What Features Should I Look For In A Home Security Camera?

In order to strengthen your house's security infrastructure, it is essential to choose the correct home security camera. Modern security cameras come equipped with more advanced features than ever before, thanks to the relentless march of technological advancement.

The resolution is a crucial factor to think about because it determines how clear the film is. In the case of an emergency, having a camera with a high-definition (HD) or even 4K resolution can be crucial, as it allows for crisper photos and higher detail recognition.

Another important factor to think about is the camera's field of vision, which defines the region that the camera can capture. When keeping an eye on bigger areas, a camera with a broader field of view is ideal, and a pan-and-tilt camera allows you to change the angle of view from a distance.

For constant monitoring, night vision is a must-have feature that lets cameras record sharp video even in the darkest of environments. A camera's visibility in low-light situations can be improved with the help of infrared LEDs or other low-light technologies.

One of the most important features is the ability to save and retrieve recorded video. The ability to remotely save footage and retrieve it from any internet-connected device is a feature offered by many current security cameras. If you'd rather retain your data on your own premises, you can use local storage options like SD cards or external hard drives. Lastly, the integration of smart home systems is booming in popularity since it allows for easy connection with other smart devices.

Cameras with built-in support for voice assistants and home automation systems provide even more practicality and ease of use. As we go into the factors to think about when selecting a home security camera, it becomes clear that these aspects are crucial. By carefully evaluating them, you can make sure that the camera you choose meets your security needs and suits your technological tastes.

Types of Security Cameras

Do yourself a favour and learn about the most common types of home cameras before you go shopping.

Security Cameras for Your Home

One common kind of exterior camera, it's essentially a doorbell with a built-in camera. The camera begins recording the moment it senses movement or the doorbell is pressed. If you have a smart speaker or smartphone, you can use some video doorbell cameras that have two-way audio.

Even if you don't pick up the phone when the doorbell rings, you can still watch the recorded exchange when you get a chance. Installing them is typically not too difficult, even for experienced do-it-yourselfers. While some may need batteries, the majority can be hardwired directly into the device.

Outdoor Security Cameras

Both wired and wireless outdoor cameras are on the market. The house or another nearby structure is usually where you'll find them mounted. Your home's electrical system will be hardwired with wired outdoor cameras. The ones that run on batteries or electricity from a wall outlet are not wireless.

Views from Inside the Building

Indoor cameras, which can be either wired or wireless, are ideal for people who want to keep an eye on their home even while they're not there. Most indoor cameras are plug-in devices that can be accessed remotely using WiFi or an internet connection. They also offer live video feeds and warnings.

Cameras That Operate Without An Electrical Cord

Wireless cameras can be set up anywhere with an internet connection and then uploaded to the cloud. Since they do not require a cable connection, they are typically easier to install. In addition to recording environmental factors like temperature and humidity, there are specialised interior cameras that can give your pet rewards.

Cameras for Floodlights

When activated, the floodlights on these exterior cameras illuminate the scene. Especially at night, this allows them to record video with more clarity. In addition to being able to be wirelessly connected to an electrical outlet, they may also be hardwired into preexisting lighting systems.

Factors to Consider When Buying a Home Security Camera

There are a number of factors to think about when purchasing a home security camera:

• The installation, connection, and setup of many home security cameras couldn't be easier. However, a professional installer may be necessary for the installation of certain cameras, particularly those that are part of comprehensive home security systems. Think about how tech-savvy you are before buying a home security camera.
• A simple app that lets you manage your home security camera from anywhere and receive alerts when something suspicious happens is a must-have feature. Please read the app's ratings and reviews on both iOS and Android before making a final decision.
• Consider the camera's durability if you plan to use it outdoors as a home security system. For optimal performance, check that your camera can endure extreme temperatures and humidity.
• Connectivity: Take note of the type of network your camera requires, and whether it requires WiFi. You should also verify that it can communicate with other docks and ports. This is how you'll find out if your camera can be attached to the structure.
• Power: Different cameras have different ways of being powered. There are those that run on batteries, those that plug in, and even some that can be recharged. Solar panels are commonly found on outdoor cameras. Because it has the potential to disrupt your installation, understanding the power choice is crucial.

Important Security Camera Features

An abundance of security camera functions can assist you in maintaining a secure house. There are a few key aspects to keep an eye out for in a security camera, regardless of brand:

• If the home security camera's video is too fuzzy or grainy, there's no use in putting it. Make sure it has a minimum of 1080p, or full high-definition (HD) resolution. On top of that, there are cameras that provide resolutions of 2K or 4K.
• Viewing angle: A security camera with a wide-angle lens is ideal. Try to get one with a viewing angle of about 130 degrees; that should give you enough room to see to the left, right, and ahead. Perhaps the same outcome might be obtained using a camera that has the ability to pan and tilt.
• Make sure your exterior camera has night vision capabilities if it doesn't come with a floodlight. Infrared reflectance factor (REF) sensors or a powerful white light can be used to provide night vision in home security cameras. Take a look at our reviews of the top night vision cameras if you value this feature.
• Built-in speakers and microphones allow both indoor and outdoor cameras to communicate with whoever is viewing them. Most modern security cameras include the ability to record and play back audio.
• The storage and recording capabilities of security cameras can be enhanced with the use of micro-SD cards or internal storage. You will want an additional device to access the film because it is saved locally. With cloud video storage, the footage is automatically uploaded onto a cloud server, which you can access via your smartphone.
• Your home security system may communicate with voice assistants like Google Assistant and Alexa, allowing for smart home integration. If your smart home system is compatible with cameras, you'll have even more control over it.
• Thanks to geofencing, your security camera may be set to automatically activate when you leave the house and deactivate when you come back. All you need is your smartphone's location services.
• Notifications: A good security camera will be able to notify your smartphone instantly. Modern security cameras typically provide real-time alerts in the event of motion, intrusion, or disarming.

Things to Consider Before Purchasing a Security Camera

The sheer variety of security camera systems available today might be overwhelming, whether you're starting from scratch or just want to add more features to your existing setup.

Choosing the right model of security camera is no small feat, especially when it will be there to guard your family and possessions for many years to come.

Here are some things to look for in a security camera before you limit down your options.

Use inside as opposed to outside

Make sure you acquire the correct camera if you want to monitor specific regions in and around your house.

Since there are a minimum of ten potential locations to position security cameras around your house, allowing you to monitor every inch of your property, the placement of these cameras is equally crucial as the type you select.

Pick the best surveillance camera for the task: Some are meant to be used both indoors and outdoors, while others were specifically made to be used inside because they cannot endure the elements.

Connected And Unconnected

The next thing to figure out is if you want a wireless or wired security camera. In most cases, the answer to this question will depend on whether there is already a wire attached to a power source.

If so, that's fantastic news because it means your camera won't need batteries changed often. In that case, it's also perfectly OK; wire-free systems don't require an electrician for installation and can be powered by solar energy or regular or rechargeable batteries.

The Screen's Quality

If you ever need to review your security camera footage to notify the authorities, it's crucial to have the highest resolution possible. This will help you capture important details. Select a device with a 1080p or higher video resolution for improved clarity of faces and actions.

The Viewing Area

Verify that your security measures do not include any loopholes.

With a wider field of view, you won't have to worry about missing any of the action because it's off-screen. Choose cameras with a 130-160 degree field of vision to keep an eye on your whole property with less equipment.

Visibility In Low Light Situations

Late at night, it seems like everything goes bump in the night. Finally, security cameras with night vision can capture crisp images even after the sun goes down and before the sun comes up. With its built-in, motion-activated illumination and colour night vision output, illumination offers video quality that is equally clear at night. 

Comparing Cloud Storage With Local Files

If your home security system does not record the events that transpired there, it is essentially worthless in the event that something goes wrong.

As an alternative to cloud storage, which transmits data over the Internet, you have the option of storing footage locally on your camera. This is a more secure and cost-effective solution because there are no monthly subscription fees.

But you can only use as much storage space as your microSD card allows.

Cloud storage is an additional choice; it involves storing your films on an off-site server. While some cameras only record when they detect motion, others record continuously to catch every moment.

Nevertheless, no footage will be saved to the cloud if your camera suddenly stops working.

Authentication Using Many Factors

You may protect your accounts from hackers by using multi-factor authentication solutions, such as two-factor authentication in security cameras, which work similarly to the two-factor authentication you use for your bank and social media accounts.

Areas Designated For Personal Privacy

You want your security camera to be able to see every inch of the room, right? Because of this need, seclusion zones were developed. Whether you're watching live or recording, you may use this function to obscure specific "off limits" regions from the view of your exterior camera, like your neighbor's yard.

Recognising Faces

Security cameras equipped with face recognition software are the wave of the future. The ability to distinguish between your mother-in-law and your neighbour is a direct result of this.

Very unsettling? While that may be the case, the rising sophistication and falling cost of artificial intelligence are driving up demand for this technology.

Products like the Wemo Smart Video Doorbell and the Nest Video Doorbell (Wired) will have this capability.

Camera Privacy Shutter

When you want some peace and quiet inside, you may install a privacy shutter—which functions similarly to a webcam cover—to block the view of your security camera.

Conclusion 

Home security cameras are essential for strengthening your home's security infrastructure. Modern security cameras come with advanced features such as resolution, field of vision, remote video storage, and integration with smart home systems. Common types of security cameras include doorbell cameras, outdoor cameras, indoor cameras, wireless cameras, and floodlight cameras.

Outdoor cameras are typically hardwired into the house's electrical system, while indoor cameras are plug-in devices that can be accessed remotely. Wireless cameras can be set up anywhere with an internet connection and uploaded to the cloud, while floodlight cameras illuminate the scene at night.

Factors to consider when buying a home security camera include installation, connection, setup, app compatibility, camera durability, connectivity, and power. A professional installer may be necessary for installation, and understanding the power choice is crucial for optimal performance.

Security cameras are essential for maintaining a secure home. Key features include high-definition video resolution (at least 1080p), wide-angle viewing angles (around 130 degrees), night vision capabilities (if not equipped with a floodlight), built-in speakers and microphones, storage and recording capabilities, and the ability to communicate with voice assistants like Google Assistant and Alexa. Modern security cameras also provide real-time alerts in case of motion, intrusion, or disarming.

When choosing a security camera, consider the camera's use inside or outside, whether it's indoors or outdoors, whether it's wireless or wired, the screen's quality, the viewing area, visibility in low light situations, cloud storage, multi-factor authentication, seclusion zones, face recognition software, and a camera privacy shutter. These factors help ensure the security camera is suitable for your needs and provides peace of mind. By considering these factors, you can choose the right security camera for your home and its needs.

Content Summary: 

• Resolution: High-definition or 4K resolution cameras are crucial for clearer images and higher detail recognition.
• Field of Vision: Cameras with a broader field of view are ideal for larger areas and can be adjusted from a distance.
• Night Vision: Cameras with night vision record sharp video even in low-light situations.
• Remote Video Storage: Cameras can save and retrieve recorded footage from any internet-connected device.
• Integration with Smart Home Systems: Built-in support for voice assistants and home automation systems provide practicality and ease of use.
• Exterior Cameras: Doorbells with built-in cameras that record when movement or doorbell is pressed.
• Outdoor Security Cameras: Both wired and wireless outdoor cameras are available.
• Indoor Cameras: Plug-in devices that can be accessed remotely using WiFi or an internet connection.
• Wireless Cameras: Can be set up anywhere with an internet connection and uploaded to the cloud.
• Floodlight Cameras: Can illuminate the scene when activated, allowing for clearer video recording.
• Installation: Professional installation may be necessary for some cameras.
• App: A simple app that allows for remote management and alerts.
• Camera Durability: Cameras should be able to withstand extreme temperatures and humidity.
• Connectivity: Check if the camera requires WiFi and can communicate with other docks and ports.
• Power: Different cameras have different power options, including batteries, plug-ins, and solar panels.
• Video Resolution: Ensure the camera has a minimum of 1080p or full HD resolution.
• Viewing Angle: Choose a camera with a viewing angle of about 130 degrees for better visibility.
• Night Vision: Ensure the camera has night vision capabilities.
• Built-in Speakers and Microphones: Allow both indoor and outdoor cameras to communicate with viewers.
• Storage and Recording Capabilities: Enhance storage and recording capabilities with micro-SD cards or internal storage.
• Smart Home Integration: Communicate with voice assistants like Google Assistant and Alexa for smart home integration.
• Geofencing: Allow the camera to automatically activate and deactivate when you leave the house.
• Notifications: Provide real-time alerts in case of motion, intrusion, or disarming.
• Use inside as opposed to outside: Choose the camera for specific areas in and around your house.
• Connected and Unconnected: Decide whether to use a wireless or wired security camera.
• Screen Quality: Choose a device with a 1080p or higher video resolution for improved clarity.
• Viewing Area: Ensure your security measures do not include any loopholes.
• Visibility in Low Light Situations: Security cameras with night vision can capture crisp images even at night.
• Local Storage: Store footage locally on your camera for a more secure and cost-effective solution.
• Cloud Storage: Store footage on an off-site server.
• Authentication Using Multiple Factors: Use multi-factor authentication solutions to protect your accounts.
• Areas Designated For Personal Privacy: Use seclusion zones to obscure specific "off limits" areas.
• Face Recognition: Use security cameras equipped with face recognition software to distinguish between your family and your neighbors.
• Camera Privacy Shutter: Block the view of your security camera for peace and quiet.