Photography Blog

Going on a long, relaxing vacation usually involves taking lots of pictures, so you pack a camera bag with your gear and head out.  Unfortunately, you sometimes find that packing a camera and gear for your vacation and actually toting them around and using them are two very different things.  The wrong kind of camera bag can become such a problem that you end up leaving your camera behind in your hotel room so you don’t have to hassle with it.

Small Camera Bags for Sightseeing

If you have simple point and shoot camera, your best bet is a nice, lightweight camera bag that will tuck into your pocket, purse or a belly pack so that you aren’t carrying extra weight or bulk you don’t need.  Most point and shoot or auto-focus cameras don’t need extra compartments for lenses and attachments.  The primary purpose of your camera bag will be to protect the lens from scratching and to keep your camera safe from being banged around or dinged up.  

If you’ll be putting your camera in your pocket or purse, you may simply need a soft, drawstring camera bag that can easily be tucked away.  Look for ones that feature a lock on the drawstring for added safety.  These are ideal for vacations that focus on sightseeing and guided tours where the risk of more severe camera damage is minimal.

If you’ll be going somewhere more rugged and are worried about bumps and dropping, consider a small padded camera bag.  You can find some excellent ones that also feature enough room for extra batteries or a lens polishing cloth.  For versatility, look for a compact camera bag that can be attached to a belt, carried with a padded handle, and includes a removable shoulder strap so that you have your camera available at all times without having to carry it.

The Wrong Camera Bag Can Drag You Down

Some people are so excited about their camera and gear that they purchase an expensive camera bag with every feature imaginable so that they can carry lenses, cameras, filters, flashes and tripods in one case or bag.  This is an excellent idea for photo opportunities when you will “want it all.”  However, on vacation you will generally want to streamline what you carry, paring things down to the essentials.

It may seem like a great idea to have an oversized backpack camera bag, but about four hours into a major sightseeing hike in Egypt, you’ll be cursing the cumbersome backpack.  For this reason, anyone who has a backpack camera bag may want to consider investing in an additional holster camera bag for day trips where a lot of walking or travel of any kind is involved.  Holster style camera bags keep you camera handy while leaving your arms free without weighting you down.  They are large enough to hold some essentials such as extra batteries and additional memory but small enough to be comfortable all day long.

If you discover the perfect site for taking sunset photos or some lush scenery you’d like to photograph using a variety of photo techniques, you can always come back later with a larger camera bag full of the gear you need.  This way, you only carry as much as you need when you need it instead of lugging around a lot of stuff you don’t need four out of five days.

If you’re planning a vacation and aren’t sure what style of camera back is right for you, research the different sizes and styles and ask yourself these questions:

•    How much do I need to fit into my camera bag?
•    Do I want to carry my camera bag or be able to wear it?
•    Will I need quick access to my camera?
•    How long will I spend carrying my camera bag as opposed to actually using my camera?

If you’re still not sure, talk to a customer service person who can guide you to the right camera bag for your vacation needs. And have a great trip!

Home security cameras are available in a wide array of styles and features. Home and business owners can choose the camera that best fits need and budget. Wired and wireless versions make choosing the perfect fit even easier.
Home Security cameras are available in wired, wireless, daytime and night-vision types. Here are a few of the most often used types.

Fake Home Security Cameras

Fake cameras are available. These cameras look like real security cameras but aren’t cameras at all. Fake warning stickers are also available. These items give the illusion that the property is protected and someone is watching.
Intelligent Video Surveillance Home Security Cameras

Intelligent video surveillance cameras involve the use of equipment set to actively monitor areas and/or activities. Daycares and hospitals use this type of surveillance to monitor areas where there should not be anyone present.  This type of camera can also let the viewer know when something changes in the monitored area, i.e., a package is left behind.
Future intelligent cameras will have the ability to recognize features and therefore let the viewer know if someone other than an authorized person is present.

Wide-angle Home Security Cameras

Cameras featuring a wide-angle lens, usually dome shaped, produce images free of distortion and cover larger areas at a time. Some cameras can cover a field as large as 151 degrees.

Wired Home Security Cameras

Wired home security cameras send images to a recorder for viewing on computer or television. Images are sent through the wire to a recorder.

Wireless Home Security Cameras

Wireless home security cameras utilize wireless technology to send images. Cordless phones, wireless internet connections and other wireless objects can interfere with the wireless camera signal. Improved encryption of wireless technology makes preserving the integrity of a wireless connection easier.

Considering Home Security Cameras

When considering home security cameras, be sure to address the purpose of the camera, the location of the camera, and whether wireless or wired is more suitable.

Most home owners using home security cameras are using them for security purposes. They’re watching the nanny or the babysitter to make sure children and pets are cared for properly. Other uses include monitoring the behavior of other family members, such as teenagers or a spouse.

Location is a factor in camera choice. Will cameras need to be hidden? How hard will it be to get power to the camera? Will it be difficult to hide the wire running to the recorder? Will a camera that blends with surroundings be required? Where will the camera be used? Indoors or out, lighting is a factor.

Hidden Home Security Cameras

Hidden home security cameras come in a wide variety of sizes and shapes. Tiny cameras can be purchased for hiding or objects can be purchased with cameras built in. Some available hidden camera items include various clock designs, DVD player designs, VCR designs, sunglasses, pens, smoke detectors, plants, air fresheners and sprinkler heads.

Night Vision Home Security Cameras

Night vision home security cameras with infrared are also good for low-light areas. The infrared allows the camera to see and record images it wouldn’t otherwise pick up.

Home security cameras are an affordable and powerful tool for home and business owners. The variety of types available make it possible to fit the right camera to the need.

A photography career requires more than a good eye and skills with a camera; good photographers must have drive, technical know-how, creativity, and business sense. Attending a photography school online could be a great way to develop these skills. But before you apply to that online photography college, here are some hints to help you get started and eventually reach your goals.

Know Your Photography School Goals
What kind of photography do you want to practice? Are you interested in photojournalism, family portraiture, commercial photography, or special event photography? Knowing your career goals can help you narrow down programs and figure out the amount of time you can expect to spend in photography school. The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that photojournalists, industrial photographers, and scientific photographers typically need a bachelor’s degree in photography or in the field that interests them, whereas other types of photographers can take a few courses or gain knowledge through experience.

Know Yourself
Contrary to romantic images of photographers easily snapping instantly-beautiful photographs with excellent balance and proportion, a successful photography career requires a variety of skills, many of which you’ll want to develop during your course of study:

Technical expertise
A good eye
Creativity
Stamina
Good business sense

The last skill may be particularly important; according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than half of all photographers are self-employed, which means that good business skills are crucial for a photography career. So even if you’re interested in a branch of photography that requires less training, you may want to take online business classes just to keep your head above water financially.

Know Your Online Photography Schools
Not all online schools are equal! Infamous diploma mills often offer degrees that can be bought at a price, sometimes involving little to no work on the part of the student and, accordingly, little to no acquisition of knowledge. Don’t waste your time and money getting a degree from a diploma mill. Check out the website for the U.S. Department of Education Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs, where you can find out whether the online photography school in which you are interested is accredited.

Know Your Financial Aid
According to a New York Times article, online degree programs typically cost about the same as traditional programs, with the added bonus of saving on commuting gas, housing, and food. But students can save hundreds or even thousands of dollars each year on tuition through available scholarships. There are scholarships based on your major, state, ethnicity, need, gender, career goals, or even your parents’ jobs. So how do you get them? First, you have to know what they are. CNNMoney.com suggests the scholarship search Web sites Fastweb.com, Petersons, and CollegeBoard.com. Knowing where to look is the first step toward saving money on your online photography school.

Once you’ve done the homework, you’ll be better equipped for studying successfully at photography schools online. The photography field is very competitive, so make the most of your studies at online photography schools.

There are a lot of people who seriously consider photography as a career. There are many who feel that engaging their life in taking pictures is a fulfilling experience. But this venture requires a sound education in photography.

Just like any school, it is essential to select a photography school that will meet all the needs and requirements of the students for a good quality education. Here are some tips that will help you select a photography school that suits your needs:

• Look beyond
While choosing your school, you should be able to see the bigger picture. You need to consider your general goals pertaining to your career before selecting a photography school. There are a number of tracks that chosen in the photography field. If you want to involve yourself artistically through photography, there are a number of subjects you could choose that will facilitate this. In case you are more commercially inclined, there are a number of schools you could choose from that offer business courses along with the photography lessons.

• There is more to photography
If you are taking photography because you want to run away from the tough subjects such as math, then bad luck, because photography involves all these subjects in order to equip you to survive in the race. As most photographers go ahead to start up their own studio, it is best that students take up courses in accounting, business management, marketing and other related subjects.

• Find out your class strength
If there are too many students in your class, you might not be able to get the best of your course. The instructor may not be able to pay individual attention to you and will be prohibited form giving you hands on supervision that can hinder your learning process.

• Look for Computer Courses
Any reputed photography school will have courses that are related to computers. Photography is a very competitive field, and it will give you the edge if you have enough knowledge in computers. With digital photography, using computers and having computer expertise has become a compulsory option.

• Scholarships
Look for a photography school that offers some sort of financial aid to their students. Photography is not a cheap business and buying equipment can prove to be very costly.

These are just a few tips on how to go about looking for a good photography school. Selecting the right school for you is very important. This can help you decide where you want to go and determine how to get there.

This morning, I read an article titled if done right; photo slideshows can add personality and fun to a wedding. One couple want their gusts at their wedding to understand how they fell in love, so they plan to present a slideshow with photos of them growing up and growing together as a couple. Of course, the assistant is a smart and elegant digital photo frame.

It is really a neat idea and an extra way to remind you, as a guest, where you are and how special it is you are there. Because what the digital photo frame shows are not only the photos of the couple but also of important guests including you.

Slideshows have become common at weddings. Experts say they must be done properly to succeed. Choosing a right and perfect-performance digital photo frame matters much. Then how to choose a right digital photo frame?

According to the free encyclopedia-Wikipedia, a digital photo frame (also called digital media frame) is a picture frame that displays digital photos without the need to print them or use a computer.

Due to the great convenience of digital photo frame, it enjoys a growing popularity around the whole word not only among wholesale electronics manufactures but also electronics consumers. However, not all of the consumers are satisfied with the digital photo frame they purchased from a wholesale electronics online store.

Some consumers complained that a digital photo frame’s 480-by-234-pixel screen resolution is the kiss of death. It makes images appear boxy, jagged, and pixelated. Some grumble the mats for one frame’s surround suffer from poor design that gets in the way of usability. Others murmur at poor contrast levels which make images look a bit washed out… Then how to choose a really good digital photo frame? According to different reviews and experts’ suggestion, we conclude the following rules for your reference.

The first and foremost factor should be the digital photo frame’s resolution.

Surely, you want to see your pictures clearly and sharply. So please never settle for a digital photo frame with resolution below 640 * 480 Pixels. For example, if a digital photo frame’s resolution is 480 *234 pixels, this is too low to display details and most of its images will look boxy and pixilated—no bargain! Consider only frames with a resolution of 640-by-480 or higher.

The second rule you should take into consideration is the size and aspect ratio of the digital photo frame.

On today’s market, many electronics wholesalers launch various digital photo frame with the size range from mini1.5 inch to as large as 17 inch.

The choice is up to your need and taste.

Digital Photo frames typically come in one of two aspect ratios:4:3 or 16:9. By default, most point-and-shoot digital cameras capture photos in 4:3-the best fit for your photos, as 16:9 frames will have to crop a piece of the top and bottom of your photos to fit the image on the LCD screen. On the other hand, the 16:9 aspect ratio gives your images a pleasing widescreen feel, which might be a better bet for some.

Thirdly, the functions of digital photo frame.

With the rapid development of modern technology, digital photo frames have been incorporated into more advanced features and function. Most digital photo frames display the photos as a slideshow and usually with an adjustable time interval. They may also be able send photos to a printer.

Other may support additional multimedia content, such as movie clips recorded in a digital camera’s movie mode, MPEG video files and/or MP3 audio. Many can display text files. Certain frames can load pictures over the Internet from RSS feeds, photo sharing sites such as Flickr, Picasa and from e-mail. Such networked models usually support wireless (802.11) connections.

So it is also up to your needs. Of course, the price also rises up with the added functions.

Fourthly, you do not have to only focus on brand names.

Most of us had high hopes for HP’s first digital photo frame, but we are disappointed to find that the company built it around a dismal LCD riddled with scaling problems that produced jagged, grainy images. And this digital photo frame also had a hard-to-maneuver menu system that made it difficult to recommend.

On the flip side, many consumer electronics wholesaler like Chinazrh present high quality digital photo frames and other wholesale electronics. Just take the 8inch Touch Screen Digital Photo Frame with Wifi for example. This digital photo frame cannot only display sharper and clearer  pictures as you expect but also comes With many various added functions such as weather report, IP Radio, News, YouTube, Stock Gmail etc- you will achieve much more fun and convenience from the product.

With the above on mind, you are bound to choose your ideal digital photo frame. Why not take serve seconds to come to one of the best wholesale electronic online store-Chinazrh. What you are going to enjoy is not only high quality digital photo frames but also considerate and thoughtful service.

What do we mean by Digital Photography Equipment?

Digital cameras are in vogue today and almost everyone carries one everywhere. It reminds one of the Japanese tourists in Europe or America decades ago who became the best ambassadors of Canon, Ikon, Yashika and other famous brands. Today the same companies are manufacturing digital photography equipment and competing with other digital firms around the world. Good and sharp results have always been the requirements of the photographer and digital products do offer the best there is in the world today.

But it is not only about digital cameras alone! One also need several other equipment as ancillaries before your collection of a digital studio or even that small hobby room is complete. With computers controlling the processing and printing of photographs, it is essential to learn a bit of information technology as well to be successful in the use of digital photography equipment.

What equipment do we require for Digital Photography?

Quite obviously the first piece of equipment is a digital camera! The market is full of different makes and models of this product and one need to be very careful in choosing one for their use. For a novice the basic models will suffice while for the professional one may go for a SLR model that is much more sophisticated and has a lot of useful features.

The memory chip or key is an essential part of the digital camera and depending on the usage is rated in terms of MB capacity of storage, just like a hard disk or RAM memory chip!

The batteries used in digital photography equipment are important and only Nickel Metal Hydride or NIMH rechargeable cells must be used. The charger is an important part of the digital equipment and a 4-cell charger is recommended. At least 8 to 10 hours charging is required for the batteries to retain a useful charge life.

The advantage of a digital camera is that you can easily take snapshots of the family and even use the inbuilt self timer to do a remote photographic session. For this one requires a good standard tripod for best results. The tripod will ensure trouble free photography of even moving objects and is imperative as an ancillary to this hobby. This digital photography equipment is only the basics and several optional items can still be purchased.

The software that accompanies the digital camera is without fail the most important item in digital photography. It not only provides proper drivers for the operating system being used, but also bundles variety of image processing software and viewers to facilitate your handling of those lovable pictures that your digital photography equipment took!

Finally, it is always worth your while to review and investigate the multitude of digital cameras and items available in the market. The Internet and off line stores offer great discounts and models to suit almost every taste. One must also check those who have purchased digital photography equipment at one time or the other and have experienced the immense pleasure one gets out of this – let us call it – a social hobby!

Having a beach wedding makes everyone even the people you hire to do the catering or the  photography feel more casual. Everyone is just less restraint then they would be at a formal wedding. This is the perfect way to bring back some fun in the wedding, because sometimes it feels like weddings are done just to confirm to the expectations of how it’s supposed to be.

You must make your wedding day the most perfect day for your life so you need to hire right person for the job. For the beach wedding photography, a photographer needs another view then a formal wedding photographer. They also need to feel relaxed and enjoy the unpredictable nature of beach wedding.

A wedding photographer should be more flexible and adventurous than the regular type of wedding photographer. But you must find the photographer with the right skills. Usually, a lot of professional photographers have some sort of portfolio; even they have many online portfolios today. This is a good way to make your first choice of photographers.

Beach photos are a great way to see the adventure or romantic sides of the photographers view. And photographer with shots of the beach under different circumstances is usually the best. On a sunny day, with a clear blue sky, the ideal situation, but when he or she also can make a great picture on cloudy days, with the wind and the sky is gray shows real professional.

You can preserve your memories with the beach wedding photography, it is important that you hire the right professional photographer to capture those relaxed, fun and carefree moments that can expect with a beach wedding. That job is to make sure you do not need to be restrained to traditional formal wedding pictures and that he can find ways to make the guests have the same effect.

That’s not true that you have a better chance to get a photographer in the city that have a beach nearby but it is worth the trouble to see some sites. You need to ensure that the beach wedding photography is a reflection of the important memories of the day.

Photographing your wedding on the beach does not need to cost more than formal wedding photography. You only need a photographer who is experienced in photography and enjoy the outside. If you need to make some budget cuts, we encourage you to read about wedding photography package at website.

A beach wedding is meant to get you in your natural element. This also makes you look more natural in the pictures. The sea is known for its effect to calm your anxious nerves. And that is probably why the pictures taken with beach wedding photography are so successful.

 

Digital schools for photography are emerging each day with various fee structure and courses. Earlier, photography was not a profession for everyone due to the huge expenses allied with films and its processing. There was not a huge market to sell someone’s photographs but today, clicking and sharing your photographs with the world just requires a good digital camera and a personal computer. Photography has stretched out into several streams and the equipments used in the photography industry are constantly changing.

Choosing the right school is the most important decision before you venture out in this field. For beginners and professional photographers; there are several courses available that can improve their knowledge and skills. Some tips for choosing a good photography school are:

General Photography Courses vs Specialized Courses- General photography courses usually target students who want to get an overall idea about photography. These courses usually cover topics such as exposure, composition and lighting techniques. These courses give you an outlook of the types of photography and how to advance in photography career. General Photography Courses are ideal for those who want to learn photography from scratch. However, if you are a photographer with basic knowledge in various photography techniques, a specialized course can be the best choice for you.

Photo Editing Software- Even though Adobe Photoshop is the most famous photo editing software, there are plenty of specialized softwares that can make your digital photography experience even better. When you approach photography as a career, a significant level of knowledge is required in photo editing softwares as well. Make sure to choose a course that offer basic photo editing classes as well.

Certification- Many institutes claim that their certificate is recognized by various organizations. However, check the value of these certificates before enrolling for a course. If you are a successful photographer, certificates may not be much of a help but for beginners, a good photography certificate can be an added advantage.

Fee- It is not necessary that you learn more if you pay more. There are many colleges that charge you a hefty sum but the course may not be actually worth it. Ask for the course curriculum and compare it with other institute’s curriculum so that it will be easier for you to find out a better idea about these courses. If you find that a particular institute’s fee is not worth it, move on and enroll for a better course.

Curriculum- Photography is an art as well as a science. A good photographer should know the artistic and scientific sides of photography for achieving a successful career. Make sure that your course covers the necessary scientific aspects of digital photography and editing.

It is not necessary that you should choose photography schools that offer you a university diploma or degree. There are online schools that offer digital trainings. These courses also work pretty well if you are willing to learn and practice what you learn in the course.

There are normally six things to look at before Selecting a CCTV security systems;

1. Camera Selection

2. Recording Options

3. Detection

4. Time and Date Stamping

5. Cable and Connectors

6. Camera Protection

1.0 Camera Selection

1.1 Location

Is the camera to be located indoors or outdoors? If outdoors then you need to ensure that it is appropriate for the environmental conditions that are likely to be encountered such as rain, snow, sun-glare, low light etc. Outdoor CCTV camera security systems Outdoor cameras should either be classed as weather resistant or mounted in a special enclosure to provide protection. All CCTV outdoor cameras provided by Voltek are weather resistant and the cable entry points are sealed. The leads are of sufficient length to enable connections to be made inside the building.

1.2 Light Levels

Choosing the right camera based on the amount of available light is very important for an effective security system. An ordinary colour or even monochrome camera will not give very good pictures in low light conditions although the monochrome will perform better than an equivalent colour one. Solutions available for low light conditions can include:

* B&W cameras with built in IR illumination

* Colour Day / Night cameras

* Use of additional security lighting

* Use of a separate IR illuminator in conjunction with a monochrome camera. When using IR illumination ensure that the range of the illuminators is adequate for your needs.

Light levels are usually measured in lux and although full daylight can be around 10,000 lux, dusk can be as low as 1-10 lux, complete darkness is 0 lux and side street lighting can also be less than 1 lux in some cases. The closer a camera is rated to 0 lux the better its performance in low light levels.

1.3 Colour, Black and White or Day Night Cameras

B&W cameras generally provide better image quality than colour ones at lower light levels. They are also usually cheaper than colour ones of equivalent specification. Colour cameras require the availability of good lighting and will generally provide better recognition capability. Day Night cameras provide the best of both worlds in an external environment. They operate as colour cameras during the day (or in good light conditions) and automatically change to B&W when the light levels drop. All Voltek Day Night cameras are supplied with built-in Infra-red illuminators which enable the cameras to see in darkness.

1.4 Wired or Wireless

Wireless CCTV cameras are easier to install. There is no cabling to run from the camera to the receiver and they are ideal for temporary applications, rapid deployment or where running cable is not desirable. TheDay Night wireless Security CCTV cameras cameras do however require a power source and whilst most will have the capability to be powered by batteries these do not have a very long life – a matter of hours in some cases. Wherever possible the cameras should be powered by the mains. Typical range for wireless camera systems is 100m free-space but this can reduce significantly to around 20 meters in a typical household environment. In some cases there is also the potential for interference when using wireless systems.

1.5 Visible Deterrence or Covert / Discreet Monitoring

For visible deterrence the use of larger cameras housed in traditional enclosures are ideal. For covert or discreet applications Voltek supplies Discreet or Covert CCTV security cameras that are:

* Very small and can be installed in covert locations, or

* In enclosures designed to disguise the presence of a camera.

Many of the cameras manufactured by Voltek are both stylish and discreet in the design of their enclosures and this makes them very suitable for domestic applications.

1.6 Audio

If the ability to monitor or record sound is important then the camera needs to have a built-in microphone. This enables one-way audio monitoring. Some cameras such as the SuperCam2 from Voltek have a 2-way speech facility that enables you to speak with your visitor without answering the door.

1.7 Camera Viewing Quality

The resolution, size and type of camera sensor will influence the quality of the viewable image.

Resolution – This is expressed as the number of television lines (TVL) that the camera is capable of producing. The higher the TVL value the greater the resolution and hence the quality of the images. A typical entry-level camera will be around 300 TVL with higher resolution cameras having a value of 400+ TVL.

Size – A larger image sensor will give a better image definition than a smaller sensor. For example, a 1/3” image sensor will produce a better image than a 1/4 ” sensor.

Type – There are 2 types of image sensor. CMOS sensors are mass-produced and used in entry-level cameras to provide cost savings. CCD sensors are used in professional CCTV cameras and provide a higher quality image.

It is important to remember that the quality of the recorder also influences the quality of the CCTV footage. For example, if you use a high-resolution camera but a low-resolution recorder then the CCTV footage that is captured will still be of low resolution.

1.8 Single Camera or Multiple Camera Systems

Do you need to protect and view a single area or multiple areas? If you are likely to require protection of additional areas at a future date then consider buying a system that can be expanded as and when required. Voltek has a range of products that will allow you to connect and use up to 4, 8 or even 16 cameras. These include:

Switchers – These are units that enable a multi-camera system to switch between the various cameras. The switching can be done in a number of ways:

* Manually by the user

* Automatic sequential switching between cameras

* Upon detection of movement by a PIR camera.

Multiple Security CCTV cameras with Switchers The cameras are connected to the switcher and the output from the switcher can be viewed on a TV or it can be connected directly to the recording device such as the VCR or DVD recorder. CCTV switchers can typically allow connection of upto 4 or 8 cameras. The Spectrum control units from Voltek also have additional built-in functionality such as automatic video activation and time and date stamp. It is important to remember however that using a switcher will only allow you to view and record one camera at a time.

Standalone DVRs – Use of digital video recorders allows single or multi-camera systems to be viewed and / or recorded simultaneously.

Voltek supplies a range of 4, 8 and 16 channel DVRs allowing you to install a very comprehensive cctv system.

PC-Based Security Systems – These make use of a PCI card that is fitted inside your computer. They will allow connection of upto 4, 8 or 16 cameras and help turn your existing PC into a sophisticated cctv system.

2.0 Recording Options

If you want to be able to record your CCTV footage then the following factors need to be taken into account:

* Maximum length of recording time required

* Quality of recording

* Method of recording:

o Continuous

o Manual

o Event Led – i.e. when your system detects motion

* Recording Equipment

o Analogue

o Digital

* Capability for storage, retrieval and transfer of cctv footage

2.1 Domestic VCR

This is a simple and low cost option that can provide good quality footage recorded in real time. VCRs can be used to provide continuous recording of up-to 8 hours or event led recording when used in conjunction with a PIR camera and a VCR activator. When using PIR cameras to carry out event led recordings you need to consider the start-up time for the VCR. For example, if the recorder takes a few seconds to actually begin recording each time it receives the signal from the camera then the event may have elapsed before it is recorded (a person walking across the camera range may have passed the field of view before the image is captured on tape). In these situations a separate PIR detector could be used to trigger the recording and overcome this problem. The other thing to bear in mind is that you cannot set the VCR to record a TV channel whilst the camera input is selected.

2.2 Domestic DVD Recorder

These operate on a similar principle to the domestic VCR but offer the additional benefits of:

* Higher quality digital recording

* Increased storage capacity

* Improved search and retrieval capability

However, for disk only recorders the start-up time before recording actually commences is generally longer than a VCR. To overcome this it is recommended that recorders with a built-in hard drive are used

2.3 Standalone Digital Video Recorders

These are rapidly becoming the most popular method of recording CCTV footage. Essentially a DVR is a standalone piece of hardware that is designed exclusively for recording CCTV footage. It has a number ofDigital Security camera recorders clear advantages over the traditional analogue systems and these include:

* Storage Capacity – Days, weeks and even months of high resolution recording is possible through use of large capacity hard drives

* Consistent Quality Recording – No deterioration of image quality no matter how many you overwrite onto the recording device or how long you store the images for

* Viewing and Retrieval – Quick and easy access of footage due to digital format

* Transfer and Storage – The digital format allows ease of transfer and storage of footage. Transfer and storage capability is further enhanced by DVRs with built-in CD writers and USB ports.

* Remote Access – Many DVRs have the capability for remote access from anywhere in the world through use of a remote PC

* Multiplexed Recording – Capability to view and record multiple cameras simultaneously.

2.4 PCI Cards

These are digital video capture cards that can be fitted inside your existing PC to allow the connection of multiple CCTV cameras. The functionality and benefits of PCI cards is very similar to that of DVRs.

3.0 Detection

Even with systems that have a very long recording capacity, it is not always desirable to record continuously. Event-led recording is a more efficient means of capturing relevant footage and can be achieved by:

3.1 PIR Movement Detectors

Some cameras have PIR detectors built-in and for those that don’t it is possible to install a separate PIR as part of the overall system. In multiple camera systems with PIRs the footage that is being displayed on screen will automatically change to the area that has detected movement.

3.2 Video Motion Detection

This is used in digital CCTV systems and works by analysing the video signal from a camera. Changes in signal are recognised as movement and subsequently used to trigger recording if required. All Voltek digital systems allow users to mark one or more rectangular areas within the display screen and only when motion is detected within these areas will the system begin recording. Where possible, use of PIR movement detection is preferable rather than video motion detection, as it more reliable particularly for external use.

4.0 Time and Date Stamping

This feature superimposes the time and date onto your CCTV footage. Having this feature can be really useful to identify when an event occurred and was recorded, particularly if the footage is to be used for evidence purposes. For domestic systems Voltek offers a separate time and date generator that can be added to your system. The Spectrum control CCTV securyty cameras has this facility already built-in. The facility is also integral to all the Voltek range of digital CCTV systems.

5.0 Cable and Connectors

Security camera wires connectors Cameras can be connected in a variety of ways. All our domestic cameras are supplied with 20m of cable and scart and / or phono plugs to connect directly into your TV, VCR or DVD recorder. All our professional cameras are supplied with 20m of cable and BNC connectors that will plug into our range of digital recorders. The Voltek camera leads can be extended upto 100m in total by the use of appropriate extension leads. Co-axial cable with a local power supply to the camera can enable the camera to be sited upto 250m away from the monitor or recording device. Detailed information on connectors and cable for each of the Voltek cameras is available on the relevant product page on the website.

6.0 Camera Protection

If your camera is likely to be a target for vandals then consider protecting it with one of Voltel wire cages is a Security camera wire cages

must. This not only saves your Security cameras from Vandalas but protects any evidences collected during the vandal acts.

We at For your Home along with Voltek really hope the following guide will help you in selecting the perfect security cameras for Your Homes and Gardens

Not sure what kind of hidden camera that you need? Hopefully this article will help.

Monitoring a room using video capturing equipment is fairly easy. There is a wide variety of equipment on the market to accomplish this. Listed below are some of the different types of equipment used to covertly capture video.

Miniature Wireless cameras

Hidden wireless cameras

Hidden IP cameras

Miniature Hard wired cameras

Hidden hard wired cameras

Motion activated all-in-one recording systems

Motion activated still shot cameras

Miniature Wireless cameras

Miniature Wireless cameras can be a suitable choice given the right situation. A mini wireless camera will need power to operate the camera, whether it is battery or plugged directly into the wall. Most mini wireless cameras will run on a standard 9 volt battery. The battery will last between 4 and 8 hours depending both on the battery that you choose and the camera specifications. I generally recommend plugging it into the wall when possible.

Some other considerations are where to conceal the camera and where/ what to record on or view the camera on. The camera could be easily hidden in a plant or you could build something to conceal the camera. Most mini wireless cameras have a pin hole lens so you can easily hide them in a box or possibly in a book or anything else that you can think of. You could even set the camera inside of an air vent looking out. Recording is probably the biggest obstacle. The receiver can be plugged into a TV for viewing live. However, If you cannot sit and watch all the time there is a good chance that you will miss all the action. You could also plug the receiver into a VCR to record onto a VHS tape. The problem there is that you have to find a place to hide the VCR and you can only record as long as the VHS tape will allow. For example, you start recording at eight o’clock in the morning when you leave for work. Your partner is due home at Two o’clock. If your tape will only hold six hours you are going to miss what you were trying get catch on tape. You could also you a digital video recorder with motion activation. This is probably a better choice, but still has problems. A Motion activated recorder works great with a hard wired camera, but has problems when it comes to wireless cameras. The way a motion activated DVR works is that it can sense the pixelation change coming through the camera when something moves and knows to record. All wireless cameras have interference. There is nothing you can do about it. It’s just the nature of the beast. When the DVR senses the change in pixels caused by interference it thinks it is motion and ends up recording almost all of the time.

There are better options that I will cover in the paragraphs to follow.

Hidden wireless cameras

Hidden wireless cameras, also know as a nanny cam, makes things a little easier because the camera comes pre hidden. You can get wireless cameras built into just about any thing you can imagine from televisions to air fresheners. While these cameras do make it easier you will still have the same concerns with recording as you would with a standard wireless camera.

Hard wired miniature cameras

Hard wired miniature cameras are definitely more reliable than wireless but still pose some problems. As with the wireless camera you still have to hide the camera and find a way to record or view the camera. The main problem with the hard wired camera is that you have to run a cable from the camera to the recording device. In some situations this may not be a problem, but in most situations it is not practical.

Recording is easier with a hard wired camera because you can use a motion activated DVR effectively. For instance in the example given for wireless cameras you could start recording when you leave for work and the motion activated DVR would not record anything until it saw movement in the cameras range. Most motion activated DVRs can be adjusted to record for a very long time. Pre hidden hard wired cameras can also be purchased.

Hidden IP cameras

Hidden IP cameras are similar to a hidden wireless camera in that they come pre concealed inside of many everyday items and they are also wireless. That is where the similarity ends. With an IP camera the video signal is sent through the electrical system of the house. The receiver is then plugged into a wall outlet near your computer and connected to a USB port on your computer. Using the software that comes with the system you can then view and record the images on your computer. An IP camera will also enable you to view your camera from anywhere in the world with internet access as long as the computer with camera connected to it is also connected to the computer.

The one drawback to an IP camera is that the software is not hidden on the computer. So, if your partner sees the software on the computer you may have some explaining to do.

Hidden still shot cameras

Hidden still shot cameras may be a good option depending on the circumstances. One of the best brands that I have found is the Home Guard. It is motion activated and records pictures at an adjustable frame rate when it senses motion. You can adjust the frame rate from one picture every second when motion is detected to ten pictures every second. I normally suggest setting it to take one picture every second.

There are no wires or cables, it records onto an internal chip and saves the images for future viewing. The Home Guard looks like an air freshener so it will “fit in” in any environment. Most of my clients that use the home Guard will take a sticker off of another air freshener product such as Glade or Air Fresh and place it on the home guard to make it more believable.

Motion activated all-in-one hidden camera

Motion activated all-in-one hidden camera/recording systems are my hidden camera of choice. They come in a very large selection of products making it easy to select one that will work in almost any situation.

These devices are totally self contained. They can be easily deployed and take away all of the worries that you may have with other choices that you may be considering to capture video.

The all-in-one units are motion activated and require no cables, receivers or external recording devices. Simply place the device where you want it and let it go to work. You can then view the video that it recorded right off of the unit itself or remove the SD card and view the video on a computer.

This is by far the easiest and most reliable of the options available to secretly capture video.