What Are the Different Methods of Camera Monitoring?

G. Wiesen
G. Wiesen
A surveillance camera monitors and records activity within a home or business.

There are a number of different methods of camera monitoring that can be used for home or professional surveillance, and the method used often depends on the type of camera and other equipment available. Many digital cameras can be connected to a computer, allowing for direct or remote monitoring of the images captured by that camera. A camera can also contain an internal storage device, allowing images to be captured and then viewed later through a computer or other hardware connection. More elaborate camera systems can also allow camera monitoring of multiple cameras connected to a single system, such as a closed circuit television (CCTV) system.

Camera monitoring typically refers to ways in which a person can view or monitor images captured by a camera. Digital cameras are often used for security and surveillance purposes, and can be connected to a computer or network through wireless or wired connections. This allows for monitoring of images captured by such cameras by someone at a particular computer terminal or anyone at a computer connected to the network. Some systems can even allow remote camera monitoring of images captured by the system through a large network, such as the Internet.

Other cameras may require more direct camera monitoring, and this is especially true of concealed cameras used for surveillance. These devices are often hidden within another object, which can make it impossible for such cameras to connect to a network while in use, though they often include internal storage for captured images. After use, however, these cameras can be connected to a computer to allow someone to view images captured on the storage device. This type of camera monitoring is less direct, but can be effective in certain circumstances and makes it easy to save images captured on such a camera for future use.

There are also elaborate security and surveillance systems that allow a number of different cameras to all be monitored and viewed simultaneously. CCTV systems, for example, typically use multiple cameras connected to a single system, which can be viewed at a bank of monitors. Newer systems can achieve a similar form of camera monitoring, though they are usually viewable through a computer system and may utilize network or remote camera monitoring as well. These systems can combine the best aspects of other systems, by simultaneously recording data for backup while also displaying the images being captured in real time.

You might also Like

Readers Also Love

Discussion Comments


@miriam98 - If you want to buy a hidden camera, you have a world of possibilities these days thanks to spy gear. There are phone cameras, pen cameras, radio cameras, body worn cameras like the kinds used for hidden investigations, you name it.

I’m not sure about the legal implications of using them in different contexts. I don’t’ know that you could surreptitiously videotape someone in the workplace, for example, without their knowledge; I don’t think the courts would look too well upon that. In the home, however, I suppose it would be a different matter.


@SkyWhisperer - I think that one of the problems with these cameras is that their visibility may provoke the robber to try to take them out.

Perhaps that would set off an alarm and bring the cops on the scene, I don’t know. Anyway, I recommend that you go with pinhole size security cameras. These are the size of a quarter and are practically invisible.

They also have some low light capabilities, although I don’t know if they are as good as some of the other models you suggested. Their resolution is pretty good too, from what I understand.

I suppose it could be argued that if a camera is visible, it would act as a deterrent; I suppose I'm just looking at the glass as half empty.


@hamje32 - We have a wireless camera and monitor set up around our house. I like it because it has a range of about 400 feet, and as you said, it can “see” at night. I went ahead and bought a second monitor so I can monitor both the front and back of the house.


Some time ago the neighbor five houses down from us was robbed when they were away on vacation (so much for our neighborhood watch program).

Anyway, the burglars got away with a lot of money and valuables. It kind of gave us all the jitters since we live in an up-scale neighborhood where this kind of thing is not that common.

Anyway, I invested in a video security camera. It has a wide angle lens and delivers high resolution pictures and has infrared night vision too. It records continuously and I can scrub the tape to review what’s been going on.

I’d definitely recommend that you invest in these systems; they’ve come down in price and when you need to file a police report a high resolution image will be effective in helping them to identify the suspect.

Post your comments
Forgot password?
    • A surveillance camera monitors and records activity within a home or business.