How to Choose a Video Camera

!±8± How to Choose a Video Camera

There are many factors in choosing a video camera, and we'll be highlighting a few options worth considering before making a purchase. First, you should answer the question: why do you want to record video? Here are a few reasons many people have purchased video cameras.

Prevent theft (from others and employees): The simple presence of a video camera can deter thieves and encourage a more overall honest work place when everyone knows their actions may be recorded and thus be reviewed at a later time. In some instances, a fake video camera will give the idea that video is being recorded and heighten security. Fake video cameras are economical and can be quickly installed without extra wires or cables to run. Some even have blinking red lights or pan the area when motion is detected.

For fun: There's no reason a camera can't be set up for family gatherings, picnics, or holidays in order to try and capture some of the best moments! Use motion detection to record the action OR set up an Internet accessible camera and allow family from around the world to partake in the fun. Don't forget the ability to video chat too!

Security: For years businesses have used video cameras to record and monitor activities. You can replicate this model anywhere: small business, home, apartment, condo, RV, garage, work shed, backyard, or wherever you need an extra eye.

Keep an eye on children or babysitters (aka: the nanny cam): Let's face it, kids are important, and there's no reason we shouldn't be able to help protect them. Hidden cameras can keep an eye on babysitters or nannies, while a baby monitor allows you to visually check on your child without interrupting their sleep (all while you watch a movie or lie in bed).

Surveillance: Many private investigators use body worn cameras for surveillance and evidence gathering. Now, you can do your own investigative work or use video for evidence gathering. Be sure to check local laws before recording.

Check on elderly: Many people want to know their parents or grandparents are doing well or being taken care of. Depending on the situation, there are Internet accessible cameras so you can remotely check on loved ones still living at home, or for those worried about caregivers in a retirement or assisted living facility, a simple motion activated hidden camera can do quite well. These record video for later retrieval so that one can view what caregivers are doing (or not doing).

Animal/Pet Cameras: Some people like to know all is well at home with a remote camera. A wireless camera can be used to check on "Fido" in his kennel (either remotely or from the house), or some people have cleverly set ones up in birdhouses to watch the building of a nest and hatching of baby birds. These are great ways to get kids involved in science and an educational tool by itself.

Based upon the above decision, this should help you narrow down when and where you'll need to record video. Do consider the lighting for those areas at all times of day and night. A camera can be placed indoor, outdoor, on your body, and be used during the day, night, or in low light conditions. Choose a camera that is appropriate for your needs (e.g. night vision, low light, or a setup that switches from a color by day to an infrared camera at night).

Last, you'll want to decide HOW to retrieve the video. The following are options to consider:

-simple hard wire from the camera to a recording device (e.g. VCR, digital video recorder, computer, etc.)
-wireless camera which transmits the image to a receiver, then plugs into a monitor or recorder
-the camera records video locally (inside camera or unit) to built in memory, meaning you would need to retrieve the entire device to review the video
-the camera records locally to a removable SD or microSD memory card, meaning you could leave the device (if it's a hidden camera) where it is, but remove the memory card and take this back to a computer to review the video
-access via internet: many video cameras can be accessible from any internet enabled computer, thus allowing one to view in real time what's happening. Additionally, some of these cameras can be configured to record and store video for later viewing
-records to a computer / hard drive: many find it more economical to use their computer system to record the video from a camera thus reducing the need for other recorders. Keep in mind that your computer will need to be powered on and running while recording any video.