How to Set Up a Cheap Surveillance Camera System and Secure Your Home

Cameras are just about everywhere in today's day and age. There are few places you can go in public that you are not being recorded by a camera. From the streets to the local fast food restaurant you are likely being recorded. Surveillance systems have also been part of the security systems for the wealthy for many years and now they can be an affordable part of your homes.

There are several things you must consider when choosing your camera system. Just like most technology you can get more features for more money. Choosing a system will require you to consider budget along with wanted features and find a happy median of the two.

The first step is deciding how many cameras you plan to use. A system for just one camera can be set up for very little cost and be very effective. If you choose to have more cameras like 4, 8 or 16 then there are complete packages available that make cameras more cost effective. Once you know how many cameras you want, you will need to decide if you want to run wires or not. Most cameras are available in wired or wireless versions and normally the wired cameras are much more cost effective.

Surveillance cameras can come with many different functions including night vision, covert, color, black & white, weatherproof, high power wireless, pan tilt zoom cameras and many other options. If you need special application cameras they are likely available at a cost. Currently the most commonly used cameras for homes and businesses are dome cameras, bullet style cameras and hidden cameras. The type of camera will greatly depend on the application.

Next you will need to find a way to record your cameras. Recording is not necessary and it is possible to just view the cameras using a monitor, but you will find that having a recorded system has many advantages. The cost of recording can vary greatly depending on your choice of recorders. Below are the different recording options you have to choose from.

VCR -The cheapest may be an extra VCR you have lying around. Most cameras can be plugged directly into a VCR or TV's video input. If the connection is not the same then there are adaptors available. You may be limited when using a VCR to just one camera. You can split the video of more cameras and use them with a VCR if you purchase a quad. A quad splits video inputs so they take up just a portion of the screen. Most quads are 4 channel, but more channel quads are available. VCRs can't be viewed over the internet.

Surveillance Software and Hardware - This method of recording can also be a very cheap way to record. You must have a computer with some extra RAM and a USB port . This software will turn your computer into a feature rich DVR or digital video recorder (more on this later). To connect a camera to the computer you will need a analog to digital video converter. Just plug the camera into one end and the other end into the USB port on the computer. Most software will be able to see the camera as soon as it recognizes the video converter. If you have more cameras, you will need more converters and more free USB ports. You can also use a quad between the cameras and the video converter cord to increase the number of cameras you can view using this method. This is a great economic way to go if you only have a few cameras. These systems can be connected to the internet and viewed from anywhere in the world that has an internet connection.

DVR Card - a DVR card will need to be installed into one of the PCI ports in a PC in order to work. If you can't add a card to the inside of your PC, then this may not be the best solution for you unless you can get some help. There are many people that have the ability to install a PCI card so help should be easy to come by. These cards range from 4 to 16 cameras and some can be used in sets for systems up to 36 cameras. The exposed part of the card on the back of the computer will allow you to connect the number of cameras the card allows. Most DVR cards will also allow audio microphones to be connected along with the cameras. DVR cards can be full of features and can compared with a high end DVR. DVR cards usually can be connected to the internet and viewed from anywhere in the world that has an internet connection.

DVR - is a digital video recorder. This device basically allows your cameras video to be recorded onto a hard drive or internal disk. There are 2 types of DVRs, windows based and embedded. Windows based DVRs are similar to a computer and use the Windows operating system to run surveillance software. Most people find Windows based DVRs much easier to use than embedded DVR. The embedded DVR does not use any software and all functions are embedded on software encoded computer chips. Embedded DVRs are cheaper than Windows based DVRs in most cases. DVRs are generally the most expensive way to record your cameras. Both types of DVRs allow you to connect the cameras directly to the back of the DVR. Some DVRs can be connected to the internet and viewed from anywhere in the world that has an internet connection.

You may also want to hook a monitor up to your system. The monitor will allow you to review the recorded video and also watch it live. Depending on the system you are setting up, the monitor may be a TV or may be a computer monitor. Monitors are available in all different sizes and qualities. If you plan on building a surveillance system you may want to consider one of the many systems available that provide everything you need in one discounted package. For the beginner it is many times easier to purchase a complete surveillance system then to try to piece together each thing individually.

These basics should be enough to get you started on finding a home surveillance system to meet your budget. Many times if you speak to a surveillance expert you can simply tell them your needs and your budget and they will put together a system that will work well for you. There are a lot of options for you to protect your home and family, be sure the system purchase will meet your security needs.

Install Security Cameras - Safety Guaranteed

In the present vulnerable scenario, security seems to have become the prime concern of the common people.

All those who do not have the liberty as well as the money to keep body guards should not worry. To tackle the problem of security, various types of security camera have been launched in the technological world. Security cameras are recognised as the standard in monitoring property and detection of criminals. Surveillance video is claimed to be the most successful home monitoring device by its ways to protect oneself against theft and violence. This is because these cameras are very effective in deterring criminals, thus protecting your house against theft and violence and further help them to catch those perpetrators.

Surveillance cameras that are primarily used for monitoring but today their scope has not been restricted to government offices or banks.

Today, these CCTV cameras are applicable in houses as well. Cities such as London have installed several surveillance cameras throughout the city as a means of deterring and capturing criminals. Car theft is one arena where these cameras are extremely helpful. So much so is the advantage of security cameras that even cities like New York and Chicago are beginning to use surveillance cameras throughout the city. Though some people argue that surveillance cameras evade the privacy of people, thus stripping them of their civil rights. Critics have also charged that surveillance cameras are used more for social control than as criminal deterrents. However, with the rise in many anti social happenings, these cameras have proven to be very useful.

Initially these security cameras were analogue, but the digital phase has taken over them now.

These digital security cameras transmit their data feed via WiFi technology to the Internet. From there a digital video recorder or a computer can view the feed with a specially configured Web browser. The video recorders are thus able to store data feed to a DVD-ROM.

Apart from the digital video security cameras that are present in a variety of options in the computer hardware industry, digital still surveillance cameras are also available. These cameras are equipped with motion detectors that alert the camera to take a photo when any activity occurs. This camera is very much in methodology like the digital cameras that hold hundreds of photographs at one time.

In this world where a new technology is born everyday, there are a wide variety of options to choose from in the security cameras segment as well.

There are spy cameras that are the smallest and most powerful covert spy camera/recorder in the world. The micro hidden camera, though looks like an air freshener, is ultra-covert with 2GB of RAM for fast-action snapshot video when motion is detected. Then there is the night vision camera that capture footage even in complete darkness. This type of motion-activated wireless night vision camera has a 150 foot night vision range, which is capable of recording anywhere, anytime.

Many popular companies like Sony, today, are involved in the manufacturing of these CCTV cameras.

All one needs to do is to choose the one that suits one's requirements. In recent times, they are used by many government branches, businesses and by private homeowners. Choose from Wireless Cameras, Hidden Cameras, Secure Recording Devices, and even Decoy Cameras to protect your home or office.

Lowest Price Digital Camera - How to Get it

These days, the digital camera has become the more popular choice for those seeking to make a brand new camera purchase. Lower prices over the past few years have enabled camera buffs of all ages and abilities to indulge in purchasing a digital camera. Without the need to constantly purchases a stock of film and then pay again for the developing, digital cameras have led to people being able to practice their art of photography to their hearts content without in becoming a financial burden. If you are on a budget, simply seek the lowest price. Digital camera technology enables the absolute beginner to snap a perfect shot following little instruction.

The variety available when seeking a new camera is rapidly increasing. Whether you search for the brand Canon, Nikon, Olympus, Casio, Kodak, Sony, Fuji or Panasonic, all these digital cameras can be obtained in both store sales and online for the lowest price. Digital camera purchasing may now offer a few too many choices rather than too few.

Sometimes the style of camera model may be the clincher when selecting a digital camera, even when searching only for a camera of the lowest price. Digital camera shape, color, size, or function can all play a part in the purchase decision, but sometimes the look alone can make the final decision. Perhaps you are looking for a sleek black compact model, or maybe a silver feature-filled style of camera fits your purpose better. You may alternatively prefer a red or green modern design.

Some of the features you may be concerned with include the zoom and megapixel counts. Zoom comes in both optical and digital zoon, and frequently a combination of the two is offered. The megapixel count may be of importance to you, the better models of digital camera having the higher rating if you have a choice between models of the lowest price. Digital camera features also include various sizes of on-screen display. If you want to ensure the optimum photograph before taking it, a larger display screen will offer extra detail.

Some purchasers of the lowest price digital camera may make their choice based on the battery. There are two main styles of battery, the easily inserted and often rechargeable AA size regular camera battery and the smaller watch-like batteries made from materials such as lithium-ion. These also are rechargeable, and some camera packages offer a free recharger among their contents. Cheap priced battery chargers for digital camera batteries are also purchasable from most camera stores, both online and off.

The higher classed models available on the market often come with a variety of detachable lenses. These may add to the zoom capacity, or simple alter the photographic image. Some lenses allow for fisheye shots, others cater for distortions or microscopic imaging. These tend to appeal most to the camera buff seeking something new in their images, or the expert, professional photographer who needs to cover a wide range of options for their occupational use of the digital camera.

Some of the more expensive brands and styles of digital camera can still be purchased at a lower rate during sales and other opportunities to buy at the lowest price. Digital camera sales increase at sales time accordingly. However, this can also happen when a camera store sells off former stock to make way for new models, at which time many fantastic bargains are obtainable, allowing for purchasers to buy a better model with their money than they expected.

If you are simply searching for an everyday digital camera at a great price, many of the features will be irrelevant and you simply need to ensure that all necessary items are included to save further purchases later on. The essentials generally include batteries, a battery recharger, a camera case, and a memory card or USB attachment, the latter two enabling you to transfer your pictures from camera to computer or printed photograph. These complete camera packages can be located online or in sale for the lowest price. Digital camera use is now within everyone's budget.

If you want to find the best source for the Lowest Price Digital Camera, then your search has ended. You will also find thousands and thousands of the lowest priced consumer electronics at Consumer Home Electronics

A Birder's First Camera

The advice often given to first time birding camera buyers is, “Get the best camera you can afford.” As with most simplistic answers, that one contains just enough truth to be dangerous. A more useful answer would be a return question like, “What do you intend to use the camera for?” Different situations benefit from different equipment. Birding covers so many diverse activities from sitting on a patio watching the backyard feeder to an Antarctic expedition observing penguins. What you intend to do with the camera will determine which is best for you. While cost is an indicator of quality, a more expensive camera might not be the most appropriate for a particular need.



Bird photography requirements


There are a couple of generic requirements that a good birding camera must fulfill. A birding camera needs a lens with strong magnification. Getting close to birds is difficult and you will need a lens capable of capturing a good image at a distance that won’t spook your subjects. Ignore the 3X or 5X rating on cameras. It is a relative measure that gives little objective basis for comparison. More useful is the focal length. On digital cameras that is normally stated as either effective focal length or 35 mm equivalent focal length. Those measurements compare the magnification to what a 35 mm camera would offer. As digital camera sensors essentially magnify the actual focal length of a camera anywhere from 1.5 yo 2 times, the effective or 35 mm focal length measurement gives a standard for comparison. Consumer camera lenses that offer 450 mm - 600 mm effective focal lengths are good choices.



Another feature that a birding camera needs is manual focus. Under normal conditions the automatic focus on digital cameras does a great job. Unfortunately, birds often hang out among branches and leaves. Your camera can’t know which of the many possible subjects to focus on. Therefor, you will sometime, or often, need to manually focus on the bird to get a good shot. If you primarily observe shore birds that many not be as important a consideration. Otherwise it’s essential.



Camera manufacturers often advertise the number of megapixels their cameras will capture. That’s mostly a marketing gimmick. For current consumer level cameras anything more than 10-12 megapixels, and perhaps less, provides no measurable advantage and some experts feel that larger megapixel sensors produce more image noise or graininess.



All modern digital cameras that cost more than a couple hundred dollars are extremely capable and will produce excellent images under most conditions. A $300 camera that you have with you will do you more good than a $3000 one that got left behind because it was too heavy or complicated to take along. Yes, the more expensive camera will do a better job under difficult photo taking conditions. It will offer more controls. The photos it takes will provide more editing latitude. It will also, at a minimum, weigh and cost two to three times as much. For the casual or beginning photographer the disadvantages of cost, weight and complexity will often outweigh the technical advantages. For smaller or less fit individuals the weight alone can be the most important consideration.



Photography Intentions


That brings us to the question of intentions. If photography is the primary intent of for your birding outing then a digital single lens reflex camera (DSLR) offers more creative control and will give you better photos in poor light as well as more post processing options. Under average daytime lighting conditions the image quality advantage diminishes to minuscule for image printed around 11” X 17” or smaller. If you want to make posters, shoot in minimal very early morning or late evening light then get the DSLR camera.



If photography is a secondary goal to observation and identification then a point and shoot camera with a long zoom lens might be a better choice. These are classified as super zoom cameras and can take excellent images under adequate daytime lighting. The advantages of a super zoom are lighter weight, lower cost and lower complexity. Their single lens can can do the job of two or three DSLR lenses, meaning that you only need the camera not a whole bag or backpack full of equipment. Street prices run from $300 - $400 for models that offer manual zoom capability. They are a particularly good choice for people moving up from a pocket point and shoot camera. The provide enough manual controls to keep a dedicate learner busy for a couple of years and are not unreasonable to haul around along with a good pair of binoculars. Super zooms also include movie capture modes, which as of Jan 09, only two DSLR’s offer. While the movie mode isn’t a substitute for a good video camera, it is a nice bonus to grab an occasional movie clip.



A good super zoom camera can make a good bridge camera. If you think you want to get into photography but haven’t actually done a lot of it, then the lower cost is a big plus. If you later decide to upgrade to a DSLR you won’t have wasted your money. There will always be situations where the super-zoom’s lower weight and wide focal length capacity make it a good choice. It also makes a great camera to lend.



I you already have extensive photography experience then a DSLR would be the better choice. It is a more capable camera. It will give usable photos at a higher ISO setting (lower light). You won’t be intimidated by the extra controls and buttons. You may already own 35 mm camera lenses that will work with the camera. You’ll be used to dealing with multiple lenses. If you enjoy digital darkroom work then a DSLR shooting in raw mode will give you more information to work with. You will also be familiar with the high price tags that quality lenses carry and won’t suffer as much from sticker shock.

Choosing A DSLR Camera - Some Considerations

There are a wide range of options and features available for DSLR (digital single lens reflex) cameras and it can be confusing if you are buying this type of camera for the first time. This guide will help you decide which features are important to you and hopefully help you to choose your ideal DSLR camera.

Price

A major factor in your decision is, of course, the price. DSLR cameras start at about $400 and can be as much as $8000 for a top of the range camera. A camera of between $400 to $1000 would probably be a good choose for a newcomer. Lenses tend to be expensive and can cost more than the camera body do make sure you take this into account when you make your budget.

Format Size

There are four format sizes at the moment for 35mm DSLR cameras.

Full Frame

This format, with a sensor size of sensor size is 36mm x 24mm, is found on most higher end cameras and is the same size as that used in 35mm film cameras.

APS-C

On a Canon camera this format has a 15mm x 22.5mm sensor and on a Nikon 15.6mm x 23.7mm. This format is used by most DSLR cameras except some higher end cameras and Olympus makes. Nikon call it a DX format.

APS-H

This format is only found in a few cameras such as the Canon EOS 1D MkIII and has a 18.7mm x 28.7mm sensor.

Four Thirds

This is a smaller format at 13.5mm x 18mm and is found on Olympus and Panasonic cameras. The aspect ratio is 3:4 unlike other cameras with an aspect ratio of 2:3.

All of the formats will give a good print out up to 11″ x 14″ which is the largest most amateur photographers will usually need. Most cameras below about $1000 dollars use the Four Thirds or APS-C format so the choice is usually dictated by the price rather than performance.

Image Stabilization Systems

Systems for image stabilisation vary between manufacturers. Some systems are mounted in the camera body others on the lens itself. Nikon and Canon use a lens based system and use gyros on the lens to sense movement and keep the optical groups stable. Gyros mounted on the camera body are used by Sony, Panasonic and Olympus in a stabilisation system called a sensor shift. The sensor shifts to compensate for any movement. Although both systems perform equally as well the lens mounted systems need to be included on every lens which adds to the cost. In addition not all lenses have the system included especially prime lenses under 200mm.

Size and Weight

Cheaper cameras tend to be smaller and lighter although, as no DSLR camera is going to fit into a pocket anyway, the size is not of primary important.

Pixel Count

DSLR camera start at about 6 mega pixels (MP) and can be as much as 22 MP for a high end camera. The pixel count will dictate the size that a print can be blown up to and you need to decide how large you would like your prints before you decide on which model to buy. 240 pixels per inch will give a very good quality print so a 6 MP camera will be adequate for a high quality 8" x 10" print.

If you need larger prints a 10 MP camera will be capable of producing a good print at a size of 11″ x 14″. A top of the range camera with a pixel count of 22 MP will give excellent 11″ x 14″ prints.

ISO Settings

ISO ranges between 100 and 1600 are found on most lower end cameras. Mid range cameras may have settings up to 6400 and a high end camera can reach as high as 25,500 and as low as 50. Most DSLR cameras will give pictures with low noise at ISO settings between 100 and 800 but the noise dramatically increases above this. The noise at the higher levels can vary considerably between models so, if possible, try to see images taken at higher setting with the cameras you are considering.

Noise

All digital images will have some noise which will be more noticeable at higher ISO settings. Noise comes from the electronics and sensor when the digital signal is produced from the analog signal. All DSLR cameras have noise filtering systems but this works less well above an ISO setting of about 800. Noise reduction softens the image so try to see images taken in low light if you will be using the higher range ISO settings.

Autofocus

Autofocus systems vary a great deal between manufacturers. All auto focus systems work well for static images but can vary a great deal for moving subjects, especially in low light. Check reviews of specific cameras for information on how well auto focus works for the model you are considering.

Whats Required From A Home Security Camera System

Selecting either a home security camera system, or a camera to be used for a commercial reason, can be frustrating if you don't know what you are looking for in protection. For instance, do you want a real or fake home security camera system, meaning, do you need a system that will actually alert the police, or do you feel that the aesthetic of having a camera visible on the premises is good enough to ward off predators? Are you interested in the way that a monitor is going to look? Do you want something that is obvious or discrete? Regardless of what your needs are, there is something that can come close to what you want. Cameras will come in three basic forms, hopefully learning the basics will help to cut down on some future decisions.




The first kind of home security camera is known as a dome camera. Obviously, this camera comes in the shape of a dome and it fits conveniently on the ceiling of your home or business. You will find the dome cameras often times in casinos where they are used to monitor the tables. You will also find home security at its most fashionable with the dome lens. There are dome cameras that can be placed outside, however, you must use a special armor type in order to do this kind of mounting. Sony carries two different types of dome security cameras and they are a leader in the industry. You can choose from the Verifocal dome camera, which has the highest resolution (420 lines) and an adjustable lens. You can also purchase Sony's Infrared Armor dome camera, which acts as a hidden camera and is the most durable of all of the dome cameras. Dome cameras are the most popular security cameras because they are impossible to detect which angle they are viewing unless you are at close range. They come in black or white and they all have adjustable lenses.




The second type of home security camera is the bullet camera. The lens is long and resembles a rifle, which is where the camera finds its name. Bullet cameras are easily visible and can be mounted to a wall or a ceiling. They use a 12V DC voltage, and the power cable should be included when the camera is purchased. Most of these cameras will film in color and then change their resolutions to black and white when the light levels are lower. The resolution during the day is much better with the bullet security systems, but if you have an alternate form of lighting, like a streetlight, people can sometimes be seen from up to 70 feet away. The most popular brand of bullet security cameras is the SPECO CVC-6805SX, which is color and has a fixed lens of 4mm.




Many businesses rely on a home security camera at night. However, it can be hard to see the footage when there is no light. The infrared camera has built in lights around the lens so you are able to view your taped footage with ease. However, the infrared lighting can cause a problem when it is used at a home due to the glare that is created from the windows. Some people will think that an infrared camera is the same as a night vision camera, although the night vision camera does not have built in lighting around their lens. Prices can vary on the infrared cameras, but the most affordable home security model is the QSVC422 CCD color outdoor camera made by Digital Peripheral Solutions.




Security cameras can provide a cushion of comfort for a secure home, especially when you have an investment that you want to protect. A home security camera can scare an obvious thief, and also catch an unsuspecting one if it is a strategically hidden camera. Home security cameras have become more popular with people who own second and third homes, and feel like they need an insurance policy for their property, so to speak while the business owner has been protecting his own with security cameras since the advent of the entrepreneur. Just remember that it can never hurt to be proactive about your safety.

Waterproof digital cameras 7 Choice You Can Chose

Digital camerasare risky to use in water, as they will malfunction. This deprives those who love diving and spending time in water, the pleasure of taking photographs underwater as well as around water (in the fear that the camera might fall into water and malfunction). Therefore, waterproof digital cameras also called underwater cameras provide a chance to photograph the underwater world which would have been otherwise inaccessible with normal digital cameras.

The following is a list of some waterproof digital cameras that are commonly used for underwater photography.

The first one of waterproof digital cameras reviewed is Sea and Sea DX-1 G Compact Digital 10.0 MP camera with underwater housing set. This waterproof digital camera has ten megapixels (which is pretty good photo quality), a polycarbonate underwater housing (which makes it waterproof) and a ‘sea and sea’ mode which optimizes digital photography under water. It also has some other features that are advanced, such as manual control over exposure and focus, an extra flash light and the camera also has the ability to shoot videos.

Intevac IC700 7.0 MP Digital Camera with Underwater housing falls under waterproof digital cameras, which provides a pretty good image quality (with seven megapixels) and is affordable as it is under the $300 price range. It is considered a good waterproof camera and is rated for underwater photography to a depth of 180 feet. To emphasize this opinion, the camera comes with features such as macro mode with a built in flash which can reach up to about five feet when underwater.

Olympus SW series may be the best well rounded waterproof camera at the moment. This camera completed with 10 Megapixels, ISO1600, and a 3.6x optical zoom feature and you could diving with this camera as depth as 6.6 feet.

Pentax Optio W30 is another waterproof digital camera design you should consider. Released with 7MP - ISO1600 and 3x optical zoom image recording feature, Optio W30 supported with both SD and SDHC, videos in this model is of 640x480 in MOV QuickTime MJPEG format.

Another one of waterproof digital cameras is Sealife SL320 Reef Master Mini underwater digital camera. Weighing about eight ounces, and being a compact camera, this is very useful for those who want a light weight, easy to use waterproof digital camera. The camera has underwater exposure and sea modes and has six megapixels. The shutter speed of this camera is within a range of 1/60th to 1/1000th of a second. This waterproof digital camera has a rating of 130 feet depth for underwater photography.

With an underwater photography rating of 50 feet depth, VuPoint DC-WPC-ST531TBLK-VP Underwater digital camera is another recommended waterproof digital camera. It has five megapixels and also has video capturing ability. It features digital zooming and has the ability to shoot in macro settings and control aperture settings. Also, it is less expensive compared to other waterproof digital cameras.

One of the best designed waterproof digital camera for up to 5feet depth of water is Sanyo Xacti VPC-E1. With 4GB memory card, and MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 at 640x480 powers, the Xacti E1 could work with an approximate record time over 5 hours. This small and easy to handle video camera also offers a solid 5x optical zoom with a 6MP CCD at up to ISO1600 power for still images, so beside video you can also take a pictures every moment. With flip out view screen and special key feature of this video digital camera will saves you from the risk of bumping in underwater objects while diving around.

By choosing wisely from the wide range of good waterproof digital cameras available in today’s market, you can chose a good quality waterproof digital camera at an affordable price, to make the next underwater experience – an unforgettable one.

About the Author:

Founder and owner of http://buycamera-s.com

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Waterproof digital cameras 7 Choice You Can Chose

Digital cameras are risky to use in water, as they will malfunction. This deprives those who love diving and spending time in water, the pleasure of taking photographs underwater as well as around water (in the fear that the camera might fall into water and malfunction). Therefore, waterproof digital cameras also called underwater cameras, provide a chance to photograph the underwater world which would have been otherwise inaccessible with normal digital cameras.

The following is a list of some waterproof digital cameras that are commonly used for underwater photography.

The first one of waterproof digital cameras reviewed is Sea and Sea DX-1 G Compact Digital 10.0 MP camera with underwater housing set. This waterproof digital camera has ten megapixels (which is pretty good photo quality), a polycarbonate underwater housing (which makes it waterproof) and a ‘sea and sea’ mode which optimizes digital photography under water. It also has some other features that are advanced, such as manual control over exposure and focus, an extra flash light and the camera also has the ability to shoot videos.

Intevac IC700 7.0 MP Digital Camera with Underwater housing falls under waterproof digital cameras, which provides a pretty good image quality (with seven megapixels) and is affordable as it is under the $300 price range. It is considered a good waterproof camera and is rated for underwater photography to a depth of 180 feet. To emphasize this opinion, the camera comes with features such as macro mode with a built in flash which can reach up to about five feet when underwater.

Olympus SW series may be the best well rounded waterproof camera at the moment. This camera completed with 10 Megapixels, ISO1600, and a 3.6x optical zoom feature and you could diving with this camera as depth as 6.6 feet.

Pentax Optio W30 is another waterproof digital camera design you should consider. Released with 7MP - ISO1600 and 3x optical zoom image recording feature, Optio W30 supported with both SD and SDHC, videos in this model is of 640x480 in MOV QuickTime MJPEG format.

Another one of waterproof digital cameras is Sealife SL320 Reef Master Mini underwater digital camera. Weighing about eight ounces, and being a compact camera, this is very useful for those who want a light weight, easy to use waterproof digital camera. The camera has underwater exposure and sea modes and has six megapixels. The shutter speed of this camera is within a range of 1/60th to 1/1000th of a second. This waterproof digital camera has a rating of 130 feet depth for underwater photography.

With an underwater photography rating of 50 feet depth, VuPoint DC-WPC-ST531TBLK-VP Underwater digital camera is another recommended waterproof digital camera. It has five megapixels and also has video capturing ability. It features digital zooming and has the ability to shoot in macro settings and control aperture settings. Also, it is less expensive compared to other waterproof digital cameras.

One of the best designed waterproof digital camera for up to 5feet depth of water is Sanyo Xacti VPC-E1. With 4GB memory card, and MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 at 640x480 powers, the Xacti E1 could work with an approximate record time over 5 hours. This small and easy to handle video camera also offers a solid 5x optical zoom with a 6MP CCD at up to ISO1600 power for still images, so beside video you can also take a pictures every moment. With flip out view screen and special key feature of this video digital camera will saves you from the risk of bumping in underwater objects while diving around.

By choosing wisely from the wide range of good waterproof digital cameras available in today’s market, you can chose a good quality waterproof digital camera at an affordable price, to make the next underwater experience – an unforgettable

Comparing Digital Cameras and Digital Camera Reviews

The most exciting thing that you face when you go buying the digital camera is that there are so many choices. With so many different features, styles and prices of digital cameras available in the market, the comparisons can actually be mind-boggling.

If you are going to buy a digital camera for yourself, to compare different digital cameras is a must for you. It will make your buying simple as well as less time consuming. If you want to know a few basic guidelines for drawing fair comparisons between a plethora of options available in the market, read the article. It will definitely help you make the best deal for you.

There are many factors that make a particular camera better or worse for you. The pixels, optical, memory, camera size, digital zoom and cost of various digital cameras should be compared well before picking any camera. The important task is to put through a sieve all the hype and get the best digital camera suiting your needs.

But before you start comparing the features of different cameras, it is important for you to make certain basic decisions. They are related to identifying your basic needs and prerequisites for the camera. Decide on why you need a digital camera. The purpose should be well-defined. Ask yourself, is it for taking candid snapshots or for serious photography. If you are buying the camera for clicking pictures for an exhibition or a photo website, the criterion of purchase will definitely change. There are different sizes of models that include compact, miniature and big size cameras. Be clear about the size you need to buy.

Then you may start comparing the specific features of the digital camera. You can compare the quantity and quality of the pixel. The more the pixels in the camera, the clearer and quality pictures it would produce. The pixels are nothing but tiny squares of color and light. Thus to get the best camera, you should have the best pixel quality. The sensor of the camera can be called as its eye. Generally, the digital cameras with larger sensors have better quality diodes, which result in sharp and clear pictures.

You should also compare the digital camera on the grounds of its memory. All the digital photographs require the storage capacity of several megabytes. You should compare the capacity of built-in memory of the digital camera. You should certainly go for the one with more battery capacity. A general guidance principle is to have a battery with at least 256 to 512MB of memory. It is important to check the memory compatibility while comparing the digital cameras.

You can also compare the SLR digital camera with compact digital camera. There are many features that you may find in a compact digital camera but not in the SLR digital camera. It can also be vice versa.

The SLR cameras are big cameras, efficient in producing clear, sharp and quite colourful images. While the compact cameras are very small in size and can be slipped in to your jeans pocket quite comfortably. They may not compete well with the SLR digital cameras when you compare their features. But, their size is the feature, which is the major attraction for purchase to many users. When you would compare the working and results of both of these cameras, you can decide as to which one suits the best to your needs.

There are more features that should be compared before buying a digital camera. Optical zoom is much better than digital zoom. Compare the speed of the shutter, time taken to start up, the level of manual override and how instant is the auto focus of the camera.

Keep these things in your mind before the purchase. I am quite sure that you will make the best-for-you pick, prior comparing various digital options. Happy Shopping, for happy digital Clicking!

How To Choose The Right Surveillance Camera System

Surveillance Camera Systems come in all shapes and sizes and trying to figure out which surveillance system that will fit your needs can be very frustrating, but most cameras and systems today requires very little experience to install and operate. This article describes several factors to consider before purchasing a surveillance camera system.

General things to ask yourself: – Should I buy Wireless or Wired surveillance cameras? Wireless is much easier to install than wired. – How many cameras should you buy? Using too many cameras will be expensive, not enough will only give me limited coverage. – Should I use Indoor or Outdoor type cameras? – Does my application require recording of the surveillance activity? If not, the cost can be reduced because a DVD recorder will not be necessary. – Does my surveillance system require that I can monitor over the Internet when away from my business or home.

Let's describe the different types of surveillance cameras and systems which will be helpful to determine which one to buy depending on the type of use.

Hidden Cameras: These types of cameras are for indoor use only and come in a variety of different kinds of ordinary looking objects. For instance a small hidden camera are embedded in everyday objects like an Alarm Clock, Air Freshener, Fan, CO2 Detector or even a vanity Mirror. They are usually installed in one room and used to catch any suspicious activity in the room installed. Most of them use a 12-hour rechargeable battery pack with no wires or cords to plug in. Most all of these type of cameras are wireless but some can be wired. By far, you are better off choosing a wireless kind, which takes minutes to set up. To view or record the activity a 2.4 GHz Receiver attaches to your TV or VRC or DVR, which also only takes just a few minutes.

Surveillance Camera Systems: For business type applications you make want to consider a bundled system that includes all the components need to watch you business when you are there or way from it. Your business may need 4, 8 or 16 cameras also referred to as channels. For instance a small but location may need 8 cameras or as many as 16. They can be wireless or wired. If you are looking for an easy installation choose wireless, that way no messy wires to deal with.

A 4 Channel Wireless Complete System is also perfect for a small business or even a small house. A wireless surveillance camera system will allow you to install 4 wireless cameras to digitally record all the activity in your business. These types of systems come with a DVR with full networking capability and use a GeoVision DVR card, which allows you to view live video surveillance on the Internet. This type of system is designed strictly for indoor use only, and the perfect video recording system for smaller areas. You now have the flexibility to leave and still record activity and store and retrive for later viewing. Many businesses have a panic button they press when they see a would be thief in their store and now have the proof stored if needing to use in it in court.

For Personal Home Surveillance Camera System, there is the 4 Channel Wireless VISEC Surveillance System that is perfect for monitoring 4 rooms in a small house. The cameras that come with type of system work in day or night because of the high quality digital CCD chips that automatically switches from color to black & white in low light conditions. This type of a system requires what known as a 'quad'. A quad is an accessory to your surveillance system that splits a video monitor into 4 screens. Without a quad viewing would only be able possible with one camera at a time. This type of a system also comes with a GrabBee II. It allows wireless or hidden cameras to connect your camera(s) to your computer. The GrabBee II is the bridge between the wireless or hidden camera and your computer. This device converts analog video signal to digital through a USB port.

Designed For Simple Personal Use, there is a camera called the Cyber Eye. This infrared B/W digital surveillance camera takes pictures automatically whenever someone moves in front of it and then digitally stores the pictures within the micro-camera. You can then extract the images later on just by plugging the camera into your TV/VCR to either view or record. This type of camera is great for catching someone snooping around your house. It is so small and compact you can even put it in your car and aim it out the window. This personal surveillance camera works by changes in the picture and not motion. Video images can be even taken through glass and the wireless surveillance camera will still work like a charm. The pictures are taken at 1-60 second intervals (UP TO 680 pictures). Video images will even have the time and date stamp added to each picture.

For Outdoor Surveillance Cameras, Dome cameras are used in many places including retail stores, restaurants, casinos and apartment buildings. You can even see them at your local McDonalds restaurants. Dome cameras are simply board cameras built into a weatherproof dome housing. In addition to these surveillance cameras being weatherproof, many of these types of dome surveillance cameras are vandal-proof dome and built with protective casing that can withstand the direct hit of a sledgehammer or other brute force means to disable it. Dome Surveillance Cameras are generally wired and can be connected to a Digital DVR to record all suspicious activities.

Surveillance Camera Recording – One of the most important pieces of a surveillance system is the surveillance video recorder. Whether you have one, four, eight or sixteen cameras you have to take what those cameras see and store that video for reference or possible evidence. Obviously DVR system can record much longer than old style VCR tapes. Generally these recorders come in 4, 8 and 16 channel models. Channels refer to amount of cameras that can be attached for recording. Some units are small, some large and have different features. One of the best DVR portable surveillance camera recorders perfect for body worn & covert applications and fits easily into a purse, pocket or backpack is the DVR-9800 touted as the Worlds Smallest Wearable DVR Recorder. This recorder can record a whopping 40 hours of video and about 910 hours of audio.

This article gives you the basics on what to look for when shopping for a surveillance camera system for either personal or business use. In a future article, we will discuss detailed directions on how to connect and set up the most common types of surveillance camera systems.

Consumer Reports - Digital Cameras

Digital cameras, which employ reusable memory cards instead of film, give you far more creative control than film cameras can. With a digital camera, you can transfer shots to your computer, then crop, adjust color and contrast, and add textures and other special effects. Final results can be made into cards or T-shirts, or sent via e-mail, all using the software that usually comes with the camera. You can make prints on a color inkjet printer, or by dropping off the memory card at one of a growing number of photofinishers. You can upload the file to a photo-sharing Web site for storage, viewing, and sharing with others.

Like camcorders, digital cameras have LCD viewers. Some camcorders can be used to take still pictures, but a typical camcorder's resolution is no match for a good still camera's.

WHAT'S AVAILABLE

The leading brands are Canon, Fujifilm, HP, Kodak, Olympus, and Sony; other brands come from consumer-electronics, computer, and traditional camera and film companies.

Digital cameras are categorized by how many pixels, or picture elements, the image sensor contains. One megapixel equals 1 million picture elements. A 3-megapixel camera can make excellent 8x10s and pleasing 11x14s. There are also 4- to 8-megapixel models, including point-and-shoot ones; these are well suited for making larger prints or for maintaining sharpness if you want to use only a portion of the original image. Professional Digital cameras use as many as 14 megapixels.

Price range: $200 to $400 for 3 megapixels; $250 to $400 for 4 and 5 megapixels; $300 to $1,000 for 6 to 8 megapixels.

IMPORTANT FEATURES

Most Digital cameras are highly automated, with features such as automatic exposure control (which manages the shutter speed, aperture, or both according to available light) and autofocus.

Instead of film, digital cameras typically record their shots onto flash-memory cards. CompactFlash and SecureDigital (SD) are the most widely used. Once quite expensive, such cards have tumbled in price--a 128-megabyte card can now cost less than $50. Other types of memory cards used by cameras include Memory Stick, Smart Media and xD-picture card. A few cameras, mainly some Sony models, use 3 1/4-inch CD-R or CD-RW discs.

To save images, you transfer them to a computer, typically by connecting the camera to the computer's USB or FireWire port or inserting the memory card into a special reader. Some printers can take memory cards and make prints without putting the images on a computer first. Image-handling software, such as Adobe Photoshop Elements, Jasc Paint Shop, Microsoft Picture It, and ACDSee, lets you size, touch up, and crop digital images using your computer. Most digital cameras work with both Windows and Macintosh machines.

The file format commonly used for photos is JPEG, which is a compressed format. Some cameras can save photos in uncompressed TIFF format, but this setting yields enormous files. Other high-end cameras have a RAW file format, which yields the image data with no processing from the camera.

Digital cameras typically have both an optical viewfinder and a small color LCD viewer. LCD viewers are very accurate in framing the actual image you get--better than most of the optical viewfinders--but they use more battery power and may be hard to see in bright sunlight. You can also view shots you've already taken on the LCD viewer. Many digital cameras provide a video output, so you can view your pictures on a TV set.

Certain cameras let you record an audio clip with a picture. But these clips use additional storage space. Some allow you to record limited video, but the frame rate is slow and the resolution poor.

A zoom lens provides flexibility in framing shots and closes the distance between you and your subject--ideal if you want to quickly switch to a close shot. The typical 3x zoom on mainstream cameras goes from a moderately wide-angle view (35mm) to moderate telephoto (105mm). You can find cameras with extended zoom ranges between 8x and 12x, giving added versatility for outdoor photography. Other new cameras go down to 24 or 28 mm at the wide-angle end, making it easier to take in an entire scene in close quarters, such as a crowded party.

Optical zooms are superior to digital zooms, which magnify the center of the frame without actually increasing picture detail, resulting in a somewhat coarser view.

Sensors in digital cameras are typically about as light-sensitive as ISO 100 film, though some let you increase that setting. (At ISO 100, you'll likely need to use a flash indoors and in low outdoor light.) A camera's flash range tells you how far from the camera the flash will provide proper exposure: If the subject is out of range, you'll know to close the distance. But digital cameras can tolerate some underexposure before the image suffers noticeably.

Red-eye reduction shines a light toward your subject just before the main flash. (A camera whose flash unit is farther from the lens reduces the risk of red eye. Computer editing of the image may also correct red eye.) With automatic flash mode, the camera fires the flash whenever the light entering the camera registers as insufficient. A few new cameras have built-in red-eye correction capability.

Some cameras that have powerful telephoto lenses now come with image stabilizers. These compensate for camera shake, letting you use a slower shutter speed than you otherwise could for following movement. But an image stabilizer won't compensate for the motion of subjects.

Most new 6- to 8-megapixel cameras come with full manual controls, including independent controls for shutter and aperture. That gives serious shutterbugs control over depth of field, shooting action, or shooting scene with tricky lighting.

HOW TO CHOOSE

The first step is to determine how you will use the camera most of the time. Consider these two questions:

How much flexibility to enlarge images do you need? If you mainly want to make 4x6 snapshots, a camera with a 3- or 4-megapixel resolution will be fine. Such a camera will also make an 8x10 print of an entire image without alteration that looks as sharp as one from a 6- or 8-megapixel model. But to enlarge the image more or enlarge only part of it, you'll want a 6- to 8-megapixel camera.

How much control do you want over exposure and composition? Cameras meant for automatic point-and-shoot photos, with a 3x-zoom lens, will serve snap shooters as well as dedicate hobbyists much of the time. The full-featured cameras in the 6- to 8-megapixel range offer capabilities that more-dedicated photographers will want to have. Two of the more important capabilities are a zoom range of 5x to 10x or more, which lets you bring distant outdoor subjects close and also lets you shoot candid portraits without getting right in your subject's face, and a full complement of manual controls that you determine the shutter speed and lens opening. '

Once you've established the performance priorities that you need from a camera, you can narrow your choices further by considering these convenience factors:

Size and weight. The smallest, lightest models aren't necessarily inexpensive 3-megapixel cameras. And the biggest and heaviest aren't necessarily found at the high end. If possible, try cameras at the store before you buy. That way, you'll know which one fits you hand best and which can be securely gripped. In our tests, we have found that some of the smallest don't leave much room even for small fingers.

Battery type and life. All digital cameras can run on rechargeable batteries of one of two types: an expensive battery pack or a set of AA batteries. In our tests of the cameras, neither battery type had a clear performance advantage. The best-performing cameras offer upward of 300 shots on a charge, while the worst manage only about 50. We think it's more convenient to own a camera that accepts AA batteries. You can buy economical, rechargeable cells (plus a charger) and drop in a set of disposable lithium or alkaline batteries if the rechargeable run down in the middle of the day's shooting.

Camera speed. With point-and-shoot cameras like the ones we tested, you must wait after each shot as the camera processes the image. Most models let you shoot an image every few seconds, but a few make you wait 5 seconds or more. They may frustrate you when you're taking photos in sequence.

Your other cameras. If you're adding a camera to your lineup or trading up to a more versatile model, look first for one that's compatible with the other cameras. If it is, you can share memory cards and batteries. Designs within a camera brand line are often similar. So staying wit the brand you have lowers the learning curve on the new camera for family members who switch between cameras.

How Do I Choose a Digital Camera?

A digital camera
might look like a film camera but they are actually quite different. Both freeze light to make a photograph. Film cameras do this chemically using film. Digital cameras use a light sensitive CCD or CMOS silicon chip to convert light and digital information into pixels.

Pixels are the tiniest areas of light that your digital camera can recognize and change into information. The greater amount of pixels the more detail and higher the resolution the photograph. A low resolution color printout of tree will show that it is green but in a high resolution photograph the leaves and texture of the bark will be more sharply defined.

With digital photographs your have the ability to use software like Adobe Photoshop Deluxe and Microsoft Picture to edit photos and make corrections.

Choosing Your Camera
Important considerations when choosing a digital camera are: What do you want the camera to do? What features do you require? How much do you wish to spend on your camera?
There are professional high end cameras that cost thousands of dollars, cheap throwaway cameras and a huge selection of mid-level cameras available to choose from.

Will you be photographing images for the internet and for email? Will your photos be printed? For regular print size snapshots and web photos a one to two megapixel camera will do. In fact for the web a lower megapixel would be better as higher resolution photos are slow to download.

Do you want a point-and-click camera? Are you someone who just wants to get the picture taken with the least amount of bother. Do you want a camera that does everything automatically and you simply have to press a button? Or, are you someone who would rather figure out the best settings for your camera and make the adjustments manually? It's always best to find a camera that suits your purpose, need and ability.

High or Low Resolution
High end, high resolution cameras are good for photographs that are to be printed. The greater the number of pixels the higher the resolution. High resolution does not make sense on the web as the extra resolution does not make images appear any sharper. Also, high resolution photos are slow to download on the web.

To print your photographs you will need a good quality color printer. If photos are to be printed, high resolution does make a difference depending how large you want the picture to be. High resolution will give a large print better definition. High resolution cameras cost more. Expect to pay more for high resolution. You also need to check that your printer can handle high resolution prints.

Lenses
Low-end digital cameras have fixed focus lenses made of plastic. With these lenses everything is focused and you don't need to make a decision what to focus on.

Variable focused lenses are made of glass or high quality plastic. These lenses focus on whatever object you are trying to capture in a photograph.

Most mid-range digital cameras come with auto focus and manual focus built in. Auto focus is for point-and-click photos of whatever is in the middle of the frame. Or, by turning the ring over the lens, you can manually focus the camera. These cameras allow users to switch between auto and manual focus.

Zoom Lenses
Digital cameras have optical zoom and digital zoom lenses. Optical zoom costs more, give a better quality picture, and works the same way as on non-digital cameras with lens adjustments. A digital zoom comes about when the camera makes calculations to manipulates the pixels. Digital zoom gives a less sharp image. Some cameras include both optical and digital zoom.

View Finder
The view finder is what you look through to see what you are photographing. The view finder on both digital and regular film cameras will approximate the picture your lens is viewing. Digital cameras will also come with an LCD display that you can use to check your photographs and decide weather or not to keep them.

Lighting
When it comes to lighting you might not want the camera to make the decision automatically for you. On an auto setting you camera might not make the best lighting choice given the location and environment. At times like this you can appreciate being able to switch between manual and automatic settings.

Digital cameras allow you to test exposure and view a picture on LCD prior to pressing the button fully and committing to a photograph.

Flash
There will be a built in flash that comes with your digital camera. In addition, the better cameras have a location for a flash attachment. This is a good option for producing better quality photographs.

Connecting to Your Computer
You will need a PC USB cable, or for Mac's - Firewire or Mac USB cable, to connect to your computer. You will also need a cable adapter for your camera's CF (Compact Flash) or SM (Smart Media) card .

The CF or SM cards are removable high capacity storage cards for your photos. Your camera will use one type of card or the other. Not both. Check to see which type of storage card your camera uses.

USB connections are fast and easy to set up. Older cameras connect through a serial port. USB is faster and does not require that the computer be rebooted before it recognizes the camera.

Batteries and AC Adapters
Digital cameras often come with rechargeable batteries. It is best to have two sets of batteries. One set to use while the other is recharging. AC adapters make it easy to plug into an electrical outlet when you are near by one.

Main Drawback of Digital Camera
The main drawback of digital cameras is shutter lag delays when the camera delays responding after you squeeze the button. It is possible you may miss the moment when photographing moving objects due to shutter lag. Some of the newer cameras are beginning to address the problem.

Select a camera that does what you want it to do, has features you will use and is priced in the range you want to pay. This will be the right camera for you. If your experience is limited and you do not want to take a lot of time learning how to use the camera, go with a point-and-shoot camera. Something without too many features. If you are a camera enthusiast who wants to do more with your camera or is willing to take the time to learn how to use the feature then, by all means go all out.

Choosing the Right Hidden Camera or Spy Camera

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.

Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Wireless Hidden Cameras and Maybe More!

You are thinking about purchasing a wireless hidden camera but, like many people, are afraid of electronic products. You keep reading about words like "lux" and "camera resolution" and "line of sight" -- do I really have to know what these mean? And, isn't the wireless hidden camera hard to install?

The answer is NO and I'm going to tell you how easy it is to install and use your wireless hidden camera. I will also explain some of the "difficult" terms in plain, understandable English so you won't be intimidated any more.

The best thing about a wireless hidden camera is just that -- it's WIRELESS! You won't have to run any wires through your walls or under your rug.

These wireless cameras are called "hidden" because they are built into an existing everyday object that you see in your home or office. Most of these objects are functioning electrical appliances, e.g. clock radios, cordless phones, and even computer speakers.

Each object contains a wireless camera. The camera will function as long as the object is plugged into the wall outlet. For example, even when you turn your radio off, the camera is still working! These objects look natural when plugged into the wall, so your camera remains hidden and unsuspected.

Don't forget -- the object in which your camera is hidden is usually portable, e.g. clock radio. So even if you disconnect the plug from the wall -- perhaps to move the object -- you can still use your wireless camera with batteries. The batteries work for about 4-8 hours, so it's best that you have another set handy or use a battery charger for a fresh supply.

You want to purchase a wireless surveillance camera system that is "Plug and Play." This means just what it says -- plug it in and begin using it! Your wireless hidden camera comes with 2 main components: 1) a camera and a transmitter connected inside an everyday object; and 2) a receiver which is attached to your VCR or TV. That's all there is to it -- you're now ready to record!

Record what? There are unlimited uses for your wireless hidden camera.

How about as a hidden nanny camera -- you can watch your children while they are being cared for by their nanny or baby sitter. What about your mother or father who is getting up in years and needs special care. Wouldn't it be great to know who's on your property all the time or even at the door? And how about your children -- you can keep an eye on your tots with your hidden nanny camera to make sure they don't leave the house or property. And, now with your small security camera, you will know the real time your teens return home at night!

By using wireless hidden cameras in the workplace, you will always be aware of what's going on in your store, office and warehouse. Just set up a hidden camera to view your cash register, entrance and exit doors, loading dock, or just about anywhere.

All this and much more can be viewed from your VCR tape or live on your TV. And, with special software, you can watch what's going on in your home or business on your computer screen, even when you're away.

Should you choose a Black and White (B/W) or Color Camera? That is a personal choice that you should make. A Black and White camera does better as a low light wireless camera than a color camera because it has a lower lux. Color Cameras, however, would be more helpful to the police in identifying the burglar, shoplifter, assailant, etc. by giving a better description -- for example, "the man with red hair in the green and yellow shirt."

Finally, I promised to explain some technical camera terms. Here are some of the general questions you might ask about your wireless hidden camera:

• What is a Wireless Camera? A wireless camera consists of a camera with a transmitter attached to it and a receiver which connects to a VCR or a TV.

• What is "Plug and Play"? Plug and Play is the easy way to install your wireless surveillance camera system. Just connect the power supply (either AC for wall power or the battery pack) to your camera. Place the object containing the camera to show what you want to review. Connect the receiver to your TV or VCR using the red and yellow RCA cable from the receiver. You are now set up.

• What is a Transmitter? A transmitter is a device that converts video signals into radio frequency signals and transmits them as radio waves.

• What is a Receiver? A receiver is an electronic device that receives radio signals from a transmitter and decodes the signal for use as pictures on your VCR or TV.

• What is "Lux"? Lux is a method of measuring a camera's sensitivity to light, i.e. it is the amount of light the camera needs to provide an image. The lower the number, the less light the camera needs to reproduce a clear image. A Black and White camera usually has a lower lux than a color camera. It will hold an image longer than a color camera. For example, a B/W camera with a .05 lux will be better in low light than a color camera with a .5 lux.

• What is the meaning of "camera resolution" for security cameras? Camera resolution is a measure of the clearness of a security camera. It's determined by the number of horizontal video lines that the camera must have to reproduce the correct image. The higher the resolution number, the sharper the image.

• What is a Monitor? A monitor is what you use to view your camera image. The monitor could be a TV, CCTV (closed circuit TV) or even your computer screen.

• What is "Line of Sight"? Line of Sight means that the video signal travels from the transmitter in your camera to a dedicated receiver (e.g. VCR or TV) placed a certain distance away with no obstructions or interference between the two. The signal can go through walls and floors. Low Power Cameras usually have a line of sight of 700 feet. However, you can upgrade to a High Power Camera which has a line of sight of 3,500 feet.

So there you have it -- you don't have to be a camera buff to install or operate your wireless hidden camera. Just plug and play!

Don't Become the Next Crime Statistic! A wireless hidden camera will show you
what's REALLY happening in your home or business.

Top 20 Questions to Consider When Buying a Digital Camera

My top 20 key questions to ask yourself when buying a digital camera.

1. How many "megapixels" /resolution?

Once and for all, at least to me, you have to get the highest resolution your money can buy at the time you buy. Period.

2. Who made the lens?

Most cameras will give you an idea where the lens was made just by looking at the front of the lens. Know if the lens of your camera came from a reputable company like Leica, Zeiss, Canon, Etc... Lens quality is one of the most important factors you should consider especially if you're going to use it for commercial, technical or scientific purposes.

3. Will I need interchangeable lenses? How many are available for my specific camera in mind?

Having the option of interchangeable lenses gives you the freedom to experiment with different kinds of focal lengths. Although some P&S (point and shoot) cameras can rival DSLR's with a generous zoom range for a non interchangeable lens system.

Also note the number of lenses available for use with your specific camera because of flexibility reasons. You can practically cover the entire "zoom range" with interchangeable lenses versus modest zoom ranges on non interchangeable lens systems or P&S cameras.

4. Does it have a zoom capability? What's the range?

Almost all applications that I listed above will need some form of zooming in (telephoto) or out (wide angle), especially if you don't have the space to move around the object you are shooting.

For Landscape shots, wide angle shots are very common and appealing while zooming in on the details serves as a break and complements the wide angle shots.

For weddings and events, you need a zoom because there will be times where you are limited by the shooting space and you will have a difficult time moving around. Its a good thing to know that you can do all sorts of framing without even moving from your position.

A nice zoom will give you the efficiency and versatility in your photography, so my suggestion is to go for the longest range you can get (usually from a 7X to a 10X for Point and Shoots).

Also note the speed of zooming in or out as this will be a factor if you're shooting events like weddings. You will fail to capture that "decisive moment" on a mediocre zoom speed.

5. Does it have the provision to capture raw images?

Many photographers will say you'll need this digital camera feature if you want to have big prints from your pictures. Although this is correct, the main reason why you will want this is because of the benefit it will give you...pure total control of your pictures... from exposure, color, metadata, hdr and a lot more.

6. Can I attach an external flash?

Having an external flash capability will give you the power and creative freedom to light your subjects any which way you like.

You can connect your digital camera to all sorts of lighting equipment thus giving you more options and versatility. This comes in the form of a hotshoe or a PC-Sync socket.

If your digital camera doesn't have this feature, there is still hope because accessories called flash slaves are being sold by third party companies in different flavors that will also do the same job more or less.

7. Does it have a tripod socket?

Some of the most beautiful landscape pictures that I've seen are undoubtedly made with a tripod, so this is a must have if you are planning to do this kind of photography.

The "available light shots" in a wedding, still life and product shots, studio and fine art shots ... all need a tripod for successful execution... so guess what happens if you don't have a tripod socket?... You cannot effectively use a tripod!

8. Does it have automatic and manual focusing?

It will not be evident at first why you'll need this especially if you're just starting out in photography. But if you're like me... A total control freak when it comes to cameras... and you really want to express your creative side, this is definitely a must have.

9. Can you attach filters to it? and what filter size?

Creative expression through special effects is just one of the many reasons that makes photography fun and interesting, and experimenting with filters is one creative pursuit you should try with your photography especially if you're a beginner.

Always remember to ask if the particular digital camera you are eyeing for can handle filters and ask for the filter size. (To save you from buying the right filter with the wrong filter size) Please note that most Digital SLRs should be able to to handle filters as most lenses that come with it have a filter thread built into the lens.

Most P&S (point and shoot) digital cameras normally doesn't have a filter thread built-in and might need special accessories to accomplish this so you should check to know for sure.

Again, there are many third party accessories that you could buy to adapt filters to your P&S digital cameras that don't have this provisions. I'll discuss all about this in a future post so watch for it. (Or subscribe to my announcement list (feed via email) so you'll know when it's up.

10. Can I upgrade the firmware?

The good thing about some digital camera manufacturers is that they keep on improving their digital cameras even after they sold it to you... this comes in the form of a firmware upgrade.

Usually this involves an improvement on one or many features of a camera. Be sure that the digital camera you're planning to buy has an easy way of upgrading its firmware. This comes in the form of either an easy download via the manufacturer's website (find it and bookmark it now) or a FREE CDROM.

Another caveat - be sure to consider if a downgrade is also possible or available with your digital camera... Why is there a need a downgrade you ask?... Because, you may want to reinstall an earlier firmware... just in case you don't like the results from a firmware upgrade.

Occasionally there's a feature that will be removed by the upgrade that you failed to read about and you decided that you just want to keep that feature instead of a bunch of trivial upgrades from the new firmware. (Yes, I personally experienced this.)

11. Are there extra goodies or software that come with it?

Some people ignore the fact that you can save a lot of money just by doing a simple arithmetic. Did you know that you could actually get your digital camera for a lot less if you study the deals and offers on the marketplace?

If you buy a digital camera and it comes with software that you can really use... like photoshop, elements, or any other image editing software for that matter, then you already saved some money you would otherwise spend. Some dealers will throw in lots of extras... If you just simply ask.

Always try to ask for these things that you'll end up buying anyway if you don't - like camera bags, extra lenses, extra batteries, memory cards, tripod, lens cleaners etc. Trust me... you will end up buying these things if you don't ask for it on the deal. What have you got to lose? Simply ASK. Would you believe that I effectively lowered one of my camera purchase cost by as much as 30%? Ask away.

12. Is there Local Support in your area?

Finding the answer to this one will give you a great benefit in the long run. Wouldn't you sleep better at night because you feel that extra security - that in case there is something wrong with your digital camera, you can bring it in for repair at a moments notice?

Not knowing when your camera will be repaired (or if it even arrived at a distant repair facility) is one of the worst feelings a photographer can have especially if you're in the middle of a photoshoot or project.

13. What type of warranty does it have? Worldwide / Countrywide?

If you travel a lot its good to know that a countrywide or even better - a worldwide warranty can get your camera fixed wherever you are. Always bring the warranty card and glue it on your camera bag.

14. Does it have the ability to take video and audio?

I know, most DSLRs don't have this function. But some non interchangeable lens DSLRs have it. This is a very useful feature to have if you're on a project or photoshoot and want to document or record a procedure, a moment, or an idea that you would otherwise have trouble remembering or even writing. It's always a good idea to bring a P&S camera backup that have this function.

The things that you could do with audio and videoclips on a photoshoot are only limited by your imagination... interviews, documentation, funny quips, training procedures, bloopers, etc..

15. Does it have a manual white balance?

White balance is one of the most interesting aspects of digital cameras. Its fun and fascinating to work with. Having this option puts the photography fun-o-meter way way up. In future posts, I will be discussing white balance in detail so be sure to stay tuned.

16. How sensitive is it to infrared?

If you're planning to make infrared pictures or enter the exciting world of Infrared fine art photography then you'll want to know if your digital camera can do it.

TIP: There is a simple way to test how sensitive your digital camera is to infrared using a very common device - a TV remote control. For P&S, you can aim the remote control towards the lens and gauge how bright the LED from remote is. This should give you an idea how sensitive your digital camera is to infrared. For DSLRs you will need to take shots of the LED and experiment a little or you can simply research or google the particular camera model you have in mind for other people's experiences and thoughts about it.

17. How high is the ISO sensitivity? Is it manually adjustable?

ISO sensitivity is a term referring to the sensitivity of film to light. In the digital camera world, it refers to the sensitivity of the electronic sensor in your digital camera in relation to the ISO standard used for film.

The higher the ISO sensitivity of your camera the faster or better it can record a specific amount of light.

High ISO sensitivity is useful for taking better pictures in dark settings... such as inside a church or at night. The higher the ISO setting, the more details you can capture of a dark scene.

One caveat - take note of the amount of noise a particular camera exhibits at higher ISOs. Some people like it and some don't. Again, don't be afraid to ask or do research on the noise characteristics of your camera model in mind to see if this is the right choice for you.

18. How high or low can you set the shutterspeed? What are the minimum and maximum aperture settings?

Shutterspeed and aperture settings are the basic mechanisms that drive your camera and controls the amount of light that is exposed by the film or image sensor.

You use high shutterspeeds in action shots and to prevent camera shake, and you use low shutterspeeds for movement effects and bulb or long exposures. You can check for these figures on the websites that I gave you in part 1. You can see it in the technical specifications for a particular camera.

A bulb or "T" function is a nice feature to have because you can take exposures for virtually very long periods of time. Another feature to have is if your camera has a remote control to use this bulb or "T" mode. This gives you the capability to take pictures without holding your camera and adding to the "camera shake".

With the subject of apertures, a small one (small aperture opening) lets you have a wider depth of field so your shots are sharp from near to far versus a large aperture (big aperture opening) where your shots have a narrow depth of field and appear "selectively focused".

19. Does it have some form of an image stabilizer?

New cameras coming out as we speak often have this feature. Simply put, an image stabilizer is some form of a mechanism built into the lens or the camera body (depending on the manufacturer and their implementation) that basically prevents you from getting blurred pictures when taking pictures in low light or you are using a long or telephoto lens. Having this feature can mean the difference between a blurry picture (aka no picture!) to a usable one.

20. How close can it focus? Macro abilities?

The closer your camera can focus... the bigger the picture of an object you can take in relation to the image dimensions of the final photo... and the bigger the picture of the object... the more detail you can get. If you want to take pictures of small objects such as flowers and fine details then this is a must-have.

That's it. Whew.

Do you really have to go over all these questions?... Of course not, but even if you only study and ponder on half of them...and take the time... I promise you that one thing will surely happen...

You'll be...

a lot smarter!

than when you first started asking these questions... ergo you'll be in a better position to decide what digital camera to buy... Because you are now armed with the most powerful tool anybody can have

the power of information!

In any case, I hope you find as much value in these questions as many of my friends have and be able to get the camera of your dreams.

Enjoy!

Buying a Digital Camera

Family and friends can be pretty far flung these days, so how do you keep in touch? Snail mail and phoning are good options, but it's fun to be able to share pictures. With the advent of digital cameras, it's easy to post pictures on a blog or website, or send pictures via email.

Of course, film cameras will work, as you can scan and convert pictures to digital files, but the easiest way to send pictures quickly and cheaply is to use a digital camera.

How To Find What's Best For YOU When Buying A Digital Camera

There are all kinds of digital cameras available these days, so the trick is to find the one that suits your needs and budget. If you are buying your first digital camera, the lingo and technology are a bit different than for film cameras, so before shopping take time to learn a little and figure out what you'd like to buy.

First, what kind of photographer are you? Do you like total control over the picture taking process, or would you rather just aim the camera and push the shutter button? Then it's also helpful to decide what you want to do with your pictures. Do you just want to put them online or send them via email, or do you want to be able to print them, and if so, how large do you want your prints?

If photography isn't your passion, and you just want to have pictures to share, buying a simple point-and-shoot digital camera is probably best. It has automatic settings, so all you have to do is aim the camera, press the shutter and viola! Instant picture!

However, if you prefer more control over the picture taking process, try buying a mid-range digital camera. There is a wide range in both price and features. For the more serious hobby photographer, there are "prosumer" cameras midway between point-and-shoot cameras and digital SLR cameras. They offer better lens quality and usually more features than a point-and-shoot, though those little cameras can come pretty loaded these days!

Digital SLR cameras are top of the line and more expensive. These work more like traditional cameras, having a body with detachable lens. This gives you more options with being able to change lens, but it's also much more expensive. Just one lens can cost as much as a point-and-shoot digital camera! There's also usually a steeper learning curve to figure out how to use all the options on a digital SLR camera.

However, if you're buying your first digital camera, intermediate, "prosumer" and digital SLR cameras probably aren't the best choice. All the settings and features can be a little overwhelming for the beginner, and your expensive camera may end up collecting dust somewhere. Try a low to midrange camera first and get a feel for digital cameras and what features are most important to you. Then when you're ready to move up and buy a better digital camera, you'll have a better idea of what to look for before you lay out your hard earned cash!

What To Look For When You're Ready To Buy A Digital Camera

You can buy digital cameras in all sorts of places these days, from fancy department stores to discount stores, photography/camera shops and many stores online. While you can sometimes find great deals on-line, if this is your first digital camera, go to shops and look at different cameras if at all possible. It helps to pick it up and get the feel of the camera in your hand to see if it's comfortable and the controls are easy to use, and you can check out what features it has and how they work.

But what exactly are you looking for?

A pixel makes your picture....

One of the first things to check out when buying a digital camera is the MEGAPIXELS. A pixel is a single dot in a graphics image. A megapixel is equivalent to one million pixels. A 1-megapixel camera would produce an image roughly 1200 pixels wide by 900 pixels high, a 3 megapixel would be 2048 x 1536 megapixels, and so on. Higher megapixels mean better resolution, but aren't the whole picture. The main thing to keep in mind is the more megapixels, the bigger image you can print.

Approximate Megapixels vs. Print Size

2 Megapixels prints well up to 4x6 inches
3 Megapixels prints well up to 5x7 inches
4 Megapixels prints well up to 6x8 inches
6 Megapixels prints well up to 7x10 inches
8 Megapixels prints well up to 10x14 inches
12 Megapixels prints well up to 16x24 inches

For email, websites and printing snapshots, a 3 to 5-megapixel camera is a good choice. If you want to make high quality 8x10 prints or larger, you need more megapixels. Higher megapixels also allow you to crop down to a smaller portion of the picture while still retaining sharpness in prints.

One other thing to keep in mind when considering megapixels and resolution, be sure you are getting optical resolution. This is the actual number of megapixels the camera records. Some cameras offer interpolated resolution to get bigger pictures from the same number of megapixels by using software algorithms to determine what color pixels to add, so the picture becomes bigger at the expense of clarity.

Opt for optical...

Digital cameras have two kinds of zoom, optical and digital. In this case, focus on the optical zoom. It's the one that actually uses the lens' optics to bring the subject closer. The higher the number, the further away you can "pull in" your subject. The digital zoom merely takes the original information and makes it bigger, and once again, clarity is sacrificed. Most serious photographers turn off digital zoom. Stick to optical!

For Your Viewing Pleasure...

Digital cameras commonly use an LCD screen instead of a viewfinder to focus on your subject, though some come equipped with both. Check the size of the screen when buying a digital camera to be sure you can comfortably see your subject. It's also really handy to have a flip screen that allows you to hold your camera low or high, and still be able to see what's on the screen.

Fun features...

Many digital cameras offer settings for such things as burst shooting mode, which is handy if you want to take pictures of moving subjects. The camera shoots a series of pictures without pause, then writes the files to memory. Other features allow for manually changing settings, special effects, short digital movie files, using an external flash, and much more. Look over several different cameras, decide what features you just have to have, and which are on the "nice to have but not vital" list. No one camera will do everything well.

Get the Picture...

You've got to get the pictures out of the camera to share them. Usually the files are downloaded to your computer through a USB port, so make sure your computer has one. Also, keep in mind when choosing a camera, the more megapixels, the bigger the files. You've got to store those files somewhere, so how much memory is available on your computer? Does it have a CD burner?

However, you can still buy a digital camera even if you don't have a computer. Many photo labs, even in places like Walmart or Kmart, have machines with the capability of making prints and/or photo CD's from memory cards, and will make a disk of the files, sort of like digital negatives. There's also the option of buying a photo printer with a docking station for your camera. Just plug the camera into the docking station, and bypass the need for a computer to print.

Cash After Camera

When buying your digital camera, keep some cash in reserve, because there are two more important purchases you need to make.

1. Memory - The digital camera's equivalent of film, the amount of memory determines how many pictures you can take. Different cameras use different types of memory, so the first step is to find out what your camera uses. The most popular types are: Secure Digital (SD), CompactFlash (CF), SmartMedia (SM), Memory Stick (MS), MultiMediaCard (MMC), and xD-Picture Card (xD).

Cameras are usually packaged with a small MB-sized card. A second card of 64 MB is good, but of course the more MB and the more cards, the more pictures you can take before having to download and erase the images. The different cards are NOT interchangeable, so be sure to buy the right kind for your camera!

2. Battery - There's nothing more frustrating than being in the middle of snapping pictures and the battery dies. Get extras. It's worth the expense to have a second battery charged and waiting should the one in your camera lose power. The rechargeable ones are more expensive, but the ability to use them over and over makes them worth the initial outlay of cash.

That's The Total Package!

There you have the basics for choosing a digital camera. Decide what kind of pictures you are likely to take, what size prints you want to make, how much zoom, and are there any extras you can't live without? Look for the camera that most closely matches your list in your price range, buy a bigger memory card and an extra battery set, and you're good to go!

Have fun sharing those pictures with friends and family!

Buying A Camera - Choosing Between Manual And Digital Cameras!

When it comes to choosing a camera, there are two types you can choose from. It mainly depends on if you want to practice traditional photography or modern photography. Presently, you can choose between a manual camera and a digital camera.

Here are a few tips you will require in order to purchase your camera, be it digital or manual.

Before buying a camera, you need to decide whether you want to practice photography as a hobby or just to pass your time. If you are serious about photography, go for a single lens reflex or a SLR camera. The main difference between a normal camera and an SLR is that the latter gives you the option of adjusting the aperture and the shutter speed. Though this makes the pictures a little more difficult to capture, it can give great results. If you have enough patience, you can create any picture you wish to.

Make sure you consult a photographer and read enough photo magazine reviews. Read and research popular photography magazines to see what their evaluation on SLR cameras is. Make sure you are aware of the various cameras that are available today.

Reading also gives you a few good ideas. It can help you decide whether you want a camera for taking close up shots or one with a flash system and the depth of field that you would prefer.

Camera prices vary, especially when it comes to SLR cameras. The cameras at the lower end are manually operated and give options for automatic aperture settings. The relatively expensive cameras have all these features and more. They are also programmable and have the ability to measure the flash via the camera lens as well as provide greater shutter speed and aperture.

If you are ready to select a camera for purchase, hold the camera, experiment with it, look through it and familiarize yourself with it. Check the focus of the camera. See if you find the controls comfortable and if you find the price suitable. Your manual camera should suite your needs as well as your budget.

If you intend on buying a digital camera, there are a few tips you should follow in order to select the best camera for you.

As with the manual camera, set a budget within which you intend on buying your digital camera. Ensure that you do not spend way above your means. You should be realistic in addition to being open-minded. A camera that is inexpensive need not be low end and an expensive camera need not be high end. Refurbished SLR digital cameras are cheaper than the new ones and have many more features that are not present in the newer versions.

Honestly gauge how experienced you really are at photography and how much skill and potential you possess. If you are amateur, it is perhaps best to settle for a point and shoot camera. But if you intend on expanding your knowledge and experience, choose a camera with many features, control and exposure.

As with the manual camera, you need to read various reviews on digital cameras. There are a number of websites that offer you extensive information on different models of digital cameras. They cater to the needs of both serious professionals as well as amateur hobbyists.

If you know what to look for, selecting a camera is a lot of fun and really easy. Whatever you purchase, make sure that it caters to your needs, requirements and tastes. Don't just settle for whatever the store person tells you to settle for.