Security Surveillance Cameras | How To Get Started

Brian F.
image of white security camera on a dark grey building

Even a single home security camera can be a powerful force against burglars. Just the sight of security cameras might scare off an intruder because criminals don't want to be seen or leave behind evidence. If your home is burglarized, security cameras can help police identify and find the burglar.

WHY DO YOU NEED SECURITY CAMERAS?

There are two main situations where you'll need a security camera: when you're at home and away. In both cases, there are a variety of ways that security cameras can make life a little easier and safer.

They're not just for peace of mind. Studies show that burglars take into account many or even one outdoor camera when choosing a house to rob. Most of the time, they're deterred and will leave your home alone.

WIFI cameras are more versatile than even that. You can use them inside as nanny cameras when you're away. Video recording lets you check in whenever you like and document anything concerning.

There are many reasons you would use home security cameras on your property.

WHEN YOU'RE HOME

See who is at the front door from any room in your house. (This is incredibly convenient at night or when you're not on the first floor.)

WIFI security cameras make it easy to check the door without ever having to leave your bed. It's easy, quick, and less dangerous than opening the door without knowing who is on the other side.

YOU MAY NOT THINK YOU NEED SURVEILLANCE CAMERAS WHEN YOU'RE AT HOME, BUT YOU'D BE SURPRISED HOW USEFUL THEY CAN BE

  • Use it as a video baby monitor.
  • Know what's happening with all family members throughout the house, and monitor areas off-limits, like the workshop or cleaning supply closet.
  • Care more easily for an elderly family member by setting up a camera in the area where they spend the most time. You can watch them from another room or while away from home.
  • Identify the creepy noise coming from downstairs without even getting out of bed. If you hear suspicious noises in your home, especially at odd hours, check the indoor cameras to see what is happening before going directly to the noise source.

    WHEN YOU'RE AWAY

    Security cameras aren't just for catching burglars in the act - they can give you peace of mind regarding your family, kids, and property by letting you see what's happening at all times.

    • Catch a burglar or intruder on tape while they try to break in.
    • Check on the pets while you're away.
    • Know when the kids come home from school.
    • See what's going on if your alarm sounds and you're out; then determine whether it's a false alarm or something more serious.
    • Keep an eye on the nanny or babysitter while you're away.
    • Watch for any suspicious behavior around your house. This may include strangers who have been lingering or scoping out your home.
    • Check on the maintenance crew or anyone working on or around the home when you're not there.

      TYPES OF SECURITY SURVEILLANCE CAMERAS

      There is a wide variety of security camera systems, each serving a different purpose. There are security cameras for nearly every scenario, from fixed to pan and tilt, night vision, and motion detection cameras.

      When researching security cameras, remember that many will have compound features, for example: "outdoor, night vision, pan and tilt cameras" or "fixed, dome IP cameras." The list below will help you understand your camera options.

      HERE ARE THE MOST COMMON SECURITY CAMERAS ON THE MARKET TODAY

      FIXED LENS SECURITY CAMERAS

      A fixed camera is a general-purpose camera that does not move, change direction, or zoom.

      PAN-TILT-ZOOM SECURITY CAMERAS - PTZ

      Pan and tilt cameras can be adjusted quickly, change direction, zoom, and even lock in on and follow a moving object that shouldn't be in an area - depending on the model you buy.

      PTZ cameras can spin and angle up and down due to a motorized mount, and many security companies allow you to remotely control where the camera looks from your smartphone or another web-enabled device.

      WIRELESS SECURITY CAMERAS

      These days, most security cameras are wireless. Wireless cameras connect to your security system through an internet connection and are very easy to set up. Usually, you can customize your wireless security cameras and control them from a smartphone or computer. The benefit of wireless security cameras is that they do not have to be wired into the home to communicate with the alarm system.

      NIGHT VISION SECURITY CAMERAS

      Night vision cameras use infrared technology to illuminate poorly lit areas and record footage at night. This is especially useful for outdoor cameras where you may not control the amount of light in the area.

      EXTERIOR OR OUTDOOR SECURITY CAMERAS

      Exterior cameras likely have night vision elements and are weather-proof. These cameras are essential for observing who is at the door without opening it and seeing what is happening outside your home or business.

      MOTION DETECTION SURVEILLANCE CAMERAS

      Motion detection cameras can start recording or taking pictures when they sense movement, so you don't record hours of useless footage. Some motion detection cameras, like pan and tilt, can lock in on a moving object and follow it.

      DUMMY SECURITY CAMERAS

      Fake cameras may scare potential burglars away by giving the impression that intruders are being watched. They're a cheap alternative to actual cameras, but a phony camera may not give you the same peace of mind as a functioning camera.

      HIDDEN SECURITY CAMERAS

      Hidden or covert cameras, also known as nanny-cams, can be concealed in secret places (bookshelf, cookie jar, centerpiece, etc.) and used to spy on or catch behavior that might be hard to detect otherwise. Keep an eye on your babysitter or watch your kids when they are alone to ensure everything is alright.

      The best security cameras are the ones that go unnoticed and can work unhindered.

      DOME SECURITY CAMERAS

      These cameras are dome-shaped and often used indoors. Some dome cameras have infrared lighting and can be designed to be tamper-proof. Dome cameras can have features like pan-tilt-zoom, but most have fixed lenses.

      Some even have a tinted dome shielding the camera, and most people cannot tell if it is currently facing them.

      IP CAMERA, NETWORK OR WEBCAM

      An Internet Protocol camera is a digital video camera that sends and receives data via a computer network or broadband connection. Most cameras with this capability are called webcams - however, the names 'IP Camera' or 'Netcam' are generally used when talking about surveillance cameras specifically.

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