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Installing fake security cameras is a good way to enhance your security system. They’re a great way to add an extra visual deterrent without having the added cost and ongoing maintenance of installing real security cameras. Fake cameras, or dummy cameras as they’re sometimes called, have many features to make them look more realistic. As a prospective buyer and someone who is security conscious, you might be asking yourself, “Do fake security cameras have red lights?”
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Do Fake Security Cameras Have Red Lights?
Yes, fake security cameras often have red lights built-in, which is important to make them look more realistic. Realistic-looking dummy cameras can help deter criminals from targeting your home.
Many criminals will avoid homes that have security cameras, real or fake, because they know that they might be caught on camera. So having a fake security camera with red lights is a great way to make your home less appealing to burglars and other criminals.
Why is there a Red Light on My Fake Security Camera?
The red light on your fake security camera serves two purposes. First, it makes the camera look more realistic. Second, it’s meant to attract attention to the camera.
Fake security cameras have a blinking red light to make them appear more realistic and attract attention. Nearly all real cameras will not have a red light on the front. A red light is usually a tell-tale sign that a camera is a fake.
But only seasoned criminals or professional installers would know this. For the average person or a common criminal, a fake camera with a red light is just as effective as a real security camera for deterring crime.
Which Fake Cameras Have Red Lights?
Several manufacturers make fake cameras with red lights on the front. BNT and WALI are two very prominent brands that make several different types of fake cameras with red lights.
BNT has the BNT Dummy Bullet Camera, which is one of the most popular fake security cameras on the market. It has a red light on the front and is made to look like a real security camera. The red light is on all night or in the dark, rather than blinking as with other cameras. The BNT fake security cameras feature a built-in photoelectric sensor to turn on the red LED light. This ensures that the light is only turned on at nighttime, which makes it highly noticeable.
The WALI Dummy Fake Dome Surveillance Camera is another popular option. It, too, has a red light on the front and is made to look like a real security camera. The WALI dummy dome camera is lightweight but looks like the real thing. It’s very easy to install, comes with simple instructions, and has a small decal that says “24-hour security cameras recording.” The red flashing light is very visible, especially at night, and runs on two AA batteries.
These are just two examples of fake security cameras with red lights that are available on the market. Many other brands and models of fake security cameras have red lights too.
Do Real Security Cameras Have Red Lights?
No, real security cameras do not have red lights. A red light on a security camera is a clear indicator that the camera is fake. The only time you might see a red light on a real security camera is if the camera has night vision capabilities and is turned on in low-light conditions. But even then, the red light will only be a faint glow from the IR illuminators, not some sort of indicator light. It will also not be constantly blinking like on some fake cameras.
Some older security cameras may have included a flashing red light, but it would be difficult to find one that still does. A red light gives away the position of the camera and alerts people to its presence.
Real security cameras are more likely to have a green or blue light that indicates that the camera is on. But even then, the light will be very dim and not easy to see. It is certainly not as noticeable as the red lights you might see on dummy cameras, which is one of the reasons why experienced criminals can easily spot many fake security cameras.
How to Tell the Difference Between a Real and a Fake Security Camera
Fake security cameras are meant to trick would-be burglars into thinking your home is being monitored when it’s not. But even the most convincing fake camera won’t do its job if it’s too easy to tell that it’s not real. Here are a few things you can look for to spot a fake:
-Bright LED Lights: Most real security cameras have infrared LEDs that allow them to see in the dark. These LEDs are usually not very bright and can only be seen if you’re looking directly at the camera. Fake cameras, on the other hand, often have very bright LEDs that can be seen from a distance.
-No Wires: Real security cameras need to be connected to a power source and a recording device, so they will have wires. Fake cameras, on the other hand, are often battery-operated or solar-powered, so they don’t need wires. If you do see a wire, it will often be very thin and not connected to anything.
-Cheap Materials: Fake security cameras are often made from cheap materials that look and feel flimsy. Real security cameras, on the other hand, are usually made from high-quality materials that are built to last.
-No Branding: Most real security cameras are made by well-known companies and will have their branding on the camera. Fake cameras, on the other hand, often have no branding or generic branding that you’ve never heard of.
-Placement Location: Fake security cameras are often placed in locations that would be difficult or impossible for a real camera to be placed. This is usually because the people who put them up don’t want to drill holes or run wires. So, if you see a camera that’s mounted in an odd location, it could be fake.
-Movement and Tracking: Real security cameras are designed to be stationary and will only move if they’re being controlled remotely. Fake cameras for security, on the other hand, often have moving parts that make them look like they’re following someone. This is usually just for show and doesn’t actually work.
Conclusion
Fake security cameras are a popular choice for those who don’t want to spend the money or aren’t comfortable with having a real camera system in their house, but still want some of the benefits of a security camera system. Fake security cameras can be easy to spot if you know what to look for. Look for bright red LED lights, cheap materials, no wires, no branding, odd placement locations, and simple movement or tracking.
FAQs
Does a red light mean a camera is recording?
No, a red light does not necessarily mean that a camera is recording. More likely, the red light is simply a trick to make you think a dummy camera is real. When you see a bright red light on a security camera, the red light is a strong indicator that the camera is a fake. With real security cameras, you may see the IR LEDs used for night vision emit red light. But this is from an array of multiple LEDs around the lens or one large LED.
Do security cameras record all the time?
Security cameras can record all the time, but it really depends on the receiver. The camera can be powered on and transmitting what’s captured in its field of view. But the receiver on the other end is what will do the recording. Most security systems are set up for continuous recording, but the recordings are only kept for a specific time frame before being discarded and replaced by new video footage.
How long do security cameras store video footage?
Most security systems store video footage for around 30 to 90 days. But it really varies depending on the type of system you have and how much storage space you have. Most home security systems only retain a few days of footage at a time. Large businesses and similar enterprises store video for up to 3 months or longer.
