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Home > Miniature surveillance cameras -- overview of the options, uses, and concerns regarding these versatile cameras
October 26, 2006
By: Lynn Bryant
No doubt, you have heard the term miniature used to
describe a surveillance camera before. You might have
wondered if this terminology was simply used to describe a
tiny video surveillance camera, or if it was a category of
camera all its own. The purpose of this article is to take a
broad look at what miniature surveillance cameras are and
how they are used. In doing so, we will also explore some of
the concerns that surround the use of these tiny cameras.
The term miniature is used to describe a very small type
of video surveillance camera. That being said, a miniature
security camera can come in all different shapes and sizes.
The term miniature does not designate a specific size or
exact dimension of camera. In fact, miniature cameras just
seem to keep getting smaller and smaller. It used to be that
in order to incorporate certain features and technology into
a surveillance camera, the camera had to be rather large in
order to house everything. Now as surveillance technology
continues to advance, more and more sophisticated features
can be included in smaller and smaller packages.
Just as there are multiple shapes and sizes of miniature
cameras, there are also multiple names used to describe
them. These include mini, spy, hidden, covert, and pinhole.
There are also numerous different options of miniature
cameras available on the market.
A simple search on the Internet will provide you with a
long list of companies that offer miniature cameras. A good
way to narrow down your choices is to develop a list of
specific features that you require. For example, do you want
a wireless camera? Do you need to be able to remotely adjust
the camera? Do you wish to be able to view the captured
video directly over the Internet?
Once you have determined the exact features that you
need, the following are a few sites that you might want to
consider. Both of these sites have a wide selection of
miniature cameras available. They are
X10.com,
and
EZWatchStore.com.
If you are in the market for a miniature camera, chances
are you already have a security need in mind. Generally,
most people that purchase a miniature camera are looking to
perform some type of covert or hidden video surveillance.
This could include hidden surveillance in a retail store,
home surveillance, or as a nanny cam to monitor your child's
caregiver. Because of their incredibly small size, miniature
cameras can be used anywhere you have a need to monitor
activity undetected. Some companies even advertise that
their cameras are so small you can hide them inside a clock.
Because they are so difficult to detect, it is easy to
see how the use of hidden security cameras can raise privacy
concerns for some people. It is virtually impossible to
guard against the improper use of hidden surveillance
cameras since they are almost impossible to detect. That is
why special care has to be taken if you are going to be
installing a hidden camera for monitoring purposes. The rule
of thumb is that you cannot film in places where the public
has a right to expect privacy. An individual has a right to
a reasonable expectation of privacy in certain areas, and
this cannot be violated without possible legal
ramifications.
Miniature cameras do have their legitimate uses. As long
as you are careful to respect the privacy rights of others,
you should not run into any legal problems with installing a
hidden camera. With a little bit of research, you can easily
find a camera to suit your surveillance needs and get the
peace of mind you deserve.
About the Author
Lynn Bryant is a successful freelance writer and
contributor to Video-Surveillance-Guide.com. Your
definitive guide to video surveillance equipment, CCTV
cameras and wireless security systems for home and business.
Also See:
[ Laws on hidden
video cameras -- are hidden cameras legal? ]
[
Both sides of the
controversy surrounding public video surveillance ]
[
Smarthome for retail wireless surveillance cameras for home security ]
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