How to Choose Between CCD and CMOS when Buying Security Cameras

CCD and CMOS are both image sensors found in digital cameras. They're what's responsible for converting light into electronic signals. But, what's the difference between the two? How do they influence both the quality of the images and the prices of the cameras? Here's a short comparison of CCD and CMOS:

CCD

The first digital cameras used CCD (Charged Coupling Devices) to turn images from analog light signals into digital pixels. They're made through a special manufacturing process that allows the conversion to take place in the chip without distortion. This creates high quality sensors that produce excellent images. But, because they require special manufacturing, they are more expensive than their newer CMOS counter parts.
CMOS

CMOS (Complimentary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) chips use transistors at each pixel to move the charge through traditional wires. This offers flexibility because each pixel is treated individually. Traditional manufacturing processes are used to make CMOS. It's the same as creating microchips. Because they're easier to produce, CMOS sensors are cheaper than CCD sensors.

Because CMOS technology came after CCD sensors and are cheaper to manufacture, CMOS sensors are the reason that digital cameras have dropped in price.
The Difference

The biggest difference is that CCD sensors create high quality images with low noise (grain). CMOS images tend to be higher in noise. CCD sensors are more sensitive to light. CMOS sensors need more light to create a low noise image at proper exposure. This does not mean that CMOS sensors are completely inferior to CCD. CCD has been around for a lot longer in digital cameras, and the technology is more advanced. CMOS sensors are catching up and will soon match CCD in terms of resolution and overall quality.

It's only a matter of time before CMOS catches up. They can be manufactured on any standard silicon production line and are much more inexpensive when compared to CCD sensors. Eventually economics will someday make every camera CMOS when the final advances in quality are made.

In fact, CMOS sensors are already superior to CCD sensors in terms of power consumption. You get a much longer battery life out of a CMOS camera, which means you can take more pictures.

As of now, CCD cameras produce higher quality images at high resolutions. CMOS technology is catching up. And, with longer battery life and less expensive cameras, it is bound to match CCD levels of quality and one day become the digital camera norm, until something better is developed.

words from:www.steves-digicams.com

How to Protect Yourself or Your Family From Unexpected Break-ins?

We are now facing more and more unexpected break-ins.What really scare us is the crime when the break-ins come.May be you are the one who haven't run into this kind of experience,but it's better to take some measures to prevent it happen.Who would like to run into this kind of stuff ? Form the picture,let's get close to home security tips on how to protect you and your family from unexpected break-ins.

For larger pictures,you may click here: Home security tips

Get to Know Some Famous Home Security Brands

When we decide to buy a home security system,a few question will occur in our mind:what security cameras are the best;what home security should I buy etc.Facing diversity home surveillance,you may be at a lose for choices.What's more,we intend to choose the brand products,what are some famous brands in the home security field? You can get to know it by this picture below:

These are still some other good home security brands which you can explore.Here are these sites's official online store.

Foscam:http://foscam.us/

Zmodo:http://www.zmodo.com/

Loftek:http://www.loftek.us/

Lorex:http://www.lorextechnology.com/

VideoSecu:http://www.videosecu.com/

Swann:http://www.swann.com/region/usa/entry/us

Defender:http://www.defender-usa.com/index.eng.html

Uniden:http://www.uniden.com/

Logitech:http://www.logitech.com/en-us/video-security-systems

Bushcell:http://www.bushnell.com/all-products/outdoor-technology

Agasio:http://agasio.com/

Knowledge About Different Types and Features of Outdoor Security Cameras

As outdoor security cameras continue to grow in popularity, they are practically becoming a household name. As demand rises, so does the number of different needs and application for these cameras. The result is a fast-growing market of different types of outdoor security cameras, which is great news for choose homeowners, who can better meet their needs today than they could have in what was a much smaller market with less choice even five years ago.

Here is a brief rundown of some of the types of outdoor security cameras available as well as a listing of key features. As you read each one, keep your home and property in mind, paying close attention to the details of each type that may or may not suit the specific applications you need and want.

Wired Cameras: Often requiring professional installation, wired security cameras must be located in places where they can meet the necessary outlets. Wires may be difficult to hide, making surveillance obvious to an intruder, who will try to avoid the range of the cameras. They may offer a clearer picture than wireless cameras, as well as more reliance when it comes to streaming, but in the outdoors, the wires may be in jeopardy due to weather and other outdoor vulnerabilities.

Wireless Cameras: These cameras are ideal for outdoor installation, which can be otherwise challenging. Without wires or reliance on a power source (they run on batteries) to restrict placement, they are quite versatile, covert (no visible wires), easy to install, and a snap to relocate as the homeowner sees fit.

wireless camera

Color or Black and White Cameras: With both options available for outdoor home use, color security cameras are more expensive than black and white, but provide a higher degree of footage. A black and white image will capture light versus dark tones compared to precise color captured by a color camera. When it comes to identifying an intruder, things like the color of clothing, skin, eyes and hair can make all the difference.

Wide-Angle Lens Cameras: Depending on the size of a property, choosing one or more with a wide angle can lessen the number of cameras needed. Backyard areas are ideal for this type of camera, which can cover 104 degrees of movement up to 40 feet away.

bullet-cameras

Dome Cameras: These cameras are dome-shaped and are designed to be an “in-your-face” type of protection. Very obvious in their purpose, dome cameras are also most suited to a more protected entryway type mount so they will be immediately visible to anyone who approaches. Unlike the bullet camera, it’s difficult to tell where the camera is pointed, increasing its purpose as a deterrent. “Speed domes” are a variation that spin quickly to capture a broader range of images.

Dome camera

Bullet Cameras: Named for its streamlined, bullet shape, this camera is best suited to a wall or ceiling mount, making it ideal for entrances such as a porch area where it works best pointed in one direction.  It doesn’t typically have capability to move direction or zoom in. From an intruder’s perspective, it is easy to see the direction it’s pointing, clueing him in on how to avoid its sight.

Bullet camera

Discreet Cameras: The complete opposite of the obvious dome cameras, discreet cameras are disguised as typical outdoor accouterments such as a clock, a plant, or an electrical box. Alternatively, any camera can be well hidden inside a planter or in a tree to obscure notice.

Infrared/Night Vision Cameras: These cameras have the ability to capture images and video in shadows, shady areas and in darkest night thanks to infrared LEDs. Highly desirable for outdoor security, since night often heightens our need to feel secure, and is a time when intruders think they can escape our sight.

Weather Resistant Cameras: Every outdoor security camera should have some degree of safeguarding against the weather and the outdoors. There are models to suit every type of climate whether rainy, freezing, high temperature, or heavy winds. Look for a hood that protects the lens so that it’s not obstructed by precipitation. In addition, some come with thermostatic controls, which allow the camera to heat or cool to prevent condensation from forming over the lens and obscuring its sight. Consider also that outdoor cameras should be secure against dust, insects, ultraviolet sunrays and be vandal-proof as well.

Day/Night Cameras: Because the degree of daylight and the impact of artificial outdoor lighting are so often changing, outdoor cameras have to adjust to varying glare, reflections, back-light, shadows and complete darkness.

PTZ (Pan, Tilt, Zoom) Cameras: Ideal for outdoor coverage of a large area, a pan, tilt, zoom security camera has the ability to move and capture different angles, which gives PTZ cameras the capability of doing the job of several fixed-sight cameras. A PTZ security camera can be pre-programmed or controlled by an operator in a remote location.

                                     PTZ camera

As you are clear about different types of security cameras,it will help you decide which type you need.There are still some other types of security cameras.But the mentioned above are the common recommend ones.

Source from: safesoundfamily

How To Install A Surveillance System?

As most of us like shopping online even for our home security system.Some online stores may provide words and pictures on how to install a surveillance system/cameras, but some may not(or not that specific).Now you can see this infographic,you will know how to deal with all kinds of security systems/cameras with the specific steps.

1 Choose the best spots for your cameras
Choose the right location a areas before your start drilling holes.Consider pointing them at your entrances. Garage or anything of value.

2 Mount camera stands

Mount stand to an external wall,exterior to your home.Mark spots for holes and use a drill to mount the camera stand,make sure don't drill through wires or cables that might be hidden behind the walls.

3 Plug in camera
Plug in your camera into a nearby outlet,make sure the electrical output and the
back of the camera is secure.

4 Adjust camera
Once the camera is securely mounted to the stand,carefully position your camera in the direction of your choosing.

5 Program your system
Set up recording device and system,program the system to your needs.Set up your home network,Stream or mobile to receive the footage.

6 Test your system
Test and critique your system,Make sure your cameras are pointing in right  direction.You may need to change settings to your requirements.

7 Make final adjustments
A quick and simple process to check your system and camera,make sure the footage is being fed into the system and recorded

8 Finito
Congrats!Your home,family or business is now secure.This will drastically prevent
crime being committed on your property.

Learn to Choose The Right Type of CCTV Camera

If you are totally new to home security equipment,you don't know where to start to choose a good home security system.There is one quick way:you can visit online sites like Amazon or best buy to find the top sellers.And choose one,mostly according to the reviews.But the chosen one may not be your decent ones.So why don't learn some basic information about this since there are quite lot information online,like this picture,it tells the types of CCTV Cameras.It can help you to choose the right type of CCTV Cameras.

How Does CCTV Security Cameras Prevent Crime?

A lot household,mall or company get themselves installed security cameras.Some people may wonder why doing this.One feature is that CCTV camera system prevent crime.For the monitoring security cameras,the thieves are afraid to be caught on spot.This picture best shows how does cctv prevent crime.