How to Choose a Security Camera: Your Easy-to-Follow Buying Guide

Head out to the nearest retail store or visit an online shopping site, and you will come across numerous cameras that promise to give you high-quality images, intelligent notifications, and hassle-free setup process. The prices vary from just a few bucks to a couple of hundred dollars. The specs can seem like a different language altogether. But if you have ever been curious about how to pick a security camera without making a mistake, here is your security camera buying guide.

Choose the Camera Based on Its Purpose First

Determine what your goals with the camera are before choosing one of the models. An outdoor or floodlight camera will do wonders for your home security if your goal is to scare off intruders. However, if you have problems with package theft, a video doorbell or a porch camera would be better. Most parents and pet owners prefer indoor cameras with two-way audio; while people interested in good evidence need high-quality video, night vision, and reliable video storage.

Then, determine which places in your house should be under surveillance: the front door, back door, garage, driveway, yard, and certain indoor spots. Such a diagram serves as a basis for understanding how to choose home security cameras and saves you money by making sure you don't buy unnecessary features. Learn how to choose home security cameras in more detail in our comprehensive guide.

Security Cameras – Indoor and Outdoor Comparison

Choosing between indoor and outdoor security cameras depends on the environment and the purposes of surveillance. Indoor cameras are small, relatively cheap, and can be plugged into a socket. They work well for nurseries, living rooms, hallways, and even include privacy shutters and two-way audio feature, however, they are not designed to survive outdoors.

Outdoor cameras are durable enough to withstand any weather conditions, rain, dust, high temperatures, and high humidity. When choosing, consider a weather-resistant rating of at least IP65, good night vision, and wide field of view. Outdoor cameras monitor driveways, yards, and the perimeter of your property and act as a visual deterrent. Most people need both indoor and outdoor cameras: outdoor ones will keep potential threats away from the entrance to your house, while indoor ones will make you aware of everything happening inside your home.

Security Cameras Wired vs Wireless

Comparing security cameras wired vs wireless, consider the pros and cons of each option in terms of reliability and versatility. The wired cameras, in particular PoE (Power over Ethernet), transmit video and electricity using one cable, thus providing reliable video quality, constant recording, and eliminating the need to maintain the batteries.

Wireless security cameras use the Wi-Fi network and can be powered by electricity, batteries, and even solar power. This type of cameras is easy to install, move around, and works well for tenants or when installing cables is problematic. Disadvantages include WiFi dependency and frequent charging of batteries. Usually, people choose both options, placing wired cameras at the entry points and wireless cameras where it is not easy to install cables.

Home Use of 4K Security Cameras: Is It Worthwhile?

The resolution is always the first aspect that comes to mind. When it comes to home use of 4K security cameras, more information will be captured on your recordings when you zoom in. The 4K camera is particularly useful in areas like the entry gate, driveway, and gate because facial recognition is required.

But 4K requires more bandwidth and storage space, not to mention it may stress out a poor WiFi connection. In some cases, 1080p or 2K is all that is needed for general surveillance. A good strategy is using 4K cameras in critical areas and low-resolution cameras elsewhere. Do not forget that the quality of lens, frame rate, and night vision capabilities should be considered as much as the resolution.

Wireless Security Cameras with Night Vision

Since most activities take place at night, night vision is quite important. Wireless security cameras with night vision usually make use of infrared LEDs to capture high-quality black-and-white images, even in the absence of any light. There are also some that capture colored images at night by using either a little bit of light or a very sensitive sensor to capture colors.

It is important to consider the night vision range, ability to manage glare and support for smart alerts when choosing cameras. Do not install cameras such that light falls directly on their lenses. In case you are looking for cable-free security cameras, we recommend our wireless security cameras.

Important Features You Need

Be careful of marketing language and concentrate on features that will enhance security in your world. Intelligent motion sensing that recognizes humans and cars and differentiates them from animals and shadows avoids false alarms. The ability to communicate through two-way audio, wide viewing angles ranging from 110 to 130 degrees without too much distortion, weatherproofing, privacy features, and compatibility with smart home systems are also good features. Ignore those you will never need as they will just increase costs and nothing else.

Storage and Subscription Cost

The place where videos are stored plays an important role in not only reliability but also long term cost. Cloud storage stores a backup somewhere else, making sure that the video will not be lost in case of a theft, however, it usually requires paying a monthly fee. Local storage through a microSD or NVR does not have subscription costs and continues storing video even when there is no connection to the Internet. Hybrid solution implies using local storage with cloud backup of critical moments.

Remember that it is necessary to look at which features come with the camera and which require a subscription plan. It could happen that you will spend more money in 3 years on a cheaper camera because of its subscription than a middle class one with local storage.

Best Home Security Camera System

Selecting the best home security camera system requires having layers of coverage. A basic package comprises of a video doorbell, along with two or three outdoor cameras for the driveway, garage, and back yard, as well as one or two indoor cameras. For a bigger property, there is a need for a recorder and a few PoE cameras that offer reliable service and easily expandable. Smaller houses can also benefit from wireless cameras. Check out our security camera systems and 4 camera security system pages.

Best Home Surveillance Cameras: Factors to Consider

There isn’t any one-size-fits-all list of the best home surveillance cameras because the best cameras for you will be dependent on factors like your layout, power availability, WiFi availability, and budget. Make sure to test your WiFi prior to purchasing wireless cameras and also consider whether you may need more in the future. The best system is often one that is scalable rather than the most affordable.

Do It Yourself or Go Professional

Plug-and-play or battery-operated security cameras can be installed by yourself. But hard-wired security systems, flood lights, and multi-security camera systems are not that simple because they require drilling, wiring, and electrical works. Professional installers will take care of blind spots, appropriate mounting heights, coverage tests, and the setting up of your apps and alarms. Professional installers will also make your outdoor systems water-resistant from the hot, humid, and rainy weather in Houston.

Professional Consultations & Camera Installation Houston

Don’t know which is the most appropriate security camera system for your home? Camrelo provides consultations, recommendations, and professional installation services for all your home security requirements in Houston.