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
1. 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.
2. Spot the mic on the camera
If you want to tell if a security camera has audio, the easiest way 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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 the 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
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.
