Having a home security camera system is one of the best things that any homeowner can do when it comes to preventing crime. Due to the high number of systems available in the market today, selecting the most appropriate one to use can be a major challenge. This guide discusses some of the best home security cameras and systems and gives you the necessary information to decide which system you should get for your home.
Hardwired Security Cameras vs Wireless Security Cameras
Whether you need a wireless or a wired security camera system comes first and has to be decided upon. Whereas wireless systems employ wireless signals, wired systems send movies back to a recorder via wires.
Wired systems are not compromised by other signals, so they are more dependable than wireless ones. But because you will have to run connections to the locations where the cameras are to be positioned, they are expensive to install.
As all you have to do is fix the camera wherever and plug it in, wireless solutions are more handy and less time-consuming. Still, distance and other obstacles separating the cameras from the receivers affect the performance.
In general, if you seek to set up a high-grade system with the best possible picture quality, then it is advisable to use wired systems. However, it is sufficiently effective in the simplest cases of monitoring using wireless systems.
Comparing Security Cameras for the Inside and Outside of Homes
You will also have to decide what sections of your house you will be focusing on. Doorbells and other outdoor cameras are designed to provide adequate protection for driveways, front doors, backyards, and garages. Interior cameras monitor the interior of your house and are available in sleek, fashionable models.
In coverage of the whole home, it is pretty clear that one will require both indoor and outdoor cameras. It might also be wise to install cameras at the various points of entry around the perimeters to capture any unlawful incidences.
Optical resolution and the field of view
When comparing camera models in terms of video surveillance, consider the video definition and the field of view. Resolution defines the level of sharpness and clarity of the written image in the video. 1080p is the best resolution for home system security cameras.
The field of view is how wide of an area the camera can see. Fisheye lenses that have fields of view ranging between 80-130 enable a single camera to cover a larger space.
Storage and Retention
It is very common for home security cameras to start recording once it detects motion. This footage is recorded either on an SD card or hard disk or can be recorded in cloud storage. While using local storage, you have complete control over your video but using cloud storage is slightly more convenient.
Some of the cameras can link with services such as Dropbox for cheap cloud storage. However, subscriptions to a camera company’s proprietary cloud can be over 100 per year.
For local storage, you would require something like an NVR that is connected to your cameras for storage and management of recordings. Make sure you get one that has enough memory space for the number of days of video footage that you want to store.
Smart Home Integration
If you want to have more control and receive notifications, it is recommended to choose a security camera compatible with the smart home systems. Amazon Alexa Guard and Google Home can give you notifications when your cameras are activated.
SimpliSafe, Ring, Nest, and Arlo have apps for controlling cameras, viewing recordings, and accessing features on your smartphone or tablet. Its advantages allow for ease of use and flexibility of integration.
DIY Installation vs Professional
In this case, you may need to hire the services of a security company to fix the cameras for you while in other cases, you may be in a position to fix the cameras yourself depending on the tools and the level of technical expertise that you possess. SimpliSafe falls under the Do-It-Yourself type of security system, which can be installed by the homeowner without professional help.
However, if extending the cable and installing cameras at elevated or restricted areas seems challenging, professional installation is less problematic. Certain firms also offer to install the security system at a cheaper fee or no cost if you purchase their security package.
Home Security Camera Brands Currently Enjoying The Highest Levels Of Customer Satisfaction
Now that you know what features to look for, here are some of the top recommended brands of security camera systems for home use based on reviews and product testing:
SimpliSafe – The leading DIY installation brand with the cheapest monthly monitoring costs. Wireless systems as well as wired systems can be provided. The packages start from 230 and there are no contracts tied to them.
Arlo – Wireless systems that can be controlled through an app; offers comprehensive security for properties with intelligent notification. Camera packages under 500 including the Arlo Pro 4.
Vivint – The largest company specializing in professionally installed and monitored systems with wireless cameras, smart technologies, and 24/7 customer care. Packages from 600-800.
Ring – Smart, app-controlled indoor/outdoor wireless camera systems with several options for inexpensive cloud storage. Camera kits begin at 200-300.
Nest – Elegant wired and wireless cameras for indoor and outdoor use that can be operated through the Nest application. Packages vary from 300-500 with aware subscriptions for storing video.
Final Take
SimpliSafe and Ring have the highest overall rating due to the combination of cost, ease of use, and effectiveness. SimpliSafe has a great set of features for simple monitoring requirements and costs as low as $0 for the equipment. Ring offers flexible wireless systems with packages under 300 and expandable cloud storage.
For whole home coverage with outdoor and indoor cameras, Arlo and Nest are also good choices with sleek designs and smart connectivity. While other similar systems are priced much lower at 300 or even less, these systems have it in terms of video quality and efficiency at 400+.
The best bet for accruing the most security gains is identifying and installing cameras at points of entry. Concentrate on the areas that lead to the home such as; driveways, patios, garage doors, front walks, and the front yards. These are areas that can be fitted with cameras to detect suspicious activities and crime, which is security and certainty.
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