BODY WORN CAMERA → WIRED

WIRED QUESTIONS

What is the minimum focusing distance of a camera?

All our camera including pinhole cameras (but except for a hidden cameras where you can not turn the lens), can macro focus to an object as close as 1mm between the lens and the object.

BODY WORN CAMERA QUESTIONS

Are the sample videos true representation of a camera quality?

Yes, and since we had to convert the original video to a format viewable for everyone (flash), the video quality of the actual camera would be about 10% better.

Do you have any camera which can record text from computer screen?

There is no high enough resolution camera that can capture standard 10~12 pt size text from a computer monitor at once. You will need to scan section by section from about 12" or less from the screen. You can use any cameras such as a pen camera.

Does a bodyworn camera make any noise?

No, pen cameras or any other portable digital recording devices does not make any noises.

Does a DVR make any noise?

Full size stand alone DVRs all come with a cooling fan that will make noise as much as a PC. Portable DVRs do not make any noise.

Does motion detection recording mode extend its battery life?

A DVR can record upon motion. DVR senses pixel movement of the video signal from the camera.. However Since the camera and the DVR has to be on all the time, it will not extend the battery life at standby mode. However Unlike other camera with DVR, Camball takes one still shot every three seconds and compares it with the previous shot. If there is any difference between the two shots, Camball recognize it as a motion and start to record for 2 minutes. If there is no motion during the 2 minutes, Camball goes to sleep. While it sleeps, the still shots are taken every three seconds, thus saving battery life up to 40 hrs. Also cameras that can record upon sound activation such as Sound Activated Hidden Camera can last up to 250 hours on standby.

How can I focus the pinhole lens?

Turn the lens counter-clockwise to the point where it almost falls out. Connect the camera to TV and turn the lens clockwise slowly until it focus. Ba careful not to bottom out, it will crack the CCD sensor.

Is there a body worn camera for a child?

We do get a lot of inquiries but there are no ideal system for a body worn camera system for a child. Since there are components that needs to be mounted and would be to cumbersome and heavy for a child to wear. We do have a small pen like cameras but battery will not last long enough and the operation would be too difficult for a child to turn it on at the right moment . Best alternative would be just placing a small voice recorder.

Is there a camera that I can hide in a diaper bag that can watch my infant with an outside sitter.

Unfortunately, video recording would be too difficult for the application. Audio might be much easier. We do have a small pen like cameras but battery will not last long enough and the operation would be too difficult for a child to turn it on at the right moment . Besides the camera will most like be looking at a wrong direction. We recommend for you to get a micro voice recorder and hide in the dipper bag.

Is there a way to duplicate the video on the pc without the audio?

Use VirtualDub (http://www.spycameras.com/resources/VirtualDub-1.9.7.zip) and do the following 1. Open VirtualDub and load your file Audio Removal: 2. Audio=> No Audio 3. Audio=> Direct Stream Copy Video: 4. Video=>Direct Stream Copy 5. File=>Save=> select avi and enter the filename

What is the best way to record a document and be able to read 10 to 12pt font size?

No matter the resolution of a camera, the recording resolution of a video recorder is limited to 640 X 480 pixels. Therefore, you cannot capture the whole document at once, (it would be possible with a 5M pixel digital snap picture camera but there are none available in covert format in the market yet) rather, you will need to scan the document from top to bottom. We do recommend a pen camera since you can hold it in your hand to do so. Please see a video demo at: PEN CAMERA VIDEO

GENERAL QUESTIONS ON CAMERAS

Can a camera detect motion?

No, not the camera itself. Motion detection is a function of a recorder such as a DVR where it digitally senses video fluctuation to record upon motion. A VCR or a consumer level DVR (e.g Tivo) can not detect motion.

Can a camera see in total dark?

Cameras can not see in total darkness. You will need IR illuminators either built around the camera lens or as a separate lighting source (only for a B/W camera or a D/N camera). We do carry cameras that works in very low light conditions. Lower the lux rating, better it is under low light.

Can a security camera itself record? such as a pinhole or a miniature camera?

No, unlike a camcorder, security cameras do not record by themselves. You will need to connect a camera to a recorder such as a VCR, DVR or a PC with a recording software. However, we do carry "all-in-one" cameras that can record to its built-in DVR and also a "self-contained systems" that have a DVR attachment.

Do your cameras work with different voltage for other countries?

Most of our cameras come with a power adapter that can handle form 110V ~240V AC. In case you get a camera with direct AC plug-in such as clock radio camera we will include the 220V to 110V (60Hz) step-down converter. However, if your country uses 50Hz, the time on the clock, because it is digital, will not be correct (it will be off about 20 min a day)

How can I connect a camera to a laptop?

All security cameras (except for web or wifi IP cameras) are composite video, so you will need to convert the signal to digital in order to connect to a laptop via USB port. You can use a video capture device found in a computer store however most likely it will not come with a security recording software. We recommend USB DVR or if you have a wireless router, you can use: WiFi IP Camera with out any video capture device.

How can I connect a camera to internet?

All security cameras (except for web or wifi IP cameras) are composite video, so you will need to convert the signal to digital in order to connect to a laptop via USB port. You can use a video capture device found in a computer store however most likely it will not come with a security recording software. We recommend DVR with network feature at: Network DVR or if you have a wireless router, you can use: WiFi IP Camera with out any video capture device.

How does a camera adjust to different lighting level?

Every camera has auto electronic iris built-in. Unlike a human iris or other camera, there is no mechanical diaphragm that controls light intake, rather shutter speed changes automatically. Level of adjustment is very wide from low light to very bright light. You can actually place the camera an inch away from a lit 100W light bulb and still be able to read clearly the label on the bulb.

How does a camera work with a bright spot lighting source.

All cameras come with auto-electronic iris control. In a case in low light the iris will open up and brighten the picture automatically (however limited to its lux rating)As long as the camera is not facing directly toward a light source in low light, it'll be OK. However if a light source would be on the screen, the iris will close thus darkening the picture of the surrounding.

How far or how much can you see with a camera?

Cameras can see Infinite, therefore It all depends on the size of the object. Wider the angle of the lens, smaller it will appear but area coverage will be greater. You can not have both zoomed in view and cover wide area. Most of our cameras come standard with wide angle lens (75 deg horiz) that will cover the whole room if placed at the corner looking towards the center of the room.
Try our CCD Lens Calculator for more information.

How much of a room can a camera view?

Most of our cameras come with around 4mm lens providing 75 deg in horizontal angle (for 1.3" CCD). That means if the camera is placed at the corner looking towards the center of the room, it'll cover most of the room regardless of its size. Also all camera lenses are fixed focus and will focus to an object from about 2 ft away to infinity.