A surveillance camera is a simple, compact camera used to keep a check on your surroundings, often for security reasons. These cameras not only watch one's domestic surroundings, but also assure high security in banks, casinos, airports, government buildings and military areas.

CCTV (closed circuit television) was earlier developed as a high security system in banks, to avoid robbery and looting, whereby a network of surveillance cameras relay video to a common set of display screens for easy monitoring. Today however, CCTV technology has developed to a point where it is inexpensive and a viable home security measure. These cameras are commonplace in public places for the purpose of security. In the UK, camera surveillance was implemented in response to IRA bombings during the 1970s and 80s. Today, these systems cover most of the town, including malls, stations, car parks and residential estates. There are an estimated 400,000 CCTV cameras in London and approximately 4,000,000 in the UK; an astonishing one camera for every 14 people. These cameras have helped reduce crime in various high-crime areas; one such major reduction is of car crimes in car parks. Cameras have also been placed in taxis to avoid violence against drivers. Camera surveillance is less prevalent in Unites States publicly as it is thought as an intruder to privacy, but these cameras are gaining in popularity in the American households as means of security. The reducing costs and compact sizes make these cameras ideal for watching over baby sitters and housekeepers. On the flipside, hidden cameras have been attributed to the rise in voyeurism. CCTV does not help in the prevention of crime, but aids greatly in detection and prosecution; and the presence of surveillance cameras also acts as a deterrent to would-be criminals.

The latest in CCTV is the use of mega pixel digital still cameras which capture images at a resolution of 1600 x 1200 pixels on motion detected basis or time lapse. The images are transferred automatically to a laptop or PC using either a USB cable or wireless adaptor. Camera Surveillance is also used as traffic monitors as and in many cities, monitoring systems which involve closed circuit televisions are used to notify of accidents and detect road congestion. Speed cameras are fitted for monitoring speed on highways. Canada has accepted the use of CCTV, as house hold and public security measure, and although not as prevalent in US society, its advantages are undeniable.