Why are red light cameras ruled illegal in some cities while security cameras outside buildings can be used?

shrdlu

They have ruled the red light cameras illegal in some cities yet security cameras can be used outside buildings. Both seem the same to me. Is it a matter of private property vs. city property. If so the red light camera companies could just lease the land they're installed on.

Answer
Red light cameras and security cameras are fundamentally different. Both record images. The difference is in what was being done with them.

Red light cameras have been removed in many American cities because they stretch the bounds of law enforcement beyond what is legal. The photos were used to fine car owners who had no opportunity to contest the penalty. Cities tried to get around it by claiming that it was not a criminal charge, just a citation, but that didn't fly, so the idea was scrapped for the time being. They're now working on ways to restore them to legal status in the future.

Surveillance cameras under the control of private citizens can be used illegally as well, but typical security use for monitoring private property and the public spaces beyond is legal.

Are security lights or cameras legal in my area?

Taylor

I live in West Palm Beach, Florida. In a residential suburban neighborhood. It is a nice neighborhood full of properties that exceed $200,000-300,000 values. But there is still crime. I am an overly cautious person and believe in protecting myself and my family to the fullest of my ability. But a neighbor was complaining and pressing the legality of the security and motion activated lights, and when I mentioned putting up security cameras, well, she threw a fit. I thought I may give this a try before calling the local police department and asking them. So, is it legal, in my area, to have security lights or cameras on my property?

Answer
Cameras and lights intended to be used for security purposes are legal everywhere in the world.

- Tyler

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A black orb of light was caught in my security camera?

Q. So I live in an apartment building that may or may not have been here since around the late 1800's, and many people have died here according to my mom who decides to tell me this all now. And also, someone has died in my apartment. My superintendent usually checks the security cameras from 6AM to around 10PM but he decided to check around 12AM-2. So basically at about 12:58 he saw a black orb in the footage just moving back and forth on the first floor, then proceed to fly up the stairs.. but I'm not sure where it went. I have seen the footage but I have no idea what it could be. I live on the 4th floor but I have never had a paranormal experience. Can someone please tell me what this could be?

Answer
If the security camera was not particularly high resolution or if the object was out of focus (like being too close to the lens) it could have simply been an insect (most telling is that it flew up the stairs).
Some insects are highly reflective (even black ones) so depending on the light source of the camera (or surrounding light sources) it is possible that an insect could reflect back enough light to appear rounded (orb light) due to the shape of the camera lens.
However, I have not seen the footage so I can only speculate based on your description.

Psiexploration

Security Camera question!?

Jack Smith

I need a camera of some sort to catch what my dad does to me when we disagree on something.. he gets so angry and sometimes hits me for being wrong etc.... I was thinking of putting some sort of camera on the ceiling or if it was small enough close somewhere anyway if there is such a camera where could I buy it?and write down personal expirecences thanks!

Answer
Please don't give advice when you have clearly never worked with CCTV equipment. Amazon sells complete junk and the video taken by non CCTV cameras often wont hold up in coart because they need water marking in the images.

What you want is a DVR a DVR converts analog cameras and as well as storing images on site allows you to distribute video over LAN and WAN networks. (internet and network) this way you have both on site storage and recording at your house.

Just about any Analog DVR will do what you are looking for and not only display them but record them as well they will also allow you to view them over the internet from a Iphone or laptop.

Many people have a misconception that IP has Superior scalability then Analog but with the advancements with DVR's this simply isn't true, you cn do up to 16,000 cameras each camera could even be from a different DVR and a different site.

And when you are using the internet to connect multiple sites together analog transmits over the internet faster with less latency using less bandwidth allowing you not only to view and monitor a situation real time but also effective control PTZ cameras.

What is the Advantage of IP?
Many of the so called advantages of IP simply don't hold water in the real world, IP is mainly Hype and marketing and outside of a few niche applications such as 1 or 2 camera installs, where MP cameras are needed or large scale wireless projects which represent about 2% of the total CCTV market, IP has very few advantages compared to analog based on performance, cost and reliability. (yet all companies touting IP will often use MP cameras to demonstrate the advantages of IP)

IP video is more about marketing then it is about performance as larger companies like Bosch pelco Honeywell axis can change for both hardware and software and once you use there cameras you have to keep using there cameras unlike analog.

Also IP sounds great, plug and play, Better image quality, use existing infrastructure, who wouldnât want that unfortunately this is often not the case.

IP cameras are based on CMOS
Analog cameras are based on CCD (usually)

A CMOS sensor is constructed using a array of pixels, but unlike CCDâs CMOS do not have a capacitor to store the charge for each pixel.The rows of pixels are activated sequentially rather then individually

This means CMOS has some significant disadvantages compared to CCD, this means CMOS
have inferior ability to cope with ambient lighting such as back light, bright, deep shadows contrasts, low light and IR this is also known as the real word.

In short unless you have perfect lighting a good CCD camera will outperform an equivalent CMOS camera.

File Size:
The smaller the files size the more images that are able to be sent and the faster they can be processed improving both FPS and speed. File size is the heart of any DVR and goes far beyond just its streaming capabilities as it also determines the recoding storage time, how much you can back up at once, how fast it renders and searches video.

IP cameras have up to a 5X larger file size then analog cameras. (at same resolution) I have seen MP cameras that on 2MP resolution are over 300X (%3000) larger then our X3 DVR on a CIF image. This is an extreme case but generally speaking IP cameras have a much larger file size.

Most routers and switches are not designed to handle IP cameras they have enough bandwidth but they are not able to process the amounts of commands. (9 IP cameras 30FP is 230 instructions per second) standard routers have enough bandwidth (up to 1GB) but cant handle the amount of tasks (instructions) so frames get dropped latency is introduced and the effectiveness of other devices such as POS, printers and dats storage can be affected and compromised.


Donât get me wrong there are some brutal analog cameras and DVR out there but If you see a good D1 resolution image such as Ascendents Hardware compressed you will not be so quick to join the IP bandwagon.

IP is a young and emerging technology and I have no doubt that in the future it will outperform analog cameras but its not a mature technology yet. Once we start to get standard IP platforms, get rid of license feesâ and existing networks have larger bandwidths then IP video will be a good solution, but until then analog is the way to go.

Make sure you get good cameras as well, Ascendent has the best IR outdoor cameras on the market and are about %50 less then Bosch while offering triple the distance.

http://www.ascendentgroup.com/

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Why are red light cameras ruled illegal in some cities while security cameras outside buildings can be used?

shrdlu

They have ruled the red light cameras illegal in some cities yet security cameras can be used outside buildings. Both seem the same to me. Is it a matter of private property vs. city property. If so the red light camera companies could just lease the land they're installed on.

Answer
Red light cameras and security cameras are fundamentally different. Both record images. The difference is in what was being done with them.

Red light cameras have been removed in many American cities because they stretch the bounds of law enforcement beyond what is legal. The photos were used to fine car owners who had no opportunity to contest the penalty. Cities tried to get around it by claiming that it was not a criminal charge, just a citation, but that didn't fly, so the idea was scrapped for the time being. They're now working on ways to restore them to legal status in the future.

Surveillance cameras under the control of private citizens can be used illegally as well, but typical security use for monitoring private property and the public spaces beyond is legal.

Are security lights or cameras legal in my area?

Taylor

I live in West Palm Beach, Florida. In a residential suburban neighborhood. It is a nice neighborhood full of properties that exceed $200,000-300,000 values. But there is still crime. I am an overly cautious person and believe in protecting myself and my family to the fullest of my ability. But a neighbor was complaining and pressing the legality of the security and motion activated lights, and when I mentioned putting up security cameras, well, she threw a fit. I thought I may give this a try before calling the local police department and asking them. So, is it legal, in my area, to have security lights or cameras on my property?

Answer
Cameras and lights intended to be used for security purposes are legal everywhere in the world.

- Tyler

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Security Camera Suggestions?

teckblood

I live in the US, and am interested in setting up security on a property in honduras; here is what I need:

⢠10-15 outdoor/indoor cameras covering 24 acres
⢠preferred wireless if install is easier
⢠cameras/video must withstand 'hurricane' weather
⢠able to be viewed via computer while im in the states
⢠ability to move cameras remotely (in the US)
⢠backup on dvr or online database where I can access it via web
⢠separate power supply as power goes out on occasion

any suggestions? I would like to install it myself as I considered myself pretty tech savvy and am already spending lots of money on the equipment itself. Thank you.

Answer
That's a helluva system you want. I'm in the UK and can't advise on specific USA gear, but here are a few pointers.

Wireless is prone to being jammed, as your having to power the remote cameras anyway it's usually easier just to get cable that incorporates the coax or twisted pair for the video signal. 100% secure if buried. If you want PTZ (Pan, Tilt, Zoom) you will need a separate multicore cable for that. If you have long cable runs AC is better than DC, and boosters on your PTZ cable.

The cameras and housings can withstand hurricane weather, what you fasten it to might not. Lighting poles well concreted in is the best (expensive) option. Don't forget these need to be very 'stiff' or you'll get camera shake. Over engineered is better.

To view over the web you need a server in Honduras that offers 'static' IP address. You then put this address into a web browser and you can view, download and save any footage, some allow camera control, but the system at the Honduras end needs to have it incorporated. You need a recorder with an internet connection, 16 inputs, the ability to add hard drives and incorporating camera control. These usually come with a secure web browser on disc or you can set them up for any web browser, obviously less secure, but they will be limited to just viewing, not controlling or being able to go into set-up like the secure, purpose made, web browser can.

Don't get a computer type recorder, they can be hacked and are subject to viruses, buy one that has dedicated firmware, impervious to either of the above.

You can, if you double the price of the installation, have battery backup, it's pointless just backing up the recorder (nothing is lost in a power down) you need to back up the whole system, including powering the cameras, another reason for not using wireless. A battery back-up will only last an hour or so, for full power backup you need a generator as well.

To do it yourself you need Knowledge of networking, for the camera control they all use one of the Cisco systems and you need to know how that works, in my experience they seldom work 'out of the box'. Even the simple wiring for the cameras is not strait forward, you will blow a camera if you wire it the wrong way round on it's power, you can't return these cameras if you do, that's why the best gear is only available to the trade.

It's probably better to start with a smaller system and build, don't forget you need one camera watching another camera when covering an area, otherwise anybody with an aerosol can of paint can avoid being filmed.

Chris

SECURITY CAMERA VS SECURITY LIGHT?

THOMAS W

I AM GOING TO GET EITHER A SECURITY CAMERA OR A SECURITY LIGHT. I CAN ONLY GO FOR ONE, SO PLEASE TELL ME WHICH TO GET. IT WILL EITHER BE A DUSK-DAWN FLOODLIGHT, OR A COLOUR OUTDOOR SECURITY CAMERA SYSTEM.

BEST ANSWER TOP POINTS.
THANKS

Answer
Firstly i couldent care less about the points,id give the advice anyway
The camera,will be good after the event,to help identify the culprits,but unless you dont ever sleep
and sit up and watch it forever,or have it alarmed to wake you up

So id go for the light,and the cost very little to run

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Why are red light cameras ruled illegal in some cities while security cameras outside buildings can be used?

shrdlu

They have ruled the red light cameras illegal in some cities yet security cameras can be used outside buildings. Both seem the same to me. Is it a matter of private property vs. city property. If so the red light camera companies could just lease the land they're installed on.

Answer
Red light cameras and security cameras are fundamentally different. Both record images. The difference is in what was being done with them.

Red light cameras have been removed in many American cities because they stretch the bounds of law enforcement beyond what is legal. The photos were used to fine car owners who had no opportunity to contest the penalty. Cities tried to get around it by claiming that it was not a criminal charge, just a citation, but that didn't fly, so the idea was scrapped for the time being. They're now working on ways to restore them to legal status in the future.

Surveillance cameras under the control of private citizens can be used illegally as well, but typical security use for monitoring private property and the public spaces beyond is legal.

Are security lights or cameras legal in my area?

Taylor

I live in West Palm Beach, Florida. In a residential suburban neighborhood. It is a nice neighborhood full of properties that exceed $200,000-300,000 values. But there is still crime. I am an overly cautious person and believe in protecting myself and my family to the fullest of my ability. But a neighbor was complaining and pressing the legality of the security and motion activated lights, and when I mentioned putting up security cameras, well, she threw a fit. I thought I may give this a try before calling the local police department and asking them. So, is it legal, in my area, to have security lights or cameras on my property?

Answer
Cameras and lights intended to be used for security purposes are legal everywhere in the world.

- Tyler

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Can you remove a light fixture outside and use the wiring to install a security camera?

Zyvox

I want to put up 4 security cameras around my house.
I need an electrician to do it and i need it as cheap as possible.
I have some light fixtures outside that i could do without.
could that wiring supply a new security camera?

Answer
security cameras are most likely serial and they feed with low voltage (adaptor).In kit you will see a long cable that will connect to each camera and to one adaptor .If you want to be secure source to power you should use the interior supply to power the camera .That mean all the wiring must be interior and only thing that will be install out side is camera it self with secure wiring and no wire is require in out side at all .Reason that if wire be visible in case that wire be cut camera will be out of use at that section .
If you need more wires there are extensions that you can connect to each camera to reach your want
cause cameras have audio-video and also power supply that will connect to the monitor .Other wise you can use the wireless cameras they are cheaper and easier to install ,just power them each separately to a power source and then active the wi-fi system in your monitor.

Can infra red heat lamps be used as a light source for infra red security cameras?

technodai

That depends on the type of infra red. I'm not an expert but I think you may be confusing infra red imaging and thermal imaging.

At least some security cameras definitely use infrared source to 'light up' areas being monitored, as anybody up to no good could not tell they are clearly visible to infra red cameras.

Answer
The imager used in most security cameras is sensitive to infrared (IR) light. Devices known as "IR illuminators" are used to allow CCTV cameras to see where there is not an adequate amount of visible light. Some cameras have IR illuminators built into them, and there are also IR illuminators available as separate units that cover larger areas.

The early IR illuminators actually used a type of incandescent bulb, so I am thinking that a regular infrared heat lamp could be used as an illuminator, although it probably wouldn't be very efficient. Most modern IR illuminators use a type of light emitting diode (LED) as they operate cooler and are more efficient.

One seller of camera equipment that has IR illuminators is Super Circuits http://www.supercircuits.com

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What's a good LOW LIGHT security camera for home surveillance?

best security light camera image

Dcntamcn

Something below 0.01 lux that will pick up nighttime activity in my yard without the limitation of IR illumination. A "star light" camera would be ideal but beyond my limit of $250. Anyone tried and approved a good one?

Answer
I would go with Zmodo 8CH camera since your budget is $250. It is for low light.

http://www.amazon.com/Zmodo-Security-Surveillance-Camera-Outdoor/dp/B009UQISOA/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&tag=informazcom-20

It comes with 1 tb harddrive and the video format is H.264 Compression so it has very long recording time. Very good reviews.

What is the best type of security camera to use?

Tyler

I want to set up a few security cameras in low light areas such as on street lamps during the night, in night clubs or bars, or even just for inside my house at night.

What is something I need to look for in the details about the certain camera I need?

What type of camera do you recommend?

Answer
I'd recommend anything from http://www.spytown.com/. They have all types of cameras, so you can browse around and find what you really need. Many of them have night vision on them, so you should be in good shape.

I hope this helps.

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How to get past a security light?

best security light camera image

Reid

I'm sneaking out tonight, and we have security lights in our yard. How do you get past them without making them turn on?

Answer
best way is to go to your circuit breaker in the garage and find the breaker for the security lights/that side of the house. turn it off. then wala, problem solved.
another way would be to remove the sensor on the lights
remove the light bulbs
avoid the lights/sensor
tape the sensor up (during the day or something)
or as someone else said, avoid emitting Infra red radiation

actually, I think the way you COULD do this seriously, is the following:

find/buy one of those "space blankets". (reflective blankets meant to keep you warm by keeping in all IR heat) you can buy em at walmart and camping store as well as the kennedy space center if your interested haha.

then, cover yourself in it COMPLETELY shielding yourself form the camera, and go for it, walk, dont run, past the sensor, and you may be able to sneak past it because the blanket will hide your IR radiation from view of the sensor.
I haven't tried it, but I think it might work, seeing as how the blankets ar meant to keep IR radiation in. so they wont let it out and will act like a sort of camo from the sensor.
btw, the blankets go for like a max of 20 bucks.

*edit*
The walking slow thing, may work a bit, but you must understand how this stuff works to understand that it wont work well. maybe at all. the security light sensor is looking for a "change" in the IR temperature it is sensing. so if you move really slow, it might not detect a change. but then again, it might. its not worth trying. US a highly reflective material like a space blanket or shiny shiny aluminum.

What's a good LOW LIGHT security camera for home surveillance?

Dcntamcn

Something below 0.01 lux that will pick up nighttime activity in my yard without the limitation of IR illumination. A "star light" camera would be ideal but beyond my limit of $250. Anyone tried and approved a good one?

Answer
I would go with Zmodo 8CH camera since your budget is $250. It is for low light.

http://www.amazon.com/Zmodo-Security-Surveillance-Camera-Outdoor/dp/B009UQISOA/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&tag=informazcom-20

It comes with 1 tb harddrive and the video format is H.264 Compression so it has very long recording time. Very good reviews.

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Are security lights or cameras legal in my area?

best security light camera image

Taylor

I live in West Palm Beach, Florida. In a residential suburban neighborhood. It is a nice neighborhood full of properties that exceed $200,000-300,000 values. But there is still crime. I am an overly cautious person and believe in protecting myself and my family to the fullest of my ability. But a neighbor was complaining and pressing the legality of the security and motion activated lights, and when I mentioned putting up security cameras, well, she threw a fit. I thought I may give this a try before calling the local police department and asking them. So, is it legal, in my area, to have security lights or cameras on my property?

Answer
Cameras and lights intended to be used for security purposes are legal everywhere in the world.

- Tyler

What is the best security camera to use in a bar or nightclub that is minimally lit?

freddiebon

We are looking for the best in a security camera system with which to monitor bartenders that we suspect of not charging properly. The camera should be able to pick up such activity but not stand out in the bar.

Answer
http://www.boschsecurity.us/images/DinionXFDN_lg.jpg Try this camera I have installed them in a number of locations in very dark areas. The low light performance is great and the picture quality is sharp. You can use a number of different lens on the camera to get the picture you want.

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Are security lights or cameras legal in my area?

best security light camera image

Taylor

I live in West Palm Beach, Florida. In a residential suburban neighborhood. It is a nice neighborhood full of properties that exceed $200,000-300,000 values. But there is still crime. I am an overly cautious person and believe in protecting myself and my family to the fullest of my ability. But a neighbor was complaining and pressing the legality of the security and motion activated lights, and when I mentioned putting up security cameras, well, she threw a fit. I thought I may give this a try before calling the local police department and asking them. So, is it legal, in my area, to have security lights or cameras on my property?

Answer
Cameras and lights intended to be used for security purposes are legal everywhere in the world.

- Tyler

What is the best security camera to use in a bar or nightclub that is minimally lit?

freddiebon

We are looking for the best in a security camera system with which to monitor bartenders that we suspect of not charging properly. The camera should be able to pick up such activity but not stand out in the bar.

Answer
http://www.boschsecurity.us/images/DinionXFDN_lg.jpg Try this camera I have installed them in a number of locations in very dark areas. The low light performance is great and the picture quality is sharp. You can use a number of different lens on the camera to get the picture you want.

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