A home Security Cameras is a magnificent speculation for your living arrangement in the event that you need to watch out for what's going on when you're not there. Security Cameras give a significant serenity realizing that your home and family will be more secure. Today, there are a plenty of choices to look over. All things considered, finding the right Security Cameras for your home can be a test. Having a superior comprehension of the various kinds of Security Cameras accessible and perceiving how the different highlights line up with your way of life will enable you to settle on an educated choice and keep your home safe.
Field of View*
Night Vision*
Resolution*
Low Light Performance*
Movement Detection*
Wellspring of Power*
Audio*
Application Support*
Capacity Plans*
Size*
Costs*
Indoor surveillance cameras will give you genuine feelings of serenity that your things are represented, and to be certain your youngsters and pets are progressing nicely while you're away.
Open air cameras have a lot greater levels of popularity than indoor cameras. They should be climate confirmation, have quality night vision abilities, and extraordinary movement sensors.
Picking the correct home surveillance camera for your specific circumstance appears to be an overwhelming undertaking. There are such huge numbers of various frameworks, alternatives, highlights, plans, and hardware out there how would you perhaps pick?
All things considered, everything starts with learning the nuts and bolts. When you know the fundamentals, you will have the option to settle on an informed choice about which home surveillance camera framework best meets your requirements, range of abilities, and spending plan.
This guide will give you all that you have to know to choose a home surveillance camera framework. You can likewise utilize this guide as an agenda for what to search for and what you have to know for each progression of the basic leadership process.
Home Ownership
A major piece of owning a house is ensuring you have frameworks set up to secure your family and property. In any case, much the same as whatever else, there are some security frameworks for property holders just, and others that will work for mortgage holders and leaseholders the same.
The main thing you have to decide is whether to buy or rent your new security framework.
In the event that You Own Your Home
In the event that you possess your home and plan on living there for some time, you should seriously mull over purchasing a lasting wired or remote framework. Perpetual security frameworks can by and large be acquired at a lower forthright cost and have longer-term checking plan responsibilities. The security organization will assume a misfortune by selling you the gear forthright at a decreased rate and make up that misfortune by having you focus on a long haul checking contract. So actually, it's a success win for both of you. Also that you will possess the hardware which means you can take it with you when you do choose to move on the off chance that you so pick.
Some security organizations will need to rent you a security framework while seeming to offer you the gear at no expense. Be that as it may, the expense of the gear for a rented framework is incorporated with the cost. So the issue with renting a security framework as opposed to getting one is that you will keep on paying the higher month to month cost for that framework even after the underlying expense of the gear has been recovered which is by and large around 18 three years. In any case, all things considered, there are times when renting a security framework bodes well like when you live in a leased home or won't remain in one spot for a significant stretch of time.
On the off chance that You Are a Renter
On the off chance that you are leasing a home, loft, or comparable living game plan, you should seriously think about purchasing a versatile, remote DIY security framework for three reasons. One, since it's convenient and, in this manner, you can take it with you when you move. Two, on the grounds that with a remote, versatile DIY security framework, you won't put gaps in dividers or making some other kind of harm your leased home. Furthermore, three, since you won't end up stuck in a long haul contract that you should break when you move costing you an over the top measure of cash in agreement scratch-off charges (except if you selected and marked a long haul checking contract for that framework).
Similarity
Similarity is another factor you have to consider before purchasing a home surveillance camera framework. Since you would prefer not to wind up paying for a costly framework that isn't perfect with your home or remote gear, and so forth. Nor would you like to wind up marking a long haul contract just to find upon establishment that the hardware you purchased isn't perfect. Likewise, there are various kinds of alert frameworks for various living situations. For instance, some alert frameworks are explicitly intended for rustic zones, while others can be utilized pretty much anyplace.
So the second thing you have to decide when picking a home surveillance camera is whether it's good with your home.
There are two sorts of home surveillance cameras which are Wi-Fi cameras and designed cameras.
Remote Home Security Cameras
A Wi-Fi security framework, otherwise called a remote security framework, utilizes singular remote sensors that are situated all through your home and they discuss remotely with the control board, as a rule by means of a radio recurrence signal. The control board will at that point associate with an outside source utilizing a cell uplink. These security frameworks likewise enable you to place includes in spots where wired frameworks can't be put. So before you go any further, you should decide whether your web association is perfect with the home security hardware you need to purchase.
There are a couple of downsides that accompany a Wi-Fi security framework however. For instance, the downsides of a Wi-Fi security framework are its dependability, since Wi-Fi switches and phones are dependent upon vacation and obstruction that could make your framework neglect to react, or react improperly which may trigger a bogus caution. What's more, a Wi-Fi security framework could encounter electromagnetic impedance from things like infant screens, remote controls, microwaves, and electrical cables. You could likewise encounter auxiliary impedance, for example, from dividers, floors, roofs, and so forth. In any case, by and large, there are entirely solid.
Designed Home Security Cameras
A designed security framework will associate the sensors to the control board through a system of wires that are introduced inside the dividers, roofs, and floors of your home. They at that point speak with an outside source utilizing your telephone lines. Numerous frameworks additionally accompany a cell reinforcement to keep your framework running if the telephone lines go down or are cut.
In the event that your house is as of now prewired for a security framework, you could utilize a similar supplier by calling to have new assistance arrangement. Be that as it may, in the event that you would prefer not to utilize a similar supplier, you may have the option to simply reconstruct the telephone number and have the control board refreshed since, by and large, security frameworks for the most part utilize similar kinds of innovation.
So in the event that you pick a designed framework, you should simply either have the current designed framework reconnected and refreshed. You will likewise need to have a landline associated on the off chance that you pick that sort of framework. At that point you should think about your inclinations, the plan of your home, and the plausibility of the establishment procedure with respect to the wires and the feel with regards to boring gaps in dividers and floors and the perceivability of the wires that are available.
The Different Types of Security Cameras
There are a few unique kinds of surveillance camera frameworks from which you can pick. At that point you should figure out which sorts of those cameras best fit your specific needs. There are a ton of them to research and look at before choosing which one best meets your requirements.
So the third thing you should do is to choose whether you need indoor surveillance cameras, open air surveillance cameras or both.
Indoor Home Security Cameras
Indoor surveillance cameras accompany a wide assortment of accessible choices, for example, designed, remote, DIY establishment, proficient establishment, proficient observing, or self-checking. Conventional home surveillance cameras were all IP cameras, however with the present smarthome functionalities, numerous surveillance cameras are intended to work with smarthome robotization includes instead of by means of a web association. Old camera frameworks were, some still are, hard to introduce, yet numerous more up to date camera frameworks are attachment and play establishments that can be gotten to, checked, and constrained by a simple to utilize portable application.
So you will initially need to decide how you need to utilize your indoor surveillance cameras before you will have the option to choose which camera framework or security gear bundle you need to buy. Would you simply like to watch out for your children, pets, or sitter? Do you need a surveillance camera that you can move around or do you need it for all time introduced? Would you like to have the option to spare the video film, if so for to what extent? Would you like to have the option to utilize your surveillance cameras with your different gadgets? Also, what amount would you like to spend on your new indoor surveillance camera framework?
We should investigate the diverse region's you have to investigate so as to settle on a good choice about which indoor surveillance camera framework you need.
Video Quality – Most of the present indoor surveillance cameras offer 1080p video quality which has a sharp picture that is anything but difficult to stream over your Wi-Fi organize. There are likewise some 720p indoor cameras still available too. The image won't be as clear, yet the evaluating will for the most part be lower.
Night Vision – Night vision is a significant component when you're discussing any surveillance camera. This is the thing that will empower you to perceive what that clamor is that is originating from another piece of your home. The primary concern you have to take a gander at here is the scope of vision. Some night vision cameras have a shorter range than others.
Quality Lens and Camera Pixels – When buying an outdoor camera, look for one that has a quality lens. A cheaper camera’s lens will usually work fine in a close proximity like a front porch. However, the further out it goes, the quality drops dramatically. For example, a more expensive camera will provide you with clear video up to about 100-130 feet away. Also, security cameras generally have either 720 pixels or 1080 pixels. The more pixels a camera has, the clearer the picture will be.
Video Storage – Video storage is an important feature, especially for an outdoor camera. If you want to catch and record an intruder in the act, you’ll need a camera that has a way to record a limited or unlimited number of video clips. Some cameras will store your videos in the cloud and others have different video storage options, it just depends on the equipment and whether you want to pay for what might be an additional service like cloud storage, etc.
Motion Detection and Live Streaming – Other important outdoor camera features are motion detection and live streaming. Some cameras only record when they detect motion, which saves you on storage space, and others have a continuous live streaming and recording feature. In addition, some cameras also have a fast forward feature so you can easily scan your recordings which is helpful if you’re looking for evidence of a specific event or activity.
Other Types of Outdoor Home Security Cameras to Consider
There are a couple of other options available when talking about outdoor security cameras, which includes doorbell cameras and floodlight cameras, both of which are extremely popular.
Doorbell Camera
Doorbell cameras are a relative newcomer to the security industry, but they’ve become very popular, very quickly, and for good reason. Doorbell cameras have a built-in surveillance camera that you can monitor and view from any computer or mobile device. A doorbell camera will show you a live video feed of your front porch area. They are discreet and allow you to screen your visitors even if you’re not there.
Most doorbell cameras come with a two-way talk feature, motion detection, full-color night vision, remote access via an app, and most can be integrated with your other home security equipment.
Floodlight Camera
Floodlight cameras are another discreet security option with plenty of included features. Most floodlight cameras come with a video option, night vision, live streaming, motion detection, and can be hardwired or Wi-Fi connected. And some even come with a remote-activated siren, object and people detections, and more.
Home Automation Options
If you want home automation features as part of your security package, You will need to decide which home automation features you want, then find a home security company and/or home security packages that have what you need and want.
So the fourth thing to consider when purchasing a home security camera is whether or not you want to include home automation features.
Many home automation features, including indoor and outdoor security cameras, can be integrated with home automation products such as Alexa, Amazon’s Echo and Cloud Cam, Nest, Wi-Fi smart lightbulbs, thermostat, door locks, garage door controls, doorbells, smart plugs, water, smoke, carbon monoxide and freeze sensors, robot vacuum cleaners, window blinds, and more.
Costs
With some home security camera systems and/or companies you will pay an upfront cost for the equipment, then pay a monthly monitoring fee, usually on a long-term contract. Other home security companies will offer you “free” equipment then sign you up for a long-term monitoring contract. However, with those, the price of the equipment is already built-in to the monthly monitoring fees, so technically they are not free.
So the fifth thing to consider is your budget and the cost of the type of system and other options you might need.
The overall costs, which will vary depending on which route you decide to go, include equipment, equipment installation, activation fees, monitoring fees, and sometimes security companies will also have other one-time up-front charges as well. In addition, if you opt for home automation options, there could be some additional expenses associated with those also.
There is really no way to give you the exact cost of what your home security camera system will cost because there are too many variables, including the different types of equipment available, quality, functionality, features, options, etc. Therefore, we recommend you use this guide to make notes about what equipment and features you want and need for your particular situation. Then take some time to research and compare the equipment, features, and options you chose. That will provide you with enough information to make an educated decision about which home security camera system is right for you and your budget.
Features
Knowing and understanding the most common home security features available will help you decide on the equipment that’s best for you.
So the sixth thing you should go over before deciding on a home security camera system are the features included with most equipment packages and/or security systems and what they do.
Once you understand what each of those features does, you will be able to decide what you actually do or don’t really need. Here are some popular home security camera features included with most security camera systems.
Night Vision Cameras – Most of today’s indoor and outdoor security cameras come with night vision; however, not all night vision cameras are created equally. Night vision is a very important feature of any security camera. When reviewing the night vision feature on a security camera, you should look for a high resolution such as 1080p, how wide of an angle it covers, and what range in number of feet does that camera have. Most cameras will give you a clear picture at a close range, but only quality cameras will be able to provide you with a clear picture from a distance.
Motion Activated Cameras – A motion-activated camera is one that can detect and record any movement within its viewing field. Some security cameras only record when movement is detected and other security cameras have a continuous viewing and recording option. And some motion activated security cameras can even distinguish between people, pets, and objects. Another thing to consider is the range in which the motion detection and activation can reach then compare it to what you need.
Weather Resistance – Make sure any outdoor camera you buy is weatherproof and waterproof. An outdoor camera needs to be able to handle a wide variety of extreme weather conditions such as intense sunlight, high winds, driving rains, ice storms and a wide range of freezing and below freezing temperatures. You will also need to make sure the hardware you choose, or that is included with the purchase, is tough enough to withstand those same conditions as well.
Live View – A live view, also known as live streaming is a great feature to have and most of today’s security cameras come with this feature, although the picture quality is better on some than others. The live views can be remotely accessed, monitored, and controlled via a computer or mobile device. However, there are a few that only offer mobile device access. Live streaming video is shown to you in real-time so you can see what’s going on in and around your home at all times. This will allow you to proactively handle any activity or event before it becomes a potential problem.
2-Way Audio – Many security cameras and most doorbell cameras have a two-way talk feature. The two-way talk feature will allow you to communicate via audio and video with any visitor or unwanted guest. And many of them also include a panic alarm or siren you can activate at the touch of a button.
Recording – We touched on continuous video recording a moment ago, but this is an important feature and if it is one you need, you should make sure the security camera you choose includes a continuous video recording (CVR) feature. Otherwise, you might unknowingly purchase one that only records when motion is detected, or worse, one that records over previously recorded video. Neither of which will do you any good when you need to see the entire timeline of what happened or didn’t happen. Then you need to make sure that video is stored and stored for a long enough period of time that it will be beneficial to you. Which leads us to our next feature— video storage options.
Storage – The two most common video storage options are storing your security videos locally or via cloud storage.
Local – Local video storage is when your security videos will be stored on a local device in your home, which is usually on an SD card. Local storage is generally the cheaper of the two options. You simply buy the equipment and there are no cloud storage fees.
Cloud – Cloud video storage is when your security videos are not stored locally on your device but are stored remotely in the cloud. The benefit of cloud storage is that your videos are immediately uploaded to a safe place where they can’t be deleted or tampered with. And you can access your stored videos at any time from anywhere. The only drawback of cloud storage is that most security companies charge for the amount of space you are given to store your videos. So the more video time you store, the more it is going to cost you. The industry average is about 1GB, which isn’t much, so keep that cost factor in mind when opting for cloud storage.
Installation
There are two types of home security camera installation options available and which one you choose will greatly depend on the equipment you buy and who you buy that equipment from.
So the seventh and final thing you need to consider when buying a home security camera system is the installation.
A good way to determine whether to buy a DIY equipment package or a security system that offers professional installation is by assessing your existing skill set and the tools you have readily available to you.
If you are not accustomed to performing DIY projects and don’t have the right tools for the job, you might want to consider looking for a home security camera package that offers or comes with professional installation. Otherwise, you might end up in a world of mess if you bought an expensive DIY home security package then weren’t able to install it properly.
So let’s look at both options, then you can decide which one is right for you.
DIY Installation
A DIY home security camera system is one that you install yourself without the assistance of a professional. Most DIY home security cameras offer access to how-to videos and other helpful information that will guide you through the installation process. However, it’s important to take note of what tools will be required for every piece of equipment included in the package.
Also, many DIY home security camera systems are wireless and, therefore, are powered by batteries. That means you will need to make sure you have the right batteries for each piece of equipment if they are not included with your purchase.
It is also a good idea to stock up on those batteries as well because you never know when one might go out. Sometimes the required batteries are standard batteries that you can buy anywhere and some are specialty batteries so you’ll want to pay attention to that also.
Professional Installation
Some security companies offer professional installation with their equipment and some do not. And some offer professional installation as an option, but you have to pay for it. Most wireless systems are fairly easy to install yourself, but that’s not always the case.
Most hardwired systems lean more towards the difficult scale when it comes to installation because you have to determine the best way to lay out the wires in and around your home. And usually, it will require you to drill holes in your walls, floors, and/or ceilings. Then, if there are any obstructions or something that is blocking the signal causing your system to not work properly, you will have to troubleshoot and correct that too.
So if you have chosen a hardwired security system and professional installation is an option, it’s best to allow the experts to install it for you. Or, to pay a professional to install it for you if it’s not included with your purchase.
List of Home Security Camera Companies
After you have determined what features you need, the amount of money you are willing to spend and the method of installation you want; the next step is to research your options. The following is a list of the most popular home security camera systems on the market.
What to Look for in Security Cameras
Field of View*
Night Vision*
Resolution*
Low Light Performance*
Movement Detection*
Wellspring of Power*
Audio*
Application Support*
Capacity Plans*
Size*
Costs*
Indoor Security Cameras
Indoor surveillance cameras will give you genuine feelings of serenity that your things are represented, and to be certain your youngsters and pets are progressing nicely while you're away.
Open air Security Cameras
Open air cameras have a lot greater levels of popularity than indoor cameras. They should be climate confirmation, have quality night vision abilities, and extraordinary movement sensors.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Choosing a Home Security Camera System
Picking the correct home surveillance camera for your specific circumstance appears to be an overwhelming undertaking. There are such huge numbers of various frameworks, alternatives, highlights, plans, and hardware out there how would you perhaps pick?
All things considered, everything starts with learning the nuts and bolts. When you know the fundamentals, you will have the option to settle on an informed choice about which home surveillance camera framework best meets your requirements, range of abilities, and spending plan.
This guide will give you all that you have to know to choose a home surveillance camera framework. You can likewise utilize this guide as an agenda for what to search for and what you have to know for each progression of the basic leadership process.
Home Ownership
A major piece of owning a house is ensuring you have frameworks set up to secure your family and property. In any case, much the same as whatever else, there are some security frameworks for property holders just, and others that will work for mortgage holders and leaseholders the same.
The main thing you have to decide is whether to buy or rent your new security framework.
In the event that You Own Your Home
In the event that you possess your home and plan on living there for some time, you should seriously mull over purchasing a lasting wired or remote framework. Perpetual security frameworks can by and large be acquired at a lower forthright cost and have longer-term checking plan responsibilities. The security organization will assume a misfortune by selling you the gear forthright at a decreased rate and make up that misfortune by having you focus on a long haul checking contract. So actually, it's a success win for both of you. Also that you will possess the hardware which means you can take it with you when you do choose to move on the off chance that you so pick.
Some security organizations will need to rent you a security framework while seeming to offer you the gear at no expense. Be that as it may, the expense of the gear for a rented framework is incorporated with the cost. So the issue with renting a security framework as opposed to getting one is that you will keep on paying the higher month to month cost for that framework even after the underlying expense of the gear has been recovered which is by and large around 18 three years. In any case, all things considered, there are times when renting a security framework bodes well like when you live in a leased home or won't remain in one spot for a significant stretch of time.
On the off chance that You Are a Renter
On the off chance that you are leasing a home, loft, or comparable living game plan, you should seriously think about purchasing a versatile, remote DIY security framework for three reasons. One, since it's convenient and, in this manner, you can take it with you when you move. Two, on the grounds that with a remote, versatile DIY security framework, you won't put gaps in dividers or making some other kind of harm your leased home. Furthermore, three, since you won't end up stuck in a long haul contract that you should break when you move costing you an over the top measure of cash in agreement scratch-off charges (except if you selected and marked a long haul checking contract for that framework).
Similarity
Similarity is another factor you have to consider before purchasing a home surveillance camera framework. Since you would prefer not to wind up paying for a costly framework that isn't perfect with your home or remote gear, and so forth. Nor would you like to wind up marking a long haul contract just to find upon establishment that the hardware you purchased isn't perfect. Likewise, there are various kinds of alert frameworks for various living situations. For instance, some alert frameworks are explicitly intended for rustic zones, while others can be utilized pretty much anyplace.
So the second thing you have to decide when picking a home surveillance camera is whether it's good with your home.
There are two sorts of home surveillance cameras which are Wi-Fi cameras and designed cameras.
Remote Home Security Cameras
A Wi-Fi security framework, otherwise called a remote security framework, utilizes singular remote sensors that are situated all through your home and they discuss remotely with the control board, as a rule by means of a radio recurrence signal. The control board will at that point associate with an outside source utilizing a cell uplink. These security frameworks likewise enable you to place includes in spots where wired frameworks can't be put. So before you go any further, you should decide whether your web association is perfect with the home security hardware you need to purchase.
There are a couple of downsides that accompany a Wi-Fi security framework however. For instance, the downsides of a Wi-Fi security framework are its dependability, since Wi-Fi switches and phones are dependent upon vacation and obstruction that could make your framework neglect to react, or react improperly which may trigger a bogus caution. What's more, a Wi-Fi security framework could encounter electromagnetic impedance from things like infant screens, remote controls, microwaves, and electrical cables. You could likewise encounter auxiliary impedance, for example, from dividers, floors, roofs, and so forth. In any case, by and large, there are entirely solid.
Designed Home Security Cameras
A designed security framework will associate the sensors to the control board through a system of wires that are introduced inside the dividers, roofs, and floors of your home. They at that point speak with an outside source utilizing your telephone lines. Numerous frameworks additionally accompany a cell reinforcement to keep your framework running if the telephone lines go down or are cut.
In the event that your house is as of now prewired for a security framework, you could utilize a similar supplier by calling to have new assistance arrangement. Be that as it may, in the event that you would prefer not to utilize a similar supplier, you may have the option to simply reconstruct the telephone number and have the control board refreshed since, by and large, security frameworks for the most part utilize similar kinds of innovation.
So in the event that you pick a designed framework, you should simply either have the current designed framework reconnected and refreshed. You will likewise need to have a landline associated on the off chance that you pick that sort of framework. At that point you should think about your inclinations, the plan of your home, and the plausibility of the establishment procedure with respect to the wires and the feel with regards to boring gaps in dividers and floors and the perceivability of the wires that are available.
The Different Types of Security Cameras
There are a few unique kinds of surveillance camera frameworks from which you can pick. At that point you should figure out which sorts of those cameras best fit your specific needs. There are a ton of them to research and look at before choosing which one best meets your requirements.
So the third thing you should do is to choose whether you need indoor surveillance cameras, open air surveillance cameras or both.
Indoor Home Security Cameras
Indoor surveillance cameras accompany a wide assortment of accessible choices, for example, designed, remote, DIY establishment, proficient establishment, proficient observing, or self-checking. Conventional home surveillance cameras were all IP cameras, however with the present smarthome functionalities, numerous surveillance cameras are intended to work with smarthome robotization includes instead of by means of a web association. Old camera frameworks were, some still are, hard to introduce, yet numerous more up to date camera frameworks are attachment and play establishments that can be gotten to, checked, and constrained by a simple to utilize portable application.
So you will initially need to decide how you need to utilize your indoor surveillance cameras before you will have the option to choose which camera framework or security gear bundle you need to buy. Would you simply like to watch out for your children, pets, or sitter? Do you need a surveillance camera that you can move around or do you need it for all time introduced? Would you like to have the option to spare the video film, if so for to what extent? Would you like to have the option to utilize your surveillance cameras with your different gadgets? Also, what amount would you like to spend on your new indoor surveillance camera framework?
We should investigate the diverse region's you have to investigate so as to settle on a good choice about which indoor surveillance camera framework you need.
Video Quality – Most of the present indoor surveillance cameras offer 1080p video quality which has a sharp picture that is anything but difficult to stream over your Wi-Fi organize. There are likewise some 720p indoor cameras still available too. The image won't be as clear, yet the evaluating will for the most part be lower.
Night Vision – Night vision is a significant component when you're discussing any surveillance camera. This is the thing that will empower you to perceive what that clamor is that is originating from another piece of your home. The primary concern you have to take a gander at here is the scope of vision. Some night vision cameras have a shorter range than others.
Quality Lens and Camera Pixels – When buying an outdoor camera, look for one that has a quality lens. A cheaper camera’s lens will usually work fine in a close proximity like a front porch. However, the further out it goes, the quality drops dramatically. For example, a more expensive camera will provide you with clear video up to about 100-130 feet away. Also, security cameras generally have either 720 pixels or 1080 pixels. The more pixels a camera has, the clearer the picture will be.
Video Storage – Video storage is an important feature, especially for an outdoor camera. If you want to catch and record an intruder in the act, you’ll need a camera that has a way to record a limited or unlimited number of video clips. Some cameras will store your videos in the cloud and others have different video storage options, it just depends on the equipment and whether you want to pay for what might be an additional service like cloud storage, etc.
Motion Detection and Live Streaming – Other important outdoor camera features are motion detection and live streaming. Some cameras only record when they detect motion, which saves you on storage space, and others have a continuous live streaming and recording feature. In addition, some cameras also have a fast forward feature so you can easily scan your recordings which is helpful if you’re looking for evidence of a specific event or activity.
Other Types of Outdoor Home Security Cameras to Consider
There are a couple of other options available when talking about outdoor security cameras, which includes doorbell cameras and floodlight cameras, both of which are extremely popular.
Doorbell Camera
Doorbell cameras are a relative newcomer to the security industry, but they’ve become very popular, very quickly, and for good reason. Doorbell cameras have a built-in surveillance camera that you can monitor and view from any computer or mobile device. A doorbell camera will show you a live video feed of your front porch area. They are discreet and allow you to screen your visitors even if you’re not there.
Most doorbell cameras come with a two-way talk feature, motion detection, full-color night vision, remote access via an app, and most can be integrated with your other home security equipment.
Floodlight Camera
Floodlight cameras are another discreet security option with plenty of included features. Most floodlight cameras come with a video option, night vision, live streaming, motion detection, and can be hardwired or Wi-Fi connected. And some even come with a remote-activated siren, object and people detections, and more.
Home Automation Options
If you want home automation features as part of your security package, You will need to decide which home automation features you want, then find a home security company and/or home security packages that have what you need and want.
So the fourth thing to consider when purchasing a home security camera is whether or not you want to include home automation features.
Many home automation features, including indoor and outdoor security cameras, can be integrated with home automation products such as Alexa, Amazon’s Echo and Cloud Cam, Nest, Wi-Fi smart lightbulbs, thermostat, door locks, garage door controls, doorbells, smart plugs, water, smoke, carbon monoxide and freeze sensors, robot vacuum cleaners, window blinds, and more.
Costs
With some home security camera systems and/or companies you will pay an upfront cost for the equipment, then pay a monthly monitoring fee, usually on a long-term contract. Other home security companies will offer you “free” equipment then sign you up for a long-term monitoring contract. However, with those, the price of the equipment is already built-in to the monthly monitoring fees, so technically they are not free.
So the fifth thing to consider is your budget and the cost of the type of system and other options you might need.
The overall costs, which will vary depending on which route you decide to go, include equipment, equipment installation, activation fees, monitoring fees, and sometimes security companies will also have other one-time up-front charges as well. In addition, if you opt for home automation options, there could be some additional expenses associated with those also.
There is really no way to give you the exact cost of what your home security camera system will cost because there are too many variables, including the different types of equipment available, quality, functionality, features, options, etc. Therefore, we recommend you use this guide to make notes about what equipment and features you want and need for your particular situation. Then take some time to research and compare the equipment, features, and options you chose. That will provide you with enough information to make an educated decision about which home security camera system is right for you and your budget.
Features
Knowing and understanding the most common home security features available will help you decide on the equipment that’s best for you.
So the sixth thing you should go over before deciding on a home security camera system are the features included with most equipment packages and/or security systems and what they do.
Once you understand what each of those features does, you will be able to decide what you actually do or don’t really need. Here are some popular home security camera features included with most security camera systems.
Night Vision Cameras – Most of today’s indoor and outdoor security cameras come with night vision; however, not all night vision cameras are created equally. Night vision is a very important feature of any security camera. When reviewing the night vision feature on a security camera, you should look for a high resolution such as 1080p, how wide of an angle it covers, and what range in number of feet does that camera have. Most cameras will give you a clear picture at a close range, but only quality cameras will be able to provide you with a clear picture from a distance.
Motion Activated Cameras – A motion-activated camera is one that can detect and record any movement within its viewing field. Some security cameras only record when movement is detected and other security cameras have a continuous viewing and recording option. And some motion activated security cameras can even distinguish between people, pets, and objects. Another thing to consider is the range in which the motion detection and activation can reach then compare it to what you need.
Weather Resistance – Make sure any outdoor camera you buy is weatherproof and waterproof. An outdoor camera needs to be able to handle a wide variety of extreme weather conditions such as intense sunlight, high winds, driving rains, ice storms and a wide range of freezing and below freezing temperatures. You will also need to make sure the hardware you choose, or that is included with the purchase, is tough enough to withstand those same conditions as well.
Live View – A live view, also known as live streaming is a great feature to have and most of today’s security cameras come with this feature, although the picture quality is better on some than others. The live views can be remotely accessed, monitored, and controlled via a computer or mobile device. However, there are a few that only offer mobile device access. Live streaming video is shown to you in real-time so you can see what’s going on in and around your home at all times. This will allow you to proactively handle any activity or event before it becomes a potential problem.
2-Way Audio – Many security cameras and most doorbell cameras have a two-way talk feature. The two-way talk feature will allow you to communicate via audio and video with any visitor or unwanted guest. And many of them also include a panic alarm or siren you can activate at the touch of a button.
Recording – We touched on continuous video recording a moment ago, but this is an important feature and if it is one you need, you should make sure the security camera you choose includes a continuous video recording (CVR) feature. Otherwise, you might unknowingly purchase one that only records when motion is detected, or worse, one that records over previously recorded video. Neither of which will do you any good when you need to see the entire timeline of what happened or didn’t happen. Then you need to make sure that video is stored and stored for a long enough period of time that it will be beneficial to you. Which leads us to our next feature— video storage options.
Storage – The two most common video storage options are storing your security videos locally or via cloud storage.
Local – Local video storage is when your security videos will be stored on a local device in your home, which is usually on an SD card. Local storage is generally the cheaper of the two options. You simply buy the equipment and there are no cloud storage fees.
Cloud – Cloud video storage is when your security videos are not stored locally on your device but are stored remotely in the cloud. The benefit of cloud storage is that your videos are immediately uploaded to a safe place where they can’t be deleted or tampered with. And you can access your stored videos at any time from anywhere. The only drawback of cloud storage is that most security companies charge for the amount of space you are given to store your videos. So the more video time you store, the more it is going to cost you. The industry average is about 1GB, which isn’t much, so keep that cost factor in mind when opting for cloud storage.
Installation
There are two types of home security camera installation options available and which one you choose will greatly depend on the equipment you buy and who you buy that equipment from.
So the seventh and final thing you need to consider when buying a home security camera system is the installation.
A good way to determine whether to buy a DIY equipment package or a security system that offers professional installation is by assessing your existing skill set and the tools you have readily available to you.
If you are not accustomed to performing DIY projects and don’t have the right tools for the job, you might want to consider looking for a home security camera package that offers or comes with professional installation. Otherwise, you might end up in a world of mess if you bought an expensive DIY home security package then weren’t able to install it properly.
So let’s look at both options, then you can decide which one is right for you.
DIY Installation
A DIY home security camera system is one that you install yourself without the assistance of a professional. Most DIY home security cameras offer access to how-to videos and other helpful information that will guide you through the installation process. However, it’s important to take note of what tools will be required for every piece of equipment included in the package.
Also, many DIY home security camera systems are wireless and, therefore, are powered by batteries. That means you will need to make sure you have the right batteries for each piece of equipment if they are not included with your purchase.
It is also a good idea to stock up on those batteries as well because you never know when one might go out. Sometimes the required batteries are standard batteries that you can buy anywhere and some are specialty batteries so you’ll want to pay attention to that also.
Professional Installation
Some security companies offer professional installation with their equipment and some do not. And some offer professional installation as an option, but you have to pay for it. Most wireless systems are fairly easy to install yourself, but that’s not always the case.
Most hardwired systems lean more towards the difficult scale when it comes to installation because you have to determine the best way to lay out the wires in and around your home. And usually, it will require you to drill holes in your walls, floors, and/or ceilings. Then, if there are any obstructions or something that is blocking the signal causing your system to not work properly, you will have to troubleshoot and correct that too.
So if you have chosen a hardwired security system and professional installation is an option, it’s best to allow the experts to install it for you. Or, to pay a professional to install it for you if it’s not included with your purchase.
List of Home Security Camera Companies
After you have determined what features you need, the amount of money you are willing to spend and the method of installation you want; the next step is to research your options. The following is a list of the most popular home security camera systems on the market.
Amcrest
Arlo
Blink
D-Link
Ezviz
Guardzilla
Kuna
Lorex
Nest
Netatmo
Night Owl
Oco
Petcube
Reolink
Ring
Samsung
Swann
Wyze
Zmodo
Arlo
Blink
D-Link
Ezviz
Guardzilla
Kuna
Lorex
Nest
Netatmo
Night Owl
Oco
Petcube
Reolink
Ring
Samsung
Swann
Wyze
Zmodo
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