If you have an old action camera lying around, don’t let it collect dust – repurpose it as a security camera! With a few simple steps, you can turn your action camera into a surveillance device to monitor your home, office, or any other area you want to keep an eye on.
Why repurpose an action camera? Action cameras are designed to capture high-quality video footage in various environments, making them ideal for use as security cameras. By repurposing your action camera, you can save money on purchasing a dedicated security camera while still benefiting from the advanced features and video quality of your action camera.
In this article, we will guide you through the process of transforming your action camera into a security camera, including selecting the right camera, setting up the camera for surveillance, and accessing the live feed remotely.
Step-by-step guide on repurposing action camera as security camera
Repurposing your action camera as a security camera is a great way to make use of your existing tech for home surveillance. Follow these steps to turn your action camera into a security camera:
- Choose the right location: Select a strategic location where your action camera can capture the desired area for surveillance.
- Power source: Ensure your action camera is connected to a reliable power source so it can operate continuously.
- Set up Wi-Fi: If your action camera supports Wi-Fi, connect it to your home network for remote monitoring.
- Install monitoring software: Download and install monitoring software on your computer or smartphone to view the camera feed remotely.
- Adjust settings: Configure the camera settings such as motion detection, recording options, and notifications to suit your security needs.
- Test the setup: Before leaving your camera unattended, test the setup to ensure it is working correctly and capturing the desired footage.
- Monitor remotely: Keep an eye on the camera feed remotely using the monitoring software to ensure your home is secure at all times.
Choose the right action camera model
When repurposing an action camera as a security camera, it is important to select the right model that meets your specific needs. Here are some key factors to consider:
- Resolution: Look for an action camera with high resolution capabilities to ensure clear and detailed footage.
- Connectivity: Choose a model that offers Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity for easy setup and remote access.
- Storage: Opt for a camera that supports external storage options such as SD cards to store recordings.
- Battery life: Consider the battery life of the camera to ensure uninterrupted surveillance.
- Weatherproofing: If you plan to use the camera outdoors, make sure it is weatherproof and can withstand various environmental conditions.
Install necessary software for security monitoring
If you want to use your action camera as a security camera, you will need to install specific software to enable security monitoring features. There are various software options available that can turn your action camera into a full-fledged security camera with motion detection, live streaming, and cloud storage capabilities.
Some popular software for this purpose includes applications like Manything, Alfred, and IP Webcam. These apps allow you to set up your camera for remote monitoring, receive alerts when motion is detected, and store footage securely in the cloud. Make sure to choose a software solution that suits your needs and offers the features you require for effective security monitoring.
Position the action camera strategically
Once you have decided on the location for your action camera to serve as a security camera, it is important to position it strategically. Make sure the camera is placed at a height that provides a clear view of the area you want to monitor. Avoid placing the camera too high or too low, as this can affect the quality of the footage.
Additionally, consider the angle at which the camera is placed. Position it in a way that captures the most important areas while minimizing blind spots. It’s also a good idea to test the camera’s view before finalizing its position to ensure optimal coverage.
Set up motion detection feature
To turn your action camera into a security camera, you can set up the motion detection feature. This will allow the camera to start recording when it detects any movement within its field of view.
Here are the steps to set up the motion detection feature on your action camera:
- Access the camera’s settings menu and navigate to the motion detection option.
- Enable the motion detection feature and adjust the sensitivity settings to suit your needs.
- Choose the area within the camera’s view that you want to monitor for motion.
- Save the settings and exit the menu.
Connect the camera to a power source
Before using your action camera as a security camera, you need to ensure it has a constant power source. Most action cameras come with rechargeable batteries, but they are not designed for continuous use. To convert it into a security camera, you can connect it to a power source using a USB cable or a power adapter.
Make sure to choose a power source that provides a stable and uninterrupted supply of electricity to keep your camera running 24/7. You can also consider using a power bank or a USB power adapter with a long cable for flexibility in camera placement.
Configure remote access for monitoring
Once you have set up your action camera as a security camera, you will want to configure remote access so you can monitor the footage from anywhere. Here’s how:
Step 1: Set up port forwarding
Access your router settings and set up port forwarding for the IP address of your action camera. This will allow you to access the camera remotely over the internet.
Step 2: Use dynamic DNS
Consider using a dynamic DNS service to assign a domain name to your camera’s IP address. This will make it easier to access the camera remotely without needing to remember the IP address.
Ensure proper storage for recorded footage
One of the most important aspects of using an action camera as a security camera is ensuring proper storage for the recorded footage. Here are some tips to help you manage your footage effectively:
- Invest in a high-capacity memory card to store all the recorded videos.
- Regularly transfer the footage from the memory card to a secure location such as a computer or external hard drive.
- Consider setting up automated backup systems to prevent loss of important footage.
- Organize your footage in folders by date or location to easily locate specific recordings when needed.
- Delete unnecessary footage regularly to free up storage space and optimize the camera’s performance.
Test the security camera system for functionality
Before installing your action camera as a security camera, it’s important to test the system to ensure it functions properly. Follow these steps to test the security camera system:
- Power on the action camera and ensure it is connected to a stable power source.
- Check the camera’s field of view and adjust its position if needed to cover the desired area.
- Test the camera’s recording and live streaming features to ensure they work correctly.
- Verify that the camera’s motion detection, night vision, and audio recording functionalities are functioning as expected.
- Test the camera’s connectivity to the monitoring device or app to ensure seamless communication.
- Check the storage capacity and ensure that the camera can store recordings effectively.
By following these steps and thoroughly testing the security camera system, you can ensure that your action camera is set up correctly for surveillance purposes.
Maintain and update the camera regularly
Once you have set up your action camera as a security camera, it is important to maintain and update it regularly to ensure optimal performance and security. Here are some key steps to consider:
- Regularly check the camera’s physical condition, ensuring that it is clean and free from any obstructions that may affect its field of view.
- Check the camera’s software and firmware to see if there are any updates available. Updating the camera’s software can improve performance, add new features, and address security vulnerabilities.
- Test the camera’s functionality regularly to ensure that it is working properly. This includes checking the video quality, motion detection, and remote access.
- Keep an eye on the camera’s storage capacity and make sure to delete old footage or expand storage if needed to avoid running out of space.
- Consider adding additional security measures such as setting up alerts for motion detection or integrating the camera with a security system for added protection.
