considered.
The requirements for business places are a bit different. Depending on the layout of your business place, you can consider these locations.
Front Entrance/Exit
You can see who is entering or exiting your store or office and keep tabs on your customers’ movements.
Parking Lot
If you have parking facilities, it may be a good idea to install cameras here, so that your clientele can feel safer.
Break rooms/ Halls
Common areas in your office or store are also good areas for installing security cameras to monitor both your customers and employees.
Security cameras are a good idea for any home or business place. You can never be too careful or too safe.
How Long do Security Cameras Keep Footage?
How long does footage stay on security cameras? There isn’t a simple answer to this, as it depends on the type of security camera. There are two main options for retaining video footage: local storage and cloud storage.
* Local Storage with SD Card: You can use an SD card to increase hard drive storage on a security camera. Once the card is full, the video will be rewritten over it.
* Cloud Storage: A security camera can be connected to cloud storage. This gives the option of keeping recordings for a longer time. Companies usually charge for this service depending on the amount of storage purchased.
How long do companies keep their video footage?
This depends on the company. On an SD card, the video is simply overwritten when the card becomes full.
With cloud storage, there is a fee associated with storing the videos.
Most establishments tend to keep video footage no more than 30 to 60 days, due to cost.
Do security cameras record all the time?
Yes, if you set them up to do so. The latest and most advanced cameras can either record all the time or only be activated when they detect motion.
When set for Continuous Video Recording or CVR, the camera will record all the activity non-stop, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Such cameras are perfect for areas where there’s a lot of criminal activity.
The disadvantage of CVR is that it requires a lot of storage space for all the footage.
To make things worse, the camera will automatically start overwriting older videos so there is space for new, thus deleting footage that you might have found useful.
If you choose Motion Activated Recording or MAR, the camera will only start recording when motion is detected.
Advanced security cameras are able to detect human-only motion and recognize faces.
The drawback of MAR is that it only records what happens after it detects motion.
If there has been an important activity before, you will not be able to find footage of it.