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Posts Tagged ‘surveillance’

The Benefits of CS-Mount Security Cameras

November 13th, 2009 James Common 1 comment

The first security camera was a cs-mount surveillance cameras, and they were first introduced in the’70’s. Perhaps it was the fact that fashion was not at its high that these boxy, obtrusive security cameras look the way that they do, but it had more to do with the technological limitations of the time. As camera technology was in its infancy, chips sets and circuit boards were much bigger than today, which rather restricted surveillance cameras to the c-mount security camera construction. For many years, cs-mount security cameras design defined the security camera industry, but now the most common profile that most people think of when mentioning a security camera is the bullet security camera.

Even though c-mount cameras no longer reign the industry, there are many advantages to using a c-mount security cameras in your security setup. The biggest of these reasons comes down to resolution, because c-mount security cameras still give the best resolution of any security camera style. Their advantage in resolution os due to their increased size when compared to other security camera styles. C-mount security cameras can handle a 1/2 inch chip set, in contrast most other cameras can only use 1/4 or 1/3 inch chips sets. With an increased size chip set the camera has a greater number of pixels than a smaller one, and the more pixels the better the video. The larger sensor has more surface area and thus can capture more light and increases video quality in darker situations.

C-mount surveillance cameras are very effective when used inside, but face challenges when used outside. To be used outside, cs-mount cameras need special mounting brackets to fix them on exterior walls and housings to protect c-mount surveillance cameras from the the environment.

Infrared cameras excel at seeing in complete darkness, and many other cameras see well in the daytime, but cs-mount cameras are some of the only security cameras that work especially well in the space between no light and daytime. This ability to record in twilight conditions is measured by a camera’s lux rating. Lux is the measuring tool for the amount of light falling on an area. Lower lux ratings means that the camera can see in lower levels of light but generally increases the cost of the camera.

It needs to be said that cs-mount surveillance cameras do not come equipped with a lens, so don’t forget to get one. This makes them initially more more expensive and cheaper over time, as their lenses can be exchanged to fit another security application rather than requiring a security expert to have to buy a completely new camera.

The biggest drawback of a c-mount security camera is their difficulty in being used outdoors. If you want to use a cs-mount security camera outdoors, you will require a c-mount housing, which will protect it from rain, wind, and the elements. Another piece of equipment you will need is a mounting bracket, this allows you to mount it in a variety of positions and on specialized surfaces. In very extreme conditions (very hot or very cold) a c-mount security cameras might require specialized housings with heaters or cooling fans built in.

CS-mount security cameras also significantly deter crime, as their large footprint makes them extremely easy to see. As such, many banks, businesses, and government offices use them. They make the very obvious statement “You are being observed.”

In conclusion, c-mount cameras have the greatest quality of any security camera, but lack the constitution to be used outdoors without protection form the elements. They make excellent inside surveillance cameras, but should only be attempted outdoors if the security application calls for color video in poor light, or if the increased resolution recording outweigh the difficulty of protecting their environment. Finally, if you want to send the message “you are being observed” there is no better security camera that cs-mount surveillance cameras.

We hope you appreciated our report on c-mount security camerasand video surveillance.

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Finding the Right Security Camera

October 1st, 2009 Matthew Nederlanden No comments

Choosing a security camera can be difficult, as there are many options. Before deciding on a specific model, general questions must be answered: will the camera be inside or outside? in good lighting conditions or in darkness? How far away does the camera need to capture. This guide covers three camera types: bullet, infrared and dome cameras.

Bullet Cameras are the most flexible cameras around. They have interchangeable lenses that can be swapped out to meet changing security needs and are lightweight, small, hearty security cameras. Some lenses are also available with infrared technology. Bullet cameras are multi-functional cameras that can be used for almost every purpose needed in a security setup.

Bullet security cameras make excellent outdoor cameras, as they are able to be used in hot, cold, rain, and even hurricane winds. They are extremely hardy cameras.

The second type of camera is an infrared security camera. Infrared technology measures infrared radiation (which is the byproduct of heat). Infrared cameras can capture video in complete darkness, as infrared technology is most know for its use in night vision goggles.

Infrared security cameras, however, have two drawbacks. One, they are only able to capture black and white video, and two, they cannot be used during the day, as sunlight will wash out the sensor’s ability to capture heat. Infrared technology should also not be used near reflective surfaces.

If you are looking for an inexpensive camera, dome security cameras are your answer. They generally mount from the ceiling and so are generally used inside. They got their name from their protective shields that encase their lenses; these domes are very difficult to tamper with and make the security camera very secure.

A dome camera is not a good fit for security needs that require the user to capture video beyond 300 feet. The small size of dome security cameras restricts their zooming capabilities. Dome cameras are the preferred cameras for hallways, and are mostly used in medical offices, hospitals, fast food chains, and small offices.

In short, if you want to use a security camera outdoors it is best to use a bullet camera. If you need to see in complete darkness, the only option is to use an infrared camera or at least one with infrared technology. And lastly, a dome camera is an excellent camera to use inside, especially in hallways.

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Outdoor Security Camera Solutions For Low Light Conditions

September 23rd, 2009 Steve Goldman No comments

One of the most challenging obstacles to outdoor surveillance is the lighting levels required to effectively record with your outdoor security camera. There are three basic ways we can overcome this aspect of the outdoor environment. We can try to control the lighting conditions ourselves, or we can use specialized tools to effectively record conditions ranging from low light to complete darkness.

While it is not always an option, installing additional lighting to the area is one way we can make sure the outdoor security camera captures usable video footage. A simple system like a light that is controlled by a person is not always viable when there may not be a person to do the job. There are also motion activated lights as well as motion activated cameras that begins recording only when there is some movement detected. The important part is that the light is sufficient in illuminating the security camera’s entire field of view.

If the area is not completely dark and the light levels are just too low, try a black and white camera. Colored cameras have higher light requirements than black and white cameras and for that reason a black and white camera can capture images at much lower light levels than a colored camera. This is only effective if there is still some light in the area to be under surveillance. Otherwise a night vision camera will be required.

Night vision security cameras come in varying degrees of effectiveness measured by the LUX rating of the camera. The LUX rating lets us know the minimum light levels required for the security camera to work. The infrared technology records light at a frequency beyond what is visible to our eyes and produces the image in shades of green. The LUX rating is only useful when comparing between similar manufacturers because it is relative to their standards. By itself it doesn’t tell us much except that a LUX rating of 0 means the camera can produce an image in complete darkness.

Although most people are inherently good by nature, there are always discrepancies to that rule and that is why we need things like an outdoor security camera, or two or three, to protect ourselves and validate our accusations against any offenders. Sometimes just lighting an area will be enough to deter criminals, other times they will stop at nothing and the security camera is important for proper recourse.

Some basic ways to protect your camera is by installing it with as many threats in mind as possible. Housing is recommended especially for areas that are high risk of physical abuse by either malicious attacks or weather extremities. How the camera is installed and mounted and how the cables are managed are all things that will minimize the chances of the surveillance equipment from being damaged and rendered useless.

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King of the Roost – The 4gb Spy Pen

August 13th, 2009 Jonathon Little No comments

Id like to take this opportunity to introduce to you the 4gb spy pen. Starting with the basics; a spy pen is simply a recording device designed for discreet surveillance and recording. The recording equipment is contained within a disguise; in this case a simple pen, allowing the camera to hide in clean view.

The spy pen is the best selling product of this range and the 4gb spy pen really does rule the roost. It finds itself as the most suited and most specialized for its role but what features does it possess that gives it this power?

The most obvious place to begin is by looking at its one openly different feature, the memory size. This memory will record digital footage that you are able to view from any digital device, pc or cell phone. The file can be send wireless or via the Internet. This feature isn’t unique to the 4gn however so lets looks further.

Between 4-5hours worth of digital footage is recordable using 4gb worth of memory. On average it would be safer to say that you could get much closer to 4gb. 4 hours worth of recording could be seen as sufficient but it is by no means record breaking or amazing. If anything for constant recording you would want more. This level of recording must hold a key advantage for it to be so widely produced.

The answer is just around the corner, power. Spy pens act as individual and wireless devices, they do not need any additions to work. For this advantage they willingly take the disadvantage of having to contain their own power supply within the unit. With such limited space available the amount of power available is also limited. The best products available will last roughly 3-4 hours before recharging it needed.

So that’s the bulk of your answer. The 4gb is so popular because it perfectly accompanies the other components statistics and doesn’t try to cram potentially unused hardware into such a small space saving it instead for the more important things. Your battery will generally die just as your memory fills up, perfect.

People have been put to worth to try to increase the duration of the spy pen, which has slowly created a demand for a bigger memory unit. So far the closest answer without increasing the cost to an unsatisfactory level has been to supply an on the go charging system to you can charge your spy pen camera by connecting it to a AA battery for roughly 30mins.

This solution is not ideal but they are slowly creating a demand for spy pens that can hold more footage. Until a solution to this problem is fully completed the 4gb spy pen will remain as the best seller without doubt.

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The Modern Day Spy Pen – DVR (Digital Video Recording)

July 31st, 2009 Jonathon Little No comments

In recent times, with all media or recording related devices, the term “going digital” is passed back and forth. There is no doubt about it that the digital age is upon us. All film or audio recording are now in some digital form, they tell us it’s a good thing, we have been taking a look at spy pens and this is most certainly true.

In years gone by the first few spy devices recorded in a number of ways. Each required some additional equipment to be carried around or set up and a different location. The majority seems to use transmitters and receiver set-ups but these require money to set up and are generally an inconvenience.

When these devices including the spy pen turned digital the spy pen evolved and became a forerunner in the spy camera world. Spy pen DVR made the footage easy to access and convenient to transfer.

Independence is the answer. With a Digital video recorder in place your spy pen camera create a new realm of possibility for itself as it allows you to remove any constraints you could now venture anywhere and be fully able to record all events unfolding around you. No matter where you were at a moment notice without setting up equipment before hand.

The footage recording on one of these devices is often in the .avi format. This is a widely known and supported format that would enable you to play the clip on small devices such as cell phones, and i-pods to bigger devices that you would expect such as pc and laptops.

Accessing live footage has become a possibility with digital footage too. It can be stream directly from an uploaded file. Or with the right set up, directly as it is recorded. The spy pen is not the ideal tool for this but its cousin devices are perfect.

You now also have the very realistic possibility of being able to edit and enhance captured footage. Poor lighting conditions can be a regular occurrence and spy pens don’t always perform well under it. But enhancement can take away this risk factor and increase you chances of capturing the shot you want.

Without questions spy pen DVR is an upgrade you don’t want to be without. It is the way forward that offers you nothing but advantages.

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