DVR Cameras Provide a Convenient and Covert Surveillance Option

So you want to keep an eye on your property but you don't want the hassle of running wires and setting up a full sized digital video recorder. A DVR Camera may be your answer. These cleaver devices are generally disguised as everyday items but contain a working security camera and digital video recorder. They are self contained so there is no need to run wires or worry if your wireless signal is being received.

They work by means of a covertly installed camera usually a pinhole type which requires only about 1/16" hole to see through. The output of this camera is connected to an internal DVR that records onto a SD card. Many DVR Cameras can use cards with up to 32GB of memory which provides many hours of high resolution recording. You will also find many features that are available on full size DVRs such as motion detection, scheduled recording, time date stamp and remote control.

The thought that you may need to covertly record someone is not a pleasant one but sometimes it is the only way to know what has or may happen. There are many uses for these covert cameras such as keeping an eye on care givers to be sure your loved ones are treated well, being sure your employees are not stealing from you or knowing if your teenager is having people over when they shouldn't.

Not all DVR Cameras are created equal so you need to know what to look for. Today you shouldn't settle for a camera that can only record in 352 x 240 resolution which is also referred to as CIF resolution. It should also have an option to record at 640 x 480 resolution which is also known as VGA resolution and provides a better image for details when played back. Some of the newer models will record at even higher resolutions.

If the area you are going to record has adequate lighting such as an office or room with windows and daylight most cameras will provide a good picture. If however the area will have low lighting such as a large room with only one light on not much outside window light you will need a camera with better low light performance. This is usually determined by what is called a lux rating. A rating of.1 lux or lower is needed for low light performance. If you have a very dark area or no light at all you will need a camera with infrared LEDs which provide light that is invisible to the eye but not the cameras sensor.

Another feature to look at is the size of the SD card the camera can use. The sizes are stated in GB (gigabytes), 2 GB is the least amount you will need. Most DVR Cameras record in AVI format for easy playback on a computer. This type of format does not compress files so you will usually only get about 40 minutes per GB. If you use motion detection a 2 GB card may be sufficient but you may want to be sure the unit can handle larger SD cards if needed. Most cameras have the option to set the recorder to stop when the card is full or do continuous or loop recording.

So if you want a convenient all-in-one surveillance solution the DVR Camera is worth considering. They are quick to setup, not easily detected and there is no need to run wires or transmit a video signal.

Mike Ward is the owner of Security Cams, a leading distributor of security cameras and digital video recorders. For more information about security cameras, please visit Security Cams.