Can Cctv Camera Record Audio?

A CCTV camera's main purpose is to capture video from the lens and store it onto a hard drive or microSD card. However, some cameras also record audio. They have a built-in microphone that's weatherproof and can record sound continuously. Since technology is getting cheaper and better, a lot of cameras built today include a microphone. Cameras five years and older typically do not have microphones built-in — it also depends on the brand and model number of the specific camera.

How to Tell If a CCTV Camera Has a Microphone

You can tell whether a camera has a microphone by looking at it closely. The microphone looks like a tiny hole — it's quite small so you may need to take a photo and zoom in to tell. Similarly, you can also spot cameras that do not have a microphone. If the front of the camera is completely solid without any holes, then it means there is no microphone.

Microphones can also be found on dome security cameras, though it's not as common — the vast majority of dome cameras do not have built-in microphones. For those that do, they are more difficult to spot because the hole is very small. The hole may also be found in different positions, such as the side or front of the housing.

• Cameras with a tiny hole on the front or side panel indicate a built-in microphone.
• A completely solid front with no holes means there is no microphone.
• Dome cameras may have the microphone hole in different positions and are harder to identify.
• Some cameras offer audio line-in inputs for connecting external microphones rather than built-in mics.
• Some PoE or SDI systems may not have audio support at all.

Audio Quality from Security Cameras

Based on testing, the audio from security cameras is usually low-quality. This is especially true when the camera is installed outdoors. Noise from vehicles, planes, or wind can easily overpower the microphone and prevent reliable audio from being captured.

Commercially, cameras generally cover a great deal more space than they do residentially. Microphones on cameras are poorly positioned to capture meaningful audio in these situations. Because of this, commercial cameras are more likely to have inputs for microphones rather than built-in microphones.

Why Audio Is Rarely Used as Evidence

Legal admissibility issues

Because you can't prove where the audio is coming from "beyond a reasonable doubt." If you were listening for someone to say something and you hear it but there's no one in clear view of the camera that you can identify as the person who said it, then there is doubt and the case can collapse immediately.

Wiretapping laws

In general, recording a conversation you are not part of is considered wiretapping, which is illegal under federal law. Pretty much all states have some version of this law. Some states make it illegal to record a conversation without the consent of everyone involved.

One-party vs. two-party consent states

In a one-party state, only one person has to know or give consent to the recording. In a two-party state, both or all parties have to give consent. A property owner is usually considered a party to any conversation taking place on their property even if not physically present.

Courts often remove the audio

Residential security cameras do have audio — it's usually removed by the court. On TV, the audio may not be there, or there may be some sort of legal issue preventing its use.

Old legacy systems

There are plenty of old systems out there that should record audio and will record audio next time they install a new system, but considering the number of black and white analog cameras still installed, it will be a very long time before audio recording gets everywhere.

Why Businesses Don't Record Audio

In a workplace, there is no expectation of privacy and employers can record whatever you do. In private places of public accommodation such as stores and restaurants, signs are generally enough notice, though it varies greatly by state. However, most commercial entities choose not to enable audio recording for the following reasons:

1. Liability: No one gives a hoot if you call a salesperson names, but if they call you names — especially racially charged names — your whole company can end up in court. Audio is more likely to be used against a commercial enterprise than be helpful to it.
2. Poor mic placement: Commercially, cameras cover a great deal more space than residentially. Microphones on cameras are poorly positioned to capture meaningful audio in these situations.
3. State-specific laws: There are laws in some states about recording sound without both parties consenting. That's why customer service calls usually tell you the call is recorded, so you can opt out. Audio recording had to be disabled on cameras in public schools in some jurisdictions.
4. TV broadcast standards: TV stations avoid airing audio unless it is studio quality and directly relevant. Most of the time security camera audio is neither.

Best Practices for Audio Recording on Premises

Never install surveillance devices in areas where employees have a reasonable expectation of privacy, such as bathrooms and break rooms. Disable audio recording camera features unless there is a process for informing people that they will be audio recorded every time they enter an audio-recorded area.

In law enforcement settings such as police interview rooms, a switch on the wall is used to enable the recording, along with a light to indicate that audio is being recorded. Most camera installers with years of experience have only enabled audio in such dedicated law enforcement situations.

Modern CCTV Cameras with Audio Capabilities

Many cameras today do have microphones, or at least inputs for remote mics. A range of current IP security cameras are available with audio recording features, including built-in microphones, two-way audio, and audio line-in/out options. The built-in microphones on commercial-grade systems have an impressive range, capturing sounds from a 40ft radius in low-noise environments.

• Bullet IP cameras with built-in mic and color night vision
• Turret dome IP cameras with mic and smart AI
• PTZ IP cameras with two-way audio and auto tracking
• Fisheye dome cameras with two-way audio
• Active deterrence cameras with 2-way audio, spotlight, and siren
• Doorbell cameras with two-way audio and dual lens
• Wireless mini PTZ cameras with built-in microphone

You can also record video and audio 24/7, on a specific schedule, or automatically when motion is detected. Two-way audio security cameras allow remote communication, quick employee announcements, safe monitoring of package pickups and dropoffs, and easy virtual check-ins. Modern doorbell cameras can not only record audio along with footage but also send the footage to another person's phone as it's being recorded in real time, with the most premium models capable of calling police on the spot if the AI system detects suspicious activity.