Know before buying a HOME Camera, lest you should remorse later

Know before buying a HOME Camera, lest you should remorse later

Home Camera are security devices that you install and monitor by yourself instead of paying a security agency to do it for you. With an extensive array of options to choose from, buying a HOME Camera can often be intimidating. After all, you must choose the right device for your home which must cater to your requirements. Let us look at the home camera buying guide for 2022.

Types of home security cameras

There are three types of home security cameras available today:

1. Wireless cameras

• Can be installed indoors. Weatherproof models can be installed outdoors.
• Connects to the home network and sends you notifications on your remote device.
• Available in both plugged and battery-operated variants.
• The feed can be stored on a memory card or in the cloud.

2. Video doorbells

• They are home security cameras installed in a doorbell.
• Depending on the model, it can be plugged in or run on battery power.
• Upon detecting motion, the home or office owner is notified on their smartphone.
• Video doorbells have a two-way audio system allowing the user to communicate without opening the door.
• Some models store the feed on a memory card. Most models upload data to the cloud.

3. Floodlight cameras

• It is a home security camera with bright LED lights and sirens.
• Most floodlight camera models need to be plugged in to make the flashlight work.
• Floodlight cameras feature a two-way audio system allowing users to communicate with the individual(s) at the door.

Home security camera buying guide

1. Type of camera

Depending on where you want to install your HOME Camera, the camera type will vary. There are various types of home cameras available such as the 4G camera, Edge AI camera, Thermal camera, etc. For outdoor solutions, you will have to choose between wireless, video doorbell and floodlight camera options. These tips will help you choose the right camera for your home:

• Front and backdoors will require a video doorbell.
• Other locations of the property will require a wireless camera.
• Consider installing a weatherproof camera if you intend to install it outdoors.

2. Cloud storage

The home camera seller should notify you of the various cloud storage plans available before you purchase one. A good idea would be to enquire about the free storage that comes with the camera too.

3. Privacy

Home cameras offer peace of mind. However, since they are connected to the internet, it might be possible for the manufacturer or anyone else to peek at the feed as well. To protect your privacy:

• Create a strong username with a difficult password.
• Opt for two-factor authentication if possible. Each time you login, you will receive a one-time passcode on your registered device. This will prevent hackers from accessing your system feeds as they cannot proceed without the authentication passcode.

4. Power source

There are two power sources available for home cameras:

• Battery operated: Can run out of power but more flexibility with placement.
• Plugged in: Constant source of electricity but restrictions in terms of placement.

The type of power source you require may limit the buying options you may have, especially if you wish to install a video doorbell for your home.

Do-not-miss features while buying a home camera

There are many varieties of home cameras to choose from which provide a multitude of features. Some offer thermal vision while some offer 4K quality feeds. However, regardless of which type of home camera you intend to buy, these are some features that must be present in one today:

• Night vision(coloured): Ensuring that the home camera has coloured night vision is a good idea. Cheaper home cameras provide standard night vision whereas the premium variants offer coloured night vision that can provide more safety.
  
  
• Resolutions: While many home cameras offer resolutions up to 4K, the storage space required by files increases too. This can considerably drive up cloud storage fees.
  
  
• Smartphone application: Most home camera systems are compatible with online platforms. Do verify that they have a smartphone application too.
  
  
• Motion detection: This feature is heavily reliant on high-speed Wi-Fi. However, it should not be compromised. With this feature, the camera will be able to track anything that moves around it with its sensors.
  
  
• Compatibility: Ensure that the home camera is compatible with other devices such as the speakers, smartphones and displays which show instant notifications. This is important since the camera will be used on a long-term basis.
  
  
• Alarm system: The security system you buy must preferably have a built-in alarm system that can prevent intruders from carrying out their tasks.
  
  
• Two-way audio: This is an important feature that allows the homeowner to communicate with someone on the outside just as they would on a normal phone call. It keeps them secure since they will not have to open the door for uninvited guests.
  
  
• Tilt pan and zoom features: These features assist the HOME Camera in recording more areas of the space it is installed in. With motion tracking features, the camera can be controlled remotely and different surroundings can be monitored.
  
  
• Field of View (FOV): Consider buying a home camera that provides enhanced FOV. Do note, it is not the same as cameras that offer a 360 degree view. With an enhanced FOV, the camera is simply able to cover more ground. Most cameras with an enhanced FOV provide a minimum FOV of 110 degrees.
  
  
• Advanced detection features: Some cameras sound the alarms even if it is not a human intruder; that can be quite unpleasant! Home cameras with advanced detection can easily distinguish between different animals, noises, smoke and gas.

Conclusion:

Home cameras are an integral part of home security. With a variety of features, a home camera can put off intruders too. This guide will assist homeowners in buying a home camera in 2022.