Q-See QSC48030 High Resolution Weatherproof Camera Review

October 19, 2008 by Admin  
Filed under Security Camera Reviews

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Q-See QSC48030 High Resolution Color Camera w/100ft of Night Vision, 480TVL The Q-See QSC48030 High Resolution Weatherproof CCD Camera has 80 feet of night vision and shoots in full color.

With 480 lines of resolution, this camera makes some crisp, clear video, and you’ll never have trouble indentifying faces or objects on the video you record with it.

The camera has 36 individual infared LED lights, which give it superior night vision.  80 feet of nigh vision is far more than most similar security cameras, and this means you’ll catch more potential problems and be far more secure.

Although there are far better cameras on the market, this particular model is one of the best available in the “under $200″ price range.  In fact, at this price range there are very few than can match the features and quality of this particular model.

The Pros:

  • Very inexpensive for the features.
  • LEDs provide plenty of light for night vision.
  • Comes with a single, very long, 60 foot cable, that handles both power and video.
  • Has a very wide field of vision.
  • Good resolution for the price.
The Cons:
  • Mounting bracket quality isn’t perfect.
  • Doesn’t have any zoom.
  • Doesn’t have any focus controls.
  • Picture is sometimes dull, colors can be washed out.
  • Night vision picture has a fair amount of noise.
  • Resolution not as good as more expensive models.

Overall this camera provides and EXCELLENT value for the price.  I recommend it very highly as an exceptional starter model for under $200!

Click here to get the Q-See QCS48030 at the lowest price we’ve found so far!

DVR Security Cameras

October 19, 2008 by Admin  
Filed under Home Security Equipment

A DVR security camera is a type of surveillance device that is set up specifically to record data digitally.  They are typically used to record the exterior of the home or building, but are also very popular for recording events inside the home, as well.

DVR cameras are often used to ensure that housekeepers and nannies aren’t stealing from you, throwing parties or having visitors while you’re away, or treating your children poorly.  They can be very helpful in monitoring your kids when they’re left home alone, and are especially useful for curbing inappropriate behavior if they know the cameras are there.

Wireless DVR cameras are not extremely expensive.  Very good models can be bought for a few hundred dollars and lower-quality models can be had for under $200.  Wired models can be had for as little as $50!

It’s perfectly legal to record inside your own home, and you don’t need to get any special permission to make recordings inside your own home.  If you have guests staying in your home, it’s wise to inform them where cameras are located so they don’t feel violated later.  It’s also legal to record the exterior of your home, and even the road in front of your home.  These areas are public, and people in these areas have no reasonable expectation of privacy.

These cameras can be set up to show only a live feed, so you can watch from a remote location or so you can monitor the outside of your house from indoors.  They can also be set up to record continuously or on a timer.  You could have the camera record only while you’re sleeping or at work, for example.  You can also set the system up to give you a live feed, but also record the feed for later viewing.

Since these cameras are generally relatively inexpensive and easy to install, almost anyone can benefit from them.  If nothing else, they will deter criminals who see them from burglarizing your home, because they won’t want their actions recorded.

It’s up to you whether you want to place your DVR security camera in a conspicuous location or not.  If you hide them, you won’t have the added benefit of deterring criminals before they break in.  But if they’re hidden, you’ll have additional ammunition, because the wrongdoers won’t know they’d been recorded. 

Sometimes you may want to have both conspicuous and hidden cameras.  This offers the most security, because criminals won’t be able to take out your hidden cameras if they are brave enough to attempt to bypass or destroy those that are visible.

DIY Home Security Tips

October 19, 2008 by Admin  
Filed under Home Security Tips

Setting up a great security system for your home doesn’t have to be a complex process.  In fact, it can be remarkably simple.  You don’t need to be a technical wizard to install a very simple home security system if you follow these easy DIY home security tips.

  1. Choose a wireless system.  Wireless home security systems have gotten a bit of a bad rap over the years.  It’s true that they had some problems back when they first came out, but the fact is they’ve really improved over the years.  These days, they’re actually on par with their wired counterparts!  Choosing a wireless system makes it much easier to install your security system, because you don’t have to tear into walls or run a lot of wires.  Wireless security systems can be installed in as little as a few minutes!
  2. Map out your home before you go to purchase your system.  You should make a rough outline of your home before you go to buy the system, including the approximate square footage of each room.  This way, whoever helps you purchase the equipment you need will be able to help you select the right equipment for your home.
  3. Don’t forget to set up a security system outside your home.  A lot of people spend money to protect the interior of their home, but they fail to plan for protecting their yard, their car, their garage, their storage building, their lawn equipment, etc.  It’s important to remember to get motion-sensing floodlights to deter criminals from entering your yard in the first place.  Also, having a couple of video cameras placed conspicuously outside is another major deterrent.  You can get convincing fake video cameras for $10 or less.
  4. Make sure you have necessary tools before you start.  It can be incredibly frustrating to be halfway through installing your security system when you realize you don’t have the right sized screwdriver or your drill isn’t functioning!   Be sure to go through the instructions for your system and gather the necessary tools and equipment before you start, so you don’t have to go out to the hardware store while you in the middle of installing the system.
  5. Read the instructions first.  Don’t just skim through them and then start.  Read every word before you get started, so you don’t have any surprises during the process.  You’ll want to be sure you know what’s coming, because you will be very upset later if you find out your system won’t work in certain rooms or can’t be used around certain types of appliances that you have in a particular area.

DIY home security can be very easy and painless if you take the time to plan adequately before you begin.  The biggest problem most people face is a lack of preparation.  As long as you make sure to plan every step in advance, you can avoid problems and your installation should go smoothly without a lot of bumps and hassles.