How does a game cam / motion detection camera work? (delay, storage)

[Springthing]

Well, once again I've had things taken off my property and I say enough is enough. I want to install one of those game cameras, used to take pictures of deer/turkey/etc, and have a few questions for those that have used them before. Here is a typical description, please see if you can help answer a few questions afterwards.



Sharp .3mp pixel resolution.
Two resolution settings: High VGA and Low QVGA
8MB Built In Memory.
EZ-to-use Multiple Setting Options.
Test Mode and Low Battery Light.
External LCD Image Counter.
USB Output for PC Download.
8MB Built In Memory.
SD Memory Card Slot. Expandable to 512mb. (Card sold separately)
Powerful Flash
Delay Settings; 1 / 5 / 10 / 20 minutes.
Power: 4 - C-cell batteries.
Ulead image Software and USB cable included.
Compatible with Windows 98 / 2000 / ME / AND XP Operating Systems




Now, when they say "delay settings" I know that you can choose to delay the camera's response so you make sure you get a full view of whatever came into the motion detector's range, but can all/most cameras also just be set to take a picture right away? In other words if someone/something comes in the field of vision, can you set it so that the camera takes a picture immediately, not not have to wait a minimum of one minute?

Secondly, do most of the camera's only use the flash in low light conditions, or is the flash either always on or off?

If anyone has any ideas on what I could do to either get images or video of whoever is coming onto my property, I'm open for ideas. I don't want to invest in a complete home-surveillance system with infra-red multi-optic night-vision cameras with body heat signature tracking....

Anyone have an extra camera laying about??

Thanks in advance.

[ct9a]

Yes, most cameras have the ability to adjust the delay as well as whether or not the flash goes off (or on). I know you don't want to invest in a video system, but I would suggest it. If you get a pic of someone, that doesn't mean much other than they're trespassing. If you get video of them taking something off your property, then that's proof of theft. There are actually relatively affordable systems out there now, and you don't need night vision. Just get flood lights with motion detectors from Lowe's or Home Depot and aim them in the same direction as the camera. The lights only cost ~$20 per set (IIRC from my last trip to the store).

G/L getting the bastards. I hate thieves with a passion.

[JMoney02]

Also, you can purchase camera's that have the motion light sensors/camera's built into one system.
so the light comes on then the camera starts rolling. Also, if can, dedicate a breaker to the system itself
so you ample supply to the system. Right now check out Comp Usa, it has a nice system for about $300.00, it has 4 camera's, 250 gig dvr and so on, read the details. Nice little system if you need to only watch a small area. Ct9a's right, adding the lights does help the system, even if they are night cameras, just enhances the subject that you want to bust and kick the livin' s... out of, right?
So search a lot of different places, read all info cause there is a lot out there. Costco's has a couple of great systems for the prices, so here you go a start. I really hate when people can't keep their hands off of things that don't belong to them. We wonder why sometimes our insurance is so high, stealing is one of them.... So, in closing I bought the one from Comp Usa, now I need to get in the attic since it's cool and install it, with all the other things, including the Cash Money work I have been hired to do as well...

Jeff

[tlperry68]

You might want the game cam to be able to take video or multiple pictures over a short period of time. Make sue it has IR light on it, is silent and no visible flash or your game cam will belong to the very guy you are searching for.

[Stargazer]

What about something like this:

http://www.swann.com.au/s/products/view/?product=613

"RedAlert™ - Movement Video Recorder
Portable & discreet for covert surveillance. Motion triggers still photos or 10 second video clips at 3 second intervals. Built-in PIP (Picture In Picture) feature allows you to see 1 wired & 1 wireless camera simultaneously on your monitor."

Features



Record AVI video files or JPEG photo images
Add an SD memory card from RadioShack for easy back-up (any size up to 2GB)
A 2GB card (not included) can store up to 28,000 images or 4,380 AVI videos (10 seconds each)
Built-in PIP (Picture In Picture) feature allows you to see 1 wired & 1 wireless camera simultaneously on your monitor
Conveniently connect wireless or wired cameras
Compact size for discreet storage & operation

$190 with camera at Amazon:

Amazon.com: Swann SW244-WDW Red Alert Security Kit: Electronics

[Springthing]

Thanks folks - all good information.

I've calmed down a little bit today but still hate that someone was on my property and snooping around. I'm very defensive, I guess. This isn't the first time - I had kids coming up and ringing the doorbell in the middle of the night around thanksgiving.

Not that I'm an ass but I'd rather get my point across that I don't put up with ppl messing with me than just try to deter the activities. In other words, I appreciate warning ppl that there are video cameras with stickers and signs and then not have them on my property - but I'd rather get pictures or videos and then make fliers to deliver door to door to everyone in the neighborhood about what kids or what neighbor is going around and trespassing/stealing.

I think that's the difference between messages of "I'd rather not have you on my property." vs "I don't put up with anyone on my property."

Anyhow... just typing for the sake of getting a little frustration out. Maybe I just need to take it seriously and do the video camera system. I've too much stuff in my shop and around the house to not warrant being able to finger point a thief/trespasser out.

Thanks again for all the input, folks. It's very much appreciated.

[ct9a]

http://www.spymall.com/catalog/security-index.htm

There's some cool things on this web page. I really like the shotgun shell trip wire dealy. I think I'm going to get me a few of those.

[tlperry68]

How about setting up some trip flares or a trip line boobied to an audible signaling device? Those have lways worked form me. Plus I can guarntee that who ever is snooping and pooping around your property wont want to come back.

[tlperry68]

Better yet why don't you stay up perched in a tree with a paint ball gun this weekend. When old boy comes around give him a little splat. I did that once to the neighbors boyfriend a few years back. He would honk his horn every night at 10:00 PM to let his girlfriend know he was out side. One night I light him up with paint and he never did it again. Just an idea that doesn't involve hurting anyone.

[Steve]

How about setting up some trip flares or a trip line boobied to an audible signaling device? Those have lways worked form me. Plus I can guarntee that who ever is snooping and pooping around your property wont want to come back.

lol, trip flares? hahaha Sorry, that made me laugh as I can see someone hooking them up so they catch the perp on fire or something.

I think a lot of us have been down this road before and had someone who doesn't want to work (adult) or looking for a thrill (kids) come onto our property at night. It makes you feel vunerable and you don't sleep well at night for a couple of months, but you'll get over it and things will go back to normal.

Back a couple of years ago I was part of a multi-house vandalism spree that cost me a new trailblazer window and a new house window as well! I think there may have been some other nonsense going on some other days, so the trick for me was a $40 home depot motion-sensor light by the garage that lights it all up with two 100-watt halogens. Then the front door got a motion-sensor porch light and two smaller motion-sensor lights near the fence on either side as well. I've toyed with the idea of a type of web-cam that took a photo every second or so and posted it to the webserver, but haven't gotten to it yet.

http://www.gmtruckclub.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3531&page=2

[Steve]

Better yet why don't you stay up perched in a tree with a paint ball gun this weekend. When old boy comes around give him a little splat. I did that once to the neighbors boyfriend a few years back. He would honk his horn every night at 10:00 PM to let his girlfriend know he was out side. One night I light him up with paint and he never did it again. Just an idea that doesn't involve hurting anyone.


Sorry, I had to laugh at this one as well. just imaging someone trying to figure out what was going on while they were getting pelted by paintball. Maybe drinking something and have it all go up in the air while they hear a <thud> <thud> <thud> <thud>

[Springthing]

I do like the trip-wire shotgun shell thing. Just the thing to scare a little chocolate surprise in the pants of those that may want to go into my shop without asking. I would like to have pictures or video of the people that are where they shouldn't be. As I said, it's all nice and good to let ppl know they are not welcome here, but if I can take it a step further and actually prove that I don't put up with that kind of stuff then I'd be all the happier. Nothing better, to me, then getting pictures of teens where they shouldn't be doing what they shouldn't be doing and making fliers for all the neighbors so that the teens can get the message in a harsh way, and have the parents take notice that perhaps they need to keep a tighter leash on their kids' activities. Normally I don't fault the parents (and am not faulting them if these happen to be neighborhood kids) and this instance I would like it to serve as a disciplinary tool. It's one thing to tell the parents their kids are being a nuisance (have done that once already and have a feeling the same kids are back again) but it's a whole other level having the neighborhood know what those kids are up to.

Steve, you may have the right idea on the picture taking computer set up. We'll see what I find out in the next few days. I'll certainly let everyone know how everything works out.

[bassalive]

Thats funny, a paint ball special forces unit. I live in the country as well and have had problems with thieves. My neighbor had a good plan in place at his abandened family farm where he ended up putting down "spike belts" in the grassy drive. It wasn't too long before he not only found out who was doin the vandalism but they came to his house to use the phone because of 3 flat tires............lol.

[Springthing]

BTW - it's illegal to have unlabeled and/or hidden booby-traps. Anything that can cause harm needs to be clearly marked and a warning sign prominently displayed. As I understand it you can be held legally responsible for someone that gets injured on your property, most especially if you have something there left intentionally to injure someone/something. But scaring the ever-lovin' crap out of them with the shotgun shell thing... that's not dangerous, that's just funny as hell.

[JMoney02]

We work hard for our money, we do not want to be violated by anyone and we want no one to get hurt either, but we do want to get our message accross that we will NOT tolerate this type of behavior. I
alone in just vehicles if you add up the Sticker costs is about 100k, thats a lot of time spent at work for some other J-Off to mess with or steal, even if I have insurance. So I agree that I would rather not have issues, but I also am protecting my interests(Wife/Kids first, material stuff last). If I have to put out signs that state "This Place Is Potected By A Sick Home Owner" forget the Dog, so be it.
I was young once and sometimes think about the stupid Sh.. I did and now the shoe is on my foot, the only thing I hope they learn when young and destructive is that they will be older and own the shoe also and get the point of what they did. We can only deter the good criminals, the ones we can't will take it no matter what and whatever cost, its in the news everyday. So with camera's, security lights,
privacy fences, arm owners and a dog, I some what feel safe, until it happens. I bet with just some of the thoughts that when into this post we could stop a whole lot of Vermon(speeled right?). I do like and own a paintball as well... Love It......

Jeff

[Steve]

I do like the trip-wire shotgun shell thing. Just the thing to scare a little chocolate surprise in the pants of those that may want to go into my shop without asking. I would like to have pictures or video of the people that are where they shouldn't be. As I said, it's all nice and good to let ppl know they are not welcome here, but if I can take it a step further and actually prove that I don't put up with that kind of stuff then I'd be all the happier. Nothing better, to me, then getting pictures of teens where they shouldn't be doing what they shouldn't be doing and making fliers for all the neighbors so that the teens can get the message in a harsh way, and have the parents take notice that perhaps they need to keep a tighter leash on their kids' activities. Normally I don't fault the parents (and am not faulting them if these happen to be neighborhood kids) and this instance I would like it to serve as a disciplinary tool. It's one thing to tell the parents their kids are being a nuisance (have done that once already and have a feeling the same kids are back again) but it's a whole other level having the neighborhood know what those kids are up to.

Steve, you may have the right idea on the picture taking computer set up. We'll see what I find out in the next few days. I'll certainly let everyone know how everything works out.


I fault the parents to a point, my folks did a decent job with me, bro and sis, but we did a few stupid things, but not anything criminal with other's property.