6 Camera and Surveillance Accessories You Must Have

By: Phil Washington Click author's name for more of his/her articles

A home or business surveillance system is only effective if it is a complete working system. Take a component out and you will have crippled equipment that could no longer protect you and deter crime effectively. Here are some of the most important camera and surveillance accessories you should have:

Power supplies
Power supplies connect equipment such as cameras or CCTVs and digital recorders to a source of electricity. Although many of the models being sold these days run on DC or battery power, there are some home and business owners who prefer to use electricity to ensure that their surveillance equipment ran continuously.

Some power supplies are also designed to handle both AC and DC outputs, particularly in camera and surveillance equipment that can make use of both alternately.

Transmitters & receivers
Transmitters and receivers are essential components of any surveillance equipment. A transmitter send signals over a pre-determined frequency to a receiver. These accessories often come as a pair or part of a kit. The effective range of transmission varies, depending on the model or make.

For surveillance use, most transmitters are small enough to be concealed or disguised using everyday items, although that doesn't automatically impair their ability to work with a compatible receiver.

Active-passive baluns
Active-passive baluns help ensure compatibility between systems, something that is critical in camera and surveillance equipment. To manage video images, many of the latest models now use internal baluns, even though almost any camera used for surveillance can be utilized with external baluns. The latest balun transmission systems can even handle HDTV signals. With active or passive baluns, users of camera and surveillance systems can eliminate the need for additional cables to connect one equipment to another.

Amplified microphone
A microphone is an important accessory for a camera and surveillance system if audio is required. Amplified microphones are more efficient in picking up sound waves within a room or area compared to ordinary microphones. Some models require an independent power source while others can tap power from another device such as a camera, for example.

Although amplified microphones have become a part of most surveillance systems, it's still good to note that there are laws that protect people against illegal 'bugging'. If you're purchasing an amplified microphone, be sure to check your local state laws regarding its proper use.

Camera brackets
In most surveillance systems, cameras are frequently mounted so they can monitor a wider area. To ensure the equipment's stability, there are camera brackets that are specifically designed to hold them up. Camera brackets are usually made with metal, wood or plastic. Many have interchangeable parts, so they can be used in different combinations. They are flexible enough to be mounted onto a ceiling or a wall. Camera brackets have limited strength, so it's best to check the maximum weight of surveillance equipment they can carry.