The use of security cameras has become prevalent to prevent crime and for surveillance of homes or commercial establishments. Now that you have considered the different kinds of security cameras available in the market, you might be inquiring where you can get these cameras for purchase in your area. If you are a first-time buyer or planning to buy security cameras for your home or business, this article will give insights on where to buy them, as well as important factors to consider when purchasing.

Big Box Retailers

The other common source of obtaining security cameras is from your nearby big box store. Supermarkets such as Wal-Mart, Target, Costco, Sam’s Club, and Best Buy will generally carry a few home security cameras. You can always go to the store and see what the cameras look and feel like, discuss the differences in different models and prices, and leave the store with a system.

It’s important to note that big box stores tend to stock popular, easy-to-install brands like Arlo, Ring, Lorec, Reolink, and many others. Wireless security cameras, video doorbell cameras, and cameras with attributes such as HD recording, night vision, motion detection, and app compatibility are often present. The cost varies from $50 for the indoor camera to a few hundred dollars for several cameras. Do not forget to look for the current offers and promotions regarding security camera systems.

The benefit of sourcing the cameras from a national retailer is convenience and the availability of an installation service if you do not wish to install the cameras yourself. Something that needs to be taken into consideration is the fact that sometimes you might not get as much technical support as in the case of a store that specializes in security cameras. You may also use a smaller number of brands and models of cameras to select from the market.

Security and Home Technology Stores Security stores are another type of store that also attracts the attention of home automation enthusiasts.

Any store that falls under home security, home technology, home automation systems, or electrical stores is also a good place to buy security cameras if you are looking for them near your locality. Here, you can get more premium camera models from these retailers who specialize in home security and surveillance gadgets.

Some of the companies that have physical stores include Vivint Smart Home, ADT, and SimpliSafe. That is where you may ask for professional installation and monitoring services of your security cameras and this goes a notch higher in terms of security. Other specialty home technology stores such as Crestron and custom installers also offer security cameras, along with the services to integrate cameras with home automation systems.

While professional installation and monitoring services cost more, they are highly beneficial for clients who include security features like monitoring responses by professional security personnel. Purchasing security cameras from a specialty security retailer is the better way to go because you are taken through the most effective system to use in your home by experts.

Camera Stores and Photography Retailers

Another local source that is often not considered by consumers when purchasing security cameras is camera and photography equipment stores. Camera House, Wolf Camera, Glazer’s Camera and various other retail chains and individual stores that sell photographic equipment usually have a wide range of video surveillance cameras and accessories.

It may be advantageous to get your security cameras from a camera shop because the personnel who sell the cameras will be well-equipped with knowledge about various camera technologies. It is possible to obtain pertinent recommendations concerning lenses, resolution, wiring, as well as camera mounts depending on the type of monitoring required. These stores usually sell cameras used in outdoor security since they are of high quality.

You can also get accessories from camera stores that include IR illuminators for low light conditions, protecting camera casing, camera poles, and special cables among others. Just expect that you might have to pay more for professional security camera equipment than for cheaper security cameras for consumers.

Online Retailers

Besides, brick-and-mortar stores, people may be interested in purchasing security cameras from online stores. The answer is absolutely yes. The use of social media such as Facebook and Twitter is highly effective in today’s learning institutions. Purchasing security cameras online has the advantages of online shopping, including a larger choice of products, lower prices, and home delivery.

Popular online retailers that sell security camera equipment include: 

  • Amazon – Wide range of brands and camera options with actual customer feedback.
  • B&H Photo and Video – An excellent source of video security cameras and equipment.
  • Zmodo – Offers smart security camera systems.
  • Lorex Technology – Has its line of security cameras.
  • CCTV Camera World – Offers and sells products for commercial security and surveillance.

The same criteria for buying cameras online are the specs, the features, and the reviews of the product. Any popular and reliable online sellers of cameras will disclose all the specifications of the product such as video output, wireless connectivity range, mobile application functionality, and others. Do not be quick to go for cheap prices as they could well be indicating substandard services.

Always remember that the cost of professional installation is often not included when purchasing security cameras online. You may find that when it comes to the installation of the cameras, you will be required to do it yourself from the direction that is provided. It is advisable then to have some technical knowledge about the tool.

There is nothing wrong with wanting to keep your property and your family safe and for this, there is nothing wrong with having security cameras installed especially when you know what to look for when buying security cameras.

Now that you know the best places to purchase security video cameras locally or online, let’s go over the key features to evaluate when choosing camera equipment: Now that you know the best places to purchase security video cameras locally or online, let’s go over the key features to evaluate when choosing camera equipment:

  • Video Resolution – A higher resolution like 4K, 5MP, or 1080p means better and clearer video footage. Expect to spend extra if you require high-resolution cameras.
  • Night Vision – The infrared night vision option enables the camera to record in low light and even in complete darkness. Night vision distance is measured in feet (ft).
  • Smart Feature – Notifications on mobile devices, tiers of cloud storage, compatibility with voice command systems. Requires WiFi connection.
  • Camera Housing – There are indoor, outdoor, and weather-resistant housings to cover the camera. Domes have 360° view.
  • Field of View - Stated in degrees (360°). The wider the angle, the more area is seen by the camera.
  • Storage Options – Local storage with a memory card or subscription to store videos online from a distance.
  • Wired vs Wireless – Wireless security cameras do not require any wiring installation but are restricted in connectivity distance.

Researching well on the latest cameras and their technologies and features will enable one to buy the right security camera system that will help to secure the property. And given that there are numerous helpful local outlets where everything necessary for cameras can be purchased, getting set up with video surveillance is easy. Useful comparison shopping at camera retailers near & online and you will never have to worry about protecting what matters most at all.