As a homeowner, you need to make sure that both your family and properties are safe. However, the likelihood of burglaries sabotages that sense of security. For this reason, investing in a high quality home alarm systems is essential.
Home surveillance cameras plays a role in alerting you when unauthorized person gains entry to your home. You can present their images to the local authorities and enhance the possibility of catching them. With the help of a smart surveillance camera, you will have the benefit of instance alerts when you are not home. Additionally, indoor surveillance cameras can help you monitor your home while you are away.
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Here are some of the things you need to know when buying the best home surveillance cameras.
Different Types of Security Cameras
When deciding on the best security camera to purchase, you will come across a few types.
Smart Home Security Cameras
While these cameras are fairly new to the market, they are popular. On top of recording video, the cameras connect the video stream to an app that lets homeowners see what is captured in real time. Once the system detects motion, the homeowner receives an alert immediately on a smartphone.
Smart home security cameras tend to be costly than other types of cameras and apart from the upfront charges, they come with a monthly subscription. However, they offer more benefits than any other type of security camera.
Bullet Cameras
A bullet camera is cylindrical and points in a specific direction. They are always cheap. Because they offer surveillance in a limited range, you might be required to purchase multiple pieces to capture your entire home. They are ideal for the doorway and the front of apartments.
Dome Camera
A dome camera offers wider coverage than a bullet camera, and it includes the capabilities to change the focus of the camera and zoom in any object. While they tend to be costly than bullet cameras, they offer more visual coverage with a couple of cameras. Additionally, because it is not clear to the robber where the camera is, it is hard for them to evade them. This makes dome cameras the most effective deterrent.
What to Consider when Purchasing a Home Surveillance Camera
For you to find an ideal home security camera that is suitable for your needs, there are some things you must consider.
Field of View
The field of view of a camera will define the amount of content you will be able to see in case something happens. Generally, a bullet camera has a small field of view since it just sees what is straight in the front. Dome cameras offer a wider field of view, and for this reason, they are the best fit for your security needs. If you intend to monitor your entire front yard or every room in your home, invest in a camera that comes with a wider range of vision. Alternatively, you can buy multiple cameras with a small range of vision that you can distribute in your house.
Connectivity
The smart home security cameras can stay connected to the homeowner even when you are away from home. They have strong connectivity that allows you to connect them to home’s WIFI, mobile app or other security systems you install. Investing in more connected cameras allows you to know what is happening back home in real time and react to the threats immediately.
Video Quality
Video quality is among the biggest distinguishing factors in various brands and types of a home surveillance camera. If the images appear blurry, it will not be of any help. Security cameras that produce clear of pictures tend to be costly, but they will help you describe how the thief looked like for them to be captured.
Color is another crucial aspect of video quality. The majority of modern models are available in colors. While the color might not help you identify the individual on video, they will increase the chances that the criminal will be identified and captured.
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Cost
Not every homeowner can find a home surveillance camera without thinking about the price. Typically, these security systems are available for $30 to more than $250, depending on the features you want.
If you need multiple cameras to make sure you cover a wide field of view, you must invest in surveillance systems that come with different cameras. So, this will help you save a lot instead of purchase each camera separately.
However, bear in mind that when it comes to costs, the majority of security systems requires monthly subscription charges for you to get all features. If you purchase any security product without knowing the subscription needed, you will end up paying for more than you initially thought. So, ensure that you pay attention to the subscription charges need before making any purchase.
Range
The majority of home surveillance cameras are designed to use motion sensors to known an intruder gets in and begin recording. How perfect the feature will work relates to how far or close the motion sensor is placed. This means that it will capture people that are close when the range is limited. A thief stealing your vehicle in the driveway might to trigger the sensor, and this limits its usefulness to you.
Wireless or Wired
A huge consideration for convenience is deciding to either go wireless that uses batters or wired options that must be plugged in.
In the wireless option, you have the freedom to install the system in any place, and you will not have to deal with pesky cords. However, make sure you check are replace the batteries regularly. These cameras will still work even when there is a power outage, provided the batters are functioning. Therefore, wireless cameras are ideal due to their ease of use.
A wired camera system must be fixed near an outlet so that it can be connected and you have to determine how to organize the cord once you are done with installation. Additionally, it offers the concerning possibilities that if a burglar notices the camera and sees the cords, he will disable it by unplugging the whole system. The only good thing about the wired option is that you won’t have to worry about the recharging or to replace the batteries.
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Visibility
Most home surveillance cameras are created to be hard for prospect intruders to trace them. Whether because of small size or since they are designed to look appear like usual objects instead of a camera, these will not serve as a deterrent to prospective robbers. However, because the cameras are not easily noticeable, you do not worry about them dodging the camera’s vision or covering them.
Video Storage
Your surveillance cameras must have enough storage space to store the video captured. When you invest in security cameras that capture high quality footage, the videos can consume a lot of space. Most cameras have memory cards that offer storage space for the videos captured, but make sure you delete old content to free the space.
Other security cameras will come with hard drives or let you store the content on your PC’s hard drive. This makes it even more convenient, and you will not have to worry about the storage space. The majority of smart security cameras provide an alternative to cloud-based storage.
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Options for Audio
Some security videos do not record sound. Make sure you buy security cameras that can record both sound and audio.
Ease of Use
Any form of technology needs some knowledge after you purchase it. Even though security companies try to make everything intuitive, most security systems will be easy to operate, and they will come with various features that make them more convenient.
Choosing a wireless camera will make installation easy, but you will be required to recharge and replace the batteries often. A security camera which utilizes cloud-based storage will simplify the tasks done when checking and replacing video storage. Smart home security camera comes with an intuitive app that helps you use the security cameras with ease.
Apart from looking at the features that attribute to convenience, one of the greatest ways to know if a security camera is easy to use is to go through reviews of other clients. If the app is hard to use or accessing the video is difficult, the reviews will give you a hint.
Simple Installation
Wired security cameras have a complicated installation procedure that needs the services of a professional. On the other hand, a wireless camera involves an easy DIY installation process. When it comes to ease of use, clients mostly comment on how hard installation is in the review section. Therefore, if you are worried about experiencing difficulties while installing the cameras, look at the reviews before making a decision.
Final Word
A home surveillance camera is not only about purchasing the product, but these are also an investment in the long-term well-being of your family and home. Apart from offering the sense of security, they can save you a huge amount of cash by assisting you in claiming back the stolen properties.
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