Have you ever wondered when did security cameras come out, and how this technology has evolved into what we see today? Let’s explore the details of how and what happened.

Key Takeaways:

  • “When did security cameras come out?” – From concept in 1927 to WWII CCTV, consumer VCR era in the ’70s, the digital revolution in the ’90s, and today’s AI cloud-connected systems.

  • Tech evolved in leaps: mechanical → analog → time-shifted VHS → IP → PoE/NVR/cloud.

  • Modern surveillance systems include PoE, NVR, dome, PTZ, business security, and outdoor night vision cameras tailored to diverse needs.

Evolution of Security Cameras 

It will be quite fun and informative to learn “when did security cameras come out.” Let’s explore the evolution of surveillance and CCTV cameras in the US. 

Origins: From Vision Toys to First Surveillance

  • Late 1800s: Film pioneers like Eadweard Muybridge (zoopraxiscope in 1878) laid the groundwork for motion pictures.

  • 1927: Leon Theremin built an early CCTV system in Soviet Russia—essentially the world’s first surveillance camera, using mechanical scanning to monitor the Kremlin.

World War II & Early CCTV

  • 1942: Nazi Germany used CCTV to monitor V‑2 rocket launches. Soon after, the US adopted similar systems for atomic bomb tests.

  • 1949: CBS Labs sold the first commercial CCTV system, "Vericon.” It used a camera-monitor pair, required constant attention, and did not use tape for recording.

Transition to Civilian Use

  • 1950s–1960s: Business security camera systems started evolving. In 1968, Olean, New York, became the first US city to install street cameras.

  • 1966–1969: Marie Van Brittan Brown and her husband patented an innovative home security system: multiple peepholes, sliding camera, monitor, audio, and an electric door lock. In 1969, this became the first video home security patent.

VHS & VCR Era of the 1970s–1980s

  • 1970s: VCRs revolutionized surveillance. Suddenly, CCTV systems in banks and convenience stores could record, replay, and store crime footage.

  • 1980s: The rise of dome surveillance cameras and early PTZ security cameras. PTZ (pan-tilt-zoom) cameras became mainstream thanks to companies like Pelco.

Digital & IP Revolution (1990s–2000s)

  • 1990s: Digital Video Recorders (DVRs) replaced VCRs. Motion detection and time-lapse recording made storage efficient.

  • 1996–1999: Axis Communications launched the first IP (network) camera, allowing digital video processing over networks.

Cloud, AI & Smart Cameras (2010s–Today)

  • 2010s: Internet-connected cameras with cloud storage changed the game: think Nest, Ring, and PoE security cameras that use Power-over-Ethernet cables.

  • 2014: Ring Doorbell brought IP cameras into homes, offering live video, motion alerts, and cloud recording.

  • Today: We’ve got a powerful NVR surveillance system (Network Video Recorders), AI features like facial recognition, and seamless mobile access, all wrapped into dome surveillance cameras, outdoor night vision cameras, and sleek indoor units. Major cities like Chicago have deployed thousands of cameras via Operation Virtual Shield.

Growth of Surveillance Cameras

Below is a simple snapshot showing the rise of camera types:

Era

Typical Cameras

1940s–1960s

Large analog CCTV

1970s–1980s

VCR-based dome & PTZ cameras

1990s–2000s

DVRs + analog + early IP

2010s–today

IP, PoE, NVR, outdoor night vision, cloud cameras

The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Modern Surveillance

Artificial intelligence (AI) has taken video surveillance to a new level in recent years. Gone are the days when cameras merely recorded passive footage. Today’s smart security systems can detect motion, identify specific objects or people, and even trigger real-time alerts.

AI-powered business surveillance camera systems now include features like facial recognition, license plate recognition, and behavioral analytics. For example, if someone loiters near a restricted area for too long, the system can automatically notify security personnel. This type of automation helps reduce human error and improve response times.

AI is also making video data more easily understandable. In massive setups like city-wide surveillance (Chicago’s Operation Virtual Shield or New York’s Domain Awareness System), machine learning helps filter through thousands of hours of footage to find actionable insights.

On the consumer side, AI in outdoor night vision cameras can distinguish between a moving tree branch and an actual human figure, minimizing false alarms and saving time. Backstreet Surveillance's cameras use AI-based motion detection and voice controls through Alexa or Google Assistant.

From Commercial to Residential: Security Cameras at Home

What started as industrial or government-only surveillance has become a staple in American households. Thanks to the affordability and ease of installation, millions of homeowners now use dome cameras, smart doorbells, and PoE cameras to safeguard their homes. Residential systems today often include:

  • NVR surveillance systems with multiple channels to support several indoor and outdoor cameras.

  • Dome surveillance cameras for discreet hallway or porch coverage.

  • PTZ cameras for wide-angle backyard monitoring.

Homeowners love features like remote access via smartphone apps, two-way audio, and 24/7 cloud storage. Plus, many insurance companies in the US now offer discounts for homes with active surveillance systems, making them a smart investment beyond just security.

This shift has also influenced design—modern cameras are now sleek and minimalist and blend with home decor. Truly, security has become smart, stylish, and accessible for everyone.

Read Also: Is Mobile Security Camera Trailer Rental Right for Your Site? Key Benefits and Use Cases

Conclusion

Surveillance has come a long way, from a 1927 mechanical camera scanning Kremlin gates to today’s AI-powered cloud recording systems. When someone searches "when did security cameras come out," they're asking about a journey filled with fascinating inventions and tech breakthroughs.

Whether securing a business with advanced business camera systems or setting up dome security cameras at home, it all builds on more than a century of innovation. Let me know if you'd like to explore any era more or need help choosing the perfect camera setup!

FAQs

Q1. What are Power-over-Ethernet security cameras?

Ans: Power-over-Ethernet cameras use a single Ethernet cable to provide power and data, streamlining installation and reducing clutter.

Q2. Is an NVR system better than DVR?

Ans: Yes—NVRs use IP cameras to record digital streams. They're more scalable and modern than DVRs, which handle analog input.

Q3. What are dome surveillance cameras used for?

Ans: Dome cameras, named for their dome-shaped housing, are common indoors and in public spaces. They're discreet, vandal-resistant, and often used in retail.

Q4. Why are PTZ cameras popular?

Ans: PTZ models can pan, tilt, and zoom remotely. Perfect for monitoring large outdoor areas like parking lots or city streets.

Q5. Can outdoor night vision cameras work in complete darkness?

Ans: Yes. They use infrared LEDs to capture clear black-and-white video, even in zero-light conditions.