Security Camera, Spy Camera, And Hidden Cameras For The Home:
Choosing the right type of security camera for your home, and the recording method you use, depends entirely on your individual needs or situation. You may be worried about valuable items being stolen or vandalized, your pets being harmed by an intruder or fire, a housekeeper stealing items from your home, or maybe you are concerned about a neighbor who may be vandalizing your property.
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The QuickCam® Orbit MP from Logitech sells for around $125 USD.
The QuickCam® Orbit MP from Logitech sells for around $125 USD.
Your Least Expensive Security Camera Option:
You may already have the camera you need, and you can probably see it right now! It's your webcam, of course. If you don't already own one, a web camera can be easily purchased for as low as $20 (of course, don't expect much in the way of picture quality at that price, and if the room is dark, you will most likely not get a
You may already have the camera you need, and you can probably see it right now! It's your webcam, of course. If you don't already own one, a web camera can be easily purchased for as low as $20 (of course, don't expect much in the way of picture quality at that price, and if the room is dark, you will most likely not get a
Some Spy Cameras Are Reasonably Priced, Too, But...
Spy Cameras (aka Pinhole Cameras) are great if you suspect a housekeeper or nanny engaged in illegal activities, or if it's impossible to install the proper wiring for a hard wired camera. Wireless spy cameras usually get their power from a nine volt battery, and because of their extremely small size, can be installed anywhere. However, the basic models don't have the greatest picture quality, and definitely will not work in low light conditions. There are higher priced models that have an infrared feature and reported longer range of operation, but the picture quality is still generally poor. These types of cameras are not compatible with web camera software, as they only use standard video cables (The only way to make them compatable is with a video capture card, which can be expensive). You will need to record the images on a DVR designed for CCTV, VCR, or DVD recorder. Only use these types of cameras if you plan to use them temporarily, as in the housekeeper example above. You can find these types of cameras easily on Ebay, at around $20-$30 USD, plus shipping which usually amounts to $30-$40 USD.
Spy Cameras (aka Pinhole Cameras) are great if you suspect a housekeeper or nanny engaged in illegal activities, or if it's impossible to install the proper wiring for a hard wired camera. Wireless spy cameras usually get their power from a nine volt battery, and because of their extremely small size, can be installed anywhere. However, the basic models don't have the greatest picture quality, and definitely will not work in low light conditions. There are higher priced models that have an infrared feature and reported longer range of operation, but the picture quality is still generally poor. These types of cameras are not compatible with web camera software, as they only use standard video cables (The only way to make them compatable is with a video capture card, which can be expensive). You will need to record the images on a DVR designed for CCTV, VCR, or DVD recorder. Only use these types of cameras if you plan to use them temporarily, as in the housekeeper example above. You can find these types of cameras easily on Ebay, at around $20-$30 USD, plus shipping which usually amounts to $30-$40 USD.
"Permanent" Security Cameras Have More Options, Better Picture
Most web cameras, and all pinhole cameras, lack two crucial features for good picture quality: varifocal lenses, and auto iris features. A camera without a varifocal lens uses a "fixed lens". This simply means you cannot zoom in and out, and change the viewing angle. Auto iris means the camera will automatically adjust for changing lighting conditions. If you don't have auto iris, you need to place the camera in a very well lit area, and in an area where the light levels won't fluctuate too much.
Better quality cameras have both of these features, and some have infrared illuminators that flood a greater area with infrared light. This enables the camera to take a quality picture, even in complete darkness.
If you want to invest in a high quality camera that you will use for years, be sure to pick a camera that features auto iris, varifocal lense, and optimally, an infrared illuminator. A great all-purpose varifocal lense is 3.0-8mm. That will enable you to adjust the viewing angle from 30 Degrees to about 90 Degrees.
Most web cameras, and all pinhole cameras, lack two crucial features for good picture quality: varifocal lenses, and auto iris features. A camera without a varifocal lens uses a "fixed lens". This simply means you cannot zoom in and out, and change the viewing angle. Auto iris means the camera will automatically adjust for changing lighting conditions. If you don't have auto iris, you need to place the camera in a very well lit area, and in an area where the light levels won't fluctuate too much.
Better quality cameras have both of these features, and some have infrared illuminators that flood a greater area with infrared light. This enables the camera to take a quality picture, even in complete darkness.
If you want to invest in a high quality camera that you will use for years, be sure to pick a camera that features auto iris, varifocal lense, and optimally, an infrared illuminator. A great all-purpose varifocal lense is 3.0-8mm. That will enable you to adjust the viewing angle from 30 Degrees to about 90 Degrees.
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Pinhole Cameras Are Small But Their Picture Is Only Adequate At Best.
Pinhole Cameras Are Small But Their Picture Is Only Adequate At Best.
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The "MemoCam" Combines A Camera, DVR, And Motion Sensor In One! See The Security Camera Recording Methods Page For Details.
The "MemoCam" Combines A Camera, DVR, And Motion Sensor In One! See The Security Camera Recording Methods Page For Details.
Our Favorite Solution For Indoor Hidden Camera Surveillance:
Although a little more expensive, the "Memo Cam" is a great all-in-one motion sensor/security camera/DVR unit that we highly recommend if you prefer a "Plug and Play" security camera solution. See the Security Camera Recording Methods page for details.
Although a little more expensive, the "Memo Cam" is a great all-in-one motion sensor/security camera/DVR unit that we highly recommend if you prefer a "Plug and Play" security camera solution. See the Security Camera Recording Methods page for details.
Spy Cameras Diguised As Smoke Alarms, Clocks, Etc.
Hidden cameras disguised as clocks, stuffed animals, etc. are widely available on the internet, but the picture quality is about the same as with a pinhole camera. In fact, the same model pinhole camera noted above is often used in these products. These spy cams also need a lot of light to function properly, and you cannot adjust viewing angle as you would with a varifocal lense. These types of cameras are also not compatable with web applications. Recommended as a temporary solution only.
Hidden cameras disguised as clocks, stuffed animals, etc. are widely available on the internet, but the picture quality is about the same as with a pinhole camera. In fact, the same model pinhole camera noted above is often used in these products. These spy cams also need a lot of light to function properly, and you cannot adjust viewing angle as you would with a varifocal lense. These types of cameras are also not compatable with web applications. Recommended as a temporary solution only.
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A Basic Hidden Camera Clock.
A Basic Hidden Camera Clock.
Also See:
Outdoor Security Cameras Security Camera Recording Methods Infra-Red Cameras and Illuminators
Outdoor Security Cameras Security Camera Recording Methods Infra-Red Cameras and Illuminators
satisfactory picture). Logitech has a web camera (above) that can pan, tilt and zoom for a reasonable price. Wireless web cameras enable you to place the camera anywhere you wish.
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