Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Start with background knowledge on the subject of surveillance equipment

Look at historical context of surveillance equipment, then move on to different advantages and disadvantages of various business surveillance options.

I recommend: See about a private consultation on how to use surveillance equipment and security equipment from Spy World. Learn about the advantages of digital recording and reviewing from uViewIt. Find out how it can save time, money, space and police work. Discover the evolution of surveillance systems from Axis Communications.

Look at how others take advantage of video surveillance

Find out the pros and cons to taking advantage of security cameras for business and home.

I recommend: Find out from CNNMoney how monitoring your staff might pay off for your small business. Find out tips to employee monitoring from VedoSoft. Learn about human resources and employee surveillance interaction from Crain Communications.

Look into setting up PC video surveillance equipment

Turn your computer into a video surveillance tool in just a few easy steps.

I recommend: Find out about setting up a PC video surveillance system DeskShare. Learn how to turn your PC into an affordable video surveillance system through Download3K.com. Learn about do it yourself video surveillance from livesafely.org. Use WebCam Monitor to turn your PC into a video surveillance system.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Using surveillance equipment is a worthwhile investment if it can reduce internal shrinkage within your organization. Use it to reduce customer shoplifting as well as internal theft. Also take advantage of it to keep employees on their toes.

Guide to Security Cameras

From a simple over-the-register security cam to a see-in-the dark surveillance camera, take your best shot.

By Geoff Kohl

1. Crime deterrent – Whether it's the break-and-enter robber, or the cashier who might want to swipe a $20 from the change drawer, just the presence of a security camera can keep people more honest.
2. Crime investigation – How often does your memory fail you in remembering details? Many businesses have CCTV security camera systems to obtain actual footage of a crime and a time stamp, making your case more prosecutable in court
3. Business tool – Increasingly, the surveillance camera isn't being used solely against criminals. Retailers watch how shoppers move through their stores; new software can even count customers by analyzing video. Your security cameras can be a business profit driver, too.

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Traditional fixed security camera

The less expensive option. These security cameras are 'fixed' on one area and can be fitted with different lenses for a wide angle of view, an up-close-and-personal shot, or anything in between. Newer surveillance camera models record in full color and in higher resolution. Many security cam models are available, including day/night outdoor security cameras that can automatically adjust to the amount of light available. Some security cameras are known as bullet cameras, owing to their shape and low profile.

I recommend: Sony makes a nice line of fixed security cameras, including day/night functionality, which is great if you need outdoor security cameras.

Dome security camera

A favorite, because the domes 1) can protect the security camera equipment from vandalism and 2) don't let your perpetrators know exactly which way the security camera is pointed. The basic dome surveillance camera is fixed and hidden inside a smoke-colored dome. Look up to the ceiling in any Wal-Mart, and you'll understand how popular this security cam can be.

I recommend: Bosch Security's FlexiDome security cameras can come in B&W or color versions and the dome is designed to be unobtrusive to your business environment.

Pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) security cameras

Typically housed inside domes, the surveillance camera can rotate about inside. Most PTZ security cameras are used as secondary security cameras and are controlled by your security staff, enabling them to move the security cam and zoom in on incidents of interest, but they can be set on a 'patrol' to automatically follow a set path. Expect more cost for PTZ security cameras, plus the additional cost of the control systems and personnel to operate the security cam.

I recommend: Panasonic is one of many manufacturers that make a nice PTZ dome security camera.

Infrared security cameras

These security cameras are for specialty applications, such as watching an area in complete darkness. They use infrared-emitting LEDs to illuminate the scene (the light is invisible to the naked eye), and are often rated for viewing to a particular environment. They're not typical at most businesses, but your needs may not be typical.

I recommend: Canadian company Extreme CCTV makes a nice line of infrared-integrated security cameras.

Network security cameras

Network security cameras function like computers on your business IP network, moving video around just like email. These security cameras reflect a very fast growing market now that many companies are fully wired for Internet access across their premises, and are steadily replacing the traditional security cameras that are connected using coaxial cable or specialty wiring.

I recommend: Axis Communications s considered a market leader in IP video security camera equipment, making a wide variety of styles. Check the network surveillance camera listings on Business.com for more choices.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Many businesses use security cameras as a crime deterrent, but with the advent of smaller cameras, these devices may not be as noticeable as they once were. Put up signs to let potential criminals know: 'These premises protected by security cameras.'
• •  While some smaller, off-the-shelf security camera systems can be self-installed, you'll probably want to contact a security cam systems dealer to properly set up the security camera equipment. They can work with you to determine proper surveillance camera placement and field of view, how long you want to store the video, and will provide the installation expertise to make it a tidy, quick job.
• •  Today's digital surveillance camera systems can allow you to log in and check on your premises when you're on the couch with your laptop or PDA. Though these security cam systems tend to add more in cost, they're a great option for business owners who want to be in control 24/7.
• •  When choosing the recording system for your surveillance camera, think about how long you really need to keep the video. It's a good idea to keep video for at least a week (sometimes you don't notice something is missing for a while), and as digital media prices have dropped, it's become cheaper to keep the video on file for longer periods – up to a point, of course.

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Check out the wide variety of video surveillance equipment available

Look at vendors that offer a wide variety of video surveillance equipment options.

I recommend: Browse the product categories of CBG Security and Surveillance Technologies. They specialize in surveillance products, digital video recorders, hidden cameras, high resolution cameras, spy gear, nanny cams, spy equipment, bug detectors, monitors, hidden clock radio cameras, hidden wall clock cameras, multiplexers, eyeglasses cameras and quads. Look at the broad range of products rented and sold from DPL-Surveillance-Equipment.com.

Explore benefits to video surveillance equipment

Figure out how surveillance equipment will best suit your company. Follow that up with where to best locate your cameras and receivers.

I recommend: Find out video surveillance can benefit each industry sector from Videosurveillance.com. From dry cleaners, to mechanics, schools and more, each has its own benefits that can be gained from installing a surveillance system. Find out what surveillance systems are available through surveillance-video.com.

Learn about wireless security cameras for business

Check out wireless surveillance equipment as an option for your company. From low tech to high end surveillance systems, you can find a wide range of products to suit your business's needs.

I recommend: Find out about the wireless video security systems and other video cameras from Supercircuits. Check out the wireless, hidden clock model available through Advance Security Products. Check out the wireless video camera options from AIRAYA.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Wide angle surveillance equipment is a good choice for businesses needing to cover a wide area. Make sure that all of the important inventory areas are covered by your cameras and that there are no gaps in coverage. Install multiple cameras if you have to ensure overlap.
• •  If you are purchasing outdoor video surveillance, make sure that you speak to the various vendors of surveillance cameras about your outdoor use before you commit to a system. They have to be specially made for outdoor use to withstand the weather conditions and the moisture. Don't inadvertently purchase an indoor system and use it outside.