The Beginner’s Guide

to Security Cameras
Contents
Introduction.............................................................................2

The Point of Security Cameras.................................................3

Uses for Security Cameras.......................................................5

Types of Security Cameras.......................................................6

Tips for placing security cameras.............................................9

Maintaining Security Cameras...............................................10

Security Companies Offering Security Cameras.....................11

A Word on Fake Security Cameras.........................................12

Conclusion..............................................................................13

About SafeWise......................................................................14

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Introduction
Security cameras can be a powerful force against burglars.
Just the sight of security cameras might scare off an intruder,
because criminals don’t want to be seen or leave behind evi-
dence. If your home is burglarized, security cameras can help
police identify and find the burglar, and retrieve your stolen
possessions. Aside from helping to prevent burglaries, secu-
rity cameras can help you simplify your life and take control of
your home.

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The Point of Security Cameras
If you already have a security system, it may seem redundant to also have security cameras.
After all, if a security system is supposed to keep out intruders in the first place, ideally, you
wouldn’t have to use cameras to catch any burglars. Unfortunately, intruders can still break
into your home, even when you have a security system. Beyond security surveillance, there are
many other uses for security cameras, such as seeing who’s at your door or checking up on kids
or pets. Let’s take a closer look at some of the instances in which security cameras have been
useful in theft cases.

Security Cameras at Work

In some cases, security cameras catch intruders right away, and in other cases it takes more
time and police investigation to catch an intruder. Here are a few examples in which home se-
curity cameras have proven useful in catching and preventing burglary:

Catch doorstep thieves Nab burglars almost

In December, a UPS worker in Texas was instantly
caught on a security camera stealing an iPad,
When you have a live camera feed that alerts
which was a father’s Christmas gift for his
you when it senses motion, you may catch
daughter. This savvy dad, had installed a cam-
burglars in the act. One day, New York City
era to monitor his front door, and when he
resident Levent Centiner was sitting at his of-
later reviewed the footage, it was clear what
fice desk when he started receiving emails
had happened. When UPS didn’t respond to
with live images from his motion-activated
customer service calls, he posted the video on
camera. Upon receiving the images, Centiner
YouTube, which got their attention, and ulti-
called 911 and the burglar was caught then
mately, the iPad was returned.1
and there. Centiner is now an open advocate
for everyone setting up security cameras in
their homes.2

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Give solid evidence to the police
In March, security cameras helped crack a string of home bur-
glaries in North Carolina. A thief had been breaking into homes
in the town of Wilson for over two months, stealing money,
jewelry, and flatware. Puzzled and frustrated, the police could
not find any clues, until one day a victim came forward with
surveillance footage. Once the police viewed the footage, they
were able to quickly arrest the culprit and solve the case. All in
all, the police reported that the burglar stole over $44,000 in
property before he was put behind bars.3

When it comes to home security, extra measures never hurt. Sometimes, a thief will complete-
ly avoid a home because of the dreaded security cameras and a home security system. Other
times, a more arrogant burglar might try to break into your home anyway, but with a full secu-
rity camera setup that sends alerts to your phone, you’ll know about it immediately, you can
notify the police, and you’ll have video evidence in case it’s needed. Of course, there are other
uses for home security cameras besides break-ins, which will be discussed in the next section.

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Uses for Security Cameras
There are two main situations where you’ll need a security camera: when you’re at home and
when you’re away. In both cases, there are a variety of ways that security cameras can make
life a little easier and safer.

When you’re home: When you’re away:

You may not think you need security cameras Security cameras aren’t just for catching bur-
when you’re at home, but you’d be surprised glars in the act— they can give you peace of
how useful they can be. mind when it comes to your family, your kids,
• See who is at the front door from any room and your property by letting you see what’s
in your house. This is especially conve- going on at all times.
nient in the middle of the night or when • Catch a burglar or intruder on tape while
you’re not on the first floor.) they try to break in.
• Use it as a video baby monitor. • Check on the pets while you’re away.
• Know what’s going on with all family mem- • Know when the kids come home from
bers throughout the house, and monitor school.
areas that are off-limits, like the workshop • See what’s going on if your alarm sounds
or cleaning supply closet. and you’re out; then determine whether
• Care more easily for an elderly family it’s a false alarm or something more seri-
member by setting up a camera in the area ous.
where they spend the most time. You can • Keep an eye on the nanny or babysitter
keep an eye on them from another room, while you’re away.
or while you’re away from home.
• Watch for any suspicious behavior around
• Identify the creepy noise coming from your house. This may include strangers
downstairs, without even getting out of that have been lingering or scoping out
bed. If you hear suspicious noises in your your home.
home, especially at odd hours, check the
cameras to see what is happening before • Check on the maintenance crew or any-
going directly to the source of the noise. one working on or around the home when
you’re not there.

As you can see, whether you’re home or away, security cameras can be used for more than just
catching burglars.

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Types of Security Cameras
There is a wide variety of security cameras, and each one serves a different purpose. From fixed
cameras to pan and tilt cameras, night vision cameras to motion detection cameras, there are
security cameras for nearly every scenario.

When researching security cameras, keep in mind that many will have compound features, for ex-
ample: “outdoor, night vision, pan and tilt cameras” or “fixed, dome IP cameras.” The list below
will help you understand your options and pick the right camera for you.

Here are the most common security cameras featured on the market today:

Basic or Fixed Pan and Tilt or Pan- Wireless Camera

Security Camera Tilt-Zoom Camera
A fixed camera is a general Pan and tilt cameras can be These days, most security
purpose camera that does adjusted quickly, change di- cameras are wireless. Wire-
not move, change direction, rection, or zoom, and can less surveillance cameras
or zoom. even lock in on and follow a connect to your security sys-
moving object that shouldn’t tem through an internet con-
be in an area—depending on nection and are very easy to
the model you buy. Pan and set up. Usually, you can cus-
tilt cameras have the ability to tomize your wireless security
spin and angle up and down cameras and control them
due to a motorized interior from a smart phone or com-
mount. Many security com- puter. The benefit of wireless
panies allow you to remotely security cameras is that they
control where the camera do not have to be wired into
looks from your smartphone the home to communicate
or other web-enabled device. with the alarm system.

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Night Vision Camera Exterior or Out- Motion Detection
door Camera Camera
Night vision cameras use in- Exterior cameras often have Motion detection cameras
frared technology to illumi- night vision elements and are can start recording—or start
nate poorly lit areas and re- weatherproof. These camer- taking pictures—when they
cord footage at night. as are important for observ- sense movement, so you
ing who is at the door with- don’t record hours of useless
out opening it, seeing what footage. Some motion detec-
is going on outside the home, tion cameras, like some pan
or viewing your front or back and tilt cameras, can lock in
yard. on a moving object and fol-
low it.

Hidden/Covert Dome Camera IP Camera, Netcam,

Camera or Webcam
Hidden or covert cameras, These cameras are dome- An Internet Protocol camera
also known as nanny-cams, shaped and often used in- is a digital video camera that
can be concealed in secret doors. Some dome cameras can send and receive data
places (bookshelf, cookie jar, have infrared lighting and via a computer network or
centerpiece, etc.) and used can be designed to be tam- broadband connection. Most
to spy on or catch behavior per-proof. Dome cameras cameras with this capability
that might be hard to detect are commonly pan-tilt-zoom are called webcams— howev-
otherwise. The cameras can capable and, because of the er, the names ‘IP Camera’ or
allows you to keep an eye on tinted dome that shields the ‘Netcam’ are generally used
your babysitter or watch the camera, most people are un- when talking about surveil-
kids when they are home able to tell if the camera is lance cameras specifically.
alone to make sure every- currently facing them or not.
thing is alright.

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Once you’ve looked over the list and you’ve got your options
all laid out, think about why you’re looking into security cam-
eras and what purpose a camera would fulfill. Many times,
cameras will have compound features, and if you’re getting a
camera for security purposes there are a few that stand out as
being especially useful. Cameras with motion detection, the
ability to view a live feed remotely, and email and text alerts
tend to work best to help prevent burglaries.

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Tips for placing security cameras
If you’re installing security cameras yourself, it’s easiest to buy wireless cameras. Since there
are no wires or cables to worry about, it’s a snap. Also, with most wireless cameras, you can re-
motely view footage from a smartphone or other internet connection. With that in mind, here
are some common places where people put security cameras in their home:

Back and front Areas of high foot Bedrooms

door traffic Burglars often ransack master
bedrooms first, so it’s a good
Many people put cameras Inside your home, you’ll want
idea to put at least one cam-
at their front door, but then to place cameras in areas of
era in there. Additionally, if
they neglect the back door. high foot traffic, places where
you want to use cameras to
According to famous jewel an intruder would have to
keep an eye on your kids or
thief Walter T. Shaw, burglars walk through to access other
an infant, put cameras in the
will often favor breaking into parts of the house, such as
kids’ rooms. Imagine being
the back door rather than hallways, entryways, and liv-
able to cook dinner, work at
the front. Shaw says that, ing areas.
your desk, or watch TV in an-
“The No. 1 way into a home is
other room, while being able
through the French doors or Point your to easily check on your sleep-
sliding doors in the back.” So,
camera in the ing baby or children from
he is puzzled when he sees
your smartphone.
homes that only guard the right direction
front door with security cam- Make sure to place your cam-
eras. He goes on, “I went to eras at the most effective
Playrooms
a guy’s house yesterday—his angle. Cameras with motion If you want to keep an eye on
$5 million mansion—and he sensors will better detect mo- your kids while you take care
had [security cameras] only in tion when an intruder walks of work around the house, set
the front of the house. What past it and not directly to- up a camera in the playroom.
burglar is only going to go to ward it. That’s why hallways You can periodically check on
the front?”4 and entry points are great them from your smartphone,
places to put cameras. no matter your location, for
peace of mind.

Security cameras should be placed in areas where there’s

enough light to get a good, focused shot. Although, night vision
cameras can help you see footage in dark areas they’re usually
grainy or difficult to see.

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Maintaining Security Cameras
Like anything else in your home, cameras require a little bit of maintenance and care. They
don’t need a lot of attention, but you don’t want to set up your cameras and then forget about
them, either. Check your cameras periodically to make sure they’re working properly and to
make sure they have a clear line of sight. Here are some tips for making sure your security cam-
eras work to the best of their ability:

Keep them clean

Try to wipe down your video camera lenses on a regular basis,
ensuring they don’t get covered with dust or debris. A camera
with blurry vision is less helpful than a clean one. You want
to keep your lenses sharp, so the police will be able to clearly
identify someone if they break into your home.

Mind trees and bushes

With outdoor cameras, be aware of the trees, bushes, or other
items or furniture around your home that might obstruct the
vision of the cameras. A camera may be in a good location
when you set it up, but you need to make sure to keep the
camera’s line of sight clear.

Beware of elements
When placing cameras outside, make sure to use outdoor
cameras that have been weatherproofed. If your home sees
some heavy rain or a snowstorm, check your cameras and
make sure they’re still working properly and that nothing is
covering the lens.

Check batteries regularly

If you have motion sensor cameras, they will only record when
motion is detected, thus saving energy, and you won’t have to
sort through hours of useless footage. Still, be aware of your
camera’s battery life and change them out when needed.

Follow simple steps to take care of your cameras and they’ll

last a long time, and be in top-notch shape in case you need
them for spotting intruders.

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Security Companies Offering Security
Cameras
For quick reference, here’s a list of security companies that offer various security cameras:

Vivint FrontPoint LifeShield

• Fixed indoor camera • Fixed indoor camera • Fixed indoor wireless camera
• Pan and tilt indoor camera • Indoor pan and tilt camera
• Outdoor camera

Protect America Devcon AlarmForce

• Pan and tilt indoor camera • Offers security cameras but • Indoor/outdoor camera
do not specify which kind. with intercom

Protection 1 XFINITY Home Pinnacle

• Fixed indoor camera • Fixed indoor camera • Fixed indoor camera
• Outdoor/indoor camera • Pan and tilt indoor camera

Smith Monitoring
• Outdoor night vision camera
• Indoor night vision camera
• Indoor fixed camera
• Indoor pan and tilt camera

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. . . a word on fake security cameras
Fake cameras may scare potential burglars away by giving the impression that intruders are
being watched. They’re a cheap alternative to actual cameras, but a fake camera may not give
you the same peace of mind as a functioning camera.

The perks of a fake camera

Of course, a real camera is better than a fake one, since you’ll have real help on the way and
real camera footage if something goes awry. But if you can’t afford a real camera or if you can’t
afford as many cameras as you’d like at first, you can use some fake gadgets as a temporary fix.
After all, it’s better to have a fake camera system than none at all.

Choosing a fake camera

Although the whole point of buying fake security components is to save money, you don’t want
to buy the cheapest fake security camera available because it will look just that: cheap and
fake. Spring for a good-looking model and ask yourself if you would be tricked by it, if so it’s
likely to trick potential intruders as well.

Placing a fake camera

Savvy thieves may be able to tell the difference between fake and real security equipment, so
it’s a good idea to place fake cameras amidst your real ones to make it look like your home is
more fortified. If it looks like most of your security system is legitimate, a thief probably won’t
want to take any chances.

In a pinch, fake security cameras may scare off burglars, and it’s especially useful as a tempo-
rary fix or to bolster your existing security system components. Just remember: there are a lot
of smart thieves out there, so take the time choosing a fake security camera that will really fool
people.

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Conclusion
At SafeWise, we hope to help you find the security cameras that best suit your family and life-
style. Check out Safewise.com for more details on specific security companies and to compare
security companies side-by-side. If you have additional questions about security cameras, we’d
be happy to help: email [email protected].

Sources:
1. http://www.nydailynews.com/news/crime/watch-ups-thief-caught-tape-stealing-gifts-article-1.1225550
2. http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/burglary-victims-catch-thieves-home-surveillance-cameras/story?id=16016822#.
UVDJERyG2n8
3. http://www.securityinfowatch.com/news/10909308/security-camera-helps-crack-string-of-nc-home-burglaries
4. http://money.msn.com/insurance/a-master-thiefs-home-security-tips-1
Photo Credits:
1. “Razor - NIght Vision” by diveofficer: http://www.flickr.com/photos/diveofficer/3267103809/
2. Hidden Smoke Detector Camera image used with permission, courtesy of TechPro Security Products:
http://www.securitycameraking.com/420tvl-smoke-detector-hidden-camera-59121-prd1.html
*All other images licensed under creative commons or we bought them off random people on the internet.

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About SafeWise
At SafeWise, we’re on a mission to help make your home and community safe. We save your
time and sanity through our resources and honest reviews of safety and security products—so
you can quickly and easily get the information you need and protect yourself, your family, and
your community. Browse our website for in-depth home security tips, and check out our blog
for up-to-date safety news and quick security tips.

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Copyright © 2013 SafeWise