Before installing security cameras, 6 things you should know

In order to increase the security of your house, do you intend to install a security camera system? Before you go camera buying, read this first. Consider the following scenario: you arrive home after a long day at work only to discover that your front door has been smashed into. Immediately, a wave of worry and anxiety overtakes you, and you begin to ponder how this could possibly have occurred. Could it possibly have been avoided?

Home security is more crucial than ever in the modern world. And installing security cameras is among the finest methods to safeguard your house. But there are a few things you should know before you start camera shopping.

What to Look for When Choosing a Security Camera

Security cameras are not all made equal. You must consider your own requirements while looking for a camera. Do you require covering indoors or outside? Does one require night vision? What significance does video quality have? You may reduce your choices and select the ideal camera for your requirements by providing answers to these questions. Making sure your house is secure might be the difference between a safe environment and a break-in.

Related: How to Use Your Phone to Detect Hidden Surveillance Cameras

1. Security cameras: smart or conventional?

Despite the fact that security cameras have been around for years, smart security cameras are a more recent invention. Which one should you buy, then?

1- Standard security cameras

The most basic choice is conventional security cameras. They are often less costly, and setting them up is not too difficult. The camera just has to be plugged in after being pointed in the desired direction.

These security cameras, however, lack all of the cutting-edge capabilities found in smart cameras. You must be at home to monitor them because they cannot be managed remotely.

2- Intelligent Security Cameras

The most recent and sophisticated choice are smart security cameras. They are often more expensive than basic cameras but come with a tone of added functions. For instance, many smart cameras have face recognition technology that can distinguish between a relative and a stranger.

Additionally, they frequently include two-way audio so that you may converse with the person being recorded. Most smart cameras can also be operated remotely, allowing you to keep an eye on your house even while you’re not there.

It might be challenging to choose the best smart home security system for you when there are so many options available. However, being aware of your requirements and conducting research will help you select the ideal system for your house.

3- Wired or Wireless?

The following choice you would have to make is whether to purchase a device that physically connects to your security center or one that you can access over Wi-Fi.

2. Security cameras with wires

The transmission cannot be lost or interrupted, hence wired cameras are often more dependable. Because they link directly to the internet, they are also frequently of superior quality. However, installing wired security cameras might be a little more difficult, and they are less placement-adjustable than wireless cameras.

When deciding where to place a wired security camera, keep in mind that it will also need to be linked to a power source. Additionally, if your home loses power and your security system doesn’t have backup power, your cameras won’t be able to function.

3. Wireless surveillance cameras

You don’t have to worry about wiring cables through your walls when installing wireless security cameras. Additionally, because you can install them anyplace that has a Wi-Fi connection, they are more flexible in terms of where you may put them. You don’t have to worry about plugged-in security cameras because the majority of wireless security cameras are also battery- or solar-powered.

The video quality of wireless security cameras isn’t always as excellent as a connected connection, and they’re more prone to have signal problems. Another drawback is that solar-powered cameras must be installed in a location with lots of sunshine, while battery-powered cameras can be a little more expensive.

 Inside or outside?

Whether you require an indoor or outdoor camera is another crucial factor. An indoor camera will do if all you need to do is keep an eye on things within your house. However, you’ll need an external camera if you want to view what’s going on outside your house.

Since outdoor cameras are made to endure the outdoors, they are frequently waterproof and versatile. They could cost a little more than inside cameras, though.

4. Storage Alternatives

You primarily have two storage options: local storage and cloud storage.

1- Online Storage

If you want to have access to your film from any location, cloud storage is a great choice. The majority of cloud storage options need a monthly price because they are subscription-based. However, because cloud storage is off-site, it is often more secure. So your footage will remain protected even if your camera is taken.

2- In-Place Storage

If you want to be able to view your film without an internet connection, local storage is an excellent choice. You can plug a microSD card into the camera, which is how most local storage choices work. The drawback of local storage is that if your camera is stolen or destroyed, you won’t be able to retrieve your film.

5. Suitability

Compatibility is an added consideration. If you already have a home security system, you’ll need to make sure the security camera you select is compatible with it. A typical home security system will operate with the majority of security cameras, but it’s wise to double-check to make sure.

Make sure the camera is compatible with your smart gadgets as well. On your phone or tablet, you may see the video that your camera captured in this manner. If you’re tech savvy, you can create your own security system.

What About Support for Smart Homes?

You must ensure that the security camera you select is compatible with your smart home’s gadgets if you have one. For instance, if your security camera is linked to your smart home system, you might be able to see the video on your TV. Depending on if the camera is compatible with a smart speaker like the Amazon Echo, you may also be able to operate it with your voice. This is a fantastic method to monitor your house while you’re gone.

Related: 4 Simple steps to boost security in your smart home

6. Additional Points

When selecting a security camera, there are a few more considerations that you should bear in mind.

1- Night Vision

A camera with night vision is necessary if you want to be able to view what is occurring outside your home at night. Infrared technology is used by night vision cameras to produce a crisp image in low light.

2- Viewing Area

You should consider the field of vision while selecting a security camera. The region that the camera can observe is known as the field of view. The region that the camera can cover will increase with the size of the field of view.

The field of vision on most security cameras ranges from 60 to 110 degrees. There are certain cameras, though, that have a greater field of vision, like 180 degrees or even 360 degrees.

3- video caliber

A security camera’s video quality is significant, but it’s not necessarily the most crucial one. For instance, you don’t need 4K quality if you’re simply utilizing the camera to observe who is at your door.

4- audio capture

Some security cameras have the ability to capture audio, which may be an excellent deterrent for burglars. If you need to identify a certain person in the video, audio recording may be useful as well. When selecting a security camera, bear in mind that not all of them provide audio recording capabilities.

5- facial identification

A more recent technology is beginning to be used in security cameras: facial recognition. This can help you spot crooks and keep a watch on your children or pets. If you’re thinking about getting a Google Home security system, Google Nest Cams has a recognizable facial recognition capability that may notify you when it detects someone unfamiliar. You must consider facial recognition while selecting a camera because it is still far from flawless.

6- Safer Housing

A security camera may be an excellent tool to keep your house safe and prevent burglars. Just be sure to have these factors in mind while making your decision. If you do, you may be certain to locate the ideal security camera for your house.