Security Cameras and Motion Detectors

One of the questions we're frequently asked is about using a motion detector in conjunction with security cameras.  Usually the request goes something like, "I only want to record when there is actual motion.  So can I attach a motion detector to my camera so that it only records when the motion detector picks something up?"  Well, thats a fine question.  On some of the older systems, thats how it worked.  But thats because the old systems usually hooked up to a VCR.

Today, however, most people purchase DVRs with their security camera systems.  DVRs now offer a software solution to take care of this.  Basically, your camera is constantly feeding data into your DVR, but your DVR only starts recording when it notices pixel change.  The same set-up allows you to set your DVR to stop recording after a certain period of time without any pixel changes.  This is a much neater way to accomplish the above problem.

Home Security Camera Review

The goal of this post is to review home security cameras. But first, keep a few things in mind. As a recap of what I've discussed in previous posts, the primary reason home security cameras exist is to document a break-in. They have value as a deterrent as well, but their greatest advantage is in recording evidence in the event that something happens in your home. So, when you are looking at home security camera reviews, you should be thinking about their value in recording quality footage. Ok, now on to the reviews.

Here are the categories that we're going to examine for individual cameras.

1. Cost
2. Lux/Light Sensitivity: amount of light necessary to record a viewable image
3. Resolution: how much quality that image will have
4. Various other Features: recording capability, pan/tilt functions, zoom, and motion detection
When you're reviewing these cameras online, its important to note that Light Sensitivity will be referred to as Lux. You want a camera with the lux as close as possible to zero. This means it will require very little light to record a viewable image. You will want a resolution with the highest possible number. These are rated based off of how many resolution lines the image will have. Don't worry about what that means. Suffice it to say that the higher the resolution number, the better the quality of the image.

Today we're only going to examine outdoor security cameras. As a note, clicking on the links will take you to more information on that particular camera. So, here we go.

Color Bullet Security Camera w/Infrared
Cost: $99.95Lux: 0.2
Resolution: 350 lines
Additional Features: Has Auto Iris (uniformly adapts to light changes) Infrared with 12 LEDs.
Review: Its a nice camera for the cost. The lux is good and the resolution is decent. You're not going to need that much light to get a picture, but you won't have the most detailed picture possible (but it will be good). On the plus side, its incredibly small, so it can be discreetly mounted almost anywhere.

High Resolution Color Bullet Camera

Cost: $76.45
Lux: 1Resolution: 420
Additional Features: Allows for a 

wider view range. AutoIris. Infrared.

Review: The cost is good and so is the resolution. The lux, however, is not great. It's not going to pick up much unless it's at least a little lighter than dusk. So, why would you want this c

amera? Well, for one, it would make a great daytime camera. It will also work if you are trying to record somewhere that will have bright outdoor lights on at all times. In that case, the low lux level becomes less important to you.

High Resolution Color Bullet Security Camera

Cost: $99.40
Lux: 0.1
Resolution: 420
Additional Features: Auto-Iris, 50 ft. Infrared w/23 LEDs (Optional 100 ft. infrared w/35 LEDs)
This camera is nice. 

Its not overly expensive, the lux is great, the resolution is good, and the infrared means you'll be able to see in any situation. Also a small camera, so it can be mounted anywhere.

High Res Color Bullet Weather Proof Camera with Vari-Focal Lens

Cost: $199.95
Lux: 0.5
Resolution: 480
Additional Features: AutoIris, Vari-Focal Lens
Review: Nice camera with high resolution. The lux isn't terrible, but its not great either. Its easy to mount, and is great if you have no idea what size lens you need. You can adjust it between 4-9 mm.


The above options are all excellent choices depending on your own particular needs. As I've stated before, home security cameras should be an integral part of any home security system. For more information on these cameras, click the title links above, or visit www.safemart.com.

Security Cameras Strike Again!

Security video helps with the capture of two Easter Sunday burglars

Here again is another example of just how well home security cameras work. Check the link above for the full story. Suffice it to say, two burglars broke into a number of homes, successfully robbing them. Someone caught the thieves in action on their home surveillance system, released the video to the media, the Sherriff’s Department and YouTube, and they were caught.

Security cameras offer a great deal of protection and peace of mind at a relatively low price. And, as the people in the story discovered, they’re worth the investment.