Peak Design just announced the presale Kickstarter launch of the Micro Clutch, a minimalist hand strap specially designed for today’s mirrorless cameras. Shutterbug had the chance to use a sample for a few weeks and it looks like PD has hit Pay Dirt once again.
Compared to conventional full-frame DSLRs, modern mirrorless cameras have slimmer bodies. That’s great except when you’re trying to get a good grip. The Peak Design Micro Clutch provides exactly what’s needed to maintain a solid handhold on the camera when shooting and when at rest, with or without neck strap.
Featuring a recycled aluminum base plate with a sliding screw slot and a one-piece Hypalon hand pad with rotating pivot points, the Micro Clutch can be adjusted for maximum comfort and security. Included is a hideaway adjustment tool that facilitates rapid access to the camera’s battery compartment.
The Peak Design Micro Clutch comes in two flavors. For cameras that have an integral grip, the “L” model provides a contoured fit. The “I” (as in eye) model is for cameras that do not have a built-in grip.
Does it Work?
It took a few seconds to figure it out (and five minutes to find the hideaway tool because it really is hidden away) but once I attached it to my camera I realized the benefits. I’ve been a big fan of wrist straps for years and often wrap the camera neck strap around my wrist a few times when I’m not using a wrist strap.
The Peak Design Micro Clutch is comfortable and provides a firm, secure grip. It can be used simultaneously with any Peak Design strap or other strap via Peak Design Anchor Links.
Kickstarter? Shutterbug rarely (as in practically never) covers products that are still in the crowdfunding phase, but Peak Design deserves an exception for at least two reasons. Over the past dozen or so years, PD has released one stellar photo product after another. Straps, bags, travel tripods, clips—accessories that are widely used by pros and amateurs alike.
The other big reason why Peak Design stands out is their unflagging series of success stories on Kickstarter. Peak Design is the world’s most successfully crowdfunded company, having raised an incredible $34.4 million through 10 Kickstarter campaigns. They are 100% crowdfunded and 100% employee-owned.
Price & Availability
The Peak Design Micro Clutch (both “L” and “I” versions) have an MSRP of $69.95 and launch today at a presale discount on Kickstarter. They’re expected to be available direct-to-consumer in early July.
The Peak Design Micro Clutch is PD’s eleventh campaign and it’s as much symbolic as strategic. In any case, it gives consumers a chance to get in the game early and benefit from the discounts built into the Kickstarter offering.
Photography has come a long way since the days of black and white photographs. Nowadays, you can snap a picture using your smartphone and effortlessly capture moments in vibrant colors. Black and white pictures from the past give off a classic, vintage vibe that some may adore, but it’s impossible to deny color’s impact on the medium of photography.
But have you ever wondered when the miracle of color photography was first introduced? In this article, we will delve into the history of color photography and learn about the invention that changed the world of photography forever.
The history of photography is filled with fascinating stories of exploration, discovery, and innovation. One of the most exciting chapters in this history is the early days of color photography. In this blog post, we will take a journey back in time to explore the early years of color photography.
A Journey Towards Color Photography
The journey towards color photography must first begin with the first photographic image ever taken. In 1826, Joseph Nicephore Niepce captured the first photographic image using a camera obscura and a pewter plate coated with bitumen.
This image ushered in a new era of photographic experimentation, leading to more advances in the world of photography. It wasn’t until 1839 when Louis Daguerre, French painter, and inventor, introduced the Daguerreotype process, that photography became accessible to the public.
The Daguerreotype process involved exposing a silver-plated copper sheet to iodine vapor to create a light-sensitive surface. The plate was then exposed to light in a camera, and the image was developed by exposing the plate to mercury vapor. This process produced a highly detailed and permanent image that was widely used for portraiture and other forms of photography in the mid-19th century.
Color photography has come a long way since its inception in the mid-19th century. From the initial experiments with color filters and sensitizers to the modern digital techniques used today, the technology has made significant strides.
When Were First Color Photos Invented?
The earliest attempts at color photography were made in the 1840s, and they were based on the three-color theory, which stated that any color could be made by mixing red, blue, and green. However, these attempts were unsuccessful, and it wasn’t until the 1860s that serious attempts were made to develop a color photographic process.
The first successful color photograph was taken in 1861 by James Clerk Maxwell. To take the photograph, he used a series of red, green, and blue filters that were used to take three separate photographs. These photographs were then projected onto a screen using lanterns, and a final color image was created by superimposing the individual images.
At first glance, it may appear unremarkable – it’s a photograph of a tartan ribbon. However, this image holds great significance in the history of color photography, representing a pivotal moment in its evolution and paving the way for the advanced techniques used in modern-day photography.
Another version of the history says that the first color photograph is credited to Thomas Sutton, who was an English physicist and an inventor of the single-lens reflex camera. He worked together with James Clerk Maxwell.
The next big step in the development of color photography came in the form of additive and subtractive color systems. Additive color systems, such as the one developed by Maxwell, use light to create colors. Subtractive color systems, on the other hand, use pigments to absorb certain colors and reflect others. The subtractive color system was later developed by Louis Ducos du Hauron in the 1870s.
Autochrome
Despite these advancements, it wasn’t until 1907 that practical color photography became a reality with the invention of the Autochrome process.
Autochrome, the revolutionary color photography process, owes its existence to the French brothers Auguste and Louis Lumière. These two clever guys not only gave us the world’s first movie camera but also stumbled upon a technique that allowed photographs to capture hues beyond the monochromatic spectrum.
This process used a layer of microscopic grains of potato starch, dyed red, green, and blue. The grains acted as filters, and when photographed, they created a full-color image that was both beautiful and realistic.
Kodachrome – 1935
Eastman Kodak released its revolutionary new color film stock in 1935, Kodachrome. Before then, photographers relied on hand-tinting black and white photographs with watercolors to add color.
What is Kodachrome?
Kodachrome was a color reversal film introduced by Eastman Kodak in 1935. It was the first commercially successful color photography system and revolutionized the way we capture images in vivid hues.
Kodachrome was made up of three emulsion layers: one layer sensitive to blue, one to green, and one to red. When exposed to light, the silver halide crystals in each layer were exposed, creating a color image. The film was then processed using a variety of chemicals and techniques to produce beautiful and accurate color photographs.
Kodachrome’s development marked the beginning of a new era in color photography, allowing photographers to capture the world in vivid hues. Though Kodachrome is no longer on the market, it was the first to open the door for other companies to develop more efficient and affordable color film.
It wasn’t until the 20th century that color photography became widely used, as early color photographs were not very stable and their colors faded over time. However, with the development of more stable color films and printing processes, color photography began to improve and become more reliable.
The invention of the three-color film helped to produce more accurate colors, and by the mid-20th century, color photography had become the norm for many photographers and their subjects. Today, we continue to enjoy and marvel at the vibrant and enduring colors captured by modern photography, all thanks to the advancements made in technology and materials.
The Impact of Color Photography on Advertising
Color photography became widely popular in the 1930s and 1940s when color film became available to the public. The Kodachrome film was introduced in 1935 and quickly became popular with photographers worldwide.
Color photography made the process of capturing images more exciting and revolutionized advertising and print media. Color films introduced accurate color reproduction of images and opened up opportunities for photographers to capture images in vivid color.
The mid-20th century witnessed a significant shift in the popularity of color photography. With the widespread adoption of color television and the emergence of color magazines, the demand for color photography increased significantly. Advertisers and publishers began to realize the potential of color photography in capturing the attention of viewers and readers.
In the world of advertising, color photography was seen as a powerful tool for promoting products and services. Advertisers understood that color images could convey emotions and mood, and therefore, were more likely to persuade people to buy their products. The use of color in advertisements also allowed for greater creativity in the design process, as advertisers could experiment with different color schemes and combinations.
The rise of color photography also had a significant impact on journalism. Newspapers and magazines began to publish more color images, allowing for a more visually engaging and compelling reading experience. Color photography could also capture the nuances of a story in a way that black-and-white photography could not. For example, color photographs could convey the vibrancy of a protest or the devastation caused by a natural disaster.
Overall, the popularity of color photography in advertising and journalism helped to establish it as a legitimate and respected art form. Color photography became a powerful means of communication, capable of evoking strong emotions and conveying complex ideas. Today, color photography is widely used in a variety of fields, including fashion, fine art, and documentary photography, and continues to captivate and inspire viewers around the world.
Color film and the mass market – 1940s and 1950s
With Kodachrome’s success, the color film became more popular and mass-produced. However, the cost was still a lot for the average consumer until the 1940s and 1950s when it became more affordable. Color photography was no longer just for the rich, and photographers now had access to capturing the world as it naturally appears.
Why did photographers not use color before 1970?
Before the invention of color photography, photographers primarily used black and white photography as the technology to capture and render images in color had not yet been developed. The color film required complex processing steps that were both expensive and time-consuming, which meant that it was not practical to use for most portrait or commercial applications.
Additionally, color photography was not made widely available until the 1970s, when Kodak introduced its Ektachrome film. Ektachrome technology was much faster than Kodachrome and it had a stable shutter speed ranging from ten seconds to an incredibly fast 1/10,000 of a second. This enabled photographers to capture vibrant colors with a much simpler and more affordable process than before.
The popularity of color photography in the 1960s and beyond
The rise of color photography continued to grow in the 1960s, thanks to advancements in technology and the rise of pop culture. Color photography became the norm in magazines and advertising as companies began using bold and vibrant images to catch people’s attention. In the art world, more and more photographers started using color to evoke emotions and tell stories.
The impact of color photography on art and advertising cannot be ignored. Companies around the world use colorful images to sell their products, and many photographers have used color to create iconic pieces of art, such as William Eggleston’s “The Red Ceiling.”
With its unique ability to capture the world more realistically and vibrantly than black and white photography, color has opened up new artistic possibilities and expanded the commercial market.
Digital color photography – the shift from analog to digital
Fast forward a few decades to the 1990s, and digital color photography emerged as a new way of capturing and manipulating colors. Unlike film cameras, digital cameras store images as computer files, giving photographers greater control over the color and tone of their images. As digital cameras evolved, they became smaller, cheaper, and capable of capturing higher-quality images.
Digital color photography has completely changed the way we take and share photos. Today, most cameras, including smartphones, have digital sensors that can capture millions of colors.
Editing software such as Adobe Lightroom allows photographers to fine-tune the colors of their pictures, resulting in more accurate and vibrant images than ever before.
Social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook have further revolutionized how we share our pictures, enabling instant access to our photos with a global audience.
Many of us still possess old black-and-white photos that we cherish and wish we could see in full color. You can order professional photo restoration and colorization services to bring your old photos back to life.
Conclusion
The evolution of color photography has transformed the way we see the world around us. From advances in film technology to the advent of digital cameras and the emergence of HDR photography, each new development has brought us closer to capturing the true beauty of the colors in our lives.
Today, color photography has become an essential part of our daily lives, from capturing memories with our smartphones to sharing our experiences with the world on social media. As technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see even more innovative ways to capture and share the colors of our world. So grab your camera, and let’s see what new colors we can capture together!
Smartphones with multiple cameras have become a must-have for both photography enthusiasts and everyday users alike in recent years. These devices offer a range of features that cater to various photographic needs, from capturing stunning landscapes to snapping crisp portraits.
As you continue into this blog post, you’ll discover the key differences between single-camera and multi-camera smartphones, as well as the benefits and drawbacks associated with each type.
Let’s start by describing the types of lenses found in smartphones, as this will help you understand where multi camera phones originated.
Types of Lenses in Multi-Camera Smartphones
Modern smartphones feature a variety of lens types, such as wide-angle, telephoto, ultra-wide angle, or even macro and monochrome sensors. Each lens type serves a unique purpose, like capturing larger scenes with an extensive depth of field or increasing the contrast of full-color images without needing an ISP (Image Signal Processor). In this section, we will explore some common lens types found in today’s multi-camera smartphones.
Wide-angle lenses for basic photography needs
A wide-angle lens is designed to capture more content within the frame than standard lenses. This makes it ideal for landscape photography, group shots, and other scenarios where you want to fit more into your image. Many smartphone cameras come equipped with wide-angle lenses as their main camera lens because they offer versatility across various shooting situations.
Telephoto lenses, on the other hand, are used primarily for zooming into distant subjects while maintaining image quality. These specialized phones often have multiple camera modules that include telephoto lenses capable of offering optical zoom functionality instead of relying solely on digital zoom techniques. Optical zoom provides better overall image clarity by utilizing physical components rather than software-based processing methods.
An ultra-wide angle lens is designed to capture even more content within the frame than a standard wide-angle lens. This type of lens offers photographers the opportunity to take impressive panoramic shots and capture expansive vistas without needing to use panorama mode or combine multiple pictures. Flagship phones, such as the Samsung Galaxy S10 and Huawei P20 Pro, are increasingly utilizing ultra-wide angle lenses to capture more content within a single frame.
Macro and monochrome sensors for specialized photography
In addition to these primary lenses, some smartphones also feature macro and monochrome camera modules for specific purposes. Macro lenses allow phone owners to capture close-up details with impressive clarity, while monochrome sensors help enhance contrast levels in full-color images by capturing black-and-white data separately from color information.
Multi-camera smartphones offer an array of lens types that cater to various photography needs. From wide-angle lenses suitable for everyday use, telephoto options providing optical zoom capabilities, ultra-wide angle alternatives capturing expansive scenes, macro choices focusing on intricate details up-close – there’s something available for every smartphone photographer out there.
All these different types of lenses work together in today’s multi-camera smartphones, providing users with versatile photography capabilities that cater to various needs and preferences.
Multi-camera phones offer a vast selection of lenses, allowing photographers to capture images with heightened clarity and precision, thereby improving their photography prowess. Leveraging the power of time-of-flight sensors, smartphone cameras can now offer improved low light focusing capabilities and more accurate portrait mode photos.
Time-of-flight Sensors in Smartphone Cameras
Modern smartphones have come a long way in terms of camera technology, and one such advancement is the introduction of time-of-flight (ToF) sensors. These sensors are employed by devices like iPhones to measure depth, resulting in improved low-light focus and greater accuracy for features like Portrait mode. This advanced technology brings remarkable enhancements to both the picture quality and augmented reality features of today’s smartphones.
Improved Low-Light Focusing Using ToF Sensors
In low light conditions, traditional smartphone cameras often struggle with focusing due to insufficient contrast between objects. However, ToF sensors use infrared light to accurately measure distances between objects within a scene. This enables the camera system to achieve faster autofocus even when lighting conditions are less than ideal. Devices like Apple’s iPhone 12 Pro Max incorporate this advanced sensor technology into their rear cameras, providing users with an exceptional photography experience regardless of ambient lighting conditions.
Enhanced Accuracy in Portrait Mode
Dual Camera Systems: Many modern smartphones utilize dual-camera systems that work together to create stunning portrait photos with professional-looking bokeh effects – where the subject remains sharp while the background appears blurred out smoothly. By combining data from multiple lenses or using specialized software algorithms, these devices can effectively simulate shallow depth-of-field effects typically achieved through DSLR cameras.
ToF Sensor Integration: With the addition of ToF sensors into smartphone camera modules, devices can now capture accurate depth information which further refines portrait mode results by producing better edge detection around subjects as well as smoother transitions between the in-focus and out-of-focus areas of an image. For example, Samsung’s Galaxy S21 Ultra uses a ToF sensor to enhance its portrait mode capabilities, resulting in striking images that rival those taken by professional cameras.
Incorporating time-of-flight technology into smartphone camera systems has undoubtedly elevated their performance levels across various aspects such as low-light focusing and depth sensing for augmented reality applications. As manufacturers continue to innovate and refine these technologies, we can expect even greater advancements in mobile photography moving forward.
Portrait Mode Functionality Across Devices
The majority of recent smartphone releases come equipped with portrait mode functionality, which allows users to achieve professional-looking bokeh effects and enhance their photo editing capabilities. Some devices analyze depth information through multi-camera setups designed specifically for niche applications.
Achieving Portrait Mode Bokeh Effects with Dual Camera Systems
Smartphones with two cameras have gained much popularity as of late due to their capacity for creating impressive bokeh effects in portrait mode. This is achieved by utilizing the data from both cameras – one capturing a sharp image of the subject while the other captures background details – allowing for an adjustable depth-of-field effect that mimics professional DSLR photography. Examples of such smartphones include Apple’s iPhone XS series and Samsung’s Galaxy S9+.
Enhanced Photo Editing Capabilities Using Depth Data
In addition to creating impressive bokeh effects, multiple camera modules also provide phone owners with enhanced photo editing capabilities. By analyzing depth data captured by these specialized lenses, users can easily adjust focus points, blur intensity levels, or even apply various filters selectively on different parts of an image using advanced software like Adobe Lightroom Mobile or Google Photos’ built-in editor.
Adobe Lightroom Mobile: A powerful mobile app offering extensive photo editing tools along with cloud storage integration for seamless workflow across devices.
Google Photos: An all-in-one solution providing unlimited high-quality storage, smart organization features, and a built-in editor for quick adjustments on-the-go.
With the continuous advancements in smartphone camera technology, today’s smartphones are becoming more versatile tools for both amateur and professional photographers alike. The inclusion of multiple cameras not only improves image quality but also provides users with an array of creative options to explore their photography skills further. Specialized phones like the Huawei P20 Pro, for example, come equipped with a monochrome camera and telephoto lenses that offer optical zoom, while the LG V40 ThinQ features a wide-angle lens for capturing more expansive shots. As augmented reality continues to gain popularity, standalone cameras are also being developed to cater to this niche market.
Portrait mode functionality across devices has been a great way to enhance the photography experience, allowing photographers to create stunning bokeh effects with dual camera systems and take advantage of depth data for more advanced editing capabilities. Let’s now explore the various multiple-camera smartphones that are currently available on the market.
Current Multiple Camera Smartphones
In this fiercely competitive landscape of smartphones, makers are always attempting to give consumers the latest in camera technology. Both Android and iPhone devices offer impressive multi-camera smartphones that cater to various photography needs. Let’s take a look at some of the best multiple camera smartphones available.
Huawei P20 Pro featuring three rear cameras
The Huawei P20 Pro (buy here) stands out as one of the top contenders in this category, boasting an innovative triple-lens system on its rear side. The 40MP RGB, 20MP monochrome and 8MP telephoto lenses combine to offer users an impressive 5x optical zoom with excellent image quality. This powerful combination allows phone owners to capture stunning photos with optical zoom capabilities up to 5x without compromising on clarity or detail.
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra: A powerhouse in mobile photography
Main Camera: 108MP wide-angle lens
Ultra-Wide Camera: 12MP ultra-wide lens
Telephoto Cameras: Dual 10MP telephoto lenses with 3x and 10x optical zoom capabilities
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra (buy here) is another flagship phone that offers an impressive array of camera modules. Its rear side features a powerful quad-camera setup, including a high-resolution main sensor, an ultra-wide-angle lens for capturing more expansive scenes, and two separate telephoto lenses providing versatile zoom options. The device also supports up to 100x digital zoom known as “Space Zoom” for extreme close-ups.
iPhone 13 Pro: Apple’s most advanced smartphone camera system yet
Main Camera: 12MP wide-angle lens with improved low-light performance
Ultra-Wide Camera: 12MP ultra-wide lens with autofocus and macro photography support
Telephoto Camera: 12MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom capability
The latest addition to the iPhone lineup, the iPhone 13 Pro (buy here), raises the bar even higher in terms of mobile photography prowess. This model introduces several enhancements over its predecessor, such as better low-light performance on its main wide-angle camera and new macro photography capabilities using the ultra-wide sensor. Additionally, it boasts a redesigned telephoto module offering increased optical zoom range compared to previous models. The iPhone also boasts advanced features such as Night mode on all lenses, Deep Fusion technology for improved low-light performance, and Smart HDR which intelligently adjusts exposure settings based on the scene being captured.
Google Pixel 6 Pro with dual rear cameras
The Google Pixel 6 Pro, (buy here) known for its exceptional image processing capabilities thanks to Google’s computational photography algorithms, offers two rear cameras: a primary wide-angle module featuring an impressive resolution of up to 50 megapixels and an ultrawide secondary camera. With Google’s software enhancements like Super Res Zoom (digital zoom) or Night Sight mode (low light), this smartphone can deliver stunning images despite having fewer lenses compared to other flagship phones.
In today’s smartphone market, where multiple cameras are becoming increasingly popular among phone owners who seek better photographic experiences from their devices, the Huawei P20 Pro, Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, iPhone 13 Pro Max, and Google Pixel 6 Pro are some of the best options available.
As technology advances, it will be interesting to see how AI & AR advancements affect future multi-camera smartphone technology trends.
Future Trends in Multi-Camera Smartphone Technology
As the demand for high-quality smartphone photography continues to grow, companies are constantly pushing the boundaries of what is possible with multi-camera systems.
The Impact of AI & AR Advancements on Future Smartphone Technology
AI and AR have revolutionized the modern smartphone, with features such as digital zoom and portrait mode being enhanced by AI-driven algorithms to deliver immersive gaming experiences and novel ways for users to interact with their environment. These cutting-edge innovations enable devices like the iPhone XR or Galaxy S9+ to deliver immersive gaming experiences as well as new ways for phone owners to interact with their surroundings through apps like Snapchat or Pokemon Go.
Digital Zoom: Advanced image processing algorithms powered by AI technology allow budget-friendly devices without dedicated telephoto lenses to achieve impressive digital zoom capabilities while maintaining decent image quality.
Portrait Mode: AI-driven depth sensing technology enables smartphone cameras to accurately separate the subject from the background, creating professional-looking bokeh effects even on devices with a single camera module.
Augmented Reality: AR applications rely heavily on accurate depth data and high-resolution images provided by multiple camera modules in order to create realistic virtual overlays onto real-world environments.
The potential of multi-camera phones is extremely encouraging as companies strive to create new methods for users to take exceptional pictures, videos and immersive encounters. As these technologies become more advanced and accessible, it’s likely that we’ll see an increasing number of specialized phones catering specifically towards photography enthusiasts or those looking for unique AR capabilities.
FAQ
Why Do Mobile Phones Have Multiple Cameras?
Mobile phones have multiple cameras to enhance the overall photography experience by providing better image quality, depth sensing, and various focal lengths. This allows users to capture images with improved detail, dynamic range, low-light performance, and creative effects like bokeh or wide-angle shots.
Why Do Some Phones Have 3 Cameras?
Some smartphones feature three cameras to offer a versatile shooting experience. Typically consisting of a primary lens for standard photos, an ultra-wide angle lens for capturing expansive scenes, and a telephoto lens for zooming in on distant subjects without losing image quality. These combinations cater to different photographic needs and preferences.
What Phones Have Multiple Cameras?
A variety of smartphones come equipped with multiple camera systems such as the iPhone 12 Pro Max (triple rear camera), Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra (quad-camera setup), Huawei P20 Pro (three rear cameras) among others. The number of lenses may vary depending on the manufacturer’s design choices and target audience.
What Are the Benefits of Having Multiple Smartphone Cameras?
The benefits of having multiple smartphone cameras include:
Better image quality through computational photography
Versatile shooting options with varying focal lengths
In-depth data collection enabling advanced editing capabilities
Faster autofocus using time-of-flight sensors
Phone owners can now enjoy the benefits of standalone cameras with the convenience of modern smartphones. With the rise of augmented reality and specialized phones, multi-camera smartphones are becoming increasingly popular. The Samsung Galaxy S9, for example, features a monochrome camera module that enhances low-light performance, while the Huawei P20 Pro boasts a triple camera setup with a 40-megapixel main camera, a 20-megapixel monochrome camera, and an 8-megapixel telephoto lens with optical zoom.
Flagship phones are leading the way in multi-camera technology, but even mid-range and budget smartphones are starting to incorporate multiple camera modules. Whether you’re a professional photographer or a casual snap-happy user, the benefits of multi-camera smartphones are undeniable.
Conclusion
Although they can be costlier than single camera smartphones and may have a bulkier design and heavier weight, the benefits outweigh the drawbacks for those who prioritize photography in their mobile devices.
Landlords invest a lot of effort and time into their rental properties, from finding renters to maintaining the property. The security of a property is crucial and should not be taken for granted.
Using security cameras is one of the simplest methods to see what’s happening on your property, but is that allowed? Let’s find out.
It is legal for landlords to place security cameras on the outside of the house, as long as the cameras are visible and do not record private areas of the house. As some jurisdictions demand disclosure and approval for the use of surveillance cameras, landlords should become acquainted with privacy, local, and state laws.
Let’s get into the details.
State law
In the United States, some states have laws specifically pertaining to security cameras, but some cities may also have their own regulations.
Arkansas state law mandates permission for recording people in private settings.
In Utah, Tennessee, and Michigan, a landlord does not need permission to put cameras in public places; however, consent is essential for placing surveillance cameras in private areas.
Minnesota, Alabama, and Florida permit the use of hidden video surveillance in non-private settings.
Georgia allows the use of security cameras in private and public settings as long as the cameras are clearly visible.
In Hawaii, a property owner requires the permission of the people being monitored to put surveillance cameras.
In South Dakota, Kansas, and New Hampshire, a landlord needs permission for using hidden camera surveillance.
Federal law
1. One-party consent laws – On the national level, it’s allowed to record a personal conversation – either over the phone or in person – if a landlord has the permission of at least one individual. It means that as long as a landlord is part of the private conversation that they are recording, it’s legal for them to record it.
2. Expectation of privacy laws – Under these laws, it’s generally legal to record video in public places. However, private places like bathrooms, bedrooms, hotel rooms, locker rooms, and changing rooms should be avoided.
Where in rental properties can security cameras be installed?
Surveillance equipment outside of buildings
A landlord can install cameras outside a home as long as they’re (not hidden).
facing common areas like the front entrance, driveway, parking lot, and street.
not facing the interior of the home or any place where a legitimate expectation of privacy exists.
not directed at any area on the neighbor’s property where there is a legitimate expectation of privacy, including a window.
Security cameras inside properties
Landlords can place cameras inside rental properties. This is especially true for installing security cameras in apartment buildings.
A landlord may put security cameras in public areas of apartment complexes. Common areas inside a property are spaces that are shared by all tenants. Examples of common areas include common rooms, laundry facilities, hallways, and lobbies in apartment buildings.
The same regulations that apply to outside cameras also apply to cameras placed in common places:
Installed in an open area. The majority of states forbid installing hidden security cameras inside rental homes. Most of the time, landlords must inform tenants of their existence.
Not facing or looking at an area where a tenant would reasonably expect privacy. For instance, even though security cameras can be placed in a corridor to watch for property damage or theft, they cannot be directed at an apartment’s window or door. A breach of the tenant’s privacy would occur if a hallway security camera could see inside an apartment through an apartment door or a window when it was opened.
Not a part of restricted areas. Areas like common restrooms, dressing rooms, and locker rooms are considered private places.
Before installing any exterior or interior cameras, landlords should check with state laws to make sure they are in compliance with the law.
Can a landlord put cameras in the shared house?
Typically, you may be allowed to put cameras in common areas of a shared house, such as hallways, entrances, and stairways, as long as the security cameras are used solely for security purposes and not for checking the tenants’ private conversations or activities.
However, if the surveillance cameras are installed in areas where tenants have a reasonable expectation of privacy, such as bathrooms, bedrooms, or other private spaces, this may be a violation of their privacy rights and could be illegal.
Therefore, landlords should clearly communicate their intentions and get the permission of their tenants before putting any security cameras in a shared house.
Reasons for installing cameras
1. Prevent your neighbors from destroying property or using it illegally
When a landlord’s property has been empty or unused for a while, backyards or driveways of rental homes could be misused by neighbors. Installing security cameras in locations like backyards, garages, and driveways will help landlords avoid these problems and unwelcome concerns.
2. Prevent vandalism and theft
New rentals, vacation homes, and apartments are frequented by tourists and students looking for short-term housing, making them prime targets for petty thefts. Surveillance cameras are essential tools to keep a landlord’s property under observation, particularly if the apartments are situated in an area where the homeless are loitering and looking for targets to break into.
The rental house that is unprotected will be vulnerable to burglary because it is a simple target for thieves. When cameras at apartment buildings record the faces of burglars, a property insurance claim may be processed more quickly, minimizing a landlord’s financial loss and fostering a feeling of security among tenants.
3. Monitor cleaners and maintenance personnel
There are always going to be incidents where maintenance personnel break into other people’s homes and steal precious items like electronics, which ruins reputations and negatively impacts business. Landlords can keep tabs on their tenants and the regular maintenance visitors and cleaners by installing surveillance cameras at the major entrances or in the hallways of their apartments.
4. Keep visitors and tenants under control
Throwing wild parties with friends, overcrowding, and packing the houses with too many visitors are typical annoyances for landlords and tenants. Placing cameras in apartment buildings (parking areas, driveways, entrances) will help keep landlords informed about who is visiting and leaving the apartment. The cameras in rented property would also aid in decreasing foot traffic near renting units and apartments and certain mischievous behaviors of tenants.
Security cameras: best practices for landlords
Understanding what is and is not acceptable when putting surveillance cameras on your rental property can help you avoid potential legal issues. Keep in mind that the main reason to put cameras on your rental property is to protect your investment and your tenants. Always keep in mind to adhere to these best practices!
Ensure that surveillance cameras are completely visible when installed
Never put cameras anywhere inside the house
Inform the tenant of security cameras by including them in the lease deal
It matters how a landlord uses camera footage
Property owners can justify installing surveillance cameras in public spaces in the name of security. But the use of this equipment by a property owner can still be considered harassment. Using surveillance cameras to interrogate a renter about their love life, lifestyle, and visitors is an example of harassment. Another thing to think about is the reason behind the landlord’s camera installation in the first place. Were the cameras placed in response to burglary reports? Or as a result of a renter complaining about unsatisfactory conditions? Are the devices just pointed at one particular unit or are they used consistently throughout the building?
Renters who experience harassment should keep a record of the incident. One method for renters to request the removal of the security cameras is through a letter to their landlord. Writing letters generates a record that the problem exists, the renter has informed their landlord of the issue, and the behavior is dangerous. These documents are also useful if an occupant ever needs to file a claim against the property owner for harassment.
Remember that the property owner may have the right to refuse to remove security cameras. However, it is always against the law to mistreat a tenant.
Does a landlord have to post a sign for security camera recording?
It’s not mandatory to post signs for surveillance camera recording, particularly if the equipment is visible to everyone in a public area. If a property owner wants to avoid potential consent problems (particularly if their state mandates it), posting a sign may help them avoid future issues.
Types of security cameras
Wireless systems
Cameras that transmit their data using a Wi-Fi network are called wireless, or Wi-Fi, cameras.
These cameras are a great option for compact home security systems. Why? Because they are easier to use, more flexible, and easier to set up than conventional cameras. These cameras typically use cloud storage, which enables access to video from any location on a digital device.
Pros
Simple to expand and add more security cameras
The system is mobile and flexible
Neat installation
Cons
Possible interference with other Wi-Fi-reliant devices
The signal can be hindered by walls, floors, and other building elements
Restricted signal range
Battery-powered Wi-Fi camera
Placing a battery-operated Wi-Fi camera provides you with an entirely wire-free system. Additionally, a wire-free camera allows more flexibility, as landlords can easily reposition the device in different places as required. A battery-powered Wi-Fi camera device does have some limitations, though.
For one, putting a battery-operated device in a high-traffic area will cause its motion sensor to be activated, recording everything, depleting the battery fast, and necessitating replacement every few days.
The most important thing to note is that despite being battery-powered, such devices cannot do their job when the power is out.
Wired systems
Due to their reliance on closed transmission systems, wired systems have a tendency to send data more consistently and securely. On wired systems, image and audio data typically has better quality because there is no risk of interference during transmission.
These systems won’t be vulnerable to wireless hacking of any kind either. A hardwired cable is used to supply electricity to wired surveillance cameras. Also, it’s essential to know that a wired system will take longer to install and need wiring throughout the owner’s property wherever they want to put security cameras.
Pros
Wireless hacking of home systems is impossible
Continuous power to cameras
Clear audio and video signals
Reliable signals
Cons
Wiring must be run to various places
Lengthy wiring must be concealed
Not portable
Conclusion
Surveillance cameras in rented houses and apartments can be advantageous for both tenants and landlords if they are not misused because they can foster a feeling of shared security.
While landlords have the legal right to put security cameras, it is essential to comply with laws and regulations that may differ between local jurisdictions and states. Therefore, owners should familiarize themselves with these rules before placing surveillance cameras.
