Aperture Science Security Camera

"To ensure the safe performance of all authorized activities, do not destroy vital testing apparatus."

- GLaDOS

Security Cameras are used by GLaDOS throughout the test chambers in the Enrichment Center as a way of monitoring the test subjects.

Overview

 * Placing a linked portal underneath a camera will cause it to be detached, followed by a warning (only in Portal) from GLaDOS, in which she refers to the camera as "testing apparatus".


 * The cameras can rotate 360 degrees, and they follow the players' movements within Test Chambers.


 * As well as its main video camera, the security camera appears to have a small device attached on the side, which possibly monitors infrared radiation from the body heat of living creatures.


 * Not a single security camera is featured in any of the maintenance areas or observation rooms of Aperture Laboratories, and it is therefore unknown how, or even whether, GLaDOS can monitor Chell's movements during her escape. Her calls through the Speaker System do not strongly connote that she is able to monitor the escape.


 * As seen on ApertureScience.com, the image of the security camera feed is green, despite its lens being red.

Behind the scenes
As seen in an early Portal screenshot, a security camera model from Counter-Strike: Source was used during development as a placeholder to the final model.

Trivia

 * Several detached security cameras can be found in Ratman Dens, along with the message "She's watching you."


 * An Orange Box Achievement, "Camera Shy", requires the player to detach all security cameras from the walls. This is only possible with security cameras attached on concrete walls (thus disregarding those fixed into metal) and not before the ASHPD has been acquired. There are 33 total.


 * In Portal 2, it is possible to see the old security camera model from Portal being used to scan and check the Aperture Science Sentry Turrets (to see whether the turrets are defective or not) in Chapter 5: The Escape.


 * Just like GLaDOS herself, the security cameras are reminiscent of HAL 9000, the murderous AI computer of 2001: A Space Odyssey.

List of appearances

 * ApertureScience.com
 * Portal
 * Portal: First Slice
 * Portal: Still Alive
 * Portal 2
 * The Final Hours of Portal 2