In spite of the advances in technology, the rate of crime has been on the increase all over the world. It’s been tales of theft, kidnapping, extortion, blackmail, trespassing, and many other criminal acts. This has made people more conscious of their personal and public safety. People now adhere to safety measures and rely on the use of security devices to protect their lives, family, and properties.
Surveillance and spy cameras are the most sought-after smart security devices used in homes and offices. You can’t always be around to guard your properties and loved ones. These cameras serve as your third eye and help you keep watch over your family and belongings. If there is a threat to your life or properties, you’d be alerted in time. If the culprit is caught, the video footage from a spy or surveillance camera could serve as evidence in court.
Surveillance cameras and spy cameras are often passed off as the same, but they are not. Although these devices serve similar purposes, they are operated differently and in different areas. You are wondering,
“What’s the difference between surveillance cameras and spy cameras?”
We’ll be discussing that in this post.
Tag along with me.
First, We Look at Spy Cameras
Spy cameras are also used to record videos of people without their knowledge. They are used in private places like our homes and offices. They are used by parents to keep an eye on their children and nanny. You can use it to watch over your elderly relatives and their caregivers. Business owners also use it to keep an eye on their staff while at work.
Anybody can own a spy camera. They are lightweight and very portable. With the improvements in the new models, you can carry your spy camera around without being noticed. They come in small sizes and are disguised as normal regular objects like pens, alarm clocks, buttons, flash drives, Wi-Fi adapters, and even cigarette lighters. However, using a spy camera has its ups and downs.
Spy Camera Pros
1. Remote Monitoring
A spy camera can be installed in any place in your home or office. You can mount it on a spot or enclose it in a hidden area. As long as the camera is connected to a strong internet and power source, it will record the activities in that area even in your absence. This way, you can observe all the activities in your home or office even when you’re miles away. You can also monitor unwanted and suspicious visitors in your home or property.
2. Prevents Crime
Your spy camera helps you keep track of dubious activities around you. If someone close to you starts acting strange, your spy camera will help you find out what he/she is up to. If the recordings on the camera reveal that they are up to no good, you will be able to take immediate action before more harm is done.
3. Evidence of Crime
If you file a lawsuit against a criminal who has been a threat to you or your family, video footage from the camera can serve as evidence in court. This way, the offender doesn’t go unpunished and justice will be served.
Spy Camera Cons
1. Easy to Hack
Criminals have also learned to be smart in executing their criminal acts. Most of them have become more cautious and tech-savvy. These people take precautionary measures to detect a spy cameras and other security devices in the home of their victims before they strike. They try to hack the security system before breaking in, so they won’t get caught.
They can hack into your computer and disconnect the internet connection to your spy camera. The power source to your spy camera could be cut off without your knowledge. Thus, you must always double-check to ensure that your spy camera is working perfectly.
2. Breach of Privacy
In an attempt to protect your life and property, your privacy could be compromised. It also breaches the privacy of your family, staff, and anyone within the surveillance area. If you must use a spy camera, ensure to erase any recording that reveals sensitive information about your friends and family.
3. Price
Getting a spy camera could cost you an arm. Just kidding. But they are pretty expensive due to the advanced features and improvements that come with the new models.
We Now Take a Look at Surveillance Cameras
Surveillance cameras are also used to record videos of people’s activities without their consent. But unlike spy cameras, they are used in public places like malls, gyms, restaurants, parking areas, hotels, and commercial buildings.
This camera also has an automatic number plate recognition system that works on IP networks. These IP networks connect the camera from a particular area to a specified security location. They are more complex and record longer videos when compared to spy cameras.
Surveillance cameras are not just used to apprehend criminals. They are also used to catch individuals who break the rules in designated areas. A surveillance camera can be used to catch someone jumping a queue, entering a restricted area, or acting inappropriately in a public place. Here are some pros and cons of using a surveillance camera.
PROS of Surveillance Cameras
1. Reduces Crime in Public Places
Surveillance cameras help to combat crime and misconduct in public places. When the offender notices that they are being watched, they will be forced to act appropriately.
2. Improves Public Safety
The presence of surveillance cameras in public places like malls, banks, schools, and parking areas deters criminals and improves safety. Nobody in his right senses will do something incriminating when he knows that he is being watched.
3. Distance Monitoring
With surveillance cameras, you can run remote monitoring from afar. Once your surveillance camera is connected to your phone or any other viewing device through the internet, you can watch the video feed from anywhere in the world.
CONS of Surveillance Cameras
1. Complex
Unlike spy cameras, this type of security camera is quite complex to use. If you’re not tech-savvy, you may have a hard time trying to use a surveillance camera.
2. Costly Installation and Maintenance
Aside from the cost of purchase, setting up and maintaining this security camera can be financially draining. It takes a lot of tricks and expertise to set it up so you’ll need the help of a professional. And you will also have to pay for the accessories that come with the camera.
3. Harassment and Extortion
Sensitive data or information obtained from a surveillance camera recording can be used for an ulterior motive. If that information gets into the hands of the wrong person, it could be used to blackmail and extort people.
There you have it, all you need to know about surveillance and spy cameras. Both cameras work effectively in protecting lives and properties, but their applications differ. You can get either of them depending on the surveillance location and your budget. When buying your spy or surveillance camera, make sure that you choose a reliable vendor or security company. They are also available here.