Choosing Spy Cams and Nanny Cams

So many cameras, so many technologies! How do I know what will work for me? At what cost? Here's a quick start guide to get you started, and clear up the confusion!

For most of us, there are 3 basic things to consider when choosing a surveillance system:
1) Custom Setup or Plug and Play? 2) Live Internet Viewing vs. View Later? 3) Budget?

Custom Setups: Will you be able to easily conceal wires running from the hidden camera to the recording or transmitting device? Wired systems are the original style of hidden camera system, and probably the most affordable. It's a time tested and dependable way to go, but you'll have to hide the camera, the wires, and the recording device like a VCR or a DVR. Hiding both can sometimes pose a problem because the 2 units have to be directly connected by wires, and usually kept in the same room.
     A wireless system is definitely the simpler, newer, and higher tech way to go.   These cameras have built in transmitters that can be set in one room, and send a digital signal to a receiver connected to a VCR or DVR, in another room up to 100ft away.   These units are a breeze to set up and hide, and don't cost much more than their wired counterparts. The DVR (Digital Video Recorder) can be a dedicated unit, or exist as part of your home PC.
     Another benefit to using a wireless camera setup is the ease of relocating cameras down the road; simply unplug the power cord and move the camera! Remember you still need to power the camera with a power cord. In some cases portable battery packs are available for temporary operations, although the batteries can usually only run for a limited number of hours.
     To view and recored more than one camera at a time, you'll either need a DVR, or a Quad. A Quad is a device that you can hook up 4,8, or 16 cameras onto, and it splits your monitor screen into individual parts, allowing you to view all camera feeds at once. DVRs have built in quads.
     For simplicity, the best bet for plug and play convenience is the SecureShot line of self contained Camera/DVR Combo units. These smart little units feature a high resolution camera, with a built in recorder that stores all the digital footage onto a tiny little SD memory card, just like the one in your digital camera. You can hook the camera up to the TV and watch it later, or simply stick the memory card in your computer for viewing.
Internet Capable Cameras: Do you want to watch it when you get home, or have a live feed to record and see what's happening from computer, at work? A nanny cam with built in IP technology allows you to access, view and record video directly over the internet. These internet ready cameras are available in wired and wireless models, and are the number one choice for the remote surveillance of employees at home, warehouse or other workspace. To create your own system, simply choose a wired or wireless camera, and get a DVR card for you computer. DVR cards are used in PC computers and digital video recorders which allow video to be recorded to the hard drive and viewed remotely over the Internet. Choose from a 4 or 8 channel DVR card. DVR Cards work with Windows 2000®, 2003® and XP® operating systems.
If you want easiest and fastest plug and play internet cam setup, get the SecureIP Covert Internet Ready Cameras that simply plug into any standard AC power wall outlet. Then a very small "receiver" plugs into an AC outlet near your PC and is connected to your Windows PC via USB cable. The video signal is securely transmitted though your power lines and recorded on your PCs hard drive, keeping your video totally private. Powerful software is included which allows easy set-up for motion-triggered, continuous, or time scheduled recordings. Email and cell phone alerts can also be set up using motion sensing technology. Powerful search and playback tools help you find the video you are looking for fast. A step-by-step installer guide in the software makes set up a snap, and you can hook up to 6 cameras can operated simultaneously from one receiver!
To access free remote viewing, you create an account at a free designated website. From your account you can register several sites where you have installed a SecureIP system – your home, your business, your second home, or even the home of your aging parents. With remote viewing, you have anywhere anytime access to live video from compatible cell phones and Internet browsers.
Budget: There are systems for every budget, it just depends on how many rooms you have to cover, and how fancy you want to get.

The simplest and cheapest way to go is a black and white camera wired to a VCR.

For just a few dollars more, you can have a color camera! Really!

Other upgrades include high power lenses and special lenses for extreme low conditions.

Most options are available in wired and wireless models, and most all wireless models come with a free receiver.

You can use an old VCR to record and playback your surveillance, or you purchase a DVR especially for this purpose.

Internet viewing is done though a private free account with your secure Login and Password.