If you’ve got a security camera, or if you’re looking to get one for your home, you’ve no doubt got some questions about them.
So we’ve compiled the most frequently asked questions out there on the internet, using different channels like Quora and Google, to tap into what people are really curious about when it comes to security cameras.
Without further ado, let’s get started!
How do I prevent my security camera from being hacked?
the average person with networking and code know-how can tap into most networks, so protect your network to keep them off.
It’s a question on everybody’s mind nowadays, especially given the most recent news about certain brands of security cameras being tampered with. While wired security cameras are usually tamper free, it’s hard not to take advantage of the wireless security camera’s features.
Our security cameras here at Elinz are completely secure and are designed for safe use. However, we highly recommend the following tips to prevent your security cameras from being hacked:
-Make sure to set a secure password for your WiFi network, and do it often. Ideally, put in a healthy mix of numbers and letters.
-Make sure that you don’t access your security camera’s feed on a public network
-If you’re using security cameras that are different from Elinz and they require an account to handle the feed, make sure that you set up a strong password AND two-factor authentication
-Never ever share your account passwords and only give your WiFi password to trusted people in your household.
While most security cameras are usually secure, it’s best to take these precautions to make sure that your home is free from unwanted attention and surveillance.
What’s the difference between NVR & DVR?
A lot. One is younger technology (NVR) and the other is older tech (DVR), but what they are are video recording methods for security cameras. NVR stands for network video recorder, and DVR stands for digital video recorder. Here are what sets them apart:
DVR uses digital connectivity and wires and is usually used in CCTV cameras. NVR, on the other hand, is used in IP cameras.
-CCTV cameras are security cameras that offload video into a central hub/DVR, while NVRs usually record on their own and store the video into a different storage device, such as a USB, and SD card or any other storage device.
Here's an 8 channel security camera from us that uses a DVR system.
-NVR security camera systems process the video from the camera, leading to better image quality. DVRs process the image within the DVR box/hub.
-DVR has a dedicated connection between the cameras and the DVR box/hub; NVR rides on the network that you have to offload the video (if it does need to do that)
-NVR results in clearer image and better storage compression, as it is newer tech compared to DVR. However, there are many new technological advancements in DVR usage which still makes it comparable to NVR- be sure to check which fits your home or your needs before you commit to purchasing one.
Should you feel like purchasing from us at Elinz, feel free to check our listing and ask our representatives before getting one.
What’s the difference between IP and CCTV security camera system?
Like NVRs and DVRs, there’s a big difference between IP and CCTV security cameras systems. First off, what you pick is determined by the size of your property. IPs are better suited to smaller homes or businesses; CCTVs are for bigger estates.
IP security cameras are usually standalone cameras that you can just set. Slap on a storage device like an SD card, turn it on, and it’s good to go! Some connect to a larger network but in the end, the security camera itself processes the image and simply offloads it in a storage device.
Here's a good example of an IP camera from us here at Elinz.
CCTVs are, as their name suggests, close-circuited and offload the video into a DVR hub that processes the video and stores it for future review of footage.
If you want a larger security system, then CCTVs are the way to go. IPs can still take on this role, but a CCTV might be a better choice as it simply offloads the video into one hub that you can review later on.
Are security cameras completely legal?
They are, provided that you’re using them the right way- on your property, and only to keep an eye on your own home.
Some people might think that security cameras can be used to spy, and they’d be forgiven to think that; some do use security cameras that way. But remember that security cameras are designed for homes and businesses, and they’re there to deter crime and keep an eye on what you own.
If you are only about to purchase your very own security camera (or your own home security camera system), make sure to position it properly and have it point towards your home. If you feel that your camera might be invading into your neighbour’s privacy, then it probably is; be careful and mindful of how you use security cameras.
It’s a great tool to keep your home secure and it’s definitely a great deterrent for crime, but some people don’t take too kindly to its use and consider it a little invasive. Take care in using it and always think about how your neighbours would feel if they had a camera pointed straight at their front porch.
Which security camera system should I pick?/ What security camera is good?/ How should I pick a security camera for my home?
It’s a question that’s been asked time and time again on the internet but we’ll stick by what we’ve said plenty of times on Quora and some of our blog entries- it really depends.
There are a lot of factors that should be taken in- the size of your home, the level of security needed, and whether it is a residential or a commercial property that needs surveillance.
For example, houses this small could benefit from 1 or 2 IP cameras.
Got a pretty big property? It’s perfect for a CCTV system where you can have multiple cameras setup at different areas. If you’ve got a small shop or a flat, then an IP camera set up at a really good vantage might be enough.
Again, it really depends- if you can afford multiple cameras and if you’ve got a sizeable property go and get a CCTV system. It’s good to know as well that we here at Elinz have security cameras that offer 1-8 security cameras in one circuit; do check them out if you’re looking for reliable security cameras to use in your home.
There you have it folks- if you have more questions do send them in via our Facebook page and we’ll be happy to feature more of them in the future.
In the mean time, if you're looking for a great range of security cameras to have in your home or at your property, do visit us at our list