ᐅ Surveillance Cameras: Pros and Cons

Created on: 16 Dec 2019 14:55
A
Andrea85
Hello everyone,

What are your thoughts on security cameras? I am considering installing two outside. I have already looked through the websites of the regional data protection authorities and noted the essentials (notice sign, deletion policy, masking public areas, etc.). The main goal is deterrence and to be informed about what happens when I am away.

Do you have cameras on your property or even more, like an alarm system? What are your reasons for or against them?

Thank you and best regards,
Andrea85
Musketier18 Dec 2019 11:18
I agree with that.
It was just a reference to the sentence:
Scout schrieb:

What does the General Data Protection Regulation have to do with it when I deliberately or unintentionally put my own data online? Exactly—nothing!
S
Scout
18 Dec 2019 11:19
Yes. Operating webcams is generally not allowed within the EU…..and soon I will enter the camera-monitored area of my neighbor’s property (indicated by a sign) and sue him because he is openly streaming it online. This crook is already practically on his way to jail!
H
haydee
18 Dec 2019 11:23
The webcam will stay. At least this way I know whether I need to clear snow or if it’s raining and garden work isn’t possible.
It’s practical. I can nicely see my roof and parts of the slope.
P
pffreestyler
18 Dec 2019 13:05
Don’t you have any windows?

Our neighbors have motion sensors all around their house, lighting up every centimeter (inch). They constantly turn on because our cats walk around outside. Because of the cats, we ignore the lights completely, so I wouldn’t notice if someone were sneaking around. I also consider cameras more like toys, since burglars usually wear masks anyway, and the image quality hardly provides anything useful.

We chose RC2N-rated doors and roller shutters, which are a step more difficult to break through than our neighbors’ setup.

Fortunately, break-ins are quite rare here as well.
H
haydee
18 Dec 2019 13:26
But there are windows. Only my desk is 20 km (12 miles) away and 400 meters (1,312 feet) higher.

Am I still working, or do I have to clear snow before the doctor’s appointment starts, or can I go into the garden?
rick201818 Dec 2019 17:59
Cameras are useful when they are part of a surveillance/deterrence system.
Simply installing them is not enough. Motion detection or even better, person detection, is necessary to minimize false alarms.
Without notifications in case of an event, they are not very effective. They might help with investigations but little beyond that.
From a networking and power perspective, the system should (at least for a short time) operate independently. Data storage should be redundant in multiple locations.
Good cameras have become more affordable but still require a significant investment—starting around 250€ (approx. $270) and depending on the application, sometimes up to 1000€ (approx. $1,080).
For those who don’t want to get too involved technically, an Arlo system can be a good option. Although it is somewhat prone to issues (Wi-Fi), some models offer lighting as well as person and vehicle detection.