Archive for the ‘Cameras’ Category

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You Can Install Your Home Surveillance System

Monday, October 18th, 2010

If you are wondering how to install a home surveillance system you will be surprised that it is not as difficult as it may first seem. Since we have wireless technology today, as well as the internet, it is amazing how easy the home installation process has become for security cameras. With a high-tech network of intelligent cameras as well as streaming webcam, the systems offer a program that adds to your security without causing too many headaches. Since not all systems will be installed in the exact same way, you will need to check the detailed instructions that come with your system to make certain you follow each step correctly.

Starting with the Basics

Most of the starter security camera systems come with one camera along with the basic accessories to make it work correctly. Others come with six cameras offering both indoor and outdoor surveillance. Begin with the first basic step of loading the software on your computer.

The USB Receiver and Cameras

The next step involves plugging your USB receiver into an electrical outlet. Now, depending on the number of cameras you intend to use, it is time to position each one so that it can be utilized to the fullest extent possible. You should give the placement a lot of consideration. If you place a camera that is not capable of capturing the most important details then you are losing valuable information.

Why Place One or Two Cameras Indoors?

If you have a number of cameras you intend to place it will benefit you to have one installed near the front door and the backdoor inside your home. This is in case a prowler breaks inside your home. Chances are the camera will record detailed information that will help the police to put the burglar behind bars – and, that is exactly the purpose of the cameras.

Once the Cameras are Installed You Can Finish the Process

When the cameras are put in place, and they are operational, they will feed video to the receiver. This will then go to your computer. Once the computer software detects all of the cameras it will display each one onscreen. You will probably be given the option to record only when there is motion the camera can detect. You will also have the option to designate sections of the camera’s eye to concentrate on. In this situation it will record only when there is motion in this specific, given area. Now that you have learned to install a home surveillance system you will feel the peace of mind it has to offer.

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Sony Alpha A55 Camera

Wednesday, October 6th, 2010

A relatively compact and lightweight camera, Sony Alpha A55 has some very interesting technology features. Sony has used the pellicle mirror in their latest model which allows the user to have a phase detection autofocus while continuously shooting up to 10 frames per second. Sony calls it the Translucent Mirror Technology. The pellicle mirror remains fixed during the shoot allowing the imaging sensor to have most of the light while some is reflected to the autofocus sensor. A breakthrough video capture is possible for very fast-moving objects giving you the superior full HD quality.

The main striking features of the Sony Alpha A55 camera include 16.2MP APS HD CMOS sensor, 15-point phase-detection and 1080p AVCHD video mode. The camera is equipped with and electronic viewfinder with a dot resolution of 1.15 million. There is a built-in GPS receiver. This can be used to tag still images and videos with information about the event and location.

The tonal gradation for both still photos and videos are assured with the BIONZ image processing engine. The highlights and shadowing details are much better captured as compared to the previous models and some of the rival products.

The Sony Alpha A55 camera will be available in the United States in the second week of October at a price $850 with the body and 18-55mm lens.

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Types of Digital Camera Memory Cards

Wednesday, September 29th, 2010

Memory cards seem very similar on the outside, but when looked at from a different perspective, can be wildly different.  Most of us know that the GB specifications on a memory card determine how many pictures can be stored on the digital camera.  But what a lot of us don’t know, is that there are also different classes of memory cards that dictate how fast your camera operates and loads pictures.

Take a Class 6 memory card for example.  Widely considered one of the best classes for digital camera memory cards, it is capable of top speeds while looking at high quality 1080p HD video or pictures on your camera.  Whereas with a lower class memory card, a class 2 for example, it can only upload at 2 Mb/s and is usually not HD compatible.  Many people choose the Class 4 memory card because it is faster than Class 2, but less expensive than a Class 6 card, and is also capable of portraying most levels of HD video and pictures.

If you have a more expensive camera, or anything above 10 megapixels, I would recommend a Class 10 digital memory card.  This is the top of the line for camera memory, as it can work with the finest HD quality and will provide top speeds and performance to your digital camera.  When picking out a memory card, it is wise to consider the “class” much like the RAM to your computer.

Overall, the Class 6 should be more than enough and provide your camera with excellent performance metrics, and it will definitely be compatible with all levels of HD including 1080p.  Couple this with an 8GB storage size and you may get a quality memory card for a very attractive price.

The only reason I would recommend the 8GB storage size instead of a larger card, say 16GB or 32GB, is because as we all know, technology is not perfect, and these cards still have a chance of malfunctioning.  Purchase the 8GB Class 6 memory card and be happy knowing that it may not be able to hold as many high quality pictures as a larger card, but at least you weren’t in for more money if you lose it or it fails on you.

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Nikon D700 Camera

Wednesday, September 29th, 2010

A perfect amalgamation of the D300 and D3 by Nikon, the D700 is for the more serious photographers. The features are more from the D3 while the look and feel is more like the D300. The 12.1 megapixel full-frame sensor and 12 channel readout brings out a renowned image quality. An excellent photo view is visible on the 3 inch LCD monitor with 922,000 pixels. Another important feature the Virtual Horizon Indicator which accurately indicates the level just like in an aircraft cockpit. The start-up and shutter lag is ultra-fast for better action and wildlife photography.

An added feature is the AUTO option for the Auto Dynamic Range mode for enhanced image quality even in a difficult light. There is a much detailed control panel with an improved info display. Another distinguishing feature from D3 is the 5 frames per second continuous with auto-focus tracking.

The D700 is essentially a smarter, smaller,lighter and cheaper version of the D3. It weighs just about 2.4 pounds and is available for only $2999.

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Kodak Playtouch Video Camera

Wednesday, September 22nd, 2010

Have you joined the mini flip camera revolution that has been sweeping all aspects of our lives over the last couple of years? I think it’s a wonderful revolution and I’m thankful for it and also for sites like Youtube. I have captured so many moments of my life and the life of my family, that previously went past me and only resides in my memories.

A couple of years ago I bought my first flip camera. It was a Kodak Zi6 and it was love at first touch. Because of this camera, I have been able to conveniently document the life of my Grandson from his birth to now. His entire life with me is on his own Youtube channel and it’s amazing to watch. It was all made possible due to some awesome technology that is about the size of a cell phone. Technology continues to advance but I still carry my original Zi6 with me everyday. I never leave home without it.

Kodak has recently announced an upgrade to the line up of Z cameras. Soon Kodak will release the Kodak Playtouch Video Camera. I can’t wait to get my hands on it. The upgraded features look fantastic and they are going to make it easier than ever to share videos with social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter. I love to shoot videos and upload them to my Facebook. Most of m y friends seem to really enjoy watching them and I get a lot of comments. My daughter uploads a lot of daily videos to her Facebook and although I live about an hour away, I get to watch what my grandson is doing 3 or 4 times a week due to these wonderful little video cameras. I pre-ordered my Kodak Playtouch from Amazon because I know the demand will be high when they are released. I remember the last release from Kodak and they were sold out everywhere. I could not find one in my local hometown. I’m avoiding that this time. I guess I’ll be watching my mailbox everyday.

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Apple’s New 4th Generation iPod Touch

Friday, September 17th, 2010

An amazing new addition to the Apple family is the 4th Generation iPod Touch. With essentially the same features as in iPhone 4G, with the exception of phone and SMS functions, this new machine is the new buzz word for iPod users. It is at least 15% slimmer than its previous versions and also much lighter.

The iPod 4G comes with a brand new feature of two cameras. With the 720p HD camera, you can make high quality videos and also use Apple’s FaceTime video-calling application. It also lets you trim the video clips, a feature not available with the regular digital camers. The videos or photos can be quickly uploaded to YouTube or sent as an email attachment provided a WiFi connection is available.

Another addition is the new high-resolution (960×640) retina display that makes the text and images look much more sharp and crisp.

Safarai surfing on iPod touch is one of the best internet experiences on any portable device. The speed is very high and it takes much less time to load and then to switch web pages as compared to the previous models.

The iPod 4G is also an excellent gaming console with a Game Center that allows you to play real-time games with friends or complete strangers who are logged on.

Loaded with so many features, the battery life is quite impressive at forty hours for audio and seven hours for video. The 8GB model is available for $229 while 64GB is priced at $399.

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Outdoor Surveillance Camera

Friday, September 17th, 2010

It is very important to keep your house safe from dangers. This is most especially for those who are living in areas prone to burglars. It’s not so much about your properties, but your family’s safety.

Outdoor security cameras have been around for many years. They even play critical roles in crime investigation. They provide important evidences in order to solve a crime. Nowadays, you can install an outdoor security camera to make your home a lot safer.

A good thing about an outdoor security camera is it can be a preventive measure. Burglars will think twice before breaking into your house when they know that you have a CCTV kit installed to record their crime.

There are things that you should consider before deciding on the kind of surveillance camera that you will buy. A way to determine the right kind of camera is the feature of the location where you will install it. You should decide where exactly to install the camera. The spot where you will mount it should not make you camera too exposed. The proper way to install it is somewhere where it is partly concealed.

The Lux rating of a surveillance camera determines the camera’s capability of catching images in dark surroundings. The camera is most useful at night, so you have to decide on the Lux rating of the camera that you would buy. The better Lux rating a camera has, the clearer the images it can convey. However, a camera of this calibre is more expensive. But if you think of the safety measure it can provide, very cent of its price tag is worth it.

There are two kind of outdoor surveillance camera: the wired camera and the wireless models. You have to think wisely which one suite your situation. The wired camera will require a professional, like an electrician, to install it properly. By properly it means that the wires should be installed safely.

When you opt for the wireless, you should make sure that it always has good batteries. This is to make it function properly every time. In setting up a wireless camera, you can save the money that you will pay for a professional service fee. You can install a wireless camera without a professional’s help. However, the money for the service fee will be spent on the batteries that you will have to buy for the camera. It is better to buy a rechargeable one because they are reusable.

You will need more than one camera if you have to cover larger areas. You should carefully decide where to position each camera so that it can cover as much area as possible. This allows surveillance of larger areas with minimum units of camera.

Lastly, find a camera that is reliable in all kind of situations. There are cameras that are waterproof and made from durable materials that can endure harsh elements.

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CCTV Cameras for Small Business

Tuesday, September 14th, 2010

Is CCTV Effective?

According to the FBI web site, the early 21st century has seen an exponential growth in the use of CCTV Cameras. Technological advances have made it possible for billions of individuals to carry a camera with them at all times via their cell phone or other CCTV type device. As a result, criminals are now being photographed during the process of committing their crime at a higher rate. The cameras link them to their crime with digital evidence that is hard beat in a court of law.

A Picture is Truly Worth, A Thousand Words

Sunshine

As you can see from the FBI website, security cameras work. Camera technology will continue play a larger role in deterring crime and then later processing the crime after the fact. This technology will only continue to grow. In fact facial recognition technology will become just as affordable to the homeowner in the near future as CCTV cameras have become today. Third generation technology will make it even more secure for you to view your cameras while on vacation or elsewhere. If your small business owner this means you can keep an eye on your business when you leave at the end of the day. You can even monitor the opening and closing procedures from home.

Is CCTV affordable for the small business?

Closed circuit television, or CCTV systems, are just as affordable for the small business as cable television is. At one time cable television was only for the wealthy. Then it became affordable to everyone. At one time Internet access was unaffordable for average person, but not today. There are even CCTV kits for the do-it-yourself project. Here is a typical test kit:

• Two Color Night Vision Cameras.
• Quad Box.
• 165′ of color coded wire
• BNC and RCA connectors,
• Screws

Add to this kit a monitor or old TV-VCR combo and your good to go. A typical set like this would cost around $250.

Can I really see my cameras from home?

The answer to that is yes. Internet technology for closed-circuit television has come down in price tremendously. You can even have your point-of-sale registers and close circuit television as well as your Alarm system all on one computer today.

Are CCTV Cameras for Small Business Legal?

Yes, CCTV Cameras are legal in all states; however, some states may require you to place signs alerting your customers that cameras are in use. Audio recording is restricted with surveillance cameras. Of course, everyone has a right to reasonable privacy. You not want place cameras in the dressing room or bathroom.

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Kodak C182 Digital Camera

Sunday, September 5th, 2010

The Kodak C182 is the easiest and also the cheapest digital camera I have ever used or had the pleasure to review. It’s hard to believe that Kodak could stuff so many technological features into a small digital camera and then price it under $100 but that’s what they’ve done with the Kodak C182

The first thing I noted was the fast start up time and the 12 megapixel resolution that is loads of megapixels for great looking 16×20 poster sized prints that are almost 3D in appearance, there’s so much detail in the images the Kodak C182 produces.

The there’s the big and bright LCD display on the rear of the digital camera which is 3inches across (measured diagonally, which seems to be borrowed from the TV measurements) and it was so easy to see both the still images I shot and composed but also video too as this small digital camera records video as well.

The 3x optical zoom lens tucks into the camera body when not in use so the 3x optical zoom lens is not only flexible but due to this fact the entire camera is small and portable and easy to use and slip into a pocket. The zoom ratio on the Kodak C182 offers both normal wide angle view that’s just a bit wider than what the human eye can see which makes it the perfect setting for landscape photography and then the zoom reaches to 100mm to get you closer to the action when you can’t – great for shooting wildlife or your kid’s soccer games.

The Kodak C182 is the best digital camera that you can buy under $100 today but offers both ease of use and high technological features you would expect on a modern digital camera you can buy for much less than you could just a few short years ago

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Canon EOS Rebel T1i Review

Friday, September 3rd, 2010

The Canon Rebel EOS T1i might just very well be the best camera I have ever used. It offers fast operation speeds that included both shutter speeds and startup times with 15 megapixels, can shoot high definition video at full HD resolution and even comes standard with a flexible zoom lens all for a street price of about $500 from most camera stores.

The best part or thing I love about my Canon EOS Rebel T1i is the video recording. This is new to me as all my other digital SLR cameras I have owned prior to this have just been about shooting still images but with the new Canon EOS I just love the video. In fact, I’ve been shooting video more than half the time. And the videos that this digital camera can produce is just fantastic – the full HD resolution videos I can shoot with this dslr look great on my HDTV as all I have to do is plug in the digital camera to the TV with the included HDMI cable and port. One cable, and I can watch videos I made on my TV in the comfort of my living room.

But still images are also outstanding that I took with the Canon EOS Rebel T1i. I had a few of my better photos printed at 20×30 inches which is the same size as a movie poster and I could not find a flaw in the photos at all. They were great.

Lastly, the best digital slr is only as good as the lens you use with it, and when I got the DSLR from Canon it came with a great zoom lens included as part of a package deal, and it’s a zoom lens too that comes with image stabilization so when I’m shaky the videos I shoot are not.
I’m very happy with my Canon EOS Rebel T1i purchase and fully recommend this best selling camera from Canon

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