What type of security camera should I get?

chalkjhawk

I am looking at purchasing a security camera that I will use outside. Specifically, it will be pointing towards our driveway as well as the road, which is appoximately 25 feet away. It will definitely need to be able to capture good video at night. My question is, is there a particular type of camera that best suited for this? Let me also say that I would like it to be wireless, as well as accesible via the internet. I think a bullet camera with a lot of IR LED's is what I think I need but having never looked into security cameras before, I'm a bit lost, so any guidance or suggestions would be appreciated!

Answer
wireless isn't a good way to use security cameras. using wires to connect your camera will give you better picture quality and better signal. if you are interested in purchasing a camera with wires, then you should check out www.cctvdirectbuy.com. They have a wide selection of infrared security cameras to choose from. If you only need a camera that is 25ft away, they have a few bullet cameras with 21 IRs that can see about 30ft at night. if you want something better, they do have 42IR cameras, which can see about 50-60ft. Being able to view it online would be from the DVR setting, not the camera. If you need a DVR, they also have that. They also have complete DVR kits which include DVR, cables, cameras, power supply. All of their products are very affordable!

Is my boyfriend really installing a security camera in the house for safety reasons?

Lydia

My boyfriend was initially going to set up a security camera by the driveway at the gate entrance which I was ok with even though we live in a rural, low crime area, but he returned it and purchased an indoor camera that links to his iphone. He claims its for security, but it doesn't make sense to me to have it in the house, makes more sense to have by the gate so I know who I am letting in. We've been only together for 6 months. Do you guys think his claim that its for security reasons legitimate?

Answer
I think he wants the camera to spy on you maybe? He's probably really possessive and is afraid you'd cheat on him/are cheating on him. Talk to him about it?

Or maybe he's just really protective and doesn't want anything bad to happen to you... makes more sense to have the camera outside though!

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I need a security camera for my driveway?

Mask

Okay i live in Massachusetts, and recently my car & my father's car got flatten tires, Cost us hundred of dollars. It have been happen included today would be 3time in these 4 month.

I want to purchase a Security camera that i can put outside my house that can record 24/7 and have long hours playback. Any suggestion?

Answer
Go to the Harbor Freight website http://www.harborfreight.com/

They have cameras that have are not that expensive.

There are several stores in Mass, one in Attleboro, one in Worcester, one in Fall River and one in West Springfield. You can also order on line and have the items shipped to you.

Surveillance & security Cameras?

emuleiii

I want to install some Surveillance & security Cameras for my house. outside window. i am thinking maybe 3 sides of my house . front side, drive way side and the back side of my house. good enough to cover whoever can get into my driveway and back yard....
Which brand and model is the best ? i want something relatively easy to install and use . better something can just record directly to my computer.

Answer
For home use, recorded to computer, webcams work as well as anything else. Make sure the resolution is 640x480, plug 'em in, and you're set.

As for brands and all... there are only a few manufacturers, but the cams are sold under many brand names.

Many big-box home improvement stores, stores like Costco and Sam's Club, and even large department stores, sell security systems now. Cost can run from a hundred bucks for a simple system, to many thousands of dollars.

Look for the following:
1. Video is recorded in a standard format, like AVI. Real AVI, not some proprietary container format that requires the DVR software to work with. IF you need the video for something, you want everyone to be able to see it. Proprietary software is a pain in the posterior, and gets in the way more than anything else.
2. Resolution of at least 640x480. If you have the storage, even higher. Don't let anyone tell that 160x120 is "good enough", I can guarantee that it is most definitely NOT enough. Even 320x240, which is the default for many systems, is just barely good enough some of the time, and useless more of the time.
3. You don't need to store the video for years, but you need to have at least 7 days before the system rolls over and records on top of old video.
4. YOU need to know how to operate the equipment. Don't expect somebody else to come in and extract an event for you.

I don't install video systems, I'm the guy that has to retrieve the video off the system, and then try and make it into something useful. If you follow the 4 things I mention, your video will be of much more use in case you ever need it.

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Surveillance & security Cameras?

emuleiii

I want to install some Surveillance & security Cameras for my house. outside window. i am thinking maybe 3 sides of my house . front side, drive way side and the back side of my house. good enough to cover whoever can get into my driveway and back yard....
Which brand and model is the best ? i want something relatively easy to install and use . better something can just record directly to my computer.

Answer
For home use, recorded to computer, webcams work as well as anything else. Make sure the resolution is 640x480, plug 'em in, and you're set.

As for brands and all... there are only a few manufacturers, but the cams are sold under many brand names.

Many big-box home improvement stores, stores like Costco and Sam's Club, and even large department stores, sell security systems now. Cost can run from a hundred bucks for a simple system, to many thousands of dollars.

Look for the following:
1. Video is recorded in a standard format, like AVI. Real AVI, not some proprietary container format that requires the DVR software to work with. IF you need the video for something, you want everyone to be able to see it. Proprietary software is a pain in the posterior, and gets in the way more than anything else.
2. Resolution of at least 640x480. If you have the storage, even higher. Don't let anyone tell that 160x120 is "good enough", I can guarantee that it is most definitely NOT enough. Even 320x240, which is the default for many systems, is just barely good enough some of the time, and useless more of the time.
3. You don't need to store the video for years, but you need to have at least 7 days before the system rolls over and records on top of old video.
4. YOU need to know how to operate the equipment. Don't expect somebody else to come in and extract an event for you.

I don't install video systems, I'm the guy that has to retrieve the video off the system, and then try and make it into something useful. If you follow the 4 things I mention, your video will be of much more use in case you ever need it.

MY RIGHT TO A SECURITY CAMERA?

MY RIGHT TO A SECURITY CAMERA?

I LIVE IN OAKLAND, AND i PUT A SECURITY CAMERA UP OUTSIDE MY UNIT FACING THE DRIVEWAY AND STREET, i WAS INSTRUCTED BY MY LANDLORD TO REMOVE THE CAMERA.

I FEEL THAT IS SHOULD BE MY RIGHT TO PROTECT MYSELF AS A FEMALE LIVING ALONE, THIS IS SURPRISING TO ME AND i WOULD LIKE TO PUT THE CAMERA BACK UP AS SOON AS i FIND OUT WHAT THE LAW IS IN REGARDS TO THIS ISSUE, ANYONE KNOW?

GUESS IF THE CAMERA IS ILLEGAL, I SHOULD GO OUT AND GET MYSELF A GUN!

Answer
The issue as I read it from your question and from the discussion board isn't about the legality of the security camera, but rather about what you can do in the "public" area of your apartment building. Sadly for you, the answer is, "more or less whatever your landlord tells you". You don't own the stairwells, front door, or walk-up to your apartment; your landlord does.

Flip things around to his perspective: you're now responsible for the buildings and grounds, as well as attracting tenants, and without consulting you suddenly there appears a security camera right next to the front door. This is your property. Maybe you don't like the look of it--it's hostile and threatening, and you're afraid that it will put off possible tenants. Maybe you're offended that the tenant thought she could just put something up without consulting you--what's next, she repaints the front door? Whatever the reason, this is your property, and unless you've been giving out pretty weird leases, you control what goes on everywhere on the property except the actual rented units. It's your call.

My suggestion is that you not get confrontational. Your landlord holds all the cards here: he can make you take it down just because it's sunny out and the last digit of your zip code is three. If you owned a house and your neighbor put a security camera on your house looking at his yard, you could do the exact same thing, and sue him to boot. Your rental agreement covers only the inside of your apartment, so you're negotiating from the weaker position here. Your advantage: the camera is already up. Taking it down requires work, an alteration to the new status quo. So I advise that you politely approach your landlord, ask to talk to him about the camera, and explain why you felt it was necessary. Tell him that, in casual conversation with your neighbors, none of them had expressed dismay at it. You'll of course take it down if he feels strongly about it, but you think it could also act as a deterrent for acts of crime and vandalism--play up the good things about the camera. If he is concerned that one resident seems to have a position of power over the others, point out that the others don't mind, and that you're acting as an unpaid security guard. Offer to provide him the tapes whenever he asks. Bottom line: be as accomodating as you possibly can, play up the positives, and immediately follow up the negatives with solutions that re-emphasize the positives. You still may lose, but I think your chances are better this way than if you go to him with a signed petition, which seems combative and challenges his legitimate authority in the matter.

I put up a question to this effect at www.lawguru.com, under the Landlord/Tenant section in California. It should be addressed by a lawyer within the next week or two, so check back. It hasn't been posted yet, or I'd link to it here. Subject is, "Resident-installed security camera OK outside apartment?"

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Someone wrote racist statements on my driveway, what should I do?

best security camera for driveway image

Frogger

I got out this morning and noticed some one spray painted "Fuck Chinks" on my driveway. I saw some cars in my neighborhood with the rebel flag stickers so it might be one of them. I'm thinking of installing a security camera and getting a firearm. What else can I do to protect myself and my property?

Answer
Wash them off.

Will turning left in front of a stopped school bus get me a ticket in this case?

Big D

Today I was leaving the gas station in town and the driveway to the gas station is across the street from this one house, but the next driveway down. I was turning left and the school bus was letting off kids. There are no houses across the street from those houses, just businesses and that gas station. I was in front of the school bus stop arm and the bus, but the next driveway down. I made a left turn. Technically I did not pass the school bus, but I was thinking in my head that one of the kids could go get a snack after school from the gas station and walk around the front of the bus and towards the gas station. I wasn't thinking clearly, and I turned left. Never have been in this situation before. I always stop behind school buses. Do most buses have security cameras on the stop arm now days, and will they send me a ticket in the mail?

Answer
How close were you to the bus? Like 50ft? 100ft? 500? If you were 50ft away from it, you might get ticketed.

Also, it depends on how many lanes the road has. Because this road sounds like it was in the city (there were businesses all around), I'm assuming that it was a four-lane road (2 lanes on each side). If the road has 3 or more lanes, traffic does not have to stop for the bus unless it's behind it (at least in Ohio).

And I doubt that buses have cameras on them. I've never heard of it before. Usually if a driver does disobey busing laws, the bus driver will honk. Very loud. If the driver didn't honk at you, you're probably okay.

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Where can I find a hidden/covert outdoor security camera?

best security camera for driveway image

Judy

I've been searching the net trying to find the perfect hidden camera to monitor the front of my house. There's been burglaries in the neighborhood and just the other day some bastard busted up my car window and stole my speakers and amp.

Just so I can have some piece of mind, I'd like to look into a security/surveilance camera. I want something that can be hidden and doesn't look like a camera. I'd love to find something I could put in a potted plant out front, or something like that. The best thing I've found so far is a Flood Light that's a Hidden Camera, but it's non-functional and I have to have some kind of lighting in my driveway so that's not practical for me.

Any ideas?

Answer
There are a lot of wireless/nanny cameras out on the market now, but you are probably going to need a night time/low light camera if lighting is not practical in your driveway. Then you will also need to decide how you want to store your video either on a PC or VCR.

The other thing to consider with wireless cameras would be picture quality, so a wired camera might be a better option for you if there is any wireless interference. smarthome.com has a variety of brands but aer usually more expensive. x10 that has a pretty cheap wired camera that is black and white which performs better at night and it plugs right into a vcr

My neighbor used my driveway to shoot a video for you tube with out my permission. Is this trespassing?

WallyWally

No one was home on the property at the time. Discovered he had done this when I saw the video on youtube. Also he has a security camera on the front of his house which moves to point in my back yard sometimes. Is that an invasion of privacy?

Answer
It's perfectly legal to take pictures and video in places that are in full public view. In these kind of places there is no expectation of privacy. If he can see into your backyard, from his property, without taking any extra steps then there's not a problem. If he has to do something like climb a tree to see over the top of a privacy fence then it's an invasion of your privacy.

It's trespassing if you have posted no trespassing signs.

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Is it legal for someone to put security cameras facing the public street?

best security camera for driveway image

Pete

About a week ago my friends and I were playing football in my street just 3 people me and my 2 friends. My one friend overthrew me and it touched the tire of my neighbors car which is parked in the street. So he got mad and started a big thing about it. So a few days later I see him putting up security cameras facing the public street which is also facing my driveway is this legal?(p.s my friends and I are 12-14)

Answer
Since he is facing them toward an area that is not expected to be private, then it should be legal for him to place those cameras there. Law generally protects areas expected to be private, like private residence, public bathrooms, changing rooms, and other such locations. However, a street corner is not considered a private area.

Are you stretching the truth? I know that I wouldn't be spending that kind of money on cameras if someone hit my car with a football. I might get mad, it is a nice car. However, maybe he should be speaking to your parents if he really has a problem. If I saw some kids playing football, and they hit my car I would confront them in a manner that is appropriate. If the children persist, I would go to the parents. However, that said, he isn't prohibited from placing cameras on his property in this manner.

Of course, if these cameras are not placed carefully..... his neighbors can complain that his cameras are filming inside their homes... :-p

What do you think of this security camera system for my home ?

Q. http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0090E3L4O/ref=mw_dp_img_9?in=9&is=


The price is very reasonable and has good reviews. I have a 2 story home without a by backyard and driveway on one side for our truck and the other side for the garbage cans and a few small trees. Te felt of the house has trees covering the frot meaning you can hide in the front and no one will see you. I want this because its just me and my mother and would like to keep visual at all times. Could also avoid bogus law suits. Any opinions. I want the 16 channel one shown above because I want to survey every single angle I can. And want a couple in the house like garage and rooms we don't use alot,

Answer
go to www.techcctv.com or give them a call, they helped me with my security system

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Where can I find a hidden/covert outdoor security camera?

best security camera for driveway image

Judy

I've been searching the net trying to find the perfect hidden camera to monitor the front of my house. There's been burglaries in the neighborhood and just the other day some bastard busted up my car window and stole my speakers and amp.

Just so I can have some piece of mind, I'd like to look into a security/surveilance camera. I want something that can be hidden and doesn't look like a camera. I'd love to find something I could put in a potted plant out front, or something like that. The best thing I've found so far is a Flood Light that's a Hidden Camera, but it's non-functional and I have to have some kind of lighting in my driveway so that's not practical for me.

Any ideas?

Answer
There are a lot of wireless/nanny cameras out on the market now, but you are probably going to need a night time/low light camera if lighting is not practical in your driveway. Then you will also need to decide how you want to store your video either on a PC or VCR.

The other thing to consider with wireless cameras would be picture quality, so a wired camera might be a better option for you if there is any wireless interference. smarthome.com has a variety of brands but aer usually more expensive. x10 that has a pretty cheap wired camera that is black and white which performs better at night and it plugs right into a vcr

My neighbor used my driveway to shoot a video for you tube with out my permission. Is this trespassing?

WallyWally

No one was home on the property at the time. Discovered he had done this when I saw the video on youtube. Also he has a security camera on the front of his house which moves to point in my back yard sometimes. Is that an invasion of privacy?

Answer
It's perfectly legal to take pictures and video in places that are in full public view. In these kind of places there is no expectation of privacy. If he can see into your backyard, from his property, without taking any extra steps then there's not a problem. If he has to do something like climb a tree to see over the top of a privacy fence then it's an invasion of your privacy.

It's trespassing if you have posted no trespassing signs.

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What is the BEST security camera I could get to monitor my driveway?

best security camera for driveway image

loving_car

My tires got slashed. I know who did it, but have no proof. I need a security camera for outside. I would prefer for it to have a motion detector. Color doesn't matter & sound doesn't matter. I need it to be the lowest cost as possible. Thanks!

Answer
I don't know if the best is right, but certainly the easiest to install at the lowest price is the X-10 brand.

I need a security camera for my driveway?

Mask

Okay i live in Massachusetts, and recently my car & my father's car got flatten tires, Cost us hundred of dollars. It have been happen included today would be 3time in these 4 month.

I want to purchase a Security camera that i can put outside my house that can record 24/7 and have long hours playback. Any suggestion?

Answer
Go to the Harbor Freight website http://www.harborfreight.com/

They have cameras that have are not that expensive.

There are several stores in Mass, one in Attleboro, one in Worcester, one in Fall River and one in West Springfield. You can also order on line and have the items shipped to you.

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What is the BEST security camera I could get to monitor my driveway?

best security camera for driveway image

loving_car

My tires got slashed. I know who did it, but have no proof. I need a security camera for outside. I would prefer for it to have a motion detector. Color doesn't matter & sound doesn't matter. I need it to be the lowest cost as possible. Thanks!

Answer
I don't know if the best is right, but certainly the easiest to install at the lowest price is the X-10 brand.

I need a security camera for my driveway?

Mask

Okay i live in Massachusetts, and recently my car & my father's car got flatten tires, Cost us hundred of dollars. It have been happen included today would be 3time in these 4 month.

I want to purchase a Security camera that i can put outside my house that can record 24/7 and have long hours playback. Any suggestion?

Answer
Go to the Harbor Freight website http://www.harborfreight.com/

They have cameras that have are not that expensive.

There are several stores in Mass, one in Attleboro, one in Worcester, one in Fall River and one in West Springfield. You can also order on line and have the items shipped to you.

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Someone wrote racist statements on my driveway, what should I do?

best security camera for driveway image

Frogger

I got out this morning and noticed some one spray painted "Fuck Chinks" on my driveway. I saw some cars in my neighborhood with the rebel flag stickers so it might be one of them. I'm thinking of installing a security camera and getting a firearm. What else can I do to protect myself and my property?

Answer
Wash them off.

Is it legal for someone to put security cameras facing the public street?

Pete

About a week ago my friends and I were playing football in my street just 3 people me and my 2 friends. My one friend overthrew me and it touched the tire of my neighbors car which is parked in the street. So he got mad and started a big thing about it. So a few days later I see him putting up security cameras facing the public street which is also facing my driveway is this legal?(p.s my friends and I are 12-14)

Answer
Since he is facing them toward an area that is not expected to be private, then it should be legal for him to place those cameras there. Law generally protects areas expected to be private, like private residence, public bathrooms, changing rooms, and other such locations. However, a street corner is not considered a private area.

Are you stretching the truth? I know that I wouldn't be spending that kind of money on cameras if someone hit my car with a football. I might get mad, it is a nice car. However, maybe he should be speaking to your parents if he really has a problem. If I saw some kids playing football, and they hit my car I would confront them in a manner that is appropriate. If the children persist, I would go to the parents. However, that said, he isn't prohibited from placing cameras on his property in this manner.

Of course, if these cameras are not placed carefully..... his neighbors can complain that his cameras are filming inside their homes... :-p

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