• About
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
SecurityCamCenter.com
  • Home
  • Buying Guide
  • Learning & Tips
  • Technical Guides
  • Security Tips
  • Downloads
  • CCTV Glossary
No Result
View All Result
SecurityCamCenter.com
No Result
View All Result
Home Learning & Tips

How to tell if security cameras have audio

Marco Albertini by Marco Albertini
in Learning & Tips

Although not all security cameras come equipped with audio recording facilities, some are. How do you know if a security camera is recording audio? Here are five ways in which you can tell whether the camera has audio surveillance.

How to tell if security cameras have audio

Search the model online

It can get tough to know whether a security camera has an embedded microphone. If you aren’t sure, take a photo.

Then Google to find its model number and you would see its features and specs. At the same time, you can easily search for similar security cameras by doing a reverse search on Google Images.

Usually, the manufacturer has a complete description of the camera’s features, just inspect the full spec sheet and find out if records audio or if it comes with a microphone.

Additionally, you may check the camera’s manual, especially the diagram of the camera.

Spot the mic on the camera

If you want to tell if a security camera has audio, the easiest way is to peak around the camera’s eye. There are some cameras where you can spot the microphone itself.

Generally, you can look out for a small hole in the camera housing for picking up sounds. It’s like a black hole, usually tiny, below or on the top of the camera’s image sensor.

So, if you do spot a black hole in the middle of the camera, then you can be assured that you’re being audio recorded as well.
How to tell if security cameras have audio

Get hold of the footage

In most jurisdictions, audio recording can be a direct invasion of your privacy, and it is your right to know whether you are under sound supervision.

If you can get hold of the video footage, then the best way to know if the audio was recorded along with the video footage is to get the recorded video, download it, and play it to see if any sound was recorded as well.

In that case, if you hear something from the recordings, you’ll know that the camera is fully equipped with a microphone.

Inquire about it with the manufacturer

Sometimes the easier way to be straightforward. You can inquire to the manufacturer’s or seller’s support department.

Many cameras come with the option of disabling the audio recording feature. However, that may be very rare. So, make sure you contact the support team and ask. This applies to both private as well as public spaces.

So, let’s say you are not sure if the camera has audio or not. Contact the seller via their online website and pretend that you want to buy the cameras. Ask them if the camera comes with a built-in mic and if it does record audio.

Or you can say that you have the camera but the audio it’s not working.  Obviously, they’ll try to help you and will tell you right away if the camera has audio.

Stay away from the camera

You may be in the camera’s eye, if it’s beyond a certain distance, then the chances are that the camera can not record your voice.

They vary with different brands but are usually limited to a certain range. So, if you must talk about something or hear something you don’t wish to share under surveillance, then walk away from a little distance.

Check the camera’s app

If you have the camera already on your phone but you’re not sure if it supports audio, then just scroll down the app and try to notice the mute or speaker icon.

If the camera has audio capabilities, those options should be selectable on the phone. If you, they’ll be greyed out.

You have to understand something, nowadays it’s possible to talk from your phone and the audio is projected through the camera via its internal speaker. In this case, you have two-way audio, which means you can hear from the camera, and you can talk to it back.

However, there are cameras that come only with a mic built-in (you can listen) but not with a built-in speaker (talk back). Just inspect the app and see if the mute and speaker option is clickable. If so, turn up the volume to check if you hear anything.

Why having audio in security cameras is beneficial?

Having a camera with audio offers an extra layer of protection and it can be quite beneficial in certain situations. You can hear what the subjects are talking or even talk back to them.

This feature allows you to communicate remotely with family members, your workers, your associates, etc. Not just keep the family safe but it helps to manage your business better.

Even if you’re traveling, you can remotely access the camera with audio and establish a two-way talk. It means that you can hear what people talk and you can talk back to them via your phone and the voice will be projected to the camera.

Additionally, you can scare off burglars by talking to them. Let’s say someone is stealing at your house, they can see the cameras but they don’t care.

You can set them on panic mode if you say phrases such as “Cops are on the way”, “You’re on a private property”, “I can see your face”. Imagine being in their shoes!

So, by using the audio capabilities of the camera you can alert the family members and intimidate the wanna-be burglars. Your perimeter will be much secure with audio cameras.

Conclusion

The audio feature helps you increase the overall security of your property. Not just that, but many businesses use the camera’s audio feature to better manage their workers.

If your camera has a built-in speaker you can talk back through the camera and basically use it as a nanny cam. Or you can scare the burglars with your voice.

Read the tips and suggestions below to understand if your camera has audio. If you have any questions, let us know through the comment box.

Marco Albertini

Marco Albertini

Italian-born Marco Albertini, with a background in Computer Science, found his passion in security camera systems, alarms, and cloud services. Based in New York since 2010, he's a sought-after expert, assisting numerous businesses and homeowners in securing their properties with advanced solutions.

Related Posts

Security Cameras: 180 vs 360 Degrees (Pros and Cons)

Security Cameras: 180 vs 360 Degrees (Pros and Cons)

How Security Camera Systems Work: A Complete Overview

How Security Camera Systems Work: A Complete Overview

ANPR vs ALPR vs LPR: What is the Difference?

License Plate Recognition Systems: ANPR vs ALPR vs LPR

Guide: Networking Commands for Configuring IP Cameras and Security Systems

Guide: Networking Commands for Configuring IP Cameras and Security Systems

NDAA Compliance Guide: Which Security Cameras Are Banned and Which Are Allowed in the US

NDAA Compliance Guide: Which Security Cameras Are Banned and Which Are Allowed in the US

Guide: How Far Can a PTZ Camera See

Guide: How Far Can a PTZ Camera See

Load More

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Latest articles

Smoke Detectors

Smoke Detector Beeps Twice and Stops – How to Fix It (2025)

Hikvision

How to Set Up Hikvision Smart Hybrid Light Cameras

Hikvision

How to Configure Motion Detection via iVMS-4200 Software

Thermostats

How To Fix Nest Thermostat Error E195

Streaming

Kodi Error One Or More Items Failed To Play (Quick Fix)

SecurityCamCenter is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. This post may contain affiliate link(s). An affiliate link means we may earn advertising or referral fees if you make a purchase through our links, at no extra cost to you.

Categories

© 2024 SecurityCamCenter.com / Security Tips and Tutorials

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Buying Guide
  • Technical

© 2024 SecurityCamCenter.com / Security Tips and Lessons