Determining the Right Security Camera for You

By Chad Buie

Deciding upon a security camera can be complicated, with decisions that must be made about lenses, lighting, and camera type. This guide will cover the first three different camera types: bullet, infrared, and dome cameras.

Things change, but when they do so can a bullet security camera. A bullet camera's interchangeable lenses allow it to adapt to changing security needs, which often makes it less expensive than other cameras. Also many bullet cameras lenses have infrared technology that automatically detects when there is not enough light to capture color video.

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.

Infrared security cameras are the second type of camera, which only capture in black and white. This is caused because, infrared cameras work by measuring infrared radiation (IR). Infrared technology converts IR, which is a byproduct of heat, readings into video.

Considering an infrared security cameras have two rather large negatives to consider before deciding whether to implement one into your security camera setup. Number one, they do not work in daylight. This is because infrared security cameras measure infrared radiation, which is a byproduct of heat and the sun. Secondly, because they capture heat, like night vision goggles, they capture in black and white rather than color video.

Dome Cameras are the last type of camera discussed in this guide. Dome cameras are known for the tamper proof dome that encases their lens. Dome cameras are also the cheapest cameras around. They mount from the the top, and thus are used almost exclusively inside.

The dome on a dome security camera does have two drawbacks. First, it prevents most dome cameras from being used outside as most dome cameras must be hung from the ceiling. Secondly, dome camera's domes prevent these cameras from installing long distance lenses, so you will not be able to capture video beyond 300 feet.

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.

About the Author:

We hope this guide will help you be able to select the right security camera for your security system.

Outdoor Security Cameras In Low Light Conditions

By Steve Goldman

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.

When additional lighting is not an option or not the ideal solution and it is low light conditions a black and white camera may suffice. This is only effective up to a point and some amount of lighting is still required for the camera to produce quality images. Black and white cameras work because they have lower light requirements than colored cameras.

For lower light levels where black and white cameras are useless, night vision cameras are the next option. They use infrared technology to detect lights at wave lengths outside the visible range in the spectrum. The minimum light level a camera requires is measured in LUX ratings and a rating of 0 means the camera can record in complete darkness.

The sole purpose of an outdoor security camera is to record activity in an area for increased security and darkness is more reason to increase the level of security. Psychologically people feel more secure committing crimes under the cover darkness and that is why we have a need to protect our things, our families, and ourselves with security surveillance cameras.

The most effective way to protect your camera is by installing it properly in the first place. Install the camera inside a housing unit if necessary and it usually will be necessary, and mount the camera flush to the wall or ceiling if possible. Minimize the exposure of the cables to avoid tampering. Take as many threats into consideration when installing the camera to minimize the chances of an attack, and minimize the effect of the attack when it does happen.

About the Author:

Learn more about outdoor security cameras. Visit the Outdoor Security Camera Resources website where you can find out all about night vision outdoor security cameras and what it can do for you.

Outdoor Security Cameras In Low Lights

By Steve Goldman

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.

The first option is simple. Installing additional lighting might be the most straight forward solution to the low light conditions but it may not always be the best solution. Either the infrastructure required to install the lamps are not available or the environment requires that there are no lights, such as surveillance of a dark room. Also, the controls for the light are another consideration with this strategy. Leaving the lights on 24 hours can be costly but turning the lights on and off could require additional hardware, such as light sensors. Sometimes additional lighting is not sufficient for the conditions, whatever the case there are two other options.

When additional lighting is not an option or not the ideal solution and it is low light conditions a black and white camera may suffice. This is only effective up to a point and some amount of lighting is still required for the camera to produce quality images. Black and white cameras work because they have lower light requirements than colored cameras.

In especially low light conditions near complete darkness, night vision cameras are also available. Cameras with night vision use infrared to detect light that travel at waves beyond what we can see. A security camera's minimum light requirement is measured by the LUX rating. The higher the rating the better lit the area must be for the camera to be useful. A LUX rating of 0 means the camera is designed for conditions with no light at all.

The sole purpose of an outdoor security camera is to record activity in an area for increased security and darkness is more reason to increase the level of security. Psychologically people feel more secure committing crimes under the cover darkness and that is why we have a need to protect our things, our families, and ourselves with security surveillance cameras.

The most effective way to protect your camera is by installing it properly in the first place. Install the camera inside a housing unit if necessary and it usually will be necessary, and mount the camera flush to the wall or ceiling if possible. Minimize the exposure of the cables to avoid tampering. Take as many threats into consideration when installing the camera to minimize the chances of an attack, and minimize the effect of the attack when it does happen.

About the Author:

Learn more about outdoor security cameras. Visit the Outdoor Security Camera Resources website where you can find out all about network security cameras and what it can do for you.

Determining the Right Security Camera for You

By Chad Buie

Deciding upon a security camera can be complicated, with decisions that must be made about lenses, lighting, and camera type. This guide will cover the first three different 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 cameras are also very durable, and can still work in extreme conditions, such as heat, cold, rain, and even high wind (some models can even withstand hurricane conditions). They make excellent outside security cameras.

Infrared security cameras are the second type of camera, which only capture in black and white. This is caused because, infrared cameras work by measuring infrared radiation (IR). Infrared technology converts IR, which is a byproduct of heat, readings into video.

Considering an infrared security cameras have two rather large negatives to consider before deciding whether to implement one into your security camera setup. Number one, they do not work in daylight. This is because infrared security cameras measure infrared radiation, which is a byproduct of heat and the sun. Secondly, because they capture heat, like night vision goggles, they capture in black and white rather than color video.

The third type of security camera is a dome security camera. Dome cameras are the least expensive cameras around, but are generally only used inside, as they generally mount from above. Dome cameras also have protective shields which make tampering with them very difficult.

The dome on a dome security camera does have two drawbacks. First, it prevents most dome cameras from being used outside as most dome cameras must be hung from the ceiling. Secondly, dome camera's domes prevent these cameras from installing long distance lenses, so you will not be able to capture video beyond 300 feet.

In summary, dome security cameras make excellent and inexpensive indoor cameras. Infrared cameras allow security personnel to see in complete darkness by interpreting video from heat signatures. And bullet cameras are extremely adaptable security cameras that really shine when used outside.

About the Author:

For a whole host of resources on security cameras, try searching for security camera warehouse.

Choosing an Infrared Security Camera

By Chad Buie

Darkness is the enemy of security system setups. Unless you have an infrared security camera, as infrared security cameras excel at capturing video in the dark.

Although most security consultants are familiar with an infrared security cameras single drawback: the capture in black and white, many new security personnel do not understand the advantages of using an infrared security camera or when to use one in a security setup.

Simply put, black and white video is better than no video and there are many situations where traditional cameras cannot capture anything.

A good security consultant will understand that there are often variables that will be outside of your control. Configuring a CCTV setup, has to plan for the unexpected such as a key light burning out, getting shattered, or having their power cut. Installing a infrared security camera functions as a tremendous failsafe for these conditions. Also, many times it is more economical, considerate, discrete, or otherwise preferred to use infrared security cameras outdoors rather than flood lighting.

Infrared security cameras measure infrared radiation (or IR). Infrared radiation sensors are often called heat sensors, as they are used in heat seeking missiles and night vision goggles. But this is a misconception as heat is felt from more than just infrared spectrum and the infrared spectrum contains more than heat (for example, your television remote uses an infrared sensor and infrared light, but does not get hot when you use it). For purposes of security systems, however, we will be primarily concerned with the infrared sensor picking up heat signatures of human bodies.

Infrared cameras come with many different numbers of infrared lights built into the lens. Some have as many as 64 or as few as 6 bulbs, but the number of bulbs is not the only thing to consider. The size of the infrared bulb is important as well. Generally the more infrared light, in both size and number, that a infrared security camera has the farther that you will be able to see with the camera.

When it comes infrared cameras if the cameras has 12 or more bulbs, it was not meant to be used indoors. This is because many flat glossy surfaces can reflect the light back and overwhelm the sensors. A few examples of these types of surfaces include windows, doors, coffee tables, even walls painted with "glossy" paint finishes can wash out an infrared sensor if it has too much light. It is better to know where you will install the camera rather than just assuming that more lights equal a better picture.

About the Author:

In general, an infrared security camera has a specific application in a security camera setup: to see in in the dark and thus be a fail safe to your other devices. For more information on security cameras please see www.security-camera-warehouse.com

When to use an Infrared Security Camera in your Security System Setup

By Chad Buie

If you need to capture security video in the dark, you need an infrared security camera. Infrared security cameras have advantages and disadvantages that must be considered when designing a security system.

Let's start out by acknowledging a infrared security camera's obvious drawback: they capture black and white video. With that said, we can begin to speak about the benefits of having an infrared security camera in your security setup and the different types of infrared cameras.

An infrared security camera has the ability to capture video in conditions where other cameras cannot capture anything. Faced between having black and white video is better than having none.

Many closed caption television security system cameras hinge on having good available lighting. Often times this means that a thousand dollar setup can many times be rendered useless and ineffective by simply removing the light source, by either destroying or disabling the light. In this situation a infrared security camera would make an excellent failsafe. Secondly, many times the lighting necessary to properly secure an outside location would be overwhelming to nearby residents or businesses, draw unwelcome attention, or otherwise be undesirable. This is another situation where a infrared security camera would be very beneficial.

How do Infrared security cameras work? Infrared Sensors (or IR) detect infrared radiation, which is essentially the byproduct of heat. Specifically, electromagnetic radiation has a wavelength longer than visible light but shorter than a microwave, which means that people cannot see it or be damaged by it. Infrared (or thermal) imaging is used in many devises such as smart missiles, night vision goggles, and television remotes. Other scientific uses involve using infrared light to predict the weather or study the formation of stars. Obviously, visible light is not necessary to produce heat, which is why infrared cameras work so well at night.

Infrared cameras come with many different numbers of infrared lights built into the lens. Some have as many as 64 or as few as 6 bulbs, but the number of bulbs is not the only thing to consider. The size of the infrared bulb is important as well. Generally the more infrared light, in both size and number, that a infrared security camera has the farther that you will be able to see with the camera.

When it comes infrared cameras if the cameras has 12 or more bulbs, it was not meant to be used indoors. This is because many flat glossy surfaces can reflect the light back and overwhelm the sensors. A few examples of these types of surfaces include windows, doors, coffee tables, even walls painted with "glossy" paint finishes can wash out an infrared sensor if it has too much light. It is better to know where you will install the camera rather than just assuming that more lights equal a better picture.

About the Author:

In general, an infrared security camera has a specific application in a security system setup: to see in total darkness and thus be a failsafe to your other devices. For more infrared security cameras please see www.security-camera-warehouse.com

Nikon D90 Digital SLR Camera " The First Digital SLR Camera to Feature Video Recording

By Fred Gagnon

Nikon D90 digital SLR camera is a cross between entry-level and professional-level camera or sometimes referred to as a prosumer camera. It was released as a replacement for the Nikon D80 digital SLR camera. It is the first digital single lens reflex camera to feature video recording. Some of the features that make it better than the Nikon D80 are its 12.3 megapixel resolution, its Live View feature and its capability to record videos.

Nikon D90 Digital SLR Camera has 12.3-megapixel DX format CMOS imaging sensor. Working together with Nikons EXPEED image processing technologies, you will be assured of incredible image fidelity. The camera also comes with Nikkor AF-S DX 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR lens and EN-EL3e lithium-ion battery. Like other Nikon cameras with F-mount lenses, this camera can be used with other Nikkor lenses.

It has Live View shooting mode that is activated with a dedicated button, which activates access to 3 contrast detection focus modes including Face Priority AF. Face priority Autofocus is the Face Detection feature in live view mode. This feature functions to determine the features of a human face in a digital image while ignoring anything else in the background.

Nikon D90 is the first digital SLR camera to feature video recording. It can record HD or high definition 720p videos, or 720 pixels of vertical resolution, at 24 frames per second. It can record videos for up to 5 minutes. With smaller resolution, it can record up to 20 minutes. Videos are recorded with mono sound at 22 kHz.

Like most video cameras that uses CMOS chip to capture light, this camera uses a method called rolling shutter. Rolling shutter refers to the method in which images are captured sequentially in thin rows from top to bottom, one after the other, over the course of a single frame. Rolling shutter is also used by mechanical video cameras.

It has a selectable Active D-Lighting with 4 levels and Auto mode. With this function, you can optimize details within shadows and highlights. It also enables you to tame high-contrast situations in real time. It has comprehensive exposure control with five advance scene modes plus Program Auto, Shutter Priority, Aperture Priority and Manual.

Nikon D90 digital SLR cameras start up time is about 0.15 milliseconds, while its shooting time lag is only 65 milliseconds. It offers continuous shooting as fast as 4.5 frames per second. It can produce JPEG images, NEF images and AVI motion JPEG. It has a durable shutter that has been tested to 100,000 cycles.

It has 3-inch TFT LCD with 920,000-dot resolution (VGA). It offers high resolution and 170-degree wide angle viewing. It has built-in image sensor cleaning system that uses 4 frequencies to get rid of the dust particles that degrades image quality.

It has Multi CAM 1000 autofocus sensor module with 11 AF points, which is consistently fast and accurate. Reinforced by 3D Color Matrix Metering II with Scene Recognition System, the camera can deliver razor sharp images. For unmatched exposure accuracy, you can reference your images to an on-board database which contains over 30,000 photographic scenes.

Nikon D90 digital SLR camera offers low noise sensitivity of ISO 200-3200. It can deliver exceptional performance even at high ISO setting. It is also compatible with the following optional components: GP-1 GPS unit for geo-tagging, ML-L3 wireless (infrared) remote control, MC-DC2 remote cord and MB-D80 Multi Power Battery grip.

About the Author:

Author Fred Gagnon has been a Digital Camera aficionado for more than 40 years. Fred has worked with Digital SLR Cameras and with many Nikon Digital Camera aficionados for years. To get more information on Nikon D90 Digital SLR cameras go to Nikon D90 Digital SLR Camera.