Ultimate Guide to Buying Security Camera

Home, business, life, properties – if these are important, then these needs protecting. What should it cost you before you lose your assets? What will be the point on building wealth only to lose them when you need them the most? These, and a whole lot more, are the questions nagging on the back of your mind when you finally have something important to protect.

Whether you’re a family man, single mother or business proprietor, security is imperative. And while CCTV camera is one of the basic step of measures you take, it is not to be taken lightly. As a critical expenditure, one must think it through before spending an ample sum of money. Security camera system provides the eyes of the operation and the key to choosing the right CCTV camera is not jumping out and taking the most expensive and biggest model in the market.

So, where do you start? First, get your basic knowledge about the types of Home Security Cameras.

MOST BASIC DISTINCTION: Indoor and Outdoor Security Cameras

It is necessary that we distinguish the 2 basic types of security cameras first – indoor and outdoor. While you can use most outdoor cameras just as well as indoor cameras, it wouldn’t be wise to install indoor cameras outside your homes. Outdoor security cameras are designed to withstand rain, dust, heat and other external factors that may overwhelm an indoor camera.

Now that we’ve established that, we give you a comprehensive guide of the main types of home security cameras to asses you in what you need.

Standard Types of Security Cameras

Dome Cameras

Named for their dome-like shape, this particular type of security camera is commonly used for home surveillance systems, stores and restaurants because it blends very well with the surrounding. It offers a greater range than bullet cameras and generally includes the capability to move the focus of the camera or zoom it on a specific subject. It’s fairly more expensive than a bullet camera but it does deliver larger visual coverage. And because of its shape, it makes it harder for thieves to know which direction the camera is aiming making it more deterrent.

Smart Home Security Camera

The new and most popular in the current market, a smart home security camera records video and can be connected to an application that allows users to watch the video recording in real time. One of the features of a smart camera is motion detection that when the camera senses motion, the owner gets an alert on his smartphone to notify him if there is suspicious activity. This type of security camera suits well in keeping an eye on your store, house, the elderly or children. It does cost more that most other types and mostly include a monthly subscription.

Bullet Security Cameras

Typically small with a cylindrical shape, bullet camera is a type of video surveillance camera that captures footage in a specific direction. Although widely affordable, this security camera has a limited range and may require you to buy several of them to capture as much as you want in your home. This type is often seen at the entrance of the house or at staircases.

PTZ (Pan-tilt-zoom) Camera

A PTZ camera is commonly used in applications such as live production, lecture, distance learning, surveillance and video conferencing. It has the ability to move up, down, left, right and even zoom. This type of surveillance camera is connected to a master camera that monitors a wide area that then provides information allowing the PTZ camera to observe and/or follow target movements.

IP Cameras

IP camera or Internet Protocol camera is commonly used for surveillance and has the ability to send and receive data via a computer network and the internet. Unlike analog closed-circuit television (CTTV) cameras, this type of security cameras gives you the advantage of direct access over a network connection.

Thermal Security Cameras

If your goal is to monitor large-scale areas or a location with a particular outdoor environment setting, then thermal security cameras is definitely your best option. The technology of thermal security cameras allows it to use the heat generated from an object or individual to detect their location. It is harnessed by a thermal security that doesn’t require an external light source to operate. If you wish to monitor a location that have heavy obstructions that make viewing difficult, thermal security camera is an ideal option.

The list above introduces you to the most common types of security cameras and as we continue to delve into this discussion, what you need to determine next is the overall features to look for in a security camera. Listed below are the important features you look for in a good surveillance camera:

  • Live Streaming – One of the most advantageous feature of a surveillance camera where you can actually monitor your home or business establishment is a livestreaming option that lets you see in real-time the video capture.
  • Night Vision – It is extremely important that the surveillance camera you use offers a high-quality night vision capability. Needless to say, it helps you see the video better at night and monitor your area properly.
  • Image Quality – A surveillance security camera must render a decent image quality and stabilization to result in a clearer picture and video capture. Falling for cheap knockoffs might cost you more in the long run.
  • Mobile Application – A smart security camera basically includes a mobile application that you can use to connect with your smartphone allowing you to video stream from a distance. It also notifies you when it detects suspicious activities.
  • Two-Way Audio Communication – A more popular option especially for people who uses surveillance camera for monitoring pets, babies and the elderly, this particular feature enable users to hear audio from both directions.
  • Motion Sensor – CCTV cameras with motion sensor record videos when it detects movement. This feature is designed to save on energy cost and video storage.

Video surveillance systems are getting more and more intelligent and effective than ever. If you wish to secure your assets, you need to start somewhere. If it’s your first time investing on a surveillance camera system, then you can walk through the basic guidelines listed above to help you determine which ones suit your needs more efficiently. Determine what you need the camera for and once these needs are known, it becomes easier for you to find the right camera. Technological advancements have led security camera systems to a more adept ways of managing the storage and recording of videos. Homeowners and small business owners alike now have access to remarkably powerful and advantageous surveillance systems at affordable prices.

All in all, knowledge is key in meeting what you need most in owning a home or business security camera systems.