A Buyer’s Guide to Shopping Different Types of Security Cameras
There are over 2 million burglaries a year in the US.
It’s only natural you’d want to protect your home. Part of that involves installing a form of surveillance to watch your home while you’re away.
With home surveillance systems, you’re not buying surveillance. You’re buying the feeling of safety. So you want to get the right one for your home.
It can be overwhelming to know what to look for when buying a home security camera system. So, read on to learn more about different types of security cameras.
Basic Types of Security Cameras – Indoor or Outdoor?
If you just want a camera to cover your yard or porch, then choose an outdoor camera. Don’t try to use indoor cameras outside.
Outdoor cameras are designed to withstand weather and dust. They’re often more conspicuous, so potential thieves know your property is protected. That’s sometimes enough to make them target somewhere else.
Or you can install hidden security cameras if you’d prefer to be a little more low-key.
Either way, choose a model equipped with night vision to make the most of the surveillance on offer.
Indoor Security Cameras
Old analog security cameras still exist, but they’re not great for new users.
Instead, take advantage of the boom in the Internet of Things (IoT). Choose smart home security camera systems.
They link to the internet within your home. You can access footage from the cameras via your smartphone.
That means you don’t need a complicated setup including monitors. Just a camera or two and a smartphone.
Some of them need to be plugged into a wall socket for continuous power. Others run on rechargeable batteries which make them a great option during a power outage.
You can also combine them with smart door or window sensors. The camera only starts recording when the sensors are ‘broken.’ Or, when they detect movement.
They’ll send push notifications to your phone in the case of anything suspicious.
Wireless Doorbell Security Cameras
We should mention here that the smart doorbell also includes a security camera. They begin recording when they detect movement.
You can also access a live feed, letting you see your property from a smartphone. And you can view who’s at the door from wherever you are.
81 percent of burglars enter via the front door. So it’s worth making sure it’s protected.
Wireless doorbells are an easy way to get started with security cameras. You can use one to cover the front yard while another camera covers the backyard.
They also work through the existing doorbell wiring, so they’re easier to install. You don’t need to add another power line.
Take File Storage into Account
One thing you do have to note with home security cameras is where the footage is stored. Few of them use memory cards, instead of saving the footage in the cloud.
Some manufacturers allow a free amount of storage space before you have to pay. Others charge a subscription fee to store the files.
Many storage plans only store clips triggered by movement. Very few of them save footage of a continuous feed. Decide which is more important before you choose a camera.
Next Steps
We’ve given you the information about types of security cameras to get started. Now you have to decide which camera is right for you!
For more advice, click here for reviews of specific cameras.