What You Should Know About Dome Cameras

In case you couldn't tell from the name, a dome camera is a security camera housed in, yep, you guessed it, a dome casing. There are a bunch of different models of dome cameras ranging from infrared to varifocal to fixed lenses or even monochrome and color cameras. Some dome cameras are even resistant to tampering, having a high resistance polycarbonate casing.

In the world of dome cameras there are two main types, fixed cameras that are static and remain in one position and PTZ cameras which have the ability to pan (P), tilt (T) and zoom (Z). Most of the dome cameras on the market are covered with a dark dome. This is to make it more challenging to see in which direction the camera is focused. Most dome cameras also have varifocal lenses that make it possible for the camera to observe a 360 degree area.

Your dome camera can also have an infrared lens as well as some other day and night features like changing from color to monochrome in low light conditions. One key factor of the dome camera is that it is almost completely resistant to vandals. Dome cameras are also ideal for use outside as many dome cameras are weatherproof and can easily withstand the harsh fury of mother nature.

One thing many people are worried about with security cameras is the installation process. However, dome cameras are quite easy to install. Most dome camera systems usually come with all the necessary mounting brackets and other equipment. Dome cameras can also be mounted in nearly any location and on nearly any surface.

If you are looking to purchase a dome camera, then you should look for one that has good protection from both nature and vandals. You should also look for one that has good white balance as well as an auto gain feature. Also important is a low lux rating if you are looking to get the best possible images during the night or in situations of low light.

Picking the right security camera is vital and with this information you can hopefully pick the right type of camera, whether it be a dome, bullet, box or PTZ camera.

Source: Security World News

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ATM Security Camera Catches Robbers

You'd think that with all the high profile crime dramas on t.v. and in movies that this generation of criminals would be smarter. The saying "Those who do not learn from history are bound to repeat" seems to come to mind here as a group of robbers in Minneapolis completely forgot that ATM machines had security cameras on them and proceeded to rob somebody directly in front of one.

Two women and a man kidnapped a woman at gunpoint on December 15, 2010 on West Broadway in Minneapolis, Minnesota. They then forced her to hand over her ATM card as well as her secret password as they helped themselves to all of her money. However, and this is where stupid comes into play, two of the criminals either A) didn't notice the camera. B) forgot about the camera, or C) have clearly missed out on every episode of C.S.I.

Because of this flub, the criminals' faces were recorded for all the world to see and laugh at. The driver of the car, according to the cameras as well as the witness, was described as a black female, about 20 years old, of light build with a light brown complexion and long black hair and was dressed in a black hooded coat.

The suspect seen at the ATM itself is described as being a black female, 18 to 20 years old, approximately 5'4" to 5'7" with a light build and medium complexion, black hair and a lip piercing. She was described as wearing a blue hooded jacket with pink and white pajama pants. I still don't see how people think pajama pants are acceptable outside apparel. The male was, unfortunately, not seen on the ATM security camera.

According to Minneapolis police, the woman was kidnapped as she was walking out of the Broadway Winner a little before 10 p.m. that night. The kidnappers apparently abducted her, drove her to a nearby ATM, stole all of her money and then released her about a block away. The woman was unharmed, however, the robbers were not caught.

At least with the footage from the ATM police have a clear visual image of two of the three robbers which they have released to the public. Police are asking anybody with any information about the two women in the security footage to notify Officer Patricia Nelson at 612-673-3013 or the Robbery/Assault Unit at 612-673-2941.

Source: City Pages

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