Considerations Before Installing a Security Camera

These days security cameras are very common in homes, as they help you monitor break-ins and intrusions and keep track of restless children, pets and outsiders.

Maybe you need one as a garage-door monitor. Depending on your end use, you could have a security camera for night surveillance, or one that offers a 360-degree field of vision.

From 4k recording to integrated microphones and pet cams with barking alerts and treat tossing, there is an amazing variety of security cameras to choose from. Follow the simple considerations outlined here to make the best out of your purchase.

1. Privacy

Many believe that online privacy doesn’t really exist. There can be no such concept since the ability to view CCTV camera footage on mobile or PC renders the whole point moot. However, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take steps to protect your data.

If you feel creeped out by security cameras monitoring your every move, LIDAR cameras based on infra-red technology are the answer to avoid unwanted detections. You can spare your trusted friends and family by not tagging them as objects of detection. Everyone and everything is anonymous except the objects and things you really want to track.

While on the subject of privacy, you can go for a hidden camera detector in hotels, while staying in another person’s home, or anywhere you detect unwanted surveillance.

2. Price

Purchasing a security camera is like ordering a pizza. There can be so many add-ons that the costs will go up if you try to get all the latest features. However, the best way to ensure value for money is to read the fine print and identify what you really need.

For instance, if you want to buy a pet camera, you need real time pet activity alerts. One of the models by Furbo comes with barking alerts and treat tossing. You can link Furbo with Alexa and fill it with small pieces of dog treats which can be tossed at regular intervals. Owners can provide live instructions to their dogs over the camera, perfect for busy people.

You can even see the highlights of your dog’s day through a diary which summarizes what it’s been up to in 60 seconds. For busy petowners, this is one of the best cameras to buy. Currently, it retails for $149, but the novelty is worth it.

On the other hand, if you’re buying a more regular stock camera to monitor, say, a garage door, you might need footage on motion detection. For $67, this home security camera by Reolink is wire-free, compatible with Google Assistant, and has advanced motion sensitivity with false alarm detections.

3. Compatibility

This one is a no-brainer. Depending on whether you use Alexa, Google Assistant or IFTTT, you need a device that’s compatible with that service. For example, the following camera by ANNKE Nova S supports IFTTT compatibility along with Alexa. Available at a price of $70, it also has two-way audio, night vision, and high-quality motion detection.

4. Number of Cameras

Along with price, the number of cameras you want to buy is an important consideration. If you have a large mansion, that usually means hiring a professional surveillance expert because there can be so many nooks and crannies requiring your attention.

However, if you just have a standard home with a living room, bedrooms, kitchen, patio, and storage, 3-4 cameras is a great start. You might want to get different types of cameras; for example, a pan-tilt-and-zoom camera at the entrance, dome cameras inside the living space, and a bullet camera on the garage door.

5. Camera Features

Although we have covered this already, you need to have a firm grip on the camera features you intend to use. Do you really need a two-bit audio device when 4K resolution is more important to you?

While different cameras have different purposes, some requirements are becoming increasingly mandatory. Any outside cameras should be weather-resistant and the manufacturer will exclusively call the attention to that one. Any cameras at the entrance of a home should support night vision and low-light detection.

In some cases you may need your cameras to be operational even when there is no Wi-Fi. This baby monitor camera device offers such a feature.

Final Notes

Purchasing a security camera can be confusing because of the amazing variety of devices available today. Whether your concern is privacy, costs, or having advanced features, refer to this guide to help you with your decision-making.

What other criteria do you think should be there in security cameras you purchase? Do let us know in the comments.