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Types of Video Surveillance Cameras
Installing security cameras is one of the best ways to monitor your home or business premises. With the wide variety of camera types available, it's important to understand the differences so you can choose the right one for your needs.
IP Cameras
IP cameras are the most popular type of surveillance camera today. They connect to your network via WiFi or ethernet to transmit footage, allowing for remote viewing and recording. Benefits of IP cameras include:
- Remote access to live and recorded video from anywhere
- High resolution video (up to 4K)
- Advanced features like motion detection, night vision, and smart analytics
- Scalable systems that can expand with your needs
For example, you could install an IP camera system from a company like Amcrest to monitor your home. You'd be able to check the live feed and recordings from your smartphone while at work or on vacation.
Analog Cameras
Analog security cameras transmit data over video cables back to a DVR for recording and monitoring. They do not connect directly to your network. Benefits of analog cameras include:
- Inexpensive hardware and installation costs
- Simple setup with no network configuration
- Works with extensive cabling that may already exist
An example is using Lorex analog cameras to monitor a small retail store. The cameras would connect to a DVR in a back room, with no networking required.
Wireless Security Cameras
Wireless security cameras use built-in wifi or wireless transceivers to connect to your network and security system. This eliminates the need for wiring each camera back to a DVR. Benefits include:
- Flexible camera placement without wiring constraints
- Easy installation without drilling holes or running cables
- Scalable systems by adding more wireless cameras
Homeowners often choose wireless systems like the Arlo Pro 4 for installation flexibility in areas without accessible power/cabling.
Other Camera Types
Some other common security camera types include:
- Spy Cameras - Tiny, hidden cameras like clock radios or wall hooks to discreetly monitor rooms or individuals without notice.
- Dome Cameras - Compact circular cameras with vandal-proof casings, well-suited for ceilings and high corners.
- Bullet Cameras - Cylindrical cameras ideal for monitoring outdoor areas and large spaces thanks to their durable design and wide-angle viewing range.
Choosing the right camera comes down to your monitoring goals, installation capabilities, and budget. Carefully evaluate your needs before selecting security cameras and planning your system.
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Wireless Security Cameras
Wireless security cameras are a versatile surveillance option for both home and business monitoring applications. Avoiding the constraints of wired cameras, wireless models make installation easier and expand placement possibilities.
How Wireless Security Cameras Work
Wireless cameras use built-in wifi radios or wireless transceiver systems to connect to your network and security system without cables. This removes the need to run video cables from each camera back to a recording device. There are two main types of wireless security cameras:
- Wifi cameras - Connect directly to your wifi network to transmit data. Require access to your wifi router or range extender.
- Wireless transceiver cameras - Use external transceivers that wirelessly communicate between the cameras and base station/DVR up to 300ft or more apart.
With either system, footage can be viewed and managed through mobile apps, web interfaces, and security DVRs or NVRs (network video recorders).
Benefits of Wireless Security Cameras
Some top benefits of wireless security cameras include:
- Flexible camera placement - Install cameras anywhere without wiring constraints. For example, mounting cameras high on walls or ceilings without nearby outlets.
- Faster installation - Avoid the hassle of drilling holes and running cables through walls or ceilings.
- Portability - Move cameras as needed. Especially helpful for temporary event monitoring.
- Scalability - It's easy to add more wireless cameras to expand coverage anytime.
- No interference with home aesthetics - Keep walls and surfaces free of unsightly wires.
Wireless Security System Example
A great real-world example is using Arlo Pro 4 wireless cameras to monitor a home. Key components would include:
- 3x Arlo Pro 4 cameras - Provides a mix of outdoor and indoor coverage.
- Arlo SmartHub - For connecting cameras to wifi and enabling remote access.
- Arlo mobile app - For managing the system from smartphones.
- Cloud storage plan - Securely stores footage in the cloud for retrieval anytime.
This setup delivers comprehensive monitoring without the hassle of running power and video cables. Everything connects wirelessly for quick installation. Expanding the system is as easy as adding more Arlo cameras.
Tips for Installing Wireless Security Cameras
Follow these tips for the best wireless camera setup:
- Ensure cameras are within range of your wifi network or wireless transceivers.
- Choose high vantage points for wide coverage areas.
- Angle cameras to effectively monitor points of interest like doors and windows.
- Use weather-resistant cameras and housings outdoors.
- Consider supplemental lighting to improve night vision quality.
With the right placement and components, wireless camera systems provide convenient and scalable whole-home or business monitoring.
Where to Place Security Cameras
Optimizing security camera positioning is crucial for capturing high-quality, useful surveillance footage. The placement of cameras will depend on your monitoring goals, property layout, and types of cameras selected. Follow these tips to determine the best angles and locations.
Indoor Security Camera Placement
Some key tips for installing cameras indoors include:- Aim cameras at entryways - Front and back doors, side garage doors, sliding glass doors. This captures visitors and those entering/exiting.
- Monitor high-value areas - Living rooms, home offices, and bedrooms. Especially areas with access to valuables.
- Consider high vantage points - Ceiling and upper wall mounted cameras provide wide coverage areas.
- Use discrete angles - Place hidden cameras or point cameras discreetly in private spaces like bedrooms and bathrooms.
For example, an indoor camera covering the front entryway from a second-floor balcony allows you to see visitors and packages delivered when not home.
Outdoor Security Camera Placement
Key tips for positioning outdoor surveillance cameras:
- Watch entryways and perimeter - Yard gates, driveway, walkways, fence line. This captures any activity entering or exiting property.
- Monitor exterior home access points - Doors, windows, garage doors, and sliding glass doors.
- Cover blind spots - Areas not easily visible like property corners and storage sheds.
- Point cameras at important assets - Vehicles, machinery, external HVAC systems, fuel tanks.
For example, an outdoor camera covering your backyard swimming pool from a patio eave allows you to monitor child safety.
Camera Types and Their Best Positions
Certain camera types are better suited for specific mounting locations:
| Camera Type | Ideal Mounting Locations |
|---|---|
| Dome cameras | Ceiling, corner of the room |
| Bullet cameras | Under eaves, top of walls |
| Hidden cameras | Bookshelves, light fixtures, wall decor |
| Spotlight cameras | Home exterior, gardens, driveways |
Tips for Optimal Camera Angles
- Angle cameras to capture subjects head-on when possible.
- Avoid pointing cameras into sunlight or reflective surfaces that may obscure subjects.
- Adjust angles down toward areas of interest, not up at the sky or ceiling.
- Use 45 and 90-degree off-center angles to give both overview and detail.
Experimenting with different heights, ranges, and directional angles will determine the best camera positioning for security and surveillance in your unique environment.
Conclusion
Strategic camera placement is key to an effective video surveillance system. Analyze your property, identify security blind spots, and select camera mounting locations that deliver the coverage needed both indoors and outdoors. This provides 24/7 monitoring and recording of all critical areas.
Indoor vs. Outdoor Security Cameras
When installing a video surveillance system, it's important to choose cameras designed to withstand the environment they'll operate in. Key differences between indoor and outdoor cameras include:
Environmental Protection
- Outdoor cameras are weatherproof - Waterproof, dust-tight, and/or vandal-resistant casings protect them from rain, snow, heat, dirt, and tampering.
- Indoor cameras have standard casings sufficient for room temperature, dry environments.
For example, Lorex outdoor cameras are IP66 rated to withstand dust, heavy rain, and temperatures from -22° to 140°F (-30° to 60°C).
Image Quality
- Outdoor cameras often have higher resolution and enhanced night vision capabilities to capture details in low ambient light.
- Indoor cameras typically have standard HD or 4K resolution adequate for most lighting conditions.
Arlo Ultra 2, for instance, offers 4K HDR video quality with color night vision to see vivid details outdoors in the dark.
Power Source
- Outdoor cameras are either hardwired to an outlet or use a rechargeable battery pack to operate without AC power access.
- Indoor cameras can be wired to an outlet or powered over Ethernet (PoE) through network cabling.
Battery-powered outdoor cameras like the Blink Outdoor provide wireless installation without requiring nearby power outlets.
Field of View
- Outdoor cameras have wider field of views, up to 180°, to monitor large areas.
- Indoor cameras typically range from 80° to 130° fields of view for room-sized coverage.
A 180° outdoor panoramic camera can cover your entire backyard in a single view.
Wireless Connectivity
- Most outdoor cameras connect to wifi or wireless transceivers for cable-free installation.
- Indoor cameras often use wired Ethernet connections for reliability and bandwidth.
Long range wireless transmission allows cameras like the Reolink Argus 3 Pro to operate up to 2,000 feet from a wireless access point.
Summary
When mixing indoor and outdoor cameras, opt for models designed specifically for each environment. Outdoor cameras need enhanced protection and imaging capabilities to withstand the elements and changing light conditions. Indoor cameras simply require good video quality under normal room conditions while connected to wired networks. Choosing the right camera type for each location ensures you get the best performance and value from your surveillance system.
Positioning Tips for Best Security Camera Coverage
Where and how you mount security cameras is critical for capturing complete, useful footage of your property. Follow these key tips to optimize your camera positioning:
Elevated Mounting
Whenever possible, install cameras high up overlooking the area to monitor. This prevents objects and people from obstructing the view. Good elevated options include:
- Rooftops
- Top of walls and fences
- Under eaves and overhangs
- Upper corners of rooms
- Poles and standalone mounts
For example, mounting a camera on a 20 ft pole overlooks your entire backyard without any view obstructions.
Angle Cameras to Best Capture Subjects
Point cameras to optimize the view of what you want to monitor most closely. Useful angles include:
- Face-on angles to see subjects directly as much as possible
- Downward angles to view important spots below the camera
- Off-center angles to provide both overview and detail
A camera angled to capture visitors head-on when they approach your front door lets you identify people clearly.
Overlap Multiple Camera Views
When using multiple security cameras, make sure their fields of view overlap slightly. This avoids creating blind spots in between cameras.
For example, you may angle cameras covering both the front and back of your home to overlap views of the corner areas on each side.
Avoid Obstructions
When selecting mounting spots, ensure the camera view isn't obscured by:
- Trees and vegetation
- Awnings and overhands
- Poles and fences
- Signs or structures
Regular yard maintenance like tree trimming can help minimize obstructions from naturally occurring causes over time.
Consider Supplemental Lighting
Extra lighting around camera locations can improve video quality at night. Useful options include:
- Security flood lights
- Motion-activated spotlights
- IR illuminators to brighten the area for night vision cameras
Strategically placed lights ensure cameras can continue monitoring with excellent visibility after dark.
Test Camera Placement and Adjust if Needed
Review camera footage on your DVR or mobile app after installation. Make small adjustments to the mounting height or angle if certain areas end up underserved. Getting the right vantage point just takes some fine tuning.
Following basic mounting best practices allows your cameras to most effectively cover every square inch of area needed. Careful security camera positioning eliminates blind spots and captures faces, details, and activity for improved surveillance monitoring.
Video Surveillance Storage and Monitoring
Installing security cameras is just the first step. You also need to consider how footage will be stored, accessed, and monitored. Here are the top options for surveillance storage and remote viewing.
Local vs Cloud Storage
Video can be saved to physical storage media or the cloud:
- Local Storage - DVRs and NVRs record footage to internal hard drives or external USB drives attached to the recorder.
- Cloud Storage - Footage is uploaded to cloud servers and accessed remotely via internet connectivity.
Cloud storage allows secure backup of video offsite so it can't be stolen or damaged. However, large local storage capacity is needed to retain high definition, continuous footage.
For example, Amcrest camera systems support up to 6TB of local storage while also offering cloud storage add-on plans for redundancy.
Monitoring and Access Options
You can view security footage and receive alerts through:
- DVR/NVR - Connect a TV or monitor to the recorder for direct access.
- Computer - View stored and live footage from a web browser or client software.
- Smartphone - Access your system remotely via mobile apps.
- Email/Text Alerts - Receive motion detection alerts with video clips.
With options like the Lorex Home app, it's easy to check cameras anywhere with your smartphone.
Remote Monitoring Service
For 24/7 live monitoring, a remote video monitoring service watches your cameras and dispatches emergency responders as needed. Key features include:
- Live view from any internet-connected cameras
- Motion-activated alerting if activity is detected
- Two-way audio to warn intruders
- Notifications to property owners of alerts
- Integration with alarms and other security systems
Companies like ADT provide professional monitoring services starting around $40 per month.
Analytics and AI
Intelligent analytics offer automated monitoring to detect and analyze events like:
- Intrusion detection
- Perimeter monitoring
- Crowd monitoring and density
- Abnormal behavior detection
- Face and license plate recognition
Deep learning AI cameras provide next-level intelligence without requiring a human actively watching the system.
Conclusion
Leveraging the right storage, access, and monitoring tools allows you to get the most from your investment in video surveillance. Ensure footage is properly recorded, conveniently accessed, and proactively monitored based on your needs.
How to Use Amazon Prime for Video Surveillance Purchases
Amazon Prime provides fast, free shipping and great prices on security cameras and systems. With thousands of options available, you can create a custom video surveillance setup for any monitoring needs.
Find Top-Rated Surveillance Brands
Amazon stocks professional-grade surveillance equipment from leading brands like:
- Arlo
- Blink
- Ring
- Lorex
- Reolink
- Amcrest
- Zosi
- Wyze
Search for packages and bundles or build a system by selecting individual cameras, cables, power adapters and monitors or storage devices.
Filter By Your Needs
Use the filters in Amazon’s “Security & Surveillance” department to pinpoint exactly what you need. Filter by:
- Camera type: Bullet, dome, hidden spy cameras
- Resolution: 720p, 1080p, 4K
- Wireless or wired
- Smart camera features like motion detection, night vision, weatherproofing
- Indoor or outdoor models
Selecting filters ensures you find cameras robust enough for their intended environment and purpose.
Utilize Fast Prime Delivery
Ordering security cameras and accessories with your Prime membership means:
- Free 2-day shipping on most items
- Free next-day or same-day delivery on select products
- Free returns make exchanges easy
Amazon Prime eliminates waiting weeks for surveillance equipment to arrive. Install your new system faster.
With top brands, extensive selection, and speedy shipping, Amazon Prime members can purchase video surveillance systems more conveniently and cost effectively.
What Are The Best Video Surveillance Products For Outdoor Use??
Here are some of the best video surveillance products for outdoor use based on the search results:
- Lorex - Best Overall Outdoor Cam
- Arlo Pro 4 Spotlight Camera
- Ring Stick Up Cam Plug-In
- Eufy Floodlight Cam 2 Pro
- Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Plus
- Arlo Go 2
- Wyze Outdoor Cam v2
These cameras offer features such as motion-activated floodlights, sirens, and night vision, making them ideal for outdoor use. They also have different storage options, video quality, and price points, so it's important to consider your specific needs when choosing the best one for you.
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What Are The Differences Between Wired And Wireless Outdoor Security Cameras??
Here are the differences between wired and wireless outdoor security cameras based on the search results:
Wired Security Cameras:
Wireless Security Cameras:
