Security Cameras: A Buyer's Guide

Security cameras are your eyes when you aren't around – or when you can't watch everything happening in your home or business. Security cameras provide you with excellent surveillance security.

For a home or business, the presence of security cameras can:

• Catch shoplifters
• Deter potential thieves
• Monitor cash registers
• Identify visitors
• Monitor hazardous work areas
• Increase security in and around your home and business, including the parking area

• Meet insurance requirements

When you decide you want to install security cameras, the first thing you need to know before you buy is: what do you want to see?

Monitoring With Security Cameras

Where are you going to install your security cameras? What do you want monitored? Suggested areas are: Front door, Back door, Side door, Parking area, Office, Living area and Nursery

If you are monitoring your home, install security cameras where the most activity goes on in your home. If you are installing security cameras specifically to observe your housekeeper or nanny, be sure to install security cameras in all areas where they work, including the laundry room and especially your children's rooms.

At the office, aim security cameras at the entrance, back door, merchandise area, and most importantly the cash register.

Security Cameras: The Details

Once you know what you want to see, decide how you want to see it.

• Black and white?
• Color?
• Frame by frame?
• CCTV?
• Live screen monitoring?
• Taped for later review?

With security cameras you have a wide range of recording options. The type of security cameras you needs depends on what you want them to do. Will the system be constantly monitored, or recording and reviewed later? If you know the answer to this question, you know the type of security cameras you need to purchase.

If you plan to constantly monitor your cameras, you can choose to hook them up to individual monitors or all of them to a single monitor. If you plan on recording and reviewing the tapes, you need to decide if you want the videos recorded on VHS tapes, burned onto DVDs, or stored onto the hard drive of your computer.

Deterring and Catching

Security cameras can both deter criminals and catch them in the act.

• Security Cameras As Deterrents

If you want to prevent crime by using security cameras, you want to purchase big obvious security cameras. Post signs informing people that they are being taped. Often, criminals won't act if they know they'll be caught red-handed.

• Security Cameras As Evidence Collectors

If you suspect a crime is taking place and want to collect evidence, you will want more subtle security cameras. Hidden security cameras can catch household staff or other employees when they think you aren't looking. If you want your observation to go unnoticed, opt for hidden security cameras instead of blatantly placed ones.

Security Cameras and the Law

When installing security cameras (hidden or not) in your home or business, it is important that you are certain of the legality of your surveillance. Consult with a lawyer or your local law enforcement to ensure that you are meeting all the requirements of local, state, and federal security cameras surveillance laws.

Buying Security Cameras

So now you know what you need to consider before investing in a system of security cameras: location, type, and purpose. Once you know what you are looking for, explore the selection of security cameras to find the one that matches your requirements.