The Homeowners Guide to Security Camera Systems for Home

Keeping your loved ones and your property safe is a priority that requires proper planning and investment in the right technology and tools.

If you’re in the market for home security cameras, you’re in the right place. We’ll walk you through everything you need to know to keep your home safe. From the best security cameras for sale, to how to pick the right one for your specific needs.

5 Important Reasons to Invest in a Security Camera System   

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Despite data from the FBI showing that burglaries have decreased in recent years, it’s still advisable to invest in a security camera system for your home. Here are X reasons why:

1. Protect Your Home and Family from Intruders

One of the most significant benefits of security cameras is that they’re great for keeping your family safe. Modern cameras are not just recording devices that offer passive security. They are also capable of being proactive by detecting individual risks and interpreting and quickly highlighting security issues.

2. Deter Crime Before it Happens

Another advantage of investing in security cameras for your home is that they deter crime. The sight of a camera watching your property is enough to make miscreants wary and move on to another target.

3. Save on Insurance

Many insurance companies offer reduced rates for homeowners who have invested in beefing up the security of their homes. This is usually because the chances of burglary are lower for such properties. 

4. Increase the Value of Your Property

Besides the savings you make on insurance, another financial benefit of surveillance cameras is that they increase the value of your property. Research shows that security cameras topped the list of smart tech people look for when buying a house. 

5. Easily Check-in On Kids and Pets Remotely

Missing your kids or pets as you’re away?

Security cameras can help you keep in touch with them when you’re at work or even out of town. Particularly if you use IP cameras that connect to the internet, you can monitor your home and check that your kids and pets are safe (and not up to mischief).

Features to Look for in a Home Security Camera System

Not all home camera systems are designed the same. As you search the market for the best home camera system, you’ll probably be bewildered by the myriad of options out there. To help you choose on the right system, here are a few features you must look out for:

Fast Motion Activation 

A good home security camera should be sensitive to motion. It shouldn’t hesitate to start recording when any movement is detected.

High Resolution 

Higher-resolution security cameras capture more detail, enabling you to have a clearer picture of what’s happening. Thankfully, today’s security cameras offer resolutions as high as 4K. Check out our HD IP cameras to get a better idea of what these are like.

Night Vision 

Because most break-ins happen at night, excellent night vision is an essential feature to look for in a home surveillance camera. While the range may vary (from about 30 feet to 300 feet), look for a security camera with a night vision range of at least 50 feet. Besides range, color night vision is also a great feature to have.

Wide Field of View 

Security cameras with a wide field of view mean you’ll need fewer cameras to cover your property. It also ensures that the possibilities of having blind spots are reduced. For best results, consider cameras with a field of view between 130 and 180 degrees.

Built-in Audio

Besides allowing you to see what’s happening, a good home security camera also allows you to hear what’s going on. Opt for two-way audio as it allows you to talk through your camera to whoever is on your property.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

While motion detectors are great, they often lead to false alarms. This is where AI comes to the rescue. Home security cameras with AI use machine learning to familiarize themselves with people that regularly visit your home. They’re also capable of differentiating between people, animals, and objects, thereby reducing the number of false alarms.

Smartphone Compatible

Another excellent feature to look for in a surveillance camera is the ability to connect to your smartphone. This allows your security camera to send you updates on what’s happening on your property. You can also access your security camera’s feed through your smartphone.

Storage Type

Most modern cameras store their footage in the cloud. This is a popular option, but not always safe or convenient. If you don’t have your computer available, if you have slow internet speed or your network is down for any reason you can not access important footage.

Internet Connectivity

The best type of cameras you can get are those that can connect to the internet via wifi. Called IP cameras, these allow you to access the feed remotely as well as monitor your home from anywhere and at any time. 

How to Pick the Perfect Home Security Camera System

With so many features available, how do you pick the perfect home security camera system for your home?

It all depends on what you really need. Here are a few pointers to help you out:

Consider the Features You Need Most

You’ve probably noticed that there are a gazillion features to choose from when looking for a security camera. To make it easier, create a checklist of the most important features you need in a surveillance system and look for a camera that ticks most of the boxes. 

Budget

One of the first ports of call when deciding on the right camera for you is your budget. How much you spend on your home security cameras will depend on several factors including the number and types of cameras among other things.

Determine Which Parts of Your Home You Want to Protect

Do you need cameras to monitor inside or outside your house? Or perhaps you need to protect both. The answer to this question is crucial as the location of the camera will determine the type you get. For example, if you’re setting up outdoor security cameras, they’ll have to be weatherproof and feature a rugged build. On the other hand, internal cameras are designed to be more aesthetically pleasing to add to your home’s interior decor.

Ready to buy a home surveillance system?

Then check out our security cameras for sale and pick the one that best suits your needs.