I think this is a question many people ask when they see a CCTV camera on the wall or outside a shop. We all know that CCTV cameras record video but what about sound. Do they also record voices or other noises? I had the same question when we installed a camera at our home. I wanted to know if it would record what people say or just show their faces.
If you are also curious about this then you are in the right place. We are going to talk about how CCTV cameras work with audio, what types of cameras have sound and what you should know before buying one. I will also share my own experience so you feel like you are getting advice from a friend not from a robot.
What Is CCTV
CCTV means closed circuit television. These are cameras used to watch places like homes, shops , schools and offices. They help us see who came when and what happened. We can check the video later if something goes wrong. Some cameras show live video and some just record it.
CCTV cameras are connected to a screen or a recorder. That recorder saves the video so we can watch it later. But not all cameras record sound.
Do CCTV Cameras Have Audio
The short answer is yes some CCTV cameras have audio but not all. It depends on the type of camera and how it is set up. Some cameras come with built-in microphones that can record sound. Others do not have any audio features at all.
We should know that audio recording is not always needed. In many cases video is enough to understand what happened. But if you want to hear voices or sounds then you should choose a camera with audio.
Types of CCTV Cameras With Audio
Here are the main types of cameras that can record sound
- Cameras with built in microphones
- Cameras that connect to external microphones
- Smart cameras that use wifi and have two way audio
I saw a smart camera at my uncle’s house. It lets him talk to the person outside through his phone. That is called two way audio. It is useful if you want to speak to delivery people or guests.
How To Know If A Camera Has Audio
I think this part is important. If you want to check if a camera has audio you should look for a small hole near the lens. That hole is the microphone. It is very tiny so you may need to look closely.
We checked our camera and it did not have that hole. So we knew it was only for video. If you are buying a new camera you should ask the seller or read the box carefully.
Why Audio Can Be Useful
Here are some reasons why audio is helpful
- You can hear what people are saying
- You can catch sounds like breaking glass or alarms
- You can talk to people through the camera
- You get more details about what happened
We had a case where someone came to our gate and said something rude. Our camera did not record the sound so we could not prove it. That is when we thought maybe we should get a camera with audio.
Are There Any Problems With Audio
Yes there are some things you should think about
- Audio quality may be low especially outside
- Wind and traffic noise can make it hard to hear
- Some places do not allow audio recording
- It takes more space to save audio and video together
We should always check the rules before using audio. In some countries or cities you need permission to record sound. If you are using it at home it is usually fine but in public places you should be careful.
Should You Get A Camera With Audio
I think it depends on your need. If you want to hear what people say or talk to them then yes you should get a camera with audio. But if you only want to see who came then video is enough.
We are using a video only camera at our gate and it works well. But inside the house we are thinking of getting a smart camera with audio so we can talk to family members from another room.
What To Check Before Buying
Here are some things you should check
- Does the camera have a microphone
- Is the audio clear and useful
- Can you turn the audio on or off
- Is it allowed in your area
- Do you need two way audio or just one way
We asked these questions before buying and it helped us choose the right camera.
FAQ
Q1. Do all CCTV cameras have audio?
No only some cameras have built in microphones
Q2. Can I add a microphone to my camera?
Yes some cameras allow external microphones
Q3. Is audio recording legal?
It depends on your location. At home it is usually fine but in public places you may need permission
Q4. Can I talk through my CCTV camera?
Yes if it has two way audio feature
Q5. Is audio quality good?
It depends on the camera. Indoor cameras usually have better sound than outdoor ones
Q6. Should I get a camera with audio?
If you want to hear or talk then yes. Otherwise video only is fine
Q7. How do I know if my camera has a microphone?
Look for a small hole near the lens or check the box or manual
Q8. Can I turn off the audio?
Yes most smart cameras let you turn audio on or off
Meta Description
I think many people wonder if CCTV cameras can record sound or just video. In this easy guide we share what we learned from our own experience and explain how audio works in CCTV, what you should know before buying and how to choose the right one for your home or shop.
Final Thoughts
I think CCTV cameras are very useful for safety. But we should know how they work before using them. Not all cameras have audio. If you want to hear sounds or talk to people then you should choose a camera with that feature.
We are lucky that there are many options now. You can choose what fits your need and budget. I hope this article helped you understand everything in simple words. If you are planning to buy a camera then think about whether you need audio or not.
Stay safe and choose wisely.
