Security cameras have a rich and diverse history behind their development. From the invention of film cameras to the surveillance of businesses – there is a long history that spans over 100 years. Technology has advanced dramatically from the late 1800s to now and will continue to adapt and change to our needs. Let’s take some time to reflect on the rich and exciting history of security cameras and film. We continue pushing boundaries from the 1895 birth of cinema to where we could be in 5, 10, or 50 years from now.
Over the past 150 years, film has taken us from single frame slide shows to live entertainment and live feeds worldwide to monitor security and safety.
The Emergence Of Film
The Cinematograph, the first-ever motion picture camera, was invented by Auguste and Louis Lemiere in 1895 on their quest to merge film and projection. This camera, projector and film printer hybrid was the first of its kind and revolutionised how people viewed and interacted with film.
Nearly 30 years later, three-strip Technicolor cameras were commercialised in the 1930s for amateur home movie markers. Now allowing people to capture film in three distinct colours that were recombined during the printing process.
We can thank the entertainment industries of the 19020s and 30s for how we use cameras today! The use of video cameras became mainstream after they became the staple for capturing and producing live TV for consumers to enjoy as it was happening, removing the laborious editing process.
How Fiction Influences Technology
Science fiction has always impacted and influenced our technological advances, and security cameras are no different. George Orwell’s novel Nineteen Eighty-Four coined the term “Big Brother is watching you” to signify surveillance of the lower class. Now, Big Brother is a common term you will hear regarding security cameras and surveillance. However, it is used more to talk about online surveillance through computers, smart home devices and our phones.
This fictional lens on security has caused a weariness toward security cameras and safety surveillance. Many people are worried about their private information being spied on by Government organisations or businesses. But security is not about invasions of privacy for us; it’s about safety and keeping personal records private. And although the history of security cameras is rooted in surveillance, it is not the surveillance of individuals that it focuses on – but the security of businesses and sensitive information.
The Limitations of Cameras
These advancements in video technology led us to the 1950s when closed-circuit television (CCTV) systems started popping up. This new film era meant that cameras could broadcast to select monitors to surveil properties.
While this was great to use as security systems for businesses, these early systems still required human invention to monitor and record data. The limitation of the fully manual system and its costly price tag meant that only the most prominent organisations could use it, as other businesses couldn’t afford it.
Digitalisation of Film
The 1970s brought about VCR (videocassette recorder) technology, a more cost-effective method to record camera feed for later monitoring. After this, the 1990s gave us time-lapse and motion-triggered recording technologies – allowing for more functionality and flexibility with these systems.
1995 was when Sony came out with the MiniDV system – allowing users to transfer all their video and image files into a digital format for editing. This changed the future of photography and videography to how we know it today. By the 2000s, we had come a long way from the beginning of film and cameras, but this long history of security cameras doesn’t stop at the start of the 21st century.
The Future of Security
Security cameras and systems protect homes, businesses and people. We can now use wireless security systems that can almost do anything we need, including viewing and recording live security feeds that can be accessed from anywhere – if you are connected to the internet. Security systems will continue to advance in the future, using software and integrating into intelligent buildings to provide more connections.
Tools like smart home systems, drones, and social networks will continue pushing security boundaries. For a comprehensive look at security systems and devices you can use for your business or home, contact Dorani today!