Security Camera System - Board Camera

Security cameras can come in all different shapes, size, and types. These days you can purchase security cameras that can be positioned in almost any location, although when looking for a discreet and low profile security solution, the board camera may be an option that can help to monitor a specific area while being undetected by passersby. But what is a board camera?

A board camera is a mini type of small security camera that is designed with a mounted lens that is situated on a circuit board. These mini security cameras are highly versatile when it comes with discretion and low profile recording and monitoring because of their size which sometimes can be as small as 1 inch by 1 inch. Some mini board camera setups utilize pinhole lenses allowing for them to be the perfect security device when it comes to covert surveillance monitoring over a specific location. Pinhole lenses usually feature an average hole size of about 1/16” in diameter and is usually the only part of the board camera that requires exposure to ensure that a clear picture of a location is to be captured.

Pinhole lenses usually come in 2 different types and these are conical and flat lens designs. The conical lens type is usually designed where a security camera system is to be installed into areas where ceiling tiles may be involved. The flat lens, on the other hand, is usually a better choice when it comes to installing a security system with thin type material similar to that of clothing. Offering a smaller size than the board lens which averages ½” in diameter, the pinhole lens may have a resolution rate that is slightly lower allowing for an increase of light that enters the lens.

Board cameras are able to offer two types of security camera technology when delivering clear imagery. This technology is classed as CMOS and CCD. The CMOS or complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor security technology is able to convert light to electricity but is able to provide a greater integration of different functions allowing for lower power requirements when operating and a smaller sized design.

The CCD or charged coupled display security technology is designed to convert light into electricity that helps to represent all the necessary picture information. This form of security technology has been used in fixed security cameras for delivering high quality imaging when recording. This most common size of the CCD technology is the 1/3” and the ¼”. Although there are other sizes such as the 2/3” and the ½”, the 1/3” is currently the standard size in the form of technology.

Board security cameras are usually run and operated by batteries or an AC adapter and are generally designed with a plug and play design that allows for quick and easy setup of the security camera into a discreet location. They are also highly compatible with other devices including VCR’s and TV’s providing a direct connection system when required to complete a setup. Combinations of transmitters and receivers are also available which allow for the setup of a wireless board camera system into some of the most challenging demanding security locations. Wireless board camera systems can prove useful for many different people due to the high versatility and the lack of wiring that is required to install the device. Wireless options allow for the board security camera to be placed in awkward locations, and are able to transmitter the images to the awaiting recording device for easy viewing and playback.

When choosing a board camera to suit your personal requirements, you may need to consider a few different aspects to ensure you are buying one that will work to your advantage. One issue that should be addressed is the resolution rate the camera is equipped with. The resolution rate is usually measured in TV lines. Standard resolution usually starts between 300 and 400 TV lines while a high resolution rate can be from 400 to 600 TV lines. Resolution is important because it helps to produce clearer images, the higher the resolution rate the better the image quality will be.

Another consideration that should be looked into is whether you will be using the camera for low light or dark conditions. Board cameras that will be used in low lighted conditions may require a good Lux sensitivity rating. Lux is the lumen per square meter and is usually measured by the simple intensity of light that hits or passes through an object as it is perceived by a human eye. Where the board camera is to be used in low light or completely dark environments, finding one with a lux rating zero or close to zero can provide high operation in delivering clearer images. The closer the lux rating is to 0 means it can take pictures in completely dark scenarios.

Overall, board security cameras can prove useful when it comes to covert security applications. Because of the unique design they can easily be hidden in plain sight while easily taking clear images when required without anyone knowing. When using a mini camera such as this, be sure to position it into an area where it will be able to provide high viewing coverage over an area so it can capture suspicious or criminal activity as it happens.