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
Is it Possible to Turn Your Home into a Smart Home?
Get the Facts on Home Automation First, let’s debunk the misconception that your home can’t be transformed into a smart home. Even if your home is 100 years old, you can automate certain functions to make your life a little easier. Home automation that was once the way of the future is now the way of the present. There is nothing more concerning than being ten miles from your home and wondering if you turned off the range, left the lights on, left the iron plugged in, or forgot to adjust the thermostat. Such concerns can nag at you all day, ruining your focus and even causing you to have to derail the flow of your day by turning around and checking all those things. Fortunately, home automation can give you the functionality you want. You can turn off lights, shut off the iron, adjust the thermostat, turn off the range, and perform a host of other functions from wherever you are. What’s even better is that this capability is becoming more affordable, making it possible for more people to utilize automation in their homes and their businesses. It’s All About the Internet of Things (IoT) Although newer homes can be built with certain technological functions integrated into them, not everyone takes this route because it can be cost prohibitive during the construction process. To compensate for this, people are creating smart home ecosystems as they go based on the latest technological developments. This is possible due to scalable systems and installers that know the technology and equipment. We also have to thank the Internet of Things (IoT). Now, this isn’t a new type of internet. Instead, it is what has happened to the internet as time progressed. Decades ago, just computers connected to the internet. Later, cell phones became Wi-Fi enabled so the internet could be accessed instead of data. Tablets were also invented and primarily use Wi-Fi rather than data to connect to the World Wide Web. Now, thermostats, sensors, security systems, surveillance cameras, and other devices can connect to the internet through the router in a home. This allows a person to download the applicable application on their phone, tablet, or computer and control temperature, turn lights on and off while on vacation or at work, shut off the outlet the iron is plugged into, and even lock the doors if someone forgot to lock them. If it seems like the world is turning into something out of a Sci-fi movie, that’s because the sci-fi genre has always been a good predictor of technological advances designed to save time, money, and comfort. Contact Your Rochester, Buffalo & Syracuse Home Automation Experts Get your free, no-obligation consultation to see what you can do to make your home a smarter home. At SPS Fire & Security, we use state-of-the-art equipment and we are well-versed in the technology and installation techniques that make life more comfortable and convenient for our clients. Call today at 585-770-0348.
Discovering the Truth About DIY Security Systems
DIY vs. Professional Security Alarm installation Discovering the truth about DIY security systems is a very important topic to keep in mind these days. Keeping your home or business safe is important because of the time and money you have put into your space. Putting a security alarm system in place is one of the protective methods to implement. However, the question is what is the best route for doing so: Install a security system yourself Invest in a door alarm system Professional security system installation We are going to look at all three of these. DIY Security System Alarm Installation There are DIY systems out there, but there are some things to consider: Wiring: At least some kind of electrical wiring may be required. If you’re not an electrician or a home security specialist, it can be easy to make a wrong move that could be dangerous. One of the biggest mistakes, however, is installing the system in a way that it doesn’t work. Maintenance: Some type of upkeep is required. Since security systems can have many components (cameras, sensors, etc.), the DIY installer is responsible for every component working correctly or the system could be pointless to have. Extras: There are certain extras that are missing from a DIY system. For instance, monitoring companies will not monitor a self-installed security system. Other features such as smoke detection or carbon monoxide detection may be missing. Overall, the equipment tends to be less sophisticated. The Truth: People are discovering the truth about DIY security systems through installation complications and being able to keep up with the maintenance. The worst way to find out is when a break-in happens and the lack of monitoring means the authorities aren’t notified. Door Alarm Systems Door alarm systems tend to be the least sophisticated. A sensor is placed on doors and windows and an alarm sounds if an intruder breaks into the home or business. Wiring: These systems tend to be wireless. Sensors wirelessly communicate with an alarm box that may plug into the wall. The range of these systems can be limited, so the box may have to be located close to the sensors. A knowledgeable intruder can tell the difference between this type of system and one that connects to a monitoring center that will call the police. Maintenance: These systems are inexpensive, but the individual sensors may require batteries that must be replaced more often than you can keep up with. Extras: You may be able to add more sensors. If these sensors start to go out of the alarm box’s range, additional systems may have to be purchased to hopefully scare away any intruders. Truth: Aside from there not being a monitoring service, people have learned that these systems are just as effective as not having any protection at all. Burglars are aware of these burglary-friendly systems. Professional Security System Installation A professional system will have a monthly cost associated with it, but the following should be considered: Wiring: Any wiring that must be installed is done by a professional who will exercise the latest safety methods. Everything is done according to local and state regulations. Maintenance: If something is wrong with your system, you can call your security alarm installer and the problem can be quickly rectified. There are certain guarantees that you are given to protect the integrity of your system and the home or business it’s protecting. Extras: You get the 24/7 security monitoring, sensors where you need them, fire protection, carbon monoxide protection, video surveillance if you want it, home automation if you want to automate certain functions within your home, and smartphone monitoring so you can monitor your home or business while you’re away. Truth: Homeowners and business owners are experiencing peace of mind from having properly installed systems that are monitored, not to mention the freedom from system maintenance. Rochester, Buffalo & Syracuse Professional Security Alarm Installation Don’t miss out on what professional security system installation can provide you. Through professional installation, you can effectively protect what you care about. Plus, you can get some great extras that truly make your system work for you. To learn more or to take the first step toward protecting your home or business, call SPS Fire & Security at 585-770-0348.