Hidden Cameras and Home Security

 

Hidden video cameras, also known as “nanny cams” or “spy cams”, are tiny cameras designed to be concealed in almost any conceivable item, from a shirt button to a houseplant. Since the advent of 911, this type of camera has become a security and monitoring tool used in many public places like airports, railway terminals, shopping malls, or any other public place where monitoring the activity of people is important to security and crime prevention.

 

Hidden cameras also provide a means for homeowners to observe activity around their home without the camera being visible. These cameras are useful in keeping an “eye” on the nanny or babysitter when parents leave the care of their children to these individuals. Recently developed remote monitors make it possible to observe activity in side your house while you are away. For example, a homeowner can monitor activity from the office or any other location with Internet access. When connected to a recorder, hidden cameras can record that activity.

 

Hidden cameras are produced in wired and wireless designs. Wireless cameras require batteries to operate. Wired devices require hardwiring to a power source. The advantage of wireless systems is obvious. Wireless systems continue to operate even in the event of a power failure.

 

The technology used in most hidden cameras is the Charge Coupled Device, or CCD. CCDs transfer images into electronic impulses and send that information to a monitor, recorder, or both. The formats for these cameras vary from ¼” to 1”. The most common formats used by homeowners are the 1/4” or 1/3” sizes. CCDs are relatively inexpensive and provide good images.

 

Hidden cameras come in two basic color model types. The black and white model performs better in low light applications and is less costly than the color models. The color model on the other hand can transmit color images, making identification and description much easier and accurate. High quality cameras are able to alternate between black & white and color as the homeowner desires. However, with the improvements in security technology and decreasing prices for surveillance cameras, the color models are more frequently chosen over the black and white models. In fact, some vendors no longer distribute the black and white surveillance cameras.

 

The use of hidden cameras is a controversial subject and there are laws governing their use. In some places hidden cameras are totally banned or are against the law to operate unless certain criteria are met. It is important for anyone considering the purchase of a surveillance camera to check with local laws and regulations regarding the use of surveillance cameras where they live or work.

 

Hidden cameras can be very effective for people who own businesses, and should be seen as a necessity especially by shop owners. It would give you peace of mind to know what’s going on in the shop when you are not in. Here are some unique Hidden Camera devices that can be useful; one of them is the SONY dream machine that can identify concealed actions in your dorm room or bedroom. The other is the Universal EXIT Sign surveillance camera that can be fitted without difficulty and catch-thieving employees easily.

 

Aneffective hidden camera is the Down-View Smoke Detector that is very functional when set up on the ceiling. It can be mounted at various spots like stock receiving doors and above a cash register and ensures that employees or customers do not steal from you.

 

Like these there are many other unique hidden camera devices like thermostat-hidden camera, Neon Blue Wall Clock device, Emergency Lights device, Flower Pot cam, Motion Detector camera and plenty more.