An Introduction to Home Security Cameras
“Is there a price for your safety?”
Security cameras are more than just a sensible investment for millions of homeowners and renters; they are also an excellent tool in crime prevention, and home security.
One of the most appealing aspects of home security cameras is that they provide an instantly visible deterrent to break-ins, trespassing, and other intrusions, and are a great form of home security.
On top of that, these cameras are currently controlled by a mobile app and a Wi-Fi signal. It means monitoring your house with video surveillance is as simple as pulling out your smartphone.
Smith Thompson Company has a vast collection of home security systems, and it always helps its customers to choose the best security camera for their homes. If you want to see examples of their quality work, check their official website.
Why Do You Need Security Cameras?
You're aware that home security cameras are required, but do you know why?
When we start looking for a new home security camera, we first look at property crime statistics in our region, focusing on package thefts, break-ins, and other crimes.
We know these crimes occur, but where do they occur? How frequently? What time of day is it? What time of year is it?
In our opinion, installing a video doorbell and calling it a day is not enough; we always propose tailoring your camera purchase to particular risk factors.
We can't stress the need for a decent security camera. You can purchase one with or without a doorbell to watch the front entrance, given the steep growth in online purchasing that has only escalated in light of the Covid-19 outbreak.
A recent crime study in the U.S. found that 36% of Americans had had a package stolen from their premises at least once. Even 44% of those polled had had a shipment stolen at least twice. Moreover, just 11% stated that they procured their stolen items and caught the robber.
That said, we're always on the lookout for new weaknesses and trouble places around our property, and you should be, too.
We can claim that whatever your demands and preferences for home security are in this market, there is a camera available to meet them. Therefore, before moving into a new house, ensure it has a security camera installed.
Home Security Camera Features
When you start looking at the various cameras available, you may become overwhelmed by the sheer number of options. However, you can believe us when we say that finding the right security camera does not have to be complicated.
Check these features, and get one step ahead in your decision-making journey:
1: Fast Motion Sensor
A home security camera must have a lightning-fast performance, and we frequently recommend buying one is a good choice if people are willing to go a little over their budget.
You want a camera that operates rapidly and doesn’t slow down. Of course, part of this is dependent on the strength and speed of your Wi-Fi signal, but a good camera will always wake up when motion is detected and send you notifications on your phone.
2: Intuitive Smartphone App
Nowadays, every security camera comes with an app, and we've always found them to be reasonably simple to use, much like the cameras themselves.
The best applications we've seen offer the camera's functions in a simple, logical manner, so when we want to see when our kids reach home, we only need a few swipes to get the footage. Therefore, make sure your security cam is integrated with a smartphone app.
3: High Video Resolution
When you start researching alternatives, you'll see an overwhelming amount of security cameras that advertise 1080p video resolution. However, this can also be deceptive. Many cameras will only attain that 1080p standard under perfect conditions.
Even among the top-rated brands known for recording outstanding video, we didn't always get the optimum 1080p quality we were looking for due to an occasionally erratic Wi-Fi connection.
4: Night Vision
We've seen some amazing night vision photographs from our security camera testing. We've had our house for a little more than three years, and we had no clue how many deer showed up in our backyard regularly until we started looking at the nocturnal picture from our security camera.
Of course, if we want full-color night vision, we have to pay more money, so bear that in mind. But, your security camera must have night vision if you want it to be helpful to you.
5: Video Storage
It might be tempting to buy cameras based on how high-tech they are, with some home security devices promising quite hefty sophisticated hardware.
However, regardless of whatever camera you wind up with, it's vital to note that all of that data you're obtaining from your high-tech cameras isn't cheap. This can be a stumbling block for some customers, many of whom would prefer not to blow their storage allowances.
Home Security Camera Buying Guide
We're always curious to see what new and exciting features camera manufacturers will include in their security cameras. The future of home security cameras rests in their usefulness as a component in the smart home.
If you want to buy one for your home, you must follow these steps:
Step 1: Select The Camera Type
The sort of camera you'll require is determined by where you intend to mount it. If you want one inside your house, there are several home security camera solutions.
If you want one outside your house, you must choose between a wireless security camera, a video doorbell, and a floodlight camera.
Consider employing a video doorbell to monitor a front or back entrance because your doorbell wire may power it. However, if you wish to watch another part of your home, a wireless security camera is a better option.
2: Choose The Power Source
Wireless security cameras, video doorbells, and floodlight cameras that are battery-powered provide the most versatility in terms of installation in and around your house.
Depending on the camera and how frequently it is used, you may need to recharge it weekly, every few months, or once or twice a year.
Hardwired cameras and doorbells eliminate the need for charging but may restrict your placement possibilities unless you're prepared to run an extension line or pay an electrician.
3: Compare Storage Plans
Before choosing a camera or doorbell, find out how much free cloud storage it includes and how much more storage costs.
Since video files are huge, most manufacturers choose cloud storage over memory cards because subscriptions allow them to earn more money.
If you miss a warning for a prospective intruder, you won't know if someone attempted to break in without cloud storage. Many of these cameras will also prevent you from downloading video to transmit to authorities unless you pay a fee.
4: Consider Your Privacy
If you can see your house from your phone, someone else can probably see it too. This is because more and more cameras are including two-factor authentication, which provides you a one-time-use passcode through an authentication app.
When you log in, you must enter the passcode in addition to your username and password.
As a result, even if a hacker breaks your password, they won't be able to access your camera unless they also obtain your one-time code. If your camera has this feature, make sure you enable it.
Signing Off
We hope this definitive guide to home security cameras has given you a lot to think about regarding home monitoring.
Taking the time to evaluate the features and technology that set these cameras differently, as well as utilizing our hands-on experiences as a reference, should help you make a better, more cost-effective choice regarding your home security requirements.
Have you got your home fully secured? Check out our intensive and fully documented guide on home security tips to ensure you are aware of all the issues with home security.
