You may be wondering why you should even bother with home security cameras. After all, your home is just a small, one-story house in the suburbs. Surely, no one would bother trying to break into such an innocuous home, right?
Wrong.
Home security cameras provide an extra layer of protection for your home. They can deter burglars and vandals, and they can help you keep an eye on your home when you’re away.
But what do you look for when buying a home security camera?
Well, you are going to want to make sure it has the features you need, it works with your budget, and you are able to install it in the right place in your home. You'll also want to look at the different types to see which one works best for you.
In this article, we take you through everything you need to know in order to pick the best home security system possible.
How to Select Home Security Camera
Write a paragraph about how a wireless security camera needs good video quality in order to be effective. In addition, the camera should have a wide field of view and night vision in order to capture footage in all lighting conditions.
Video Quality
When it comes to home security cameras, one of the most important features is video quality. After all, what’s the point of having a security camera if the footage is too grainy or blurry to be of any use?
You’ll want to make sure the home security camera you select has at least 1080p HD video quality. This will ensure that the footage is clear enough to be used as evidence, should the need arise.
Wide Field of View
In addition to video quality, you’ll also want to make sure the home security camera you select has a wide field of view. This will allow the camera to capture more of the area around your home, making it less likely that something will happen without being caught on camera.
Night Vision
Finally, you’ll want to make sure the home security camera you select has night vision. This will allow the camera to continue capturing footage even when it’s dark out, which is often when burglaries and home invasions occur.
Features of Home Security Cameras
When it comes to home security systems, there are a few security camera features you’ll want to make sure it has. In addition to the video quality and field of view we mentioned above, you’ll also want to make sure the home security camera you select has:
Motion detection
This will allow the camera to start recording automatically when it detects movement, so you don’t have to worry about manually starting the recording yourself.
This is one of the many features that can be found in a smart security camera, and these security systems are becoming more popular as they increase security with minimal effort on your end.
Two-way audio
This will allow you to communicate with whoever is in front of the camera, whether that’s a burglar or a family member. This is particularly true for doorbell cameras and is a great way to capture identities as well as let the delivery man know where to put your parcel.
Remote viewing
This will allow you to check in on your home even when you’re not there, which is great for peace of mind. It means you will be able to keep an eye on your pets, and if you have something like a doorbell camera you can see who is there as well as talk to them through it.
Cloud storage
This will allow you to store your footage off-site, so even if your home is broken into and the camera is destroyed, your footage will still be safe.
Video storage is important for any wired or wireless camera, and as there is always the risk of local storage becoming corrupted or lost, a cloud backup means any suspicious activity is always recorded.
Battery backup
This will ensure that the home security camera can continue operating even if there’s a power outage.
Price and Home Security Cameras
Price is always going to be a factor when you are selecting home security cameras. You don't want to spend too much on a camera that doesn't do what you need it to. But at the same time, you don't want to skimp on quality in order to save a few bucks.
You'll want to find a home security camera that strikes the right balance between price and quality. We recommend looking for a camera that is in the $100 to $200 range. This will give you a good selection of features without breaking the bank.
While you can install security systems yourself, professional installation guarantees it's working as it should from the beginning. Most security cameras are very simple to install, but it's better to be safe than sorry so factor this into the cost.
Camera Placement for Home Security
When it comes to home security cameras, placement is key. You'll want to make sure the camera is positioned in a way that allows it to get a good view of the area you want to monitor.
For example, if you want to keep an eye on your front door, you'll want to position the camera so that it has a clear view of the door and the area around it.
Outdoor security cameras are a fantastic deterrent and they can be used as solid security systems that don't require any form of professional monitoring - meaning you can keep track of the video footage at home.
You'll also want to make sure the home security camera you select is easy to install. The last thing you want is to struggle with complex wiring or mounting brackets.
Ideally, you should look for a home security camera that comes with a wireless connection. This will make installation much easier, as you won't have to worry about running any wires.
Wireless cameras also tend to be more versatile in terms of their placement, and outdoor cameras that use this tech to their advantage tend to have better coverage overall.
Types of Home Security Cameras
There are a few different types of home security cameras to choose from, and you will find the most common ones below.
Digital Security Camera
A digital security camera is the most common type of home security camera. These cameras connect to your home's Wi-Fi network and send footage to a cloud storage account. This allows you to access your footage from anywhere in the world.
Analog Security Camera
Analog security cameras are the older type of home security camera. These cameras send footage to a digital video recorder (DVR), which you then have to connect to a monitor to view.
Network Security Camera
A network security camera is a type of digital security camera. These cameras connect to your home's Ethernet network and send footage to a network video recorder (NVR). This allows you to view your footage from anywhere in the world.
Wireless Security Camera
A wireless security camera is a digital or analog camera that transmits footage wirelessly. These are typically the easiest to install, as you won't have to worry about running any wires.
Wired Security Camera
A wired security camera is a digital or analog camera that requires a physical connection to your home's security system. These are typically the most reliable but can be more difficult to install.
Doorbell Camera
Another type of home security camera is the doorbell camera. These cameras are designed to be mounted on your front door, and they typically have a narrower field of view than traditional home security cameras.
Doorbell cameras are a good option if you want to keep an eye on who is coming and going from your home, but they may not be ideal for monitoring larger areas.
Facial Recognition
Finally, you may also want to consider a home security camera with facial recognition. These cameras can be used to identify people who have been authorized to enter your home, and they can also be used to send alerts if an unauthorized person is detected.
Facial recognition home security cameras are typically more expensive than other types of home security cameras, but they can be worth the investment if you want the peace of mind that comes with knowing who is on your property.
When it comes to home security, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. The best home security camera for you will depend on your specific needs and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Most Common Type of Security Camera?
The most common type of home security camera is the digital security camera. These cameras connect to your home's Wi-Fi network and send footage to a cloud storage account.
What is the Best Home Security Camera for Me?
The best home security camera for you will depend on your specific needs and budget. If you want a home security camera that is easy to install, a wireless security camera may be the best option for you.
If you are looking for a home security camera with facial recognition, you may want to consider a more expensive option.
What is the Difference Between a Digital Security Camera and an Analog Security Camera?
A digital security camera is the most common type of home security camera. These cameras connect to your home's Wi-Fi network and send footage to a cloud storage account.
An analog security camera is the older type of home security camera. These cameras send footage to a digital video recorder (DVR), which you then have to connect to a monitor to view.
What is the Difference Between a Wireless Security Camera and a Wired Security Camera?
A wireless security camera is a digital or analog camera that transmits footage wirelessly. These are typically the easiest to install, as you won't have to worry about running any wires.
A wired security camera is a digital or analog camera that requires a physical connection to your home's security system. These are typically the most reliable but can be more difficult to install.
What is the Difference Between a Doorbell Camera and a Traditional Home Security Camera?
A doorbell camera is a home security camera that is designed to be mounted on your front door. These cameras typically have a narrower field of view than traditional home security cameras.
Doorbell cameras are a good option if you want to keep an eye on who is coming and going from your home, but they may not be ideal for monitoring larger areas.
Are IP Cameras the Best?
IP cameras are a type of home security camera that uses your home's internet connection to send footage.
IP cameras are typically more expensive than other types of home security cameras, but they offer a number of benefits, including the ability to send footage to multiple devices and the ability to view footage from anywhere in the world.
To Conclude
Home security cameras come in a variety of types, and it is important to select the right one for your needs. The most common type of home security camera is the digital camera, which offers many features and is relatively easy to install.
If you want a more comprehensive home security system, you may want to consider an analog camera, which requires a bit more installation but can offer more features.
Wireless home security cameras are the easiest to install, but you may want to consider a wired home security camera if you want the most reliable connection.
Finally, you may also want to consider a home security camera with facial recognition if you want the peace of mind that comes with knowing who is on your property.
No matter what type of home security camera you select, it is important to choose one that is easy to install and offers the features you need.
