Using the growing market of connected home security cameras, it’s easier than ever to keep an eye on what is happening at home. These streaming video cameras can connect to your WiFi network to send alerts and video clips to your smartphone. This allows you to monitor activity even when you aren’t there. Many models have floodlights and spotlights that can be used to shine a light on anyone who is trying to steal your camera.
The Security Camera Options
You can set up home security camera yourself, so you don’t have to hire a security company. You can save money on installation and monitoring fees but you will lose a 24/7 response team if you do it yourself. It’s up to you to decide if professional monitoring is better for you or self-monitoring via alerts and video feeds. If you are interested in a professionally monitored security system for your home, we recommend our DIY security system ratings. These ratings include many models that come with professional monitoring.
There are two types of these cameras: wireless security cameras and video doorsbells. Wireless security cameras can connect to WiFi and can either be powered by a rechargeable battery or plugged in for power. The term “wireless”, in the name of these cameras, refers to WiFi only. Some models can also be charged with small solar panels that can keep the battery from running out during the day.
Video doorbells provide all the security features of a wireless camera, but also alert you when someone rings the bell. They do double duty. If you have a security camera that covers your front door, you don’t need a video doorbell. Because traditional doorbells are powered by low-voltage wiring, there is enough power to run a video doorbell.
A third type of security camera, floodlight security cams, has been growing in popularity. These devices combine a wireless camera with bright lights and a floodlight, allowing you to monitor outdoor areas more effectively at night.
These new security cameras offer more convenience than ever, but they are not perfect. Most models that we tested didn’t provide the same high-definition video quality promised by their manufacturers in all circumstances. Many models charge monthly fees to access the most important features such as cloud video storage or monitoring zones. This allows you to focus on, or ignore, motion in a specific area of the camera’s field of vision.
This doesn’t mean that home security cameras cannot provide peace of mind. They can let you know if your children arrived safely at school, if the dog walker turned up on time, and if a UPS parcel was delivered. Software updates keep these cameras updated with new features such as facial recognition and package detection.
It can be difficult to choose the right model and feature from so many options. We break down everything you need in order to choose the best security camera for your home.
