Help Please

V

Video-Gamer

CAGiversary!
I need some help on this "lil" issue and I would appreciate any one's input on this.
I want to put a camera in my room since I live with 2 other roomates in a private house. Lately I been just having a suspicion that when I go to the kitchen to wash the dishes or something - I noticed when I came back to my room the door of my room was opened once, and the 2nd time it seemed like it wasnt shut all the way{I shut it all the way everytime I leave my room}, Im not sure what to think of this, I started to think maybe the wind caused it or something - but Im not 100 percent sure, and I need to have an assurance of whats going on.
I know a simple thing such as using keys to lock the door will be the proper thing to do - which I do{When I take a shower} but Im not looking to lock my room every time I go to the kitchen to wash dishes or whenever I go to the rest room to wash my hands.
I a newbie when it comes to cameras, I bought 1 panasonic camera from bestbuy last year model number BL-C101, I had it hooked up and I was able to see whats going on when Im not home - but Im not sure this is the type a camera that I need - it just shows live video feed if im not mistaken. I need the type of a camera thats going to record whats going on in my room, not necessarily one that is recording 24/7{Unless its not that expensive - under $100 and simple to install?}, or one that will start recording as soon as the door of my room will open?
I would really really appreciate people input on this issue - this has been on my mind lately and Im not at peace.
 
[quote name='pacifickarma']Maybe just ask your roommates about it? It seems easier than setting up a surveillance system.[/QUOTE]

No, I rather catch him{if he is doing something} and have him get evicted from the place.
 
Do you have a porn stash? Do the other roomates know about it?

If you have a web cam for your pc (most laptops have them built in) I would try using it first. If you don't have one, you should be able to get one for between $20 -$50. Just start recording before you leave your room and erase after each use. I know most webcams are of shitty quality but it may suit your purposes just fine.

I know your main concern is privacy but if you have anything of value I would maybe consider getting a small safe.
 
[quote name='Invicta 61']Do you have a porn stash? Do the other roomates know about it?

If you have a web cam for your pc (most laptops have them built in) I would try using it first. If you don't have one, you should be able to get one for between $20 -$50. Just start recording before you leave your room and erase after each use. I know most webcams are of shitty quality but it may suit your purposes just fine.

I know your main concern is privacy but if you have anything of value I would maybe consider getting a small safe.[/QUOTE]

That is a good idea with the webcam actually - but the problem is that what if I set it on record and leave the room for about 45 minutes and leave the door unlocked on purpose - and once I come back and check the video that was recorded - its 45 minutes worth of watching that I need to sit down and watch every second and every minute of it t see if some one opened my door.
Is there a way to shorten? Or perhaps set the webcam so that it will take a snapshot when there is a movement?
I actually have a desktop with a decent HD Logitech webcam{C510}.
 
I would just review the cam when you suspected someone was in the room. Otherwise I would just play the video while you're doing something else. If you happen to see some movement on the cam, stop and check it out. Otherwise you're gonna have to sit and watch the whole thing or invest in a camera with a motion sensor (something I know little about).

I would try the web cam thing first. If that doesn't work, try searching out somewhere that specializes in security cams. There is a guy at the local flea market that has a booth dedicated to this.
 
At this point you may want to look more into software, rather than camera.

If you can get a software that allows the camera to start recording when it detects motion that would be your best option.

Alas, I do not know of any software that will do the trick, maybe check at http://www.cnet.com and see if they have any demos or free stuff.
 
[quote name='Invicta 61']I would just review the cam when you suspected someone was in the room. Otherwise I would just play the video while you're doing something else. If you happen to see some movement on the cam, stop and check it out. Otherwise you're gonna have to sit and watch the whole thing or invest in a camera with a motion sensor (something I know little about).

I would try the web cam thing first. If that doesn't work, try searching out somewhere that specializes in security cams. There is a guy at the local flea market that has a booth dedicated to this.[/QUOTE]


I guess thats what ill have to do for the next few days until I find a proper camera or software to take pictures as soon as there is movement like the other member said.
As far as the flea market - which flea market are you referring to?
 
[quote name='burritoman']At this point you may want to look more into software, rather than camera.

If you can get a software that allows the camera to start recording when it detects motion that would be your best option.

Alas, I do not know of any software that will do the trick, maybe check at http://www.cnet.com and see if they have any demos or free stuff.[/QUOTE]


that would be great as a temporary solution until some one recommends me a proper camera for a good value.
Im wondering if any one knows a specific software.
 
Sounds like you need to find a way to move out if your roommates are that shady and you're paranoid.

Why do you think they're going into your room while you're just in another room? That's pretty ballsy on their part if true.

If I was going to go through someone's shit, I'd go into their room while they left the apartment/house to go somewhere. Not while they're in the kitchen and they could walk back at any moment.
 
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[quote name='Video-Gamer']That is a good idea with the webcam actually - but the problem is that what if I set it on record and leave the room for about 45 minutes and leave the door unlocked on purpose - and once I come back and check the video that was recorded - its 45 minutes worth of watching that I need to sit down and watch every second and every minute of it t see if some one opened my door.
[/QUOTE]

Can't you just fast-forward through the whole thing and just stop it if you see movement on the screen? Why do you have to sit through 45 minutes in real-time?
 
[quote name='keithp']Can't you just fast-forward through the whole thing and just stop it if you see movement on the screen? Why do you have to sit through 45 minutes in real-time?[/QUOTE]

Because he's in an episode of 24.
 
OP, you've skipped a few non-paranoid-psycho steps in this plan. The easiest thing to do first is to leave a $10 bill very prominently displayed in your room and leave your door open. This bait & switch tactic (you're welcome, confoosious) will tell you all you need to know about your living conditions.

If everyone had taken Jack Bauer's advice, the show would have been called "12".
 
[quote name='Kerig']The easiest thing to do first is to leave a $10 bill very prominently displayed in your room and leave your door open. This bait & switch tactic (you're welcome, confoosious) will tell you all you need to know about your living conditions.
[/QUOTE]

Why would the roomate bother with $10 when he only goes in his room to rub his balls on the rim of his coffee cup? :whistle2:k
 
They have spy camera devices that turn on only when something is in motion. Motion cameras. I've seen them at the mall in the kiosks or whatever for like 70. That's probably the best bet.

You can also strategically place thumb tacks on the floor. Make sure you remember where you put them though.
 
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