The Essential Security Camera Buying Guide

Installing state of the art security systems at home has never been easier and with the rapid changes in technology and equipment that is available on the market, even when you are not at home, you can keep a watchful eye by fitting high quality security cameras. Featuring remote access and high-definition recording, your home has never been safer. If you are looking at how to choose a security camera system for your home, this guide will help you to decide what you need and what technology would be perfect for your application.

How to Determine What Is The Best Camera System For Home Installation

This security camera buying guide will help you navigate through the options available, the terminology to understand and what to look for to make sure you are adequately protected whenever you are away from home.

But where do you start with deciphering exactly what you need? Well, the first question to ask yourself is why I need a home security camera system installed. The simple answer is that it will give you additional peace of mind to know that alongside your burglar alarm and current security, you have got cameras recording activity occurring around your home. The cameras also function as a visual deterrent to anyone considering approaching your home.

Do you want cameras fitted around your entire property for maximum security or do you want to just monitor the main entry points to the property? Do you want security systems that are continuously monitored by a company or will your self-monitor?

Throughout, you’ll find the answers to which type of technology is right for you and how it works.

How Many Cameras Should I Install?

Selecting the right number of cameras to have installed at home will depend on your budget and size of property. The bigger the property or building design will go some way to determining what you need as all areas will require monitoring. From a budget perspective, the better-quality systems will be more expensive, but will deliver greater benefits including crystal clear recordings. In addition, fitting more cameras will also increase the cost of the overall package.

Make sure that you walk around your property to ascertain the possible areas that could be targeted and assess the risks to determine if the area needs to be.

What Types Of Home Security Cameras Are Right For Me?

There are a wide range of security cameras available on the market this buying guide takes a look at what each style features and the advantages.

Video Door Bells

This type of camera has become a firm favourite as a way to improve security at home. The traditional doorbell has been redesigned to include camera technology that starts to record as they detect motion approaching the front door of your property. An alert is delivered to a smartphone to notify the homeowner and allows them to remotely access the camera to see who it is through the smartphone. Two-way audio allows the property owner to communicate with the person approaching the house and if anything looks suspicious, they can warn the person that they are being watched. When Recording is enabled, this will be stored for a period of time either in the cloud or within the software.

Wireless Security Cameras

With the advent of home Wi-Fi networks and superfast internet connections, camera technology now exists that can operate completely wireless free. This makes installation so much simpler and could be done by yourself if you are suitably competent. Once assembled and connected, the cameras will monitor the property while you are away. When anything happens, the system will notify the homeowner that something is occurring. The notification is sent to a smartphone app to raise the alert.

Floodlight Cameras

Traditional style passive infrared security cameras combine recording technology and bright floodlights that will immediately light up when the sensors pick up movement. The systems can be either wired into the property or alternatively be operated by battery. Modern day cameras will also feature two-way audio to enable you to question anyone or alert any snooper that they are being monitored and recorded. These types of cameras are must-have components in any installed CCTV systems.

Other Factors To Consider

The type of cameras that are available on the market now are very sophisticated and you should also pay close attention and give consideration to these factors:

•   Image Quality – When selecting a new camera system, choose one that records at the highest full definition as possible to ensure any footage can be clearly seen.

•   Recording at Night – Choose a system that has the ability to switch to night vision for monitoring when it goes dark. The camera should adjust to provide clearer footage even on the darkest of nights.

•   Integration – If you already have a security system installed at home, ensure that the cameras you are about to add will be compatible.

•   Ease of Installation – Wireless and battery powered systems are far easier to install than wired in systems.

•   Field of View – Cameras should have a wide field of view to ensure they monitor and capture footage across larger areas around your home.

•   Storage & Recording – Most systems can record and store the footage but the best advice would be to choose an installation company who can provide the biggest storage capacity.

What To Look For In A Home Security Camera System.

Having a safer and more secure home is the hope and expectation of every property owner, so this security camera buying guide has been put together to help you make the right informed decision when you are looking to upgrade your home security system.

Adding state of the art monitoring technology to a new alarm installation will improve your overall level of security and give you a greater peace of mind.