Best Home Surveillance Cameras When it comes to home security and surveillance systems, surveillance cameras are very useful in deterring intruders and protecting your home. Selecting the right type of camera that will suit a particular need is not always an easy task given the many varieties available. To assist you in making the right decision, this article will outline some of the top home surveillance cameras.
Wired vs Wireless Cameras The first decision you will be making is whether to have a wired surveillance camera or a wireless surveillance camera. Wired security cameras are hardwired into your home electricity and network and do not rely on batteries or radio signals. The video feeds from the wired devices are slightly less interrupted than the wireless devices feeds. However, they are more challenging to install since you must pass cables through walls and ceilings to the intended zones.
Wireless security cameras have no fixed cables which makes them ideal for renters or events that will only last for a short while. Since these wireless cameras have rechargeable batteries and work through Wi-Fi networks, you can install them virtually anywhere. However, streaming video feeds are susceptible to network interference which results in buffering, delay, and loss of video feed.
Video Quality The quality of the camera video feed is defined by the video resolution of the feed, expressed as the number of horizontal lines of pixels. Common resolutions for home surveillance cameras are:
Full High Definition (FHDTV) A video quality that provides visuals in 1080p (1920 pixels by 1080 pixels) screen resolution. 720p (1280 x 720 pixels) - This resolution offers high quality and the detail is quite clear. VGA (640 x 480 pixels) is the minimum that can be useful in some way and provides decent video. The higher the resolution, then the better the quality of the video that the camera is capturing. 1080p cameras are ideal for identifying people's faces and other objects.
Night Vision Since intrusions are likely to happen at night, it is also important that the camera has good night vision capability when selecting a surveillance camera. The principle of shooting while using IR (Infrared) night vision involves built-in light-emitting diodes (LEDs). The night vision range is expressed as the distance that the infrared light can illuminate and provide a clear video stream. Usual sizes vary from 30 to 100 feet.
Wide-Angle Field of View Field of view (FOV) refers to the amount of the visual scene that is captured by the camera horizontally. The camera can have very extensive left/right coverage without blind spots, this is made possible by the wider FOVs of 100 degrees or more. That is, it is useful to remember that dynamic wide-angle lenses can cause footage to appear as if viewed through a fish-eye lens.
Weather-Resistant Construction Outdoor cameras require sturdy enclosures and gaskets to protect the devices from dust, dirt, rain, snow, heat, and cold in different seasons. Some models also include microphones and speakers for both sending and receiving messages. Some cameras also come with bells/ alarms that alert intruders as part of an alarm system in the cameras.
Alexa and Google Assistant Availability Voice control operation is common in many smart security cameras since they are compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. You can view live feeds, receive notifications, and even arm/disarm cameras without moving a muscle by using simple Alexa voice commands. Some cameras can be connected to an Echo Show or a smart display and to view what your cameras are recording, tell Alexa to display the feeds. Ideal for checking your position as well as getting in and out of the game quickly.
Local Storage vs Cloud Plans Some cameras have SD card slots for local storage so that the video footage can be recorded on the device and viewed on the same network from wherever without the use of the internet. Other models need cloud storage subscriptions for storing and streaming video from outside the local Wi-Fi network. Consider the pros and cons as subscriptions can be expensive. However, cloud storage helps to maintain the footage safety if a criminal damages the camera.
Recommended Models Here are some top recommended home surveillance cameras currently available:
Ring Stick-Up Cam Battery 1080p This is a stickup camera that can be powered solely by batteries with the flexibility of using either a standard battery or a rechargeable battery. Alexa integration, night vision, and richer motion detection capabilities are some of the features that stand out. As it does not require wires or cables for its connection, it offers fast and easy installation.
Nest Cam Outdoor 1080p Wireless, is an indoor and outdoor camera that provides high-quality 1080p video and can see in the dark. Compatible with Google Home/Assistant for seamless voice command. The paid version is available to access all features at once.
Blink XT2 Outdoor/Indoor Camera 1080p Rugged camera with no wires, long battery life, enhanced motion detection, and HD video quality. Alexa skills for alert announcements and Smart integration. Include local storage with a USB connection.
Arlo Pro 4 Wire-Free Spotlight Camera 2K The camera captures footage with a resolution of 2K, therefore providing very high-definition images during the day and nighttime. Portable for mobility and ease of positioning. Integrated light discourages the intruder, and improved sensing technology lowers the chances of false alarms.
To sum it up, the most crucial aspects to consider when purchasing a home surveillance camera are resolution, night vision, field of view, weather resistance, compatibility with voice assistant, local storage, cloud storage, and cost. It helps to decide which options are more useful for you and your home organization. Then go through the options above to select the most appropriate system that may assist in protecting your property.
