How to buy the best security camera
Security cameras are an important security feature. They can help you monitor all the activities taking place on your premises and keep you at ease when you are away. They also help deter criminals who are likely to abort a burglary attempt as soon as they spot them. In case of any incident, security cameras can aid the police in finding the culprit. They also offer insurance benefits in situations where you make a claim due to theft or vandalism.
To acquire these benefits, you must select the most suitable camera for the job. Below are some of the features to look for in a security camera.
Features to look for in a security camera
Motion detection
The digital world is about speed, and there should be no compromise when it comes to the speed of your security camera. The speed of security cameras is heavily dependent upon wifi strength and signal. However, it should be able to activate its features fast and reliably to detect motion and send an alert to your phone as quickly as possible.
Reliable smartphone app
Your security camera should come with a reliable and easy-to-learn smartphone app. It should present the camera’s features in a logical, intuitive way to allow you to locate footage within a few swipes. The app should be secure enough to keep your information private and offer all the essential features necessary for proper camera function.
Two-way audio
A good security camera should allow two-way audio through a microphone and inbuilt speaker. Two-way audio will allow you to hear whoever is in front of the camera and enable you to speak to them as long as there is a stable wifi connection. These features come in handy for communicating with your loved ones and in case of an intrusion.
Video Storage
Smart security cameras usually come with online or offline storage options. Offline storage cameras have an inbuilt storage space similar to that of smartphones. On the other hand, online storage cameras come with a subscription-based model where the user needs to make a monthly or yearly subscription for specific features. Each option has its sets of advantages and limitations, and you can select one that is most suitable for you.
Field of view
Field of view is another crucial aspect you need to consider when selecting your outdoor camera. It is the angle between the horizontal edges of the display area provided by the camera. It is advisable to look out for a camera that can offer a viewing angle of 110 degrees or more.
Night vision
A good security camera should produce clear images even after sundown. It should provide a night vision range of 30 feet and above. Most security cameras provide standard night vision, while more expensive options use infrared LEDs to offer coloured night vision even in complete darkness.
Weather resistance
No matter how tough and well-constructed a security camera is, it’ll be no match for the elements if it’s not designed to withstand extreme weather conditions. That’s why weather resistance is such an important feature to look for when choosing security cameras. The last thing you want is for your investment to be rendered useless by a severe storm. Security cameras that are designed to be weather-resistant will be able to stand up to high winds, driving rain, and even hail, ensuring that they will continue to function properly no matter what.
Resolution
A high-resolution camera will allow you to see fine details, such as faces or license plates. A low-resolution camera, on the other hand, will make it difficult to identify individuals or objects. In addition, resolution can also affect the quality of the image in low-light conditions. A high-resolution camera will be able to capture clear images in dimly lit environments, while a low-resolution camera will produce grainy or blurry images.
Pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ)
PTZ cameras offer a wide range of benefits that make them ideal for security applications. First, PTZ cameras provide a wide field of view. This allows you to cover a larger area with fewer cameras, which can save you money. Second, PTZ cameras offer the ability to zoom in and out. This lets you get a closer look at suspicious activity or objects. Third, PTZ cameras allow you to pan and tilt the camera to get a better view of an area. This can be helpful if something unexpected happens outside of the camera’s field of view.
Fast motion activation
A fast shutter speed is essential for capturing clear images of fast-moving objects. Without a fast shutter, your images will be blurry and unusable. That’s why it’s important to choose a security camera with fast motion activation. By selecting a camera with fast motion activation, you can be sure that your images will be clear and sharp, even when capturing fast-moving objects. In addition, a camera with fast motion activation can help you capture images in low-light conditions.
Emergency connectivity
In the event of an emergency, you need to be able to rely on your security system to keep you connected to help. That’s why it’s important to choose a security camera system that offers secure, reliable connectivity even in the most challenging situations. By investing in a system with emergency connectivity, you can rest assured that you’ll always have the connection you need when you need it most.
Different Types of Security Cameras
By Location:
When you are looking to buy security cameras, it’s important to consider where you are going to place them around your property and whether they need to be weather-resistant.
Indoor cameras
Indoor security cameras are designed to monitor your premises and allow you to view your entire home when you are away. There are a wide variety of indoor cameras available, with discrete designs and easy to use functions. Indoor CCTV cameras can be bought individually or as part of a wider security system. Some indoor camera systems also offer a live view so users can check on pets or children at home. They can also be set to record so you can monitor activity in your home or business over a longer period of time.
Outdoor cameras
Outdoor CCTV cameras are an effective way to protect your home or business from unwelcome visitors and there are a number of features to look out for. When you are choosing an outdoor camera, make sure it is weather-resistant, has night-vision and motion detection. It is also important to think about where you are placing the camera and whether you need more than one for your property. Outdoor CCTV systems can also help reduce insurance costs and allow you to monitor the perimeter of your property.
Video Doorbells
Another smart way to secure your home is by installing a video doorbell that has a camera you can monitor. There are a variety of video doorbells available with stylish and subtle designs that can be easily fitted onto any doorway. You can also buy video doorbells that have two-way communication so you can respond to the call even if you aren’t at home. You can screen visitors using an app and view the footage recorded by your video doorbell just like with a CCTV system.
By power:
An important factor when you are choosing the best security cameras is how the cameras are powered. This will of course depend on where you are putting your cameras and how easy it is to get power to them.
Wired cameras
Wired CCTV systems are unrivalled for their reliability and consistency, but they may require more setup. Wired security cameras are a popular choice as there are no network interference or connection issues that could compromise your security. As the cameras are connected physically, they can be more reliable and harder to tamper with. Wired CCTV can also be a better option if you have an unreliable internet connection or you have a large property that needs multiple cameras to monitor it.
Wireless cameras
If you want security cameras you can move around, wireless cameras are a great option. They are a popular choice in homes as they offer more flexibility and wirelessly upload the footage to the cloud so you can access it from anywhere. Wireless security cameras can also be set up easily as there is no drilling through walls or complex installation. You can also add new cameras to the system or rechargeable cameras that require no wires at all.
How many security cameras do I need?
Security cameras are an increasingly popular security measure for both homes and businesses. But with such a wide range of options on the market, it can be difficult to know how many cameras you need to adequately protect your property.
Factors to consider include the size of your home or business, the level of security you desire, and your budget. For a small home, a single camera may be sufficient. But for a larger home or business, you may need several cameras to cover all entrances and exits.
And if you’re looking for maximum security, you may want to consider adding features such as night vision and motion sensors. By taking all of these factors into account, you can ensure that you select the right number of security cameras for your needs.
If you live in Newcastle and want to learn more about our security camera’s – give us a call!
At Pacific Telephone and Data, our goal is to provide reliable and high-quality technology services to businesses. We supply and install a wide range of CCTV cameras and Business CCTV Security Systems.
If you live in Newcastle or the surrounding area, we can help you select and install the best security cameras to suit your needs. Call us today on 02 4922 7888 or contact us online for further information and inquiries.
