PoE Cameras are Better In Terms of Footage Quality

What are PoE Cameras?

Power Over Ethernet Cameras are a special breed of cameras that primarily features convenience. Many houses today in this era of internet communication are equipped with routers. The most common cable we use to connect our desktops and laptops are ethernet cables. These cables are low cost per foot, depending on the type of cable. The good news is that most PoE camera don’t require a very expensive cable to function. 100 Mbit transfer speed will suffice for general use. Just make sure that you have a PoE switch, if you don’t have it yet, this is an additional expense you need to consider.

The cables can also be made by hand to address the exact length you need using a crimping tool with ease. You just need the right tools. As long as you don’t exceed over 100 meters or 330 feet, your video quality shouldn’t suffer.

But we’ve talked a lot about cables, what about the camera itself? The camera can still be powered with a barrel jack. You just need a power supply that can provide 12 volts or depending on the model of the camera. But having to connect an extra peripheral can be tricky when installing the camera in parts of the house where you wouldn’t normally find a power outlet such as up in the gutter. So the easiest solution is to use ethernet cables. The cable can function for both power delivery and data transmission.

About Power delivery, we mentioned using PoE switches earlier, you need to take note of several things like how much power can your switch deliver and how many cameras are you going to install. You need to consider the power consumption of the camera you choose. Your safest bet is to consult a specialist who installs security systems.

Are They Better In Terms of Footage Quality?

Many decent models come with 4K (8MP) resolution. This quality should be more than enough to give you decent images.

Applications

PoE cameras are suitable for many situations, you can use these to record the on-going activities in your place of business and around it. These can also be used to monitor individual rooms inside your house such as your garage or kitchen.

Legality

Depending on your local laws, you need to ensure that people who are being recorded are informed to avoid legal ramifications, particularly breaching privacy or laws related to wire-tapping or espionage. Informing people is easy, simply place a sign next to the camera stating that there is a camera here and that they are being recorded. Other businesses place the sign at the entrance of their business so people are informed ahead of time that upon entering, they’re activities are being recorded. If you are still unsure, consult a lawyer about how to do proper recording in public locations around your home or place of business.

How Does GPS Tracking Work?

The tracking begins when the tracking device sends a signal to a group of satellites orbiting the planet. In order to get the location, a process called trilateration is used. The distance of the tracking device to at least 3 satellites is measured. This allows the location of the tracker, and by extension, the object it’s attached to, to be determined.

Things to Consider when Buying a GPS Tracker?

1. Purpose

The first answer to that question is what are you tracking? You can track a variety of things, your car, drone, people, heavy equipment, shipments, fleet, pets, etc.

2. The Initial and Subsequent Costs

Your initial investment will determine what model of tracker you get, but where the bulk of the expense is on maintenance and subscription fees. You must take this in consideration when buying a tracker. Also, a more expensive tracker does not necessarily mean it will be more accurate.

3.  Emergency Handling

If it’s people you are tracking, it is important to have a distress button so in case of an emergency, the person can have a means to call for help. This feature is proven to be a life saver in many occasions

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4. Mobile Apps Are a Thing Now.

Having an S.O.S button is great and all but having an accompanying app is even better. It allows the user to have a greater degree of control and options. Be sure to purchase trackers that come with mobile apps.

5. Enduring the Elements

Your chosen GPStracker must be durable and must be able to withstand the elements such as water, the greatest enemy of electronics.

6. Battery Life

Don’t overlook this bit. It’s great to have a GPS tracker that can last long out in the field. The last thing you need is to have a GPS that dies out on you when you need it the most.

7. Size

The size also determines the weight. If a person were to carry this, it might be annoying to carry such a thing all the time. Make sure to buy trackers that come with attachment accessories. 

Legal and Privacy Concerns

 Before running out to buy your GPS tracker, make sure that it is even legal to own one. This depends on your local laws so consult a lawyer to get the best advice. Then there’s also privacy concerns, speak with your household members if they want to be tracked. GPS tracking can be abused to a point of cyberstalking so be sure to get their expressed permission. Once again, consult a lawyer to understand your local laws. Rigging your wife’s, or anyone’s, car with a GPS tracker without her permission can get you in legal hot water. This is the same reason why business establishments with CCTV cameras will have a sign saying that there is a CCTV camera recording human activity. This is their way of getting your consent that by entering their business establishment, you agree to being recorded.

Conclusion

Tracking things and people can be handy when there’s an emergency but it is always a good idea to balance well between privacy and security.