Self Contained Cameras.
A self contained camera is usually a hidden camera in a common device like the hidden cameras seen here. They have a mini camera and video recorder hidden in the device. The recorders save the video to an internal memory or to a removable / replaceable SD card. This type of camera is best used for Nanny camera and domestic situations as the camera are in common household devices like clocks. They can be used for workplace recording as well but be careful to choose a device that will fit in the area you want to use it in.

Self contained cameras need power to operate, some use battery while most are plugged in. Features like motion activated video recording make this type of camera easy to set up and use. In most cases you can remove the SD card and view the video on your computer. The advantage being you can leave the device in place and change the SD card when ever you like. Setting up a self contained camera involves programing the device and inserting the SD card prior to placing it in the location you want to use the  hidden camera. Connected to a TV or computer depending on the type of camera and setting the date , time, motion sensitivity start times stop time, video quality and frame rate for the device are preset and saved. Then you place the device in the area you want to use it in.

After a certain amount of time you retrieve the device or the SD card and view the videos the camera has saved. This can be done directly from the device in many cases. If you need to leave the device in place you simply remove the SD card and view your videos on a PC with popular media players.( you will need a SD card reader if one is not included with your device)

Wireless Cameras
Wireless Cameras send a wireless video signal from point to point. Do not confuse wireless with WiFi . Wireless cameras all work the same way. One one end you have a camera and transmitter. The other end is a receiver.  Each end will need power either very short life batteries or plug in power. The camera end cane be hidden or just a mini camera with a transmitter. the receiver end cane be a analog receiver that connects to your TV OR a recorder / receiver that receives the video and records it OR a receiver that connects to your computer and uses you hard drive to record the video( this type usually includes software )

Wireless cameras have many interference problems from routers and baby monitors and wireless devices like speakers. The newer Digital Wireless cameras have been developed to stop that interference. By using a digital signal the transmitter and receiver a digitally paired so that they are the only devices that can send and receive to each other making them not only interference free but much more secure than traditional wireless camera.

Wired Cameras
Wired cameras require a wire to be run from the camera to the recording or display device. This wire usually includes a power and video feed. The video feed is sent to your recorder such as a dvr or can be input directly to a analog monitor like a TV or CCTV monitor. They will not connect directly to a computer monitor. Wired cameras are recommended for use as permanent mount camera such as are found in security systems in homes and business. The reason is that they cannot be interrupted from off site. the only way to interfere with a wired camera is to physically vandalize the camera or the cable. If installed correctly any such vandalism will be caught on video.