Home Security Camera Guide

Keeping an eye on your home and properties is made easy with home security cameras. If you are moving to a new home or not, a good place to begin safeguarding your properties is with a security camera. We have put together the ultimate home security camera guide to help you find a model that aligns best with your needs.

Protecting your home from intruders, trespassers, and burglars is vital to living a happy life. Few tools compare to security cameras when it comes to this kind of job. These devices work as a third eye for you, protecting you from potential attacks and safeguarding your properties from thugs.

Today, security cameras have become indispensable equipment for many homes. And as the technology continues to advance, these devices have not been left behind. Modern-day home security cameras now incorporate cutting-edge features and technology to serve you better. Besides, they come in different forms and designs for you to choose from. Here is a home security camera guide to help you make an informed decision:

What is a Home Security Camera?

A home security camera is a special type of camera that monitors and safeguards homes. It can be mounted either indoors to monitor the inside of the house or outdoors to keep watch of everything happening outside the house.

These cameras often include HD resolution and provide high-quality video feed during the day and at night. Furthermore, they harbor other essential features such as smart integration and two-way talk to optimize functionality.

How Does a Home Security Camera Work?

When buying a home security camera, the first question you might ask is how it works. Well, a home security camera works by recording audio and video footing and storing it for later analysis. These cameras are also set to transmit instant notifications whenever they sense human motion.

After a home security camera is installed, its lens focuses all the incoming light onto the image sensor. Together with the electronic sensor processors, the camera then converts the incoming light to electronic signals. This process then creates a clear, usable image of the person whose motion was detected.

Furthermore, home security cameras have several connectivity options that include Wi-Fi and Ethernet. With this connection, you will be able to monitor every angle of your home from any part through the web portal or your smartphone.

After capturing the video footage, home security cameras store it locally on the camera itself. Alternatively, the feed is stored remotely on a cloud server which gives homeowners remote access whenever they want.

Home Security Buying Guide: Types of Security Systems 

There is a myriad of home security cameras in the market today which can make it challenging for you to pick the best home security camera. However, we understand your worries and have exhausted the list of security systems to help you make an informed decision.

To make it easier for you to design the most suitable choice for your home, we have broken down the types based on the location of installation, power reception, connectivity (WiFi or cellular), their design, and how they record videos (on cloud or locally).

By Location

If you’re in the market for a home security camera, the first question you should ask yourself is “Where do I need the security camera?” The design of your house will help better answer the question. For example, if your house has both front and backyards, then you might need an outdoor and indoor camera for the front and backyard respectively. Here is a list of the types of home security cameras based on the location of installation:

Indoor Cameras

These are the systems that you use to secure the inside of your home be it the living room, hallway, or kitchen. To better obtain a wide view of your interior, make sure to place the cameras at ground levels and avoid installing them in private sections like bedrooms. The best indoor security cameras, ensure the safety of your loved ones while still protecting your household items.

YI 4pc Security Home Camera, 1080p 2.4G WiFi Smart Indoor IP Cam

Outdoor Cameras

You use outdoor cameras to secure the exterior of your home, thus their installation is on the outside. Don’t worry about rain, snow, or sun, the best outdoor cameras are designed with weather-resistant cases to withstand any weather.

Blink Outdoor (3rd Gen) - wireless, weather-resistant HD security camera

Video Doorbells

These are more of an outdoor home security camera which is placed on the front door of your house. It helps you see and even communicate with guests from anywhere in the house. These cameras are compatible with smart devices like phones making it easy for you to operate remotely.

Arlo Essential Video Doorbell

Indoor outdoor cameras

These are cameras that help you to monitor the interior and exterior of your home simultaneously. They come with multiple cameras that are installed both inside and outside your home for convenient and efficient monitoring. Check out our list of the best indoor and outdoor cameras to gain insight.

WYZE Cam v3 with Color Night Vision, Wired 1080p HD Indoor/Outdoor Video Camera

See Also:

Best Indoor Outdoor Security Cameras 

By Power

Do you want a camera that is battery-powered or draws power from a wall outlet (whether electric or solar power)? This is a crucial question to contemplate before settling for a security camera. Below are the available camera options based on their power reception:

Wired Cameras

These are mainly indoor cameras. You have to plug these cameras to power them as they do not use batteries. Whether you’re using solar or electric power, these cameras require the use of wire to connect them to your home’s power supply. The pro of these cameras is that you don’t have to keep replacing batteries while the con is that you’ll have more wires in your house.

REOLINK Smart 5MP 8CH Home Security Camera System, 4pcs Wired 5MP PoE IP Cameras

Wireless Cameras

Mostly outdoor cameras. These are the easiest cameras to install as they do not require any form of wiring. They are battery-powered, with most having rechargeable batteries. It’s however important to consider the battery life of the home security camera before you purchase. You don’t want to keep recharging or replacing a battery now and then.

VISION WELL Security Cameras Wireless Outdoor

By Connectivity

We must agree that we all have different tastes and preferences. While some adore internet use others detest it. But whichever team you fall into, finding the best security camera for your home needs is easy. Here are the types of cameras based on their connectivity.

WiFi-Enabled/Smart Cameras

Also known as digital and IP cameras, WiFi-enabled cameras rely on the internet to function. The good thing is that the connectivity helps you to link the camera with an app on your home device like a phone. You get to monitor your home remotely by watching livestream footage and receiving motion and other notifications on your phone to keep you alert. Consider smart security cameras if you prefer remote monitoring.

Blink Mini – Compact indoor plug-in smart security camera

Non-WiFi/Analog Cameras

If you detest the internet or have poor internet connectivity in your area, worry not. Non-Wi-Fi security cameras can serve you as efficiently as their WiFi counterparts. These cameras record feeds on a hard drive or a micro-SD, so instead of watching live streams you download footage into a device like a computer and watch what has already transpired.

4G LTE Cellular Security Camera with SIM Card,Wireless Camera No Wi-Fi

By Shape

Are you looking for a security camera in a specific shape? We got you covered. Here are the different shapes of security systems in the market and how each best fits its role:

Bullet

These are mostly wireless cameras. They are a perfect choice for securing your room corners as they have a wider coverage.

 2 Pack GOAOFOEOI 1080P WiFi Full Metal Case Cameras for Home Security Outdoor Waterproof Bullet Camera

Dome

Looking for a camera to install on your ceiling? Dome-shaped cameras are a good pick. Though slightly harder to install, their spherical design offers an extensive field of view that other cameras.

ZOSI Dome Camera Outdoor

 

Turret/Eyeball

Turret cameras tend to look like dome-shaped systems. They offer the best view and coverage options as you can position them at any angle within your home.

Amcrest UltraHD 4K (8MP) Outdoor Security IP Turret PoE Camera

Pan, Tilt, or Zoom

Cameras with pan, tilt, or zoom options give you the freedom to adjust the view. You can comfortably see whatever you want by applying the panning, tilting, and zooming options.

EZVIZ Outdoor Camera Pan/Tilt/Zoom Security Cam

By Recording

Where and how you desire your home system to record footage influences the type of camera you should purchase. The most common options include:

Digital Video Recorders (DVR)

These are normally analog cameras that do not rely on an internet connection. They are majorly wired security systems that connect a hard drive through coaxial cables to help you transfer stored footage.

ZOSI H.265+1080p Home Security Camera System

Network Video Recorders (NVR)

NVR cameras are mostly WiFi-enabled which can either be wired or wireless. They also use hard drives to store video just like the DVR cameras.

Hiseeu All-in-One Security System

Cloud Computing

Cameras rely on could computing, and have footage recorded off-site via a cloud server of your camera. The good thing with these cameras is that the footage is stored for a long and can be accessed any time so long as you have an internet connection.

Home Security Camera Guide: How to Choose the Best Home Security Camera System

When you are shopping around for the best home security camera system, take into account the following factors.

1. Usage

The primary thing to consider is usage. Determine where you want to use the camera and choose a model that is best suited for that environment. It could be indoors or outdoors on the front door or backyard.

Still, on usage, determine if you want a camera that provides the basic functions of monitoring your home or more. A tip is to get a device with more than monitoring functionality to get greater value for your money.

2. Camera Quality

You will want to buy a home security camera that utilizes the best camera quality possible. When you are making your selection, here are the important camera features you should consider.

  • Resolution can make or break a home security camera. We recommend a device with high resolution at least 1080p for facial recognition
  • Field of View. Field of view refers to the area the camera covers at a go. The larger the field of view, the broader the area it covers, and vice versa
  • Night Vision. You need a home security camera that performs reliably in all light settings. Cameras that have built-in infrared LED light capture clear footage, even in pitch-black darkness
  • Mobile App Integration. Mobile app integration is another thing that the camera should have. This feature is essential for remote viewing

3. Storage Options

It is also important to consider the storage options that the home security camera offers. Most of the modern cameras available on the market today have SD cards, dedicated digital video recorders (DVR), or cloud storage as their storage options. Any of the three storage options is sufficient for both indoor and outdoor use. However, cloud storage in most cases requires a monthly subscription.

4. Motion Detection

The next important thing to take into account is motion detection. For a home security camera to function efficiently, it should detect human motion and send an alert instantly to your smartphone. In case of an intruder, you will have enough time to defend and protect yourself and your loved ones.

5. Two Way Audio

Modern-day home security cameras come with built-in cameras and microphones that you can use to communicate with someone near the camera. This is extremely useful in a home with babies or pets. It also comes in handy for deterring intruders.

6. Budget

Lastly in our home security camera buying guide, we have the budget. The cost of the best home security cameras varies from one product to the other depending on several things like the technology incorporated, features, and brand.

With the varying price range, you are assured of a camera that fits your budget. So, factor in how much you want to spend and then focus on finding a product that aligns with your needs.

FAQs: Home Security Camera Guide 

1. Which is better, a wired or wireless home security camera?

The choice between a wired and wireless home security camera largely depends on personal preference. Wireless cameras have the benefit of being easy to set up. However, they are more prone to interference.

Wired home security cameras on the other hand are less prone to interference. But they have a more complex setup process and you have to hire a professional to do it.

2. Do I need security cameras with night vision?

Yes. Whether you are in the market for an indoor or outdoor home security camera, it is important to get a product with effective night vision functionality. With such a camera, you are assured of convenient monitoring 24/7.

3. Can I access my security camera footage remotely?

Absolutely. The mobile app integration that most modern security camera systems have enables easy remote access to your home and its premises through a web portable or a smartphone. This means that even when you are on the go, you can check live footage and recordings and be aware of what’s happening in your home.

Final Words

We hope that our comprehensive home security camera guide has given you all the insights you need to make the right purchase. Remember that where you purpose to install the security cameras plays a big role in determining the models that you get. We also recommend that you read the reviews from other buyers to make a wise and informed decision.