Christmas Gift Ideas from Cams in Action

November is coming to an end, and by now, you should be working on your Christmas lists. Pretty soon the shopping malls will be filled with people trying to find their perfect Christmas presents for friends and family. If you want something special, unique, and affordable to give your loved ones this Christmas, Cams in Action has a great selection of cameras and other cool gadgets that your friends and family members will love. 

At Cams in Action, we offer more than just CCTV cameras and commercial surveillance equipment. We also have a great selection of action cameras and gadgets everyone will love to receive. The best part is that you don’t need to search through over-crowded malls and gift shops to find what you need. With the holidays just around the corner, here are some cool gift ideas to help you beat the Christmas rush:

    



        Superbug GSM Tracker Bug – This small and compact listening device also doubles as a tracking device that helps you find where the bug is located by sending an SMS request to your bugs SIM number and getting the GPS coordinates of your bug through a GSM network. The Superbug GSM Tracker Bug’s dimensions are only 48x40x14mm, making it very portable and small enough to conceal in your car, home, or keep in your purse. Just imagine the fun you can have with this little Superbug, keep one ear on your kids or your partner, just kidding! 

       

     
     Diving Mask  – This diving mask with built-in camera is the perfect gift for those who love to swim, dive, or take underwater photos and  videos. Experience the fun of being able to capture footage and still have your hands free to paddle around. With a photo resolution of 2560x1920 and a video resolution of 640x480, this 2 Megapixel camera can capture clear, crisp, and vivid images underwater. It has a 2GB memory integrated into the camera system. 

         

       RD32II Action-Cam 1080HD – Here’s the perfect gift for the extreme sports buff. This action camera is one of our favorite cameras here at Cams in Action. It is shockproof, waterproof for up to 20m and it captures exciting action videos in full HD. It has a multi-functional sports bracket that allows you to mount this camera in a wide variety of sports equipment and accessories to get great videos at great angles. The best thing about this action camera is the image stabilization software that comes with it. From now on, no more shaky action videos! 

        Tornado GSM Audio/Video Bug – Ever want to see what your cat does while you're not home? Who says bugs are only used by spies and law enforcement? This audio/video surveillance device is a great gift for parents who want to make sure that their children are in good hands with their nannies or babysitters. This device can be controlled via SMS and also doubles as a locator device.

         Blackbox D6 Car DVR – Every car needs one of these! This camera acts like a “black box” for your car that records everything that happens inside or outside the vehicle. It captures clear video of what’s happening on the road which can be used as evidence in an event of an accident. Unlike other mountable DVRs, the Blackbox D6 is motion activated which preserves battery life and saves video storage space. It has a 2.7 inch LCD screen and captures video at a 1920x1080 resolution. This car camera also has night vision capabilities so you can be sure that you won’t miss a second of footage, day or night!

If you’re looking for something new and unique to give your loved ones this Christmas, gadgets and specialty cameras is the way to go whether you want a fun gift or a practical one. With the wide array of products Cams in Action offers, you’ll find something for everyone.

CCTV Cameras: Choosing the Best Type for Your Needs

CCTV cameras are everywhere, but not all security cameras are the same. If you’re planning to buy a surveillance camera for your security system, you need to find one that matches your needs. Going out and grabbing the most expensive security camera system off the shelf doesn’t always work best. Before you spend money on your security system, you need to consider where you’re going to install the cameras and the lighting conditions in those areas.

Just like hand-held video camera equipment, there are several types of CCTV cameras. Each type of camera has its own features that make it useful in some situations, but completely useless in others. You need to know the different types of cameras and understand their strengths and limitations in order to find one that will work best for you. Once you know what type of camera you’re looking for, then you can begin comparing brands and special features. To help you understand what different camera types can do, here is a list of the common camera types out in the market and a short description of what 
they’re capable of:

·         Day CCTV Cameras – These cameras are best for outdoor surveillance, and most of them are at the very least, weather proof. As the name suggests, they work best during the daytime when there’s a lot of bright ambient lighting. They can be short or long range and can capture images in color. They won’t be able to capture anything in the dark, so if you need nighttime surveillance, you may need an artificial source of ambient lighting.

·         Indoor CCTV Cameras – Indoor CCTV cameras work just like day CCTV cameras, except that they can capture clearer images with less ambient lighting. Some of them come equipped with their own external light source for a better view at night or when the lights are out in the building.

·         Night Vision CCTV Cameras – Night vision CCTV cameras run on infrared technology. This is why most night vision camera footages are in black and white and show glowing spots when it captures a light source. A lot of night vision cameras come with an IR illuminator (a device that magnifies whatever available light there is) built-in with the camera, but there are some models that don’t have it pre-installed. You can buy the IR illuminator separately. This type of camera is best used indoors, storage rooms, and areas where there is almost always little to no ambient lighting.

·         Day/Night CCTV Cameras – These cameras have the capabilities to switch from day to night mode when needed. They capture images in color when there’s enough ambient light and as darkness falls it switches to infrared mode and records images in black and white. Like the night vision cameras, the IR illuminator doesn’t always come as part of the package. These cameras are best installed outdoors as it can be used to capture clear images 24/7.

·         Thermal Imaging CCTV Cameras (FLIR) – If you want to see what’s happening in total darkness, thermal imaging is the way to go. It uses heat energy to create images even through haze, light fog, and snow. The images you see on your monitor are created using heat signatures left by people or objects. The hotter the object, the brighter they appear on screen. This type of camera is perfect for both indoor and outdoor use as they can detect intruders even if they hide in the shadows.

 In order to protect your home, your business, or your private property, you need a security system that actually works for you. In order to make the most out of your surveillance equipment, you need to be sure that the camera you buy can meet your needs.

A Sneak Peek into the Future of CCTV

Every year, new surveillance technologies are being developed. Just as criminal elements are learning how to bypass the current security systems in place, a whole new system is introduced. This is a good thing, especially for those who are looking to protect their homes, establishments, businesses, and properties from intruders. We have the military to thank for the many advances in surveillance technology. They are the ones who have developed and refined most of the technology used for commercial purposes that we are using today.

The future of CCTV security systems is bright. There’s always something new that’s coming out to help enhance security and give homeowners, business owners, and property owners some peace of mind. Here are some of the new CCTV features that have just come out in the market:

·         Facial Recognition – This technology was once used separately from surveillance cameras. Screen grabs from CCTV camera footage are loaded onto a computer with facial recognition software and the data gathered is compared with a database of images. Today, there are sophisticated security systems available that have facial recognition software integrated into them to identify people authorized in the security system and detect intruders who aren’t.

·         Video Content Analysis (VCA) – CCTV cameras with this capability are also called Smart CCTV. VCA technology has  been around for a while and has been used in different commercial products such as the Xbox 360’s Kinnect – a   motion detection system that allows a person to play games without the use of a joystick or remote control. This new technology detects movement, analyzes the footage, and converts the images into data. It can be programmed for facial recognition, plate number recognition, and people counting among other things.

·         Walk-by Systems – CCTV cameras with integrated walk-by system detects objects concealed underneath clothing. It’s like having a metal-detector installed in your camera, but better. This is because it not only detects metallic objects, they also detect non-metals such as plastic, liquids, gels, ceramic, and other materials that easily passes through metal detectors and can be used to make an improvised weapon or explosive. This type of surveillance camera is now in use in several high-security installations where weapons and other dangerous items are banned. 

·         Remote Biometric & Behavioral Suspect Detection – An all-in-one CCTV surveillance, security, and screening system has arrived. This do-it-all CCTV camera was developed to reduce the cost of operating a 24/7 security and screening system. It can also provide more convenience for people passing through high-security areas such as airports, train stations, stadiums and other locations where a large number of people pass through. This is because they don’t need to go through manual screening anymore. Everything is caught on camera and analyzed by the system. It can be pre-programmed to detect certain biometric triggers, behaviors, and stimuli that used to take 3 or more separate security systems to do.

These security and surveillance systems may seem like something out of a sci-fi or spy film, but they are real. The market for high-quality security systems is getting bigger and bigger by the year and pretty soon, these high-tech gadgets will be the standard by which all new security systems will go by.

(Images courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net)

Know Where Your Children Are with a GPS Watch Phone

It’s not unusual for children to get lost in shopping malls, public parks and beaches, and all sorts of places that are open to the general public. Although most of them are able to find their way back to their parents, the trauma and fear caused by the thought of not knowing where your child is, can be pretty overwhelming. As parents, you want to make sure your children are safe wherever you go, but how do you do that? How can you keep track of your child and make sure he or she can easily be found when you get separated in a crowded place?

As natural as it is for parents to take every precaution imaginable to prevent incidents where their children get lost while at the park, zoo, or any crowded place, it’s also natural for kids to wander off to explore places they’ve never seen before. This is why there have been many gadgets and devices designed to keep track of little children. One of these gadgets is a watch with GSM, GPRS, and GPS capabilities. It’s not just a watch; it’s also a two-way phone and a GPS tracker in one.

How Does the Phone Watch Work?

This watch was initially developed for hiking and mountain climbing enthusiasts who may end up getting lost and in need of rescue. Today, aside from being an essential part of a climber’s safety arsenal, the GPS Phone watch is now also being used by concerned parents to keep track of their children in public places or when they go off with their class on school trips. There are many possible applications for a watch like this. Aside from being able to aid in the search and rescue of mountain climbers and explorers, and keeping track of young children, this watch can also be worn by the elderly or those who are afflicted by diseases that affect one’s memory and brain function to help find them if they ever wander off on their own.

The Phone Watch is easy to use. It has a clear display that gives the wearer the time and his or her exact GPS coordinates. It is also very lightweight which makes it easy for a child to wear without feeling any discomfort. There are call buttons that allow the wearer to call a pre-programmed phone number and ask for help if they get lost or are in need of special attention. Wearers of this watch can also press an SOS button which sends a message to a pre-programmed number to inform their guardians of their exact location. Unlike other tracking devices, there’s no need to call the number of a monitoring system to get information. The location information is sent directly to the parent or guardian’s phone via a GSM or GPRS network.

With the number of missing children and elderly people on the rise, it’s important to ensure their safety no matter where they go, especially since they are the ones that can’t defend themselves. This new gadget can help us do that by creating a line of communication between a child and his or her guardian when they get separated in a crowd.

 

Video Surveillance and Security Systems: IP Cameras vs. Analog CCTV

Many home and business owners rely on video surveillance security systems to help protect and secure their premises. It has been proven to be effective in discouraging criminal elements from breaking in and catching those who dare.

Installing a video surveillance and security system in your home or office isn’t as simple as just installing a camera in strategic locations in your home or building. The first thing you need to do is to decide which type of video security system to use. The standard analog closed-circuit television camera system has been around for decades now and is currently still being used by many homeowners, companies and security agencies to protect their property against burglars and other criminal elements. As the technology used in providing security improves, so does the quality of the cameras and video surveillance systems. Many security experts see the death of the analog CCTV cameras and the rise of the more technologically advanced digital Internet Protocol (IP) cameras. Despite the fact that IP cameras offer more useful features, analog systems are still a reliable means to protect your home or business. This is why you should compare both video security systems before making a decision.

There are many factors involved in choosing the type of security system to use. To be able to decide which type of camera to select, you need to think of what you are protecting and how much you are willing to spend to do so. Make a list of what features you need to protect your premises and then go over the pros and cons of each type of camera system to see which type is best suited to serve your needs and fit your budget.

Analog CCTV Cameras

Closed-circuit television cameras make use of tapes and cassettes to record what the lenses capture. These tapes can be stored or written over at regular intervals or after being reviewed by your security team. The images are transmitted from the cameras to the monitors through cables that run through the whole building.

                Pros

·         Cost-wise, CCTV cameras are more affordable than their digital counterparts and are easier to maintain than digital cameras.

·         CCTV cameras come in a variety of designs to suit your aesthetic needs. They can be small and inconspicuous or large and intimidating, but they function just the same no matter what the size.

·         Brand compatibility is not a problem with this type of video security system. You can replace an existing camera with one of a different brand and it will still work without much problems.

                Cons

·         Analog cameras do the job just fine for smaller areas with limited coverage, but you may have trouble running the cables through larger spaces.

·         Wireless transmission is possible with analog systems, but since CCTV signals cannot be encrypted, it makes it easier for criminals to get around these security measures by jamming or intercepting the signal.

·         The functions available with analog cameras are limited. You won’t be able to zoom in or out too far and video recordings from CCTV cameras are difficult to enhance when you need a clearer view of an intruder’s face.

Digital IP Cameras

IP cameras convert analog images to digital ones through an encoder before the signal is streamed through a monitor or web browser depending on where you access the videos. The video feeds are stored in hard disk drives and other digital storage devices for easier access and review.

                Pros

·         Digital information can be secured by simple or complicated encryptions. This means criminal elements will have a hard time intercepting or jamming your signals.

·         Companies that use video surveillance systems have different demands when it comes to security. IP camera systems can be configured to have the most basic features or they can be quite sophisticated if the company needs these extra features you can’t find in your average CCTV system.

·         You don’t have to be in the same building or location to view your security video feeds. Since the digital video signals go through an internet network, you can access your feeds anywhere as long as you have access to the internet and the key to your signal encryption.

                Cons

·         Although IP cameras are becoming more and more popular, it’s still not readily available anywhere. Unlike CCTV camera systems that can be purchased at any electronics store, you need to find a specialist to be able to find a good IP camera system.

·         If you’re on a tight budget, you may have to reconsider going digital. Since IP cameras cost more than CCTV does, you may not be able to cover every area in your home or office.

·         You can hook your IP cameras up to your existing network; however, it takes up a lot of bandwidth which can affect your company’s productivity. If you don’t want to spend for a dedicated network for your security system, you may want to go back to analog instead.

New technology is being developed everyday and pretty soon, the older technologies we use will become obsolete. In the case of video surveillance and security systems, the jury is still out on whether IP cameras will be the new standard in video security or if CCTV cameras will stick around a while longer. As long as older technologies are still in use and newer ones are being developed, you, the consumers will always have a choice – and that’s never a bad thing. Contact CAMSINACTION directly through the "contact us" section of the website if you have any further questions as to what cameras are best suited for your environment.

 (Some images are courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net)

Neighborhood Spies: How to Tell If Your Neighbors Are Spying on You

A lot of the gadgets and surveillance equipment we see on spy flicks and drama series on TV are actually available online at our store. These tiny bugs and cameras are not as complicated to plant and operate as popular media hypes them up to be. In fact, your neighbors can be listening in on your private conversations or recording your every move without you knowing right now. If you think that this scenario is impossible, think again. With easy access to modern surveillance technology, anyone can be a spy.

It’s scary to think that other people can invade your privacy right in your own home. You may think that your neighbors are too nice to do such a thing, but then again, no one would suspect a friendly neighbour dropping off a basket of baked goodies and planting listening devices or video surveillance equipment to find out every detail about you and your family’s personal lives.

Finding Out If Someone Is Spying on You

What if one day you find out that everyone in the neighborhood is talking about the terrible fight you had with your spouse the night before? You know your house is sound-proof and you wonder how your neighbors found out. Maybe you’ve been bugged. Before you go out accusing your next door neighbor of spying on you, you should have solid evidence first. The best way to do that is to find out if someone planted a listening device in your home or not. And the wisest way to do that is to use bug sweepers and camera detectors to determine if your house has indeed been bugged. With the evidence on hand, your neighbor won’t be able to deny that such a bug exists.

A bug sweeper? Isn’t that something criminals use in television shows when a detective goes undercover in a gang or crime syndicate to see if their new recruit or business associate is clean of any listening devices? Yes, actually, it’s something like that. Like bugs, spy cameras and other surveillance equipment, they aren’t as hard to find as you may have thought. The same electronics stores that sell the spy gadgets also sell the devices to find out if someone is spying on you.

There are many types of bug detectors to choose from. Some are handy and can be used on the go when travelling. You can make sure that your car and the hotel rooms you stay in are bug-free. There are also those that are able to detect even some of the more sophisticated bugs available. There are sweepers that can check for bugs or wiretapping devices on your phones. These detectors work by finding the radio frequencies that comes from the device, and since all surveillance equipment and devices have receivers, you may be able to trace where the device sends its signals with the help of the police.

Planting bugs and other surveillance equipment in other people’s property and private space is against the law. The only way to fight against this heinous invasion of privacy is to find the device before it’s too late.

(Some images are courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net)

Car Cameras: Ever Wished You Recorded this Accident?

No one wants to get into a car accident, no matter how minor. Aside from the damage done to a person’s vehicle, there’s always a chance for injuries and deaths to occur. The problems don’t end there. When all the chaos and confusion surrounding the accident has settled down, there are still the legal and financial liabilities to settle. Those involved in the crash have to sort out the details with the insurance companies, as well as with the police. In most cases, both parties involved in the accident try to direct the blame at each other, and if there are no witnesses, it’s hard to tell what really happened. If you’re the victim of another person’s recklessness, you need to be able to prove that what happened is not your fault. Most of the time, investigators can determine possible scenarios based on what they see, but a lot of times that is not enough to help prove a party’s guilt or innocence.

How a Car Camera Can Help You

If you’ve seen any of those TV shows about real life cops who pull people over to the side of the road to give them a ticket or arrest them, then you would have noticed that a lot of the footage comes from cameras mounted on the police car’s dashboard. They use it to prove if the suspects resist arrest or dispel any accusations of wrongdoing on the part of the arresting officers. The camera sees it all and can be admitted as evidence in any court of law.

The same principle applies to car cameras used by civilians. It serves the same purpose as an insurance policy. It is installed just in case something goes wrong. If an accident happens involving your vehicle, the footage from the camera you’ve installed can prove that the accident was not your fault. If you’re a victim of a hit-and-run incident, you can also use the footage to identify the vehicle that hit you, and eventually, the person behind the wheel for purposes of prosecution. Car cameras don’t only prove your innocence when an accident happens, it can also show whether or not you committed a traffic violation when a traffic cop pulls you over.

Another advantage a car camera can give you is that it can help expedite the release of your insurance claims. Many insurance companies require those involved in an accident to submit proof that they were not at fault. The problem is, when the official police report is inconclusive, the process of filing for your claim becomes a little bit more tedious and complicated. There are letters you need to write and witness testimonies you need to collect and submit in order for your claim to be processed. With a video recording of the accident, the whole process speeds up and you are able to collect from your insurance company faster.

Accidents happen when you least expect it, which means you should be prepared for anything. Aside from practicing defensive driving, following safety measures, and making sure your car is insured, you should take the extra step and install a car camera on your dashboard or on your rearview mirror. By installing a car camera, you can save yourself a lot of time, effort and frustration when dealing with the aftermath of a vehicular collision.