When to update surveillance equipment?

Investigators often ask, "When should I update the surveillance equipment I use in the field?" 

Well, if you are a techno-nerd like I am, "You should update it monthly!!!!"

Seriously though, this is a serious question that deserves an answer.

There are a few clues to determine when to update your surveillance equipment. 

• Your video is not as clear as it can be - As we know, technology changes all the time, and unlike me, you don't have to buy new equipment every time technology improves. But, when you see that your video has lesser quality than a youtube video, or it is not as clear as it once was, it's time to update. 
• Performance of your equipment begins to degrade - Using your video equipment over and over again causes wear. Maybe the focus button doesn't respond like it once did, or other controls are starting to fail. Lagging buttons that are not immediately responsive to touch are a sign that your equipment will fail soon. 
• Video camera does not always boot up on the first try - Yes, this is a sure sign that it's time to start shopping. I once saw an investigator remove the battery and replace it three times before his video camera started up. In the field is not the time to fight with your video camera. 
• Cost of repair for an older video camera is 30% or more for the cost of new one - With advances in video technology occurring rapidly, expending your hard earned dollars on repairing an older video camera just may not be worth it. Purchasing a new video camera may seem expensive compared to the repair, but chances are you will get a hefty upgrade for the price difference.
• Still using VHS tapes - "Do I need to say it?" (For those that don't even know what VHS is click here)

When is the best time to upgrade? Other than the reasons above. 

It's tough to let go of your video equipment. Chances are you've spent hours upon hours together. But consider upgrading your equipment before your existing equipment begins to fail. If your video equipment is 6 years or older and has experienced a lot of use consider shopping around. It's always better to purchase equipment at a time you choose, rather than rushing out and trying to replace it minutes before you begin your surveillance activities.

Don't throw away your older video camera if it's still working. Keep it in your go-bag as a back-up. (One investigator shared that he was confronted by a spouse he was surveilling. The man demanded his camera. He quickly pulled out is old video camera and handed it to him, then filmed him with his new video camera destroying the old one:-)

Your equipment is an investment in your profession. Failing to get the right video because of faulty, or soon to be faulty video equipment will not get you a call back from the client. Take a look at your equipment, evaluate it's operation, and then decide when it is time to upgrade, at your convenience. 

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