With all of the new technology available these days, any facility can be your business "castle." With door eyes security cameras, you can easily monitor who is going in and coming out, for a higher level of company security and protection of trade secrets or other vital information. If you're looking for some of these great security fixes, you may be looking for some supplementary items to complement a door security camera in your shop setup.

That's where the power of the web comes into play — online vendors can get you door eye camera models as part of comprehensive security solutions that go beyond another pair of eyes. With security backup, lighting and audio gear, to name a few, your door cameras can be made into a security network almost as good as the pricy systems the pros use. Buyers might look for:

1. Security "kits" that put together door surveillance camera models with hardware for extensive security installations.

2. Intercom systems for being able to talk through a door or other structure, for using security door cameras to screen visitors.

3. Lighting, alarms and more for beefing up the security area targeted by your door cameras.

Action Steps
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Find security kits for use of door cameras

For some operations, you'll be looking for handy sets of gear that you can use to get your front door security camera purchases up and running quickly. Check out vending sites for packages of accessories to minimize installation time and provide features for the protection you need on site.

I recommend: EZ Watch Pro offers a lot of easy kits for hooking up your door cameras to laptop or other screens for continual monitoring. Get more of these kind of products from Surveillance-Video.com.

Find intercom systems for door cameras

Another great feature that you can buy for front door surveillance is an audio intercom. These are often used in all kinds of facilities like hospitals and corporate campuses: off-site or roving staff answer the intercom and direct guests.

I recommend: Find a variety of door intercom systems to go along with door cameras at Quantometrix. Online shopping site Shoptronics offers buyers more in combined systems for doors where door security cam units are augmented with intercoms and communications tools to really provide full security for an entrance.

Look for more for using door cameras in a security setup

The rest of the 'bells and whistles' used with security devices are also for sale online from vendors who appreciate your need for screening and security in the work place. Find specialized solutions for your 'home-made' security system and profit from your own ingenuity.

I recommend: The full scale security shopping site at Own Defense has security lighting and diversion products as well as self defense solutions. Get a lot more from alarms and bug detectors to audio/video items at Spyville.com.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When looking for door cameras and security gear, it helps to create 'mock ups' that will show what areas will be monitored and where video feed will be sent. Basics like this help when you are on the phone or online ordering your materials.

A door surveillance camera is great protection for any location where knowing who is outside before allowing access is important.

A front door security camera has a traditional focused camera design which is preferred for deterrence because the doorway view is a locked line of sight.

It is best to know what your needs are before shopping. Things to consider when shopping for door cameras include:

1. Depth of view needed: The requirement for a door security camera is different if the viewable space is small, such as a foyer or hallway, compared to a large open area outside the door that needs to be seen, such as a parking lot.

2. Recording ability: You may need a permanent or temporary recording of the activity outside the door. A hard-wired or wireless door surveillance camera can record directly to a television, tape, DVD, or hard drive, in color or B&W. They can continuously record or be motion activated.

3. Time and expense: There are many door eye camera kits available for do-it-yourself (DIY) installation as well as professional installers for business owners wanting peace of mind with high-tech units.

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Sneak a peek through a door eye camera

The most inexpensive door camera option is the small peephole camera lens installed into an outer door at eye level. Slightly more money, but still well under $100 is the similarly installed fisheye peephole which gives a greater field of depth. Peephole cameras can have no, limited, or ongoing recording ability. A door security cam can be wireless and relay directly to your television, or it can be hard-wired to record to tape or DVD or hard drive.

I recommend: For those who want a door eye view without any recording capability, Hagler Enterprises has the SafetyVue Door Viewer. It is a DIY installation with a large interior lens so you can see the person outside by remaining seven feet away from the door. GLC Enterprises offers the recording-capable Peep Hole Door Color Camera. A B&W variant is also offered.

Avoid the door with an intercom-type door eyes security system

An intercom-type door eye camera is a favorite for front door surveillance because 1) you don't have to be near the door to see who is at the door, 2) you can see them but they can't see you, 3) two-way communication is possible, and 4) you don't have to drill a hole into your door. The intercom pad can be standalone, attached to your phone system or even connected to your TV or computer.

I recommend: Commax Company, Ltd. has a variety of intercom-type door cameras and video door phones available with B&W or color displays. Aiphone Communication Systems has a large selection of slim, hands-free video units ranging from simple to sophisticated installation.

Get a different view with other types of door security cameras

Another option for an unobtrusive security camera is the small lens installed with a doorbell. The viewing angle is different than a door eye or intercom unit, but its invisibility to visitors may be what you're seeking.

I recommend: Panasonic has a doorphone camera and intercom system, available in gold or silver, which is installed behind the doorbell panel and feeds directly to a monitor. Quantometrix offers telephone-based door entry systems covering a variety of needs.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Door eyes security cameras are easy to use because once installed and adjusted, the viewing direction is set.
• •  Although self-installing a front door eye security camera may seem the quickest and easiest route to take, remember to consider what prompted you to want a surveillance unit. Contacting a security cam installation provider may cost more but be well worth the investment to get the job done quickly and correctly.

If you own a business, improved security is likely often on your mind, which makes gadgets like door cameras attractive. Door eyes security cameras are popular hidden cameras that fit right into a door or entryway, enabling business owners to see who is at their office door before answering it. Most door security cameras are user friendly and easy to install, and do not require formal door eyes security cameras education and training. However, it is advised that you know something about security cameras prior to purchasing one.

If you are not a security expert, do not fear, as you can find door camera security tips in plenty of places. Once you scour the Internet for door security camera information, you should feel educated enough on the subject to confidently purchase and utilize the right door eye camera for your office. Consider looking in the following places to get informed:

1. Attend security-related trade shows to find out what's new in the door eyes world.
2. Read reviews about different door eyes security camera vendors.
3. Find detailed installation instructions online.

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

Check out front door surveillance trends at security trade shows and conventions

Before you decide what type of door surveillance camera to buy, you need to find out more about the subject. Whether you are new to security measures or just rusty, attending industry trade shows and conventions can be a great way to find out the types of door eyes available to you.

I recommend: The annual SPIE Defense, Security and Sensing trade show features the newest covert door security cameras, among other products. Attend the Security Solutions 2009 convention to learn about the latest smart security measures and trends.

Check reviews before buying a door eyes recording camera for your business

Now that you have an idea of what door eyes are and how they work, you need to decide which specific company to buy from. Online reviews are excellent for educating potential customers about different companies and products. Check out reviews from both security professionals and other business owners to get a feel for how well the camera works.

I recommend: CNET provides reviews of door eye cameras. Buzzillions.com offers door security camera reviews from real users.

Get door security cam instructions and tips online

If you tend to struggle with self-installation, even when it is proclaimed user-friendly, use your available resources. The Internet will most likely have some tips, if not step-by-step instructions, to help you properly install your new door camera.

I recommend: If you purchase a camera from x10.com or Image Wonders, simple installation instructions are on the corresponding websites. A more general set of instructions is available at the Installation of Pinhole Cams and Door Spy Cameras website.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If your company has a security guard, be sure to ask their opinion about the best type of security door cameras. He or she will most likely know of reputable companies and products.

If you are interested in keeping an eye on who is outside your home or office door, consider obtaining one or more door eyes cameras. There are a few different types of this security product, so it is best to know the available kinds of door eyes security cameras before you purchase one. Whether you want a camera that allows you to interact with visitors while they stand at the door, or just want a covert camera for safety reasons, there are plenty of door cameras on the market. Like any other security camera, you need to educate yourself on the types available, and choose based on your preferences.

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

Door frame camera

A door frame camera is a security camera that you can install on your door frame in such a way that you do not have to go outside to see who is at the door. It is covert, as it is meant to match your home or office door frame.

I recommend: Save on Security Systems describes what a door frame camera is, along with its benefits.

Peephole camera

This type of camera is specifically meant to be installed in your door's peephole. This way, you do not even have to get up to see through it, as it will record the image of your visitors for you to check out at your leisure.

I recommend: CraziestGadgets.com discusses how the peephole camera works.

Fisheye peephole

This is a twist on the regular peephole camera. A fisheye peephole simply offers a wider view so that you can more easily see who is at your door before answering it.

I recommend: Spyville.com gives details about the fisheye peephole camera.

Video intercom

This type of camera is installed in or near your door and allows you to not only see and hear, but also interact with any visitors. The camera is often activated when someone rings the doorbell so that it saves battery.

I recommend: Home Security Advice discusses possible uses for a video intercom system at your door.

Doorbell camera

A doorbell camera can either be a regular video camera installed in your doorbell, or an intercom system with wires just behind your doorbell.

I recommend: Find out more about doorbell security cameras at daycare-security-cameras.com.

Pinhole camera

This type of camera is tiny, which is where it gets its name. It can be installed anywhere in your door and is difficult for visitors to notice.

I recommend: Security-Camera describes what a pinhole camera is, and provides instruction for how to install one in your door.