Video Surveillance Camera Types, Lens Types & Why You Should Care
A Quick Guide for Choosing the Right Surveillance Camera for Your Home or Business So why should you be concerned about security cameras and lenses not being created equally? How does this impact your specific situation when choosing a video surveillance system for your home and business? It can be easy to look at the cost of a camera and make that the only deciding factor, but it goes much deeper than that. When choosing a security camera for business or home, there are important decisions to be made. The first is the type of camera you need. Of course, this decision is application- and budget-based. The lens types each camera uses can also weigh heavily on the decision. Perhaps the area you need to monitor doesn’t change much. In that case, you aren’t going to need the same type of lens the cameras in a bank or department store require. If the scene is an active one, you may need something more advanced. While this may sound a little overwhelming, don’t get too anxious. The decision is much easier than it seems. Below is a breakdown of cameras and why you should care about those differences. The Security Camera Rundown Box Security Camera The box camera is the standard camera type and, of course, it gets its name from its shape. Aesthetically speaking, it doesn’t have anything extravagant going on, but it’s what’s inside that counts. For instance, the lens can be customized based on what is needed for the indoor or outdoor application. Despite the misleading primitive design of this camera, fixed lenses and the more advanced varifocal are two of the lenses that can be used. These cameras are thought to be primarily analog, but they are available as IP cameras as well. Why you should care: Plenty of reasons! This is a common type of video surveillance camera used in residential and commercial indoor and outdoor applications. This also makes it more affordable compared to some camera types. In addition, it’s good to have a camera that allows lens customization so the right one can be chosen based on environment and lighting conditions. Mini Dome Security Camera You’ve most likely seen the mini dome cameras installed in the ceilings of department stores. The overall function is just like any camera; it’s the housing that is different. The dome housing is ideal for warehouses, department stores, kitchens and any indoor or outdoor application that could cause the camera to get excessively dirty and dusty. Why you should care: The mini dome surveillance camera is frequently used in commercial applications. If you own or manage a facility of any type, this is a great way to keep tabs on what is happening at all times. Available in both analog and IP models, the IP models give you better system management and resolutions. However, you have options depending on need and budget. Bullet Security Camera The bullet camera is a type that looks to be straight out of a science fiction film because of its modern aesthetics. These surveillance cameras are also called “IR illuminators.” The design of the housing reduces the need for servicing. Plus, these cameras tend to take up a smaller footprint than others. The IR illuminator is the type of camera you want in a low light situation. This camera is also available in analog and IP versions. Why you should care: The bullet surveillance camera is tough and doesn’t require separate housing to protect it from the environment. When looking for the right camera, you may need an IP or analog model that takes up very little space, needs servicing less often, and operates well when lighting may not be optimal. PTZ Security Camera If you think the bullet camera has a bit of a sci-fi feel to it, the PTZ surveillance camera has a higher level of functionality. This is the type of camera that allows you to remotely pan, tilt, and zoom using software or a joystick. Surveillance patterns can also be preset so areas of interest are recorded automatically instead of with manual manipulation. This type of security camera helps you survey a wider area with a single camera versus having a camera fixed on one location. You can even zoom in on specific details in real-time. This camera type is available in analog and IP. Why you should care: The PTZ camera gives you more control so you can see what you need to see with a single unit. If you prefer to not be at the mercy of a camera that is fixed on one area of interest, then this may be precisely what you need for your home or business. Quality cameras that keep an eye on your home or business Choosing the Right Lens There are two types of lenses used in video surveillance cameras. They are the fixed security camera lens and the varifocal lens. You may remember seeing these mentioned earlier since the box camera is one type that can use both. But what’s the difference? The fixed lens is a monofocal lens, which means the focal length of the lens is permanently set and can’t be changed, so it tends to have a fixed focal point. This leads to your next very important decision: do you choose a narrow-angle camera lens or a wide-angle lens? Of course, the decision depends on what you need the camera to look at. The varifocal lens allows you to adjust the focal length based on what you need. The PTZ security camera, for instance, uses a varifocal lens because of its motorized controls. You can zoom in and out as needed on an object or area. If you need to get a clearer and more focused image, a PTZ camera with a varifocal lens will make that possible. Fixed lens applications: A fixed lens is ideal for interior spaces because the lens can’t be adjusted, so it has a fixed focal point. Some applications include a baby’s
Video Surveillance Ethics & Legalities in New York
Can I Record My Nanny? Are Audio Recordings Legal Commercially? Home video surveillance is becoming more popular as property-related crimes have increased over the years. Another reason for its popularity is the need for parents to check in on their children, elderly loved ones, and pets when they’re not home. A lot of peace of mind can be achieved when all a person has to do is pick up their smartphone to see the kids coming home from school or that an elderly loved one with health problems is doing ok. Parents are also having their homes outfitted with video surveillance to check in on the kids and the nanny throughout the day, while employers use them to protect their business and employees. The many purposes of video surveillance bring up quite a few questions, however. The big question is what ethical and legal aspects should be followed when using residential and commercial video surveillance to monitor the well-being of family members, pets, employees, and businesses? The good news is that we have some answers for you. Protect Your Home or Business When You’re Away What to Know about Residential Video Surveillance When you opt for home video surveillance, cameras may be placed inside and outside of the property. When you want cameras inside so you can watch the kids, nanny, pets, or your elderly loved one when you’re not there, cameras cannot be legally or ethically placed in the bathrooms or the bedroom of a live-in nanny. Cameras also shouldn’t be installed in guest rooms since that would be violating the privacy of overnight guests. It’s fine if you want to place a camera in your own bedroom or the bedrooms of very young children. If you hire a nanny, it is best to do the following: Advise the nanny that cameras are used inside the home. Show the nanny where the cameras are located. Have the nanny sign an agreement in which he/she acknowledges the presence of video surveillance in the home. When cameras are hidden and used in secret, it creates a breach of trust. It’s understandable that parents want to protect their children and homeowners want to protect their property, but it can be very unnerving for all involved when a person discovers they are being videoed without their consent. Many issues can be avoided when proper notification is given. With that said, it is ideal to have anyone working on the property sign an agreement so that it is on paper that they are aware of the presence of the cameras. It’s also ethical and courteous to make sure non-employees entering the property are aware – through a sign or verbally – that they are under surveillance. What to Know about Commercial Video Surveillance Just as you would have a nanny or other residential employee sign an agreement, business owners and managers should have employees sign an agreement. This document should state that they understand that they are under video surveillance when on the property. This isn’t required by law, but it is a good practice to protect everyone, despite it being the business owner’s right to install cameras. Cameras are typically installed to monitor the safety of all people on the premises. Business owners also have the right to ensure that the business is being cared for properly when they aren’t there. Also note: Many of the residential rules apply here as well. For instance, cameras are to not be installed in restrooms, locker rooms, or changing rooms. This is a breach of privacy and could be considered voyeurism. It’s not a good day when an employer is accused of recording in areas where a reasonable amount of privacy is expected. From here comes the issue of “audio surveillance.” State-of-The-Art Systems That Meet Your Needs The Scoop on Video with Audio There are some states that protect against audio recordings without the consent of the nanny or other party entering the premises. New York isn’t one of those, but, again, it is common courtesy to notify the nanny, handyman, dog walker, or another individual that the video cameras can also record audio. When the person is an employee, written consent will be needed. The following video addresses video surveillance rules that must be followed by Realtors, but has valuable information that can apply to any property owner wishing to have home surveillance cameras installed: Commercial Audio Surveillance – Employees In regards to commercial video that is outfitted with audio, an employer can only use video-only surveillance when using cameras without the knowledge of employees. However, section 250.05 of the New York Penal Law states that an employer can’t eavesdrop on conversations by mechanical means anyway. Video cameras with the ability to record audio fall within this category and violation of the law constitutes a felony. But on the other side of this very complicated coin, New York allows recording a person’s voice with their consent. If you have employees sign an agreement in which they acknowledge their voice will be recorded in certain areas of the business when present in the building, then you protect yourself against eavesdropping laws. Commercial Audio Surveillance – Customers As far as recording the voices of customers, there are some establishments that may need audio recording for security reasons. These establishments include: Check cashing establishments Banks Educational testing centers Convenience store/gas station counters Nightclub entrances and exits If it is a must for audio surveillance to be present, posting a sign doesn’t necessarily excuse unlawful audio reception if it occurs. It is imperative to ensure that all audio recordings are carried out lawfully. Posting a sign that says, “Entering this facility implies that you consent to audio surveillance” may suffice. But don’t immediately opt for audio if you’re unsure about how your business can remain within the confines of the law. If you are ever in doubt, seek legal advice from an experienced attorney. Every business and situation is different, so it is important that you define your