Surveillance Systems and You
As a business owner, decisions about security for your business can be difficult. Be sure to read a few of our articles on surveillance.
Planning a Surveillance System: Ensuring Maximum Prosecution
Follow up on Fake Surveillance Cameras– Do they work?
Update 3/29/2012
At Security & Cameras, we have been getting a lot of interest in our article on Fake Surveillance Cameras and whether they are effective in preventing crimes.
Where do we get our information?
As veterans of the surveillance industry, we write our articles based on our personal experiences and the experiences of our clients and colleagues. Everything we write about reflects the real world of surveillance.
If dummy cameras don’t work, what does?
While we have an audience made up of mostly surveillance professionals, we do get questions from home and business owners. We always recommend investing in a reliable surveillance system from a reputable manufacturer and installed by a professional surveillance specialist. A real surveillance system costs more than fake cameras but it is money well spent. We have written extensively on how much a surveillance system should cost.
What should Security and Cameras Review Next?
Planning a Surveillance System: Ensuring Maximum Prosecution
The British organization, the Association of Police Officers (ACPO), estimates that 80% of supplies surveillance footage is not usable by law enforcement. Why? Poor Cameras are certainly part of the problem but another important issue is lack of a good surveillance plan and the inability to record and export high quality surveillance footage.
Let’s start with the first problem. We have already written articles about the importance of using professional-grade cameras and why camera/DVR kits from big box retailers are not the great deal that they seem to be. There is another problem with do-it-yourself surveillance: lack of exert advice on camera placement.
When a professional surveillance company is called in by a client, they analyze the client’s needs and carefully plan the placement of each camera. This is especially important in the client is working with a tight budget and can only afford a few cameras. Camera placement is as important as camera selection but it is something that comes from experience and technical skill; it doesn’t come packed in a box from a superstore.
A surveillance professional can tell where the cameras should be placed, if hidden cameras should be used and will advise the client on how to get the most out of their new surveillance system.
The next issue with footage is the inability to record quality footage. A client’s cameras are only as good as the DVR recording the footage. The cameras can be high-end and catch every second of an event but this is useless if there isn’t a DVR capable of recording the footage at that same high quality.
This is another aspect where the surveillance professional comes to the rescue. A professional surveillance consultant can match up cameras to DVR, as well as training the client so that they are able to call back important footage and export it in a portable format, such as CD-ROM or DVD.
Check out our other articles on how much a surveillance system should cost and whether fake cameras will save the client money.
Case Study
Small Retail Business Surveillance Plan
Business: Small Gift Shop, 800 square foot storefront
Budget: Since this is a very small business, the surveillance budget is small. The owner wants quality cameras but wants the surveillance system to be as economical as possible.
See our article How Much Should a Surveillance System Cost? for more details on surveillance system prices and how to get the most out of your surveillance budget.
Solution: Given the store’s size and budget, a four-camera setup with a four-channel DVR is the best option.
Cameras and DVR: The recommended camera for this situation is the IC Realtime ICR300h 600tvl dome camera. Four of these cameras will be installed in the store, carefully placed to get maximum coverage. Because the store owner cannot afford to add hidden cameras, special attention is given to camera placement in order to capture the faces of anyone committing a crime in the store.
Of course, cameras are only as good as the DVR they work with. An IC Realtime 4-Channel Flex DVR will be able to capture the image quality required for prosecutable imagery.
Finally, the store owner must be trained in the use of the new cameras and DVRs. The goal is to make the business owner able to call back the footage they need, as well as record it to a portable format.
How good should your surveillance footage be? Just what do we mean by “Prosecutable Imagery”? Will discount surveillance systems work for you?
If you have been a regular reader of this website, you will see the phrase “prosecutable imagery” crop up again and again. Just what does this phrase mean? Isn’t any surveillance footage a good thing? Brand X cameras may not be perfect but they get the job done, right?
Wrong! You see, quality security camera footage is a key component is finding the bad guys and making sure that they are prosecuted for their crimes.
Let’s say that you have a retail store and are using a camera and DVR set from a big box retailer. The worst case scenario occurs and the store is robbed after closing hours. In this case, surveillance footage is the best evidence you have to find and prosecute the robbers.
I think we are all familiar with the cliched surveillance crime footage. The jerky images, those grey blobs that are supposed to be the prime suspect… And this, in a nutshell, is the problem with choosing the cheapest cameras on the market: The footage that you get is so poor there is almost no point in having cameras at all.
Now let’s compare the footage from a higher quality camera. In this article, we will be showing the IC Realtime Super Night Vision Outdoor AF 22X Zoom Camera. This is a nighttime shot.
Now, compare that to jittery footage that we see on the evening news. I think it’s pretty obvious which surveillance footage will nab the suspects.
In the end, this is what we mean when we write about prosecutable imagery. Footage that is good enough for the indentification of suspects and their vehicles.
In order to ensure high quality surveillance footage, it is important to remember that the cameras must have at least 500 lines of resolution. Also, the surveillance system DVR must be able to record at that quality level. It won’t do your client any good to have high quality cameras if the DVR is unable to record the footage at the highest quality as well.
In order to ensure the best image quality possible, it is essential to make sure that you select the right camera for your client’s needs.
Do Fake Surveillance Cameras Work?
Let’s start with the facts: Quality surveillance systems can be quite an investment for a small business or home owner. However, there is a tempting way for potential clients to save money. Fake cameras are cheap, easy to install and they can look impressive to the untrained eye. Are they a viable option for your client? No, and let me explain why.
One of the main arguments in favor of fake cameras is that surveillance cameras are mainly there for prevention of crime. In theory, fake cameras should be just as effective as the real ones.
The first major flaw with this argument is that a surveillance system is not just about prevention. It is about prosecution if a crime does occur. Prevention is great but when push comes to shove, the fake cameras are not going to be there for your client. I like to compare it to buying car insurance. Sure, buying cheap, barebones insurance will save money in the short term but what if there is an accident? Too bad. Installing fake cameras means that the client is betting on no crime ever occuring in their home or business.
The second flaw in the prevention argument is that fake cameras can look, well, fake. To the home owner or business owner they may look pretty good. To the trained eye of a security professional and, sadly, some criminals, the dummy cameras are painfully obvious.
In many cases, fake cameras are really nothing more than a placebo for the business owner. I am reminded of an acquaintance who was the owner of a small retail business. Inventory shrink was a problem since she sold many small, expensive items. To prevent shoplifting, she installed some dummy cameras and put the more expensive items in a locked display case. The expensive items in the case were safe but the rest of the items in the store continued to be stolen at the same rate as before. However, the business owner bragged about how effective her dummy cameras were because her most expensive items were untouched. The locked display case, by the way, was given no credit at all.
Of course, I realize that cameras from name brand companies like IC Realtime cost a bit more than their ersatz cousins. However, a real surveillance system also means that the client is able to determine if something untoward has taken place, offer prosecutable images to law enforcement and have a real record of any criminal activity in their home or business.
I wish I could say that there was a bargain basement answer to surveillance systems. The simple fact is you get what you pay for. Check out our article on how much a surveillance system should cost. And always remember that the real thing is always the best choice.
Security and Cameras Reviews the IC Realtime EL411PIXIM
Many security camera installers fear having to mount cameras which face a window or door. Doors and windows present a special problem because they allow large amounts of light into rooms which overpower camera sensors. Every time I speak to a new client they tell me that “they were told” cameras cannot face doors or windows.
Now we security people know the value inherent in having a camera facing a main entry door or an important window for a department or jewelry store. If we have to keep each camera facing in the “wrong direction” so to speak it is extremely limiting in regards to a security system’s efficacy. I know I want to see who is entering a room or building, and getting the back of their head just won’t cut the professional mustard.
In answer to this frustrating problem is a sophisticated and effective new technology known as Wide Dynamic Range or WDR. Wide Dynamic Range technology allows camera sensors to take a high shutter speed image of a very well lit area like a doorway, and a regular or slow shutter speed image of a shaded or dark area and combine them together for an amazingly well constructed image made up of the two shots. In fact, you end up seeing both the light and dark area as if they were taken at the same shutter speed.
As a matter of practice I no longer use any indoor dome or box camera unless it is a WDR based camera system since I cannot afford to suffer from poor image quality in my projects. I have used the ICRealtime EL-411 Pixim extensively on my projects and they have performed beyond my initial expectations. Imagine the ability to grab faces no matter the existing or changing lighting and not having to worry about someone opening a shade on a sunny day and your camera images going to hell in a hand basket.
The EL-411 Pixim Camera incorporates an Intelligent CDS sensor and mechanical day/night dual filter system for sensitivity to Infrared light when night vision is essential to your job. The filter accurately switches on and off changing images from colour to black and white at light illumination of 5 lux. and has an external IR illumination switch for the addition of extra IR illumination. The camera comes in a 540 TVL model, but can be purchased in a number of configurations which include an indoor dome version called the EL-400 and vandal proof dome called the EL-420.
With CCTV technology moving as fast as it is, don’t get left behind thinking you need to keep your cameras in steady lighting. With WDR sensors, a new world of imaging is opening up and your possibilities are greatly increased. In the end, this technology will lead to more effective security, happier customers, and amazing picture quality.
This ICRealtime review was written by Brian Levy
Everything You Wanted to Know about Installing Surveillance Cameras that Get Results PART TWO
At this point it might make sense to start talking about the different type of sensors, how CCD sensors and are most prominent imaging sensors found in most security cameras and how they are different from CMOS sensors, but wait, this discussion might just start putting you to sleep and that is not my goal.
So we are going to move on to some more core factors relating to video quality which will greatly help you identify the right camera for the job. Perhaps at some later time we will talk about how CCD sensors are better for night vision than CMOS, and why CMOS is the most prominent sensor in Internet Protocol based cameras a topic we will get into shortly.
Considering our current predicament of living on a planet that rotates once every twenty four hours, we need to talk about night time imaging via security cameras since we spend a good portion of lives in the dark. The ability to see in low light (or no light) is an important factor to consider when looking at both indoor and outdoor cameras. Actually, now that I have brought up indoor vs. outdoor cameras I could venture into a discussion of the difference, but that will have to wait a bit because we need to first talk about night viewing.
Each camera’s sensor has a lot to do with its ability to see in low light. If the sensor is not sensitive enough, you just can’t see very well at night. As you probably know, the camera sensor is a lot like the rods and cones in the back of your eye which give you the ability to see at night. Not all camera sensors are equal, and many sensors are terrible at night vision.
This brings to mind those retail outlet style cameras with their poor night vision quality and a story about a silly conversation I had once with a customer. It turns out that contrary to my polite and unselfish explanation as to why she ought to stay away from retail style cameras, she went out and bought a retail surveillance system for her store. One day when she had me over to do some networking work on her Internet router (this had to do with getting her DVR on the Internet) she sheepishly complained about the night vision quality of her inexpensive retail cameras and how little she could see with them at night. I turned to her and said in the nicest way possible,” you need to spend more money for good night vision.” She responded,” I would never spend over $200 on a camera!”
The facts are that I never brought up the amount she needed to spend, because it would certainly be a bit more for good night vision. I didn’t have the heart to tell her that an effective night vision camera can run around $300-$500 per camera. I didn’t have the heart to tell her she was cheap and short sighted and that her store was an easy target for some neighborhood criminal looking for a quick score. So I kept my information to myself, since her ears were obviously filled with some kind of thick and oozing wax. I came to this conclusion since she didn’t hear me originally when I told her retail store camera systems were a waste of money and would never give her quality or prosecutable imagery.
I’m going to now get slightly technical on you and talk about light sensitivity measurements, but don’t worry, just pay attention to the next few sentences and you’ll be able to know what kind of numbers will give you effective night vision even if you don’t follow me completely. I’m not trying to hurt you, but we need to address some numeric values and it will be helpful enough and necessary. Take a deep breath and steel yourself.
When we look at night vision sensitivity it is measured in numbers like .0002 or .1 or .001 lux. The more zeros before the number and after the decimal the better. So if you have to choose between a camera with a light rating of .2 lux or a camera with .0002 lux, which one is better? That’s right, the .0002 lux rating. Actually, it’s much better. Now that wasn’t too hard was it? Just remember, the more sensitive the camera, the more zeros will appear after the decimal.
Everything You Wanted to Know about Installing Surveillance Cameras that Get Results PART ONE
There are so many security camera manufactures putting out a dizzying array of products that its hard even for experts to understand when to use the right camera for the correct application. This is the reason I have decided to start this guide and which can help anyone from an old analog camera pro up to a seasoned Internet camera jockey. We will talk about the difference between domes and bullets, and cover the total spectrum of add-ons and features with fancy names like WDR, OSD, Infrared, and even the word subnet.
When I get called into a new client and they take me into an old closet or a new data center and show me their security camera setup, I look in wonder at the sloppiness and lack of professionalism of the installation. Usually I find large messes of wires entangled in bundles, cheap BNC connectors coming apart with their coax braids peeping out, and the wrong cameras strung up with what only seems to be lack of enthusiasm for what they were doing.
I’m not going to get into a discussion on large consumer chain camera products sold to worried home owners who have a false sense of security buying a “package” DVR and camera bundle. I’m not going to explain how these packaged products are made with only the cheapest of components and are engineered to show the owner only that there may be a human being in the area of their camera, and that it cannot display any level of picture detail due to poor resolution. This guide is not for homeowners or consumers; it is for integrators and dealers. If there is a homeowner out there in the audience who would like to learn something substantial about security video technologies and they have the muster to continue reading, I guess there is no harm in it as long as they realize that this article is those individuals that are looking to put together an effective surveillance systems that can get results.
When we talk about “results” I am referring to the ability to record detail, color, distinguishing characteristics that can lead to the prosecution of said criminals crossing by the CCD (or CMOS) sensor of your security camera and give law enforcement the ability to get their man or woman depending on the location. Crime is an equal opportunity business that does not always favor the sex or race of a person. It doesn’t matter if you work for retail outlets or wind farms, there are always vandals, thieves, and troublemakers about looking to hone in on an angle and get what’s not coming to them.
Please do not be fooled into thinking your employees are angels sent from heaven without temptation or guile. A recent University of Florida study found that 59% of business crime is done by employees of the firm. It’s trouble from the inside that is more likely to bite you. So let’s open our eyes, take off our rose colored glasses and get down to facts.
Camera resolution is a really important factor in selecting a camera. It’s hardly the whole picture, and there are a lot of other factors to consider, but it is a good place to start. Camera resolution refers to the number of pixels (dots) that make up the camera image and the more pixels the better the picture is going to be on the screen. It’s a basic rule when it comes to cameras, the more dots the more detail your image is going to have. If you open a security product catalog and look at the large array of cameras offered, you will see camera resolutions running the gamut from 300 TVL to 600 TVL or more. Most retail store outlets sell cameras in the 300 or 400 line arena due to their low cost and their ability to bet that most consumers will never know the difference between a low quality picture and a good quality picture. Most professionals, of course depending on their customer base, will use 500 TVL and up since it can deliver clear and detailed images that can be used effectively in a court of law. I know, this is a complex topic and resolution is hardly the end all be all of camera features, but it is a darn good starting point. At the time of the writing of this article in January 2012, most cameras being sold professionally are in the 600 TVL range. I am not going to get into the details of TVL yet, or maybe ever, since I need to get in as much information as possible and I am not trying to make you an engineer, just a good security video integrator.
In part two of this series, we will discuss sensors and light sensitivity.
The Hidden Camera: Three varieties of covert cameras from IC Realtime reviewed
The Smoke Detector Camera, one of many choices for hidden/spy cameras
The spy camera. For all of its 007/private eye reputation, the covert camera has an important role to fill in the world of video surveillance. As we brought out in the article Hats and Hoods vs. The Hidden Camera, a combination of obvious and covert cameras creates a much more effective surveillance system.
Today we are going to be reviewing three covert cameras hidden in everyday objects.
Note: Be sure to check your state’s surveillance laws before installing covert cameras. There may be laws governing where these cameras may be placed.
ICRealtime Color ‘Smoke Detector’ Camera
| TV System | NTSC |
|---|---|
| Image Sensor | 1/3″ Sony Color CCD |
| Resolution | 420 TVL |
| Picture Element | 512(H) x 492 (V) |
| Minimum Illumination | 0.1 Lux |
| S/N Ratio | >48 dB |
| Electronic Shutter | >Up-to 1/100,000 sec |
| White Balance | Auto White Balance |
| Gamma | 0.45 |
| Lens | 3.7mm Pinhole Lens |
| Video Output | BNC 1.0 Vp-p, 75 Ohms |
| Audio Output | RCA Female |
| Power Supply | 12 VCD (+/-10%) |
| Power Consumption | 150 mA (+/-10%) |
| Operation Temperature | -10°C ~ 50°C (14F ~ 130°F) |
The big advantage of this hidden camera is that it really is a smoke detector that happens to have a camera.
IC Realtime also makes a motion detector that conceals a hidden/spy camera
ICR-PIR Color Motion Detector Camera
| TV System | NTSC |
|---|---|
| Image Sensor | 1/3″ Sony Color CCD |
| Resolution | 420 TVL |
| Minimum Illumination | 0.1 Lux |
| S/N Ratio | >48 dB |
| Lens | 3.7mm Pinhole Lens |
| Video Output | BNC 1.0 Vp-p, 75 Ohms |
| Audio Output | RCA Female |
| Power Supply | 12 VDC (+/-10%) |
| Power Consumption | 150 mA (+/- 10%) |
| Operation Temperature | -10°C ~ 50°C (14F ~ 130°F) |
Again, this product is an actual working motion detector.
ICR-FSC (Fire Sprinkler Camera)
IC Realtime also offers a hidden/spy camera concealed in a dummy fire sprinkler
| Image Sensor | 1/3″ SONY CCD |
|---|---|
| Picture Elements | EIA/NTSC: 512 H x 492 V – CCIR/PAL: 512 H x 582 V |
| Horizontal Resolution | 500 TVL |
| Minimal Illumination | 0.1 Lux |
| Horizontal Sync. Frequency | EIA/NTSC: 15.73 KHZ – CCIR/PAL: 15.625 KHZ |
| Vertical Frequency | EIA/NTSC: 60 HZ – CCIR/PAL: 50 HZ |
| Clock Frequency | EIA/NTSC: 19.0699 MHZ – CCIR/PAL: 18.9375 MHZ |
| Lens | Pinhole Lens 3.7mm |
| Video Output | 1Vp-p, 75 Ohms |
| Gamma | 0.45 |
| Power Supply | DC12V |
| Power Consumption | 150 mA |
| Storage Temperature | -30°C ~ 60°C (-22 to 140°F) |
| Operation Temperature | -10°C ~ 45°C (14 to 113°F) |
This is dummy fire spinkler with a 3.7 Pinhole Lens 500 lines High Res.
Security & Cameras 