by Anna Stone

Originally posted at Wireless Camera Types and Uses

Wireless cameras have become increasingly prevalent in today’s society, and are used for a variety of purposes. This article serves to give you a basic overview of the different types of wireless camera available, and how they are used.

Security Wireless Camera

An outdoor wireless security camera can be used in a home security system, indoors and outdoors. Wireless cameras come in all shapes and sizes. Some types are waterproof and can be hidden away in outdoor plants or other nooks and crannies. There are also wireless video cameras with night vision.

One advantage of using a wireless camera for outdoor security is that one does not need to do extensive preparatory setups or wiring. If you decide you would like to have your camera in a different location, you simply move it over.

A wireless security camera is also good for temporary purposes - for example, if you want to have it in a certain location for a specific event or time period, it is easy to do so and then move it later.

Spy Camera

A spy cam is just what the name says - a hidden wireless camera used to spy on people. Modern uses and forms of spy cams seem to be getting more and more creative. They can be built in and hidden in pens. They can be as small as USB flash keys (and look just like them), can be disguised in glasses, or can simply be so tiny that it is easy to conceal them within one’s clothing. Some spy cameras also come with tiny microphones and listening/recording devices. You can even find backpacks with a hidden camera installed in them (this might be useful in case you want to keep close watch on whomever is hiking behind you.)

A Nanny Cam

Surveillance cameras can be used by parents to keep an eye on their children’s babysitters (to make sure they don’t abuse the children, or raid the fridge too often), or they can be used by nannies to keep an eye on the children themselves. They can also be used to monitor pets. The use of wireless cameras can get pretty innovative too - one recent example I saw was a wireless camera disguised in an air-freshener. In some cases, these wireless cameras come with portable hand-held monitors so that you can always have an eye on your child as you move through the house.

Some types of wireless nanny camera (or surveillance camera) will display the image on a compatible remote cell phone, PDA, Internet web browser, or a standard video display. Some are even equipped with heat sensors and will alert you by email if someone enters a room.

These cameras also have remote control functions which allow you to change their position and pan to get a new view, from wherever you are.

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Find out more about wireless cameras at Wireless Digital Camera and Pros and Cons of Wireless Video Security.

When we think of Self Defense Products these days usually one thing comes to mind… That’s pepper spray. But when we think of pepper spray, we are thinking of how we know it today. It has been in existence for a long time . No, maybe not in the same convenient form that we know of today but the basis was still there same.

To understand how pepper stay has been around so long you must first understand what pepper spray actually is. A lot of people believe that pepper spray is some crazy mystery compound made of all sorts of crazy stuff and the only reason the word pepper is used is so it sounds nicer. This is by no means the case . The makeup is very simple it is an extract of oleoresin capsicum from the chili pepper. For the most part is all nature but it can be purified to make it very intense .

Now that we knowthe roots of this wonder substance can understand how it has been used for so long. It goes all the way back to China hundreds of years ago . It was not uncommon for hot pepper s to beground down and used as a means of self defense . The extreme burning and blinding of oleoresin capsicum made it an ideal solution for close range fighting . In fact it can even be traced to some early ninjas. It was very apparent from early on that pepper spray was a highly powerful tool for defending yourself .

In the 1960’s pepper spray starting moving in the direction that all know today. During that era there was a lot of research and development that went into designing new chemical agentssuch as tear gas. As a result of all this research there were several different types of crowd control agents developed including pepper spray.

In the 1980’s it was marketed under the name Halt Animal Repellent and was primarily used by postal workers to defend themselves from dogs. Pepper spray was soon picked up by hunters and forestry agents as a keep themselves safe from wild animals. Still at this time it was not widely use by the public.

It wasn’t until the 1990s that pepper spraybegan to be well know among regular people . The FBI promoted it as an effective crowd control method and soon thousands of police forces adopted it. Once it was standard issue for most police officersit moved its way to the general product. By then it had been made much more convenient to own pepper spray due to the small sizes of the containers. You also didn’t have to worry about where to buy pepper spray because many stored took it on. It made it a very easy self defense option for many men and women.

Even today pepper spray still stands as the most popular self defense weapon out there . It comes in many different shapes and sizes starting small with a pepper spray keychain, then moving up to mid size bottles for your purse or pocket and finally you have the extra large sizes for your home or business.

Pepper spray is an extremely effective way to keep yourself safe. It packs a huge punch and will take down almost any attacker. I defiantly recommend it to everybody.

Planning security camera home systems is so important in the initial stage that it cannot be understated. Many owners leap into a decision to install security cameras without giving consideration to exactly what they need in regards to overall coverage.

There is no point in buying a system with several cameras when you really only need to cover a couple of specific areas of your property. Over capitalization can be a real issue.

Today, first home buyers are faced with more options today than they were a decade ago with computer wireless coverage now coming into play. In some cases, you could get away with wireless computer coverage inside your home but if you think you are in an at risk area, then the more traditional security camera home systems should be considered.

In this report, let’s look at some of the planning you need to do before making the decision to buy a security system.

Home Camera Security Systems Planning

Here’s the problem with inexperienced home owners who have never even looked at security camera systems before. Too many times, they’ll rush out and make a hasty decision without really checking to see whether they actually need what they’ve bought.

In other words, they can run the risk of over-capitalizing which can cost them big bucks. Here’s what you need to do when looking at your first system for your home.

Grab a sheet of paper and take a tour around your property. Map out a scale of your property making it as accurate as possible and then walk it again and assume you’re an intruder. Make sure you cover every square inch of your property inside and out. It can be easy to ignore those areas you rarely frequent but these may be the prime intrusion spots for someone on a mission to rob you of valuable possessions.

What you’re doing is determining where you could enter your property with the less chance of being detected. Make sense. You are trying to identify any blind spots which could aid someone entering and being undetected.

Now in many cases, you’ll find just one or two but these are the areas which will be prime candidates for a security camera. Don’t forget to also highlight those areas just outside your home and inside.

Once you feel you’ve got an accurate analysis it’s time to talk to a professional and discuss your plans. Don’t worry yet about budget because the beauty of many security camera home systems is they can be an ongoing project and added to over time.

Buying a security camera home system requires a little planning before you actually purchase one. This applies particularly to first time buyers who have no experience with them.

Security cameras are an excellent way to achieve some peace of mind especially while you are away from and although they cannot physically prevent an intruder from going ahead with invading your property they do act as an effective deterrent and can provide strong evidence of a crime being committed especially in the aftermath when positive identification needs to be made.

But what type of system do you need for your home and how much do you need to spend. Did you know you could install fake cameras which look and act like the real thing with the difference of course being they are not real. They are designed as a deterrent and are usually placed in a prominent position and visible.

However, in some cases, they are picked by intruders and if your home is invaded then there will be no evidence of the crime. In reality though, fake cameras probably should be used as an assist to the real thing and that’s why it’s important to plan out your security camera home system installation.

Security Cameras Have Become More Sophisticated

A common perception of a home security system is that it has loud sirens and flashing lights. While it’s true that some do employ these methods they are fast becoming a thing of the past. They have become quite sophisticated in recent years as well as cheaper and more highly effective security cameras are easily available in the market.

A wireless system has a number of advantages over a traditional wired system. One should be aware that a wired system can easily be rendered ineffective by intruders. Most individuals are unaware of this fact.

You could install a home security system by yourself although they are becoming more and more sophisticated. Our tip is to have it installed by an experienced alarm installation expert. One should decide on the basis of their comfort level and skill. Installing a security camera home system is the surest way of keeping in check every “nook and cranny” of the house. Security cameras can be very unobtrusive.

These days the security camera home system is easy to operate and comes in various designs to suit the particular needs of the home owner. They can be easy to install and manage. These systems play a vital role in maintaining the safety of one’s family and belongings.

But before you decide to rush out and buy one know exactly what you need and this refers back to doing a thorough analysis of your property layout.

The video surveillance system has long been an integral part of any advanced security system, such as those found in large businesses and in government installations. The fact is that security surveillance cameras have become so commonplace these days that most people have to confess to playing to the cameras or stopping to see themselves when they notice a video surveillance monitor nearby.

Retail establishments, banks and other businesses that deal in cash or expensive items have come to rely on high-end video surveillance cameras to deter theft and to also help catch perpetrators. These surveillance systems can easily catch criminals on tape, which provides a level of protection for the premises.

video surveillance system
For a long while, it was not feasible for small businesses to use a cctv video surveillance for their security needs simply because they were so expensive to install and maintain. But, in recent years the costs have come down dramatically thanks to major advancements in technology.

With the drop in pricing of entry-level home security surveillance systems, many smaller businesses are able to work this kind of security into their budgets. This helps them reduce loss due to outright theft and also due to employee pilfering. In some cases, small businesses that were on the brink of having to close their doors because of the level of losses have been able to “stop the bleeding” by installing these high-tech but affordable systems.

digital video surveillance
This in turn has helped to save many jobs and also to keep the smaller, neighborhood stores open and serving their communities. When this happens, a video and audio surveillance system can even be thought of as an “unsung hero” playing a background role of providing protection and security so that the daily activities and flow of the business and community can continue with little disruption.

Another benefit of a low cost surveillance system is the peace of mind that people enjoy knowing that their premises have a diligent pair of “eyes” watching the premises 24 hours a day. In communities where there is increasing crime, security surveillance systems installed in just a few businesses in a neighborhood can actually cause a ripple effect of decreased crime throughout the area.

While misguided teens previously may have felt they had the freedom to act out, perhaps to the point of causing damage or thievery, they now know that their actions will be caught on video and this serves to make them think twice.

video surveillance cameras
In problem areas, security experts recommend installing a video surveillance system that is plainly visible and easy to see from a distance. Smalls businesses can even integrate a dummy camera or two into their surveillance system, which will give the impression of a more extensive security network.

Whether you choose a 2, 4, or even an 8 home camera security system, you just be aware that with a little planning you can actually save yourself a lot of money but more importantly, maximize the effective use of security cameras on your property by placing them where they will actually provide the best coverage.

It’s a problem with many home owners; over capitalizing with too many cameras which in most cases, are unnecessary. Security coverage today is as important as ever and cameras provide good security and peace of mind.

While they cannot physically stop an intruder from entering your property their value comes from their ability in recording crime and this is priceless for police who have a better chance of identifying an intruder or intruders and more importantly, getting any stolen goods back in your possession.

But let’s get back to the issue of choosing a home camera security system. In this article, we will give you some timely tips on the pre-purchasing phase and show you that by doing a little planning, you can eliminate most of the unnecessary risk of over purchasing.

6 Security Camera Pre Purchasing Tips

Too many homeowners jump in and purchase a system just because it’s on special or has been recommended as excellent value.

There’s nothing wrong with this but bear in mind you can easily over-capitalize and spend more than you have to.

In other words, before you buy; before you even look at a home security camera system you need to do some surveillance of your property. That is, identify those areas of your home where a camera would best serve you.

There’s not much point in putting a camera in a spot which is heavily trafficked all the time and viewable from most of your home and by neighbors as well.

Here’s a shortlist of surveillance procedures you can do before shopping for security cameras:

1. To a complete analysis of your property. Don’t leave any area out and record it on a sheet of paper.

2. What you want to do is highlight those areas known as “blind spots.”

3. “Blind spots” are areas and entrance points to your property where an intruder can enter without being detected especially at night.

4. Analyze the street lighting and natural lighting your home gets at night. Natural lighting is as it implies; moonlight and starlight. Then assess whether it’s bright enough to light up the front of your property enough for an intruder to give it a miss.

5. If not, consider installing a strong nightlight, even a spotlight covering the front of your home and one with a sensor so as soon as someone breaks the sensor line it comes on. This can save you unnecessary camera expense.

6. Once you have your plan down on paper and have identified the suspect areas then get in touch with a home security camera system expert and talk about the best way of covering your property.

Another tip is if your budget is a little tight then concentrate on the critical areas firstly and when finances become available, complete the job at a later date.

After all, some coverage is better than none and installing a home camera security system can be a project in progress. Discuss this with your expert so the system you select will easily accommodate additions at a later date.

One of the coolest things that a person can do with their computer and their digital camcorder is digital video editing. Many people, more than likely, have a good amount of videos just waiting to be edited.

One thing that a person can do with these is to create a special video, with all the bits and pieces of information stored together. The key is to have the right tools in order to edit these precious memories.

digital video camera
A good camcorder can make the hassle of digital video editing tools seem like a walk in the park. A person needs to ensure that their camcorder has at least 550 lines of resolution, in order to create a fantastic picture.

Also, the camera should have an optical stabilization feature included in the package. This helps to automatically control the shakiness that may occur while using hand held digital video recorders.

The other main tool that will be needed for editing is a computer. In order to create great videos, the computer needs at least thirty gigs of space available. This will allow a person to create a video that lasts approximately one hour. Also needed will be an eight meg graphics card. Otherwise, the video quality will be dull.

digital video recorders
Even the new Macs will be able to create great videos as long as a G4 is present. All a person will need for either a Mac or PC is the right video editing software, such as Adobe Premiere Elements 4 or Pinnacle Studio Ultimate 11, to name only two of the many choices available.

When people take part in digital video editing, they are taking control of their precious memories instead of leaving them to someone who does editing for just a paycheck. No matter if a person invests in a handycam or a Samsung digital camcorder, the fact that they are taking part in capturing their memories for future generations can prove to be an important aspect of a their life.

Efficiency of placement is one of the biggest considerations you need to make where considering security camera set ups for your business or home.

Efficient placement means placing cameras in areas where they are required. In other words, an area which is considered hidden from view and which would give a potential intruder the opportunity to slip onto a property undetected.

By using efficient placement, you can save yourself money by avoiding the need to place extra cameras which are not needed. High traffic areas which are in constant view may not need a camera and this is especially so for people buying on a budget.

You can always cover the “blind spots” initially and when your budget allows, place extra cameras in the more visible areas.

Another important aspect is to make sure the cameras which can be seen have a flashing device to indicate they are recording. This alone can deter a potential crime. If an intruder spots the camera and it’s out of reach then they could decide it’s too risky a property to invade.

Placing Cameras Out Of View

Would-be criminals often mistake the images seen on a public view monitor as the only cameras being recorded, not realizing the security camera system has more areas of the home or business under surveillance.

This may lead them to attempt a theft of items they believe to be out of the camera’s view. Businesses often make no secret about some of the areas being recorded, such as cash registers, but often hide the fact the back door is also being recorded.

Most of the time security camera set ups will be recorded on standard videocassette recorders, although may businesses and homeowners have switched to time-lapse recorders that can record up to 24-hours on a single tape. Multiplexers can be used to connect up to 16 cameras to a single recorded, reducing the investment in recording equipment.

Recording In Digital

However, digital video recorders are being added to many of the security camera systems that allow for playback of the recently recorded events without the need to halt the real-time recording. These recorders also make it faster and easier to isolate specific times to review events without losing any recording time.

Most people realize that installing security camera set ups can help protect their homes and businesses, but may not have the budget to allow them to install a complete system.

Putting together a security camera system piece by piece may take more time, but once it is complete, the comfort in knowing they are protected is worth the investment.

If you are like many other families in the United States and around the globe, then you have had occasion to think about putting a home safety security system into your house to protect your family and property.

More and more people are looking to various video surveillance systems to help protect their premises from intrusion and to safeguard their loved ones. But, when trying to decide what kind of system is best, the myriad of choices can make the decision challenging.

cctv security surveillance
Not long ago, most homeowners never even thought about including video surveillance into their overall home security plans. But today things are different. The good news is the cost of all security equipment has dropped significantly in recent years. As it has become more available, it has become more popular and vital for security functions.

This means that today an average family can find it quite affordable to install a complete home safety security system and even includes a network of remote video surveillance cameras. Barely more than decade ago, such a system would only be found in large businesses or government installations.

video surveillance systems
One of the most popular features of a camera security surveillance system that integrates video surveillance is the option to have the video feeds sent to the internet. This means that busy parents who are concerned about how things are going back at home can log into a password protected website and view the live feeds from the various cameras in their network.

Not only is this helpful for moms and dads who put in long hours at the office, but this IP video surveillance arrangement is also perfect for the person who travels a great deal and is concerned about their home security while away. Some of the video surveillance system also monitor things like temperature and moisture levels. For homeowners who have leaky basements or tropical aquariums that must maintain certain temperatures, this can provide a tremendous amount of peace of mind when they are away.

Many home security systems provide monitoring as well that keeps tabs on all the various indicators of home safety. This includes alarms that go off and notify the monitoring center in case of intrusion, fire, a “panic button” being pressed, temperature drops and changes in moisture levels. The monitoring center can then dispatch the appropriate help for the situation.

security surveillance cameras
However, it should be noted that the monitoring centers do not have access to the security surveillance cameras part of the home security system. This is only available to the homeowner and is accessible only through a secure network. A security company doesn’t eavesdrop on home activities.

Home safety security measures are increasingly important to families. In many ways the world is becoming smaller through the advancements in communication, travel and technology, but at the same time there seem to be more dangers around every corner. A quality home security surveillance system can provide a great deal of protection and also peace of mind to busy families.

There is a strong need for night vision cameras today and unless you have them as part of your security then you are putting your property at risk.

Intruders will pick their time and place and if the place is immersed in low light conditions at night with very little street lighting to speak about and only natural night light to rely on, then these property owners ar definitely putting their property at risk.

The effect of night vision security cameras can be sufficient although they are ineffective in conditions where there is no light to speak of. Infrared though, is the next alternative.

However, for most of the time, night vision cameras will do the job. Day/night cameras are popular today and they include night vision capabilities hence the name.

But it’s the confusion with comparing them to cameras which can pierce through total darkness which can confuse many consumers.

These of course are infrared security cameras and really, they are a “different kettle of fish.”

Infrared Cameras

Some may think that a night vision security camera uses infrared to capture images. However, infrared relies on heat of the subjects to make them visible.

This is often seen in movies as red and yellow against a black background to show the difference in heat generated by the video’s subjects. However, most night vision security cameras use a small light emitted by the camera itself in order to focus on the subject and record the images.

Depending on night vision cameras to capture activity around a structure should one be done with the advice and instruction from someone familiar with how they work as extraneous lighting from surrounding areas can confound the camera into believing more light is available than there really is.

This can throw off the internal mechanism that automatically switches camera modes and render a disorganized video.

The cost of a night vision security camera while not totally outrageous, it is high enough to limit their use to areas and by people that have a seemingly endless budget devoted to their security.

Pricing varies a lot depending on the number of cameras you install but prices ranging from a quality two camera system from about $200 to four camera set ups for at least double this price are common.

It will pay you to do your own due diligence however as many outlets and online services are usually wheeling and dealing on night vision cameras.