Whether for home or business, security cameras help to deter criminal activity and can provide valuable evidence in the event of a crime. They are also an effective tool for improving operational efficiency.
When shopping for a security camera, think about extra features that you might want, such as livestreaming or two-way audio. Also consider if you want a battery-powered or plugged-in model. Click the Mobile Surveillance Cameras to learn more.
Deterrence
It’s well-documented that security cameras act as powerful deterrents to crime. Studies show that areas with camera systems see drops in petty theft and vandalism. But it’s not just about stopping crime after it happens—it’s also about preventing it from happening in the first place. That’s where proactive deterrence comes in, and that’s where cameras shine.
A functioning security camera is a visual deterrent, and even the most basic models come with a visible lens that acts as a digital force field around your property. Criminals know that any actions they take could be captured on video and used against them in court, and that’s enough to put many of them off the idea of committing a crime.
More advanced cameras, like the Google Nest Cam IQ, have built-in facial recognition and motion detection features that enhance their effectiveness. These features use the camera’s ‘brain’ to classify objects (humans, cars, animals, shadows, leaves or trees) and then compare the shape of those objects against the thousands already in its database. When a new shape is detected, the camera will then register it as important and trigger an event tag to alert you of its presence.
The next level of active deterrence is found with cameras that emit a loud siren when they detect motion, or even flash red and blue lights to warn criminals. These are often referred to as ‘screamers’ because they can sound louder than a table saw, and they are designed to scare off would-be criminals by making them think that they are about to get caught on tape.
Some security cameras, like the OptiView IP5MPTZ-4XAD-NCV ‘Terminator’, feature a full set of LED lights that turn on when motion is detected. These lights can be programmed to display a variety of pre-recorded messages or customized audibles.
However, it’s important to remember that cameras are only effective when they work correctly. According to a study conducted by Queen’s University, surveillance cameras have been known to malfunction from time to time, and that can render them useless for deterrence purposes. That’s why it’s crucial to have a professional assess your home or business and recommend the best security cameras to meet your needs. Our team at Lovo Technology specializes in determining optimal camera placements to ensure they are visible and cover the most area possible.
Recording
If you’re wondering, “can security cameras record audio?” the answer is no, or at least not in most cases. Security camera manufacturers are a bit hesitant to include microphones, because of laws and industry standards that prohibit recording sound without two-party consent. They also recognize that the audio component of surveillance can take up more storage space than video, so most security cameras don’t have microphones at all. However, there are a few exceptions to this rule.
The amount of time security cameras keep footage depends on several factors, including storage capacity, recording quality and resolution, and system settings. For example, lowering resolution settings can reduce the size of recorded files, which increases available storage space. In addition, some systems allow users to manually delete footage if they choose.
Generally, the longer a security camera can record, the better. This helps ensure that important events are captured and that you have enough evidence to meet legal requirements or support dispute resolution. However, you should also consider how often you plan to review recorded footage and whether or not it’s necessary to store it for an extended period.
A number of security cameras use motion detection to trigger recordings. This allows you to save valuable storage space by only recording when there’s activity that matters to you. However, this might not be an ideal solution for locations that experience a lot of foot traffic or high levels of activity.
Another popular security camera feature is night vision. This allows you to see what’s happening in dimly lit or dark areas, so it’s particularly useful for outdoor spaces. It’s important to remember, though, that the quality of night vision can vary by model. The best night vision security cameras will offer high-resolution images with good color, contrast, and clarity.
Some security cameras have built-in SD card slots that enable local storage of footage. This is a convenient option for situations where internet access might be limited, but it isn’t an optimal approach for large-scale installations or long-term storage needs. Instead, most modern security systems rely on NVRs (network video recorders) and DVRs (digital video recorders) to capture and store footage. They can then be accessed remotely via an app or web portal.
Detection
Detecting motion can be tricky with any security camera. Too many false alerts can be frustrating, especially if they’re from things that aren’t even remotely related to a break-in (like the spinning ceiling fan or change in lighting). Too few may leave you wondering whether or not the camera is actually working at all. Trying to avoid the pitfalls of motion detection may seem impossible, but it’s possible to mitigate false triggers.
Most cameras use a combination of optical and infrared sensors to detect movement. These sensors operate within specific wavelengths of light, so atmospheric conditions can dramatically affect how the camera sees things. This is particularly true with infrared, which can be affected by dust and smoke particles. The best way to test a camera’s motion detection is to walk around and look at the area directly in front of it, as this will give you the most accurate picture of how well it works under real-world circumstances.
It’s also a good idea to pay attention to any sounds coming from the camera. Some cameras make a low humming sound, which is usually caused by internal components like motors or electronic circuits. Some cameras have a button that you can press to hear a two-way audio conversation, which can be a useful way to deter intruders or warn children or pets not to enter the area.
Another option is to use commercial-grade surveillance cameras. These cameras are much more sensitive to motion, meaning that they will pick up on things that would not be detected by consumer-grade devices. These cameras are also better able to handle difficult lighting conditions.
For example, if you install a security camera pointed at the front door of your store, it will be exposed to a large amount of sunlight when someone opens the door. This can overwhelm the camera’s sensor, causing it to trigger on anything that moves in its field of view. Commercial-grade cameras are better able to adapt to these challenging conditions by increasing the sensibility of the motion sensor or by using an infrared filter.
Monitoring
As the name suggests, this is a proactive form of surveillance that seeks to prevent crime from occurring on your property. Unlike an alarm system, security cameras are able to provide video footage of crimes as they occur, which is invaluable in helping authorities identify and prosecute criminals.
According to research, the presence of cameras can affect people’s behavior in a number of ways, from pro-social behaviors to deviant ones. For example, researchers found that the framing of camera surveillance influenced cheating behavior, by giving the impression that a watchful authority figure was present and could punish wrongful actions. This is an important finding, as it shows that not only can the mere presence of cameras influence undesired behavior, but if framed correctly, they may also encourage desirable behavior.
However, the vast majority of CCTV systems are reactive and only respond to an incident after it occurs. While these systems can be cost-effective, they are also ineffective, especially if they are not properly maintained or regularly reviewed to ensure that recordings are clear and accurate.
Furthermore, the sheer volume of false alarms can result in police departments de-prioritizing home and business security alarms or having official no-response policies in place for unverified incidents. This can have major financial consequences for homeowners and businesses.
The good news is that there are more effective, proactive forms of surveillance that can help prevent crime from taking place on your property in the first place. For instance, there are fixed cameras that diligently document activity in one specific area for forensic purposes and provide efficiency, as well as motion sensor-based camera systems designed to capture only movement that is relevant, which is ideal for reducing the likelihood of false alarms.
There are even special cameras that can detect animal pheromones, which are chemical signals produced by animals of the same species, to monitor the health and safety of wildlife in farms, stables, and rehabilitation centers. For a truly holistic approach to surveillance, many commercial camera systems are capable of being integrated with smart devices like voice-controlled products, which can display the camera view by simply asking.