Outdoor Surveillance Cameras

Installing outdoor surveillance cameras is an important step in improving the outdoor security of your home, business and property.

Outdoor security cameras are built tougher than typical indoor security cameras. Since they are placed outdoors they will be an easy target for vandalism and will be exposed to the elements, including wind and extreme heat or cold. In addition, outdoor surveillance cameras are exposed to inconsistent lighting conditions from the sun, clouds etc. There are many outdoor cameras available with special features and housing built to withstand all of these conditions.

Protection Against Environmental Conditions
Before purchasing your outdoor cameras make sure they are clearly marked for outdoor use. The camera should be labeled: Weather Resistant, Waterproof or Weatherproof. Bullet cameras and dome cameras have extra tough housing built around them to keep the outdoor camera secure and able to withstand weather conditions and moisture. If you live in a climate with extremely cold or hot weather, you will need to make sure the housing is capable of keeping the temperature within the unit consistent. Whenever possible install outdoor security cameras under a portico, entryway or eve to help protect against such elements as blowing snow and freezing rain. You can also check to see what the camera's Weatherproof Rating is.

Vandal Proof Cameras
If you think your outdoor cameras will be vandalized, select an outdoor surveillance camera that is built specifically to withstand abuse. Armored dome cameras are built with extra heavy cast aluminum and polycarbonate plastics that cannot be beaten by physical attack, even with a sledgehammer. Look for outdoor cameras labeled -Unbreakable, in addition look for ones with a 100% replacement guarantee.

Low Light and No Light Conditions.
A good outdoor surveillance camera will have the ability to adjust automatically to changing light conditions. It will adjust shutter speeds and/or switch to infrared mode when needed. Outdoor surveillance cameras that use infrared lights have the ability to work at night in very poor lighting and in total darkness. Keep in mind that infrared cameras only record in black and white however, some have the ability to switch and will record in color during the day. Infrared cameras are also referred to as "night vision" cameras. Be careful not to confuse "night vision" cameras with "day/night" cameras.

Day/night cameras do not use infrared. They rely on shutter speed in dark situations and will not work in total darkness. Unlike the infrared or night vision cameras day/night cameras can record Color in low light situations.

Wireless Outdoor Security
You may consider wireless outdoor security cameras for some outdoor situations. They work well for situations where it is impossible to use long cables and power cords. Since they are wireless they can be mounted anywhere by anyone since much easier to install. A wireless outdoor security camera sends a radio frequency through the air from the camera's transmitter to a receiver. The receiver picks up the signal and transfers it to a TV or Monitor or Digital Video Recorder. Wireless outdoor cameras can easily be reposition and can be placed in areas that wired security camera systems can not go but, keep in mind that if they are not positioned near a wall plug, they will require batteries or need to be solar powered. More on Wireless Security Cameras

Outdoor Security Lighting
Consider adding motion activated outdoor lighting to your outdoor security plan. Outdoor security lights together with outdoor surveillance cameras are a very effective deterrent against prowlers and crime. Motion activated outdoor lights illuminate your property with floodlighting when movement is detected. They operate only when needed, and stay on for as long as you program them to. This type of lighting improves safety and security and also is an energy saver. They are easy to install because they replace any outside light. If you need lighting in an area that does not have electricity there are battery operated and solar powered motion activated lights available.

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