Covert Cams
Look Out, Big Brother Is Watching
Years ago we used to joke about "Big Brother" watching you. We had all watched spy movies and the thought that a hidden camera could be watching our every move, was a really intimidating prospect. Unfortunately times have changed and covert CCTV cameras have become part of our way of life today.
Many countries throughout the world, particularly in large cities, are using these cameras as protection from or detection of crimes. Crime affects all large cities in the world, so we see these cameras in virtually all public spaces. They are found on street corners, near and on public transport systems, parks, government buildings and all kinds of public places.
Mostly CCTV cameras are used to stop crime by means of prevention, the idea being that if criminals know there are cameras in a specific place, they won't commit crimes there. So they are essentially used to prevent something bad from happening. While this can make people feel at ease, how much of your private life are you prepared to give up for your safety?
People are now regularly installing these cameras in their homes, gardens and by their entrance gates. Hijackings kidnapping and robbery are regular occurrences in many countries in the world, I live in one of the highest crime ridden cities in the world, and these happen daily.
CCTV cameras do not necessarily have to be monitored by security companies, but if they aren't, how are you going to use them to prevent something bad from happening. The concept is that although a picture is worth a thousand words, if it is after the fact and something bad does happen. You may be able to catch the perpetrator, but you won't have been able to prevent something bad from happening.
These are the kinds of things you have to think about before installing CCTV, what it is that you want to achieve by installing it. There are also so many different types of camera surveillance products available. The type you buy has to be based on the kind of monitoring you require and this can make things confusing too.
Selecting the best possible camera for the purpose you require is generally what determines the selection you make. For example the CMOS or CCD, these are very tiny and low priced cameras and they have poor light sensitivity as well as produce poor image quality. The general rule of thumb being that the larger the camera the better quality image it is able to produce. So these types of cameras are not very good if they are in an area where the light conditions are bad.
Whereas cameras which are larger and have more than 400 TV lines are better, even if they are B/W they are able to produce better picture resolution and a therefore more suitable for dark areas. Color cameras are better than B/W however as they are able to produce a more natural picture.
There are bullet cameras, board cameras, professional grade cameras, cameras which fit inside a light bulb and low light monochrome cameras. The varieties are many and they can act as your eyes when they are outside your building and you are inside. Guard your entrance gate from unwelcome guests as you can see who approaches the gate. Enhance the security of your home and business and deter crime. Being able to watch an intruder or potential intruder can give you an advantage and enable you to call the police, which may just save your life.The StealthVue SmokeCam conceals a hi-res 420tvl color Sony camera and microphone inside of a non-functional smoke detector.
