The past 20 years have seen huge advancements in security camera technology. Security cameras are far more accessible to even small business owners than they once were. Nevertheless, some people remain wary of installing security cameras for a host of reasons.
Effective security cameras were once accessible only to large companies with big security budgets. The expense of the cameras themselves, the cost of installation, and the security systems required to effectively operate security cameras were simply out of reach of smaller businesses. The changes in security camera technology have changed this equation.
Some business owners are reticent about installing security cameras for reasons other than costs. Security cameras represent an intrusive presence for some people, one that seems inconsistent with their company values or aesthetics. Still, there are security camera systems that can meet almost any requirements.
Still, security cameras offer some of the best protection against criminal activity in and around your home or business. Few things deter criminal activity better than security cameras. What is more security cameras provide a video and audio record of any event that may occur on your property.
What are the pros and cons of security cameras? What are the advantages of security cameras? And how can you make security cameras work for the security needs of your home or business? This guide will take you through the pros and cons of security cameras.
What are security cameras?
Security cameras are video recording devices that capture footage of a home or business. The footage is captured and recorded by a central security system. Most security camera systems are now digital and may be accessed with a smartphone or smart device for monitoring and greater control. Security cameras are most often equipped with motion detectors that trigger the camera.
Security cameras work best when they are part of a complete security system that is connected to both the user’s capabilities and emergency services like police and fire departments.
There are different types of security cameras for different needs. Some of these types of security cameras include:
Wired indoor cameras
Wired indoor security cameras are connected to a central recording device by a coaxial cable or ethernet cable. These are generally dome cameras, which can be mounted on ceilings and provide a wide field of view inside a home.
Wireless indoor cameras
Also called wi-fi cameras, these work by connecting to the internet through a wi-fi network. They are easy to install and connect to a network, and it is easy to store all your data in the cloud. Wireless indoor cameras are great for monitoring the activities in your home.
Wired outdoor cameras
These are the typical cylindrical cameras you see mounted on walls or ceilings. They can be plugged into a security system to integrate them into a full security operation. The outdoor variety of these cameras is roughly similar.
Wire-free outdoor cameras
These differ from wireless outdoor cameras in that they operate on batteries. They are not necessarily connected to wi-fi and a network, although most are now. Wire-free cameras are somewhat limited in their capabilities due to the limits of batteries, but they are easy to use. Wire-free security cameras are great for temporary situations in which installing a full security system may not be necessary.
Dome cameras
These are highly versatile overhead cameras. They are ideal for many reasons and can be used indoors and outdoor for full security coverage. Dome cameras can be equipped with IR for night visions. Most dome cameras come in a vandal-proof casing to withstand attempts to disable them.
Video doorbells
These have become increasingly popular since they replace old-fashioned peepholes in your door. Video doorbells allow you to see who is at your door even when you are not at home. They come with two-way audio so you can address whoever is at your door. Installation is fairly simple.
Floodlight Cameras
These are wireless outdoor cameras with a large floodlight that turns on when the camera does. This helps them capture clearer video and potentially scare away intruders. They can be hardwired to existing lighting wires or powered by an outlet.
Security Camera Advantages
Reduce Crime
It is a proven fact that security cameras reduce crime. About 85 percent of all crimes committed in the United States are property crimes. One of the best ways to reduce property crimes is to prevent them from happening in the first place, and security cameras do just that.
In recent years, national reporting agencies have shown that there has been a constant downward trend in most property crimes. While something like this is always complex, one of the reasons for this downward trend has been the increasing presence of security cameras.
Researchers at Rutgers University studied the impact of the presence of security cameras on the incidence of property crimes. This study showed that there is a drastic reduction in property crimes after businesses and homeowners installed security cameras. They concluded that security cameras are perhaps the most effective deterrent to property crimes.
Once the province of large operations and government operations, security cameras have become common all over the country. The mere presence of a security camera is often enough to dissuade criminals from committing a crime. No one wants to get caught, and a security camera is a clear sign that anyone who commits a crime on your property will not only be seen committing the crime but there will also be video evidence to prove the crime in court.
Monitor Scenarios and Activities
At the very least, security cameras offer you peace of mind when you are away from your home or business. Just the ability to know when something happens and to know exactly what happened can be a priceless relief for many. People with children, for example, can rest easy knowing there are security cameras in place to monitor and document any activities on the property.
For business owners, especially those with large areas to secure, security cameras can be invaluable. When you need to monitor a large area such as warehouses, for example, there is simply no way to have a physical presence in all spaces. Security cameras can be in all places, and you can monitor them remotely.
Even when you are unable to personally monitor your security cameras, or have someone else monitor them, a good security system that is connected to security cameras takes the worry out of making your property safe. Even when they are not monitored by a pair of eyes, security cameras are most often integrated into a security system that will alert the proper authorities in the event of any scenario or activity that is suspicious or potentially dangerous.
Gather Evidence
It is one thing to be able to stay aware of what is happening on your property. But what if something happens? With digital technology, modern security camera systems can record and store an almost unlimited amount of data.
Modern security cameras are also capable of more than just visual documentation. They can record audio also, and this makes for a thorough and complete record of any events that may occur on your property. Clear images combined with digital sound make for irrefutable evidence of anything that happens.
All of this can be sued as legal evidence in court in the event a crime is committed on or against your property. There is no better evidence that exacting video and audio recordings of a crime being committed. This type of evidence can be more compelling than an eyewitness since it is not subject to the tricks and flaws of human memory. Security footage provides a clear record of all events, including crimes.
Help you make the right decision
Having a video and audio record of events as they happen makes it easier to make sound decisions in the event of conflicts or disputes. Whether they be professional or within your own family, a video record from security cameras can make it easier to make the right decisions when it comes to difficulties with staff, friends, or service personnel. For example, incorrect claims by customers or even authorities can be cleared up to everyone’s benefit with the help of video and audio recordings of interactions.
Keeps record of what’s going on
Security cameras are the best way to keep track of what is happening around your home or business. Video surveillance can allow you to act quickly in the event of accidents. Businesses can keep track of who is coming and leaving the property to maintain access restrictions. And you can see who is visiting your home while you are away.
Security Camera Disadvantages
There are some disadvantages to security cameras. These need to be weighed against the advantages. The cons of security cameras include:
Can’t stop theft
Security cameras are great for deterring crime, particularly thieves. But in the final analysis, security cameras will not stop theft. If someone is determined to steal from you, they will do it even with the presence of security cameras. Often thieves believe they know their way around things like security cameras. However, in the event of a theft or other crime against your property, security cameras provide you with video and audio evidence of the crime. What is more, since most security cameras are integrated into a full security system, they can be sued to alert the police before thieves and other criminals get away.
Privacy is an issue
Security cameras are ideal for keeping a watch out for theft, vandalism, and other aggressive behavior. However, you need to remember that security cameras record everything, even your movements, and activities. Dome cameras and security monitors record everything that happens within a given area. This means your movements and actions will be recorded. Taking care to protect your privacy can be an issue with security cameras.
Security Cameras FAQS
What are security cameras? Security cameras are video recording devices that capture footage of a home or business. The footage is captured and recorded by a central security system. Most security camera systems are now digital and may be accessed with a smartphone or smart device for monitoring and control. Security cameras are most often equipped with motion detectors that trigger the camera.
What are the pros of having security cameras? Security cameras can deter criminal activity. They can record criminal activity to be used as evidence. They make it easier to make sound decisions in the event of conflicts or difficulties. And security cameras give you the peace of mind of knowing what is happening in and around your home or business.
What are the cons of security cameras? Security cameras ultimately will not stop a crime from happening. A determined thief will steal from you even with security cameras. It can also be tricky to protect your privacy with security cameras since they record everything regardless of who is involved.
Circle Security Solutions are the professionals you should contact for security cameras. We offer HD video cameras and recorders that use the latest technology in security cameras. We can provide you with a security camera system that will fit your needs, whether residential or commercial.
Circle Security Solutions provides old-school service and values that we combine with the latest technology to provide the best security systems for your home or business. Our professionals install and service state-of-the-art security systems that are safe and easy to use.
We offer security and fire alarm systems, 24-hour central monitoring, HD surveillance, and home control and automation. Whether you want a simple security camera system for your home or a full security system that includes HD video monitoring and recording, Circle Security Solutions can provide you with a system that meets your needs.
Circle Security Solutions is the premier security professional for South Florida, serving Miami, Boca Raton, Palm Beach County, Broward County, and Miami-Dade Counties.
