What to look for in a home security camera system

Statistics suggest a burglary is committed every 40 seconds so it is no surprise that wireless security cameras have become a popular security asset for homeowners across the United Kingdom. The purpose of a CCTV security camera is to provide you with the peace of mind that everything is okay at home even while you are not there – they can be used to deter crime or simply keep an eye on your property throughout the day. It is hard to know what to look for in a home security camera system, especially if you have never purchased one before. However, with a bit of well-informed research upfront, then the buying process can be made simple.

Determine your budget

Like with anything, you must establish a budget. The pricing of CCTV security camera systems will vary depending on the type of system and features that they offer. Luckily, the pricing of these cameras are much more affordable than they used to be and we are moving away from the myth that only the rich can have them installed – this is due to recent advancements in technology. There are a wide range of camera systems available so it is vital you establish exactly what you are looking for – your budget is going to play a huge factor in deciding the best one for your security needs. It is also important to keep in mind that great models can be found at low prices, so it is always worth doing in-depth research – don’t just choose the first one you see.

Run a risk assessment

The placement of your cameras is vital; you need to identify all areas that an intruder could gain access into your property. It can be hard to know where you need them installed, so for more information and advice regarding installation you can take a look at our blog. When looking to buy home security cameras, you also need to establish whether you are looking for outdoor or indoor cameras (or both).  Outdoor cameras such as CCTV security systems are weatherproof, enabling them to operate in all conditions. The key thing to remember is that proper planning and risk identification are some of the main things that will go into your final decision.

Choose your power source

There are two main variations of security cameras – wireless and wired. You just have to decide which will work best for you. A wireless system will be connected to a power source via a cable and connect wirelessly to your existing wifi network. Whereas a wired system is connected to a power source and wifi using a cable – as you can see the differences aren’t too complicated. With a wireless system, batteries can also be used as both a primary source of power and a backup if needed. In addition, the footage they record is also transmitted from the camera to the recorder wirelessly.

Look at the features they offer

Each camera will be different and the features that you require will solely depend on your security needs. It is vital to understand your requirements and choose the features that you feel will benefit you the most. There are a few key things to look out for. These can include; night vision, high quality video recording, audio/two-way recording, motion detection and user friendly applications. Let’s take a deeper look into the benefits of each of these features.

Night vision

Some cameras are able to switch between night and day mode which means it will be capturing the best footage at all times. In most cases, a device will use either LED lights, infrared or a combination of the two in order to do this.

High quality recording

This is one of the most important things to consider – especially if you need to identify someone. You want the best resolution possible so that – if the worst were to happen – you can provide clear evidence and catch the offender. It is recommended not to go lower than full-HD just to ensure the images are clear and easy to see.

Audio recording/ two way recording

There are two types of communication. If you are just looking to be able to hear what is going on in your home, the audio recording will be suitable for you. However, if you want to be able to hear and communicate back to those in the house, then it’s best to choose a two-way recording system.

User friendly applications

By using a camera system that comes with a user-friendly app, it means you will be able to monitor things from your phone, making it much easier to live-stream footage or review any recordings that have been taken. You will need to check, however, whether or not this feature comes as a standard or for an additional fee.

Motion detection

Motion detection is possibly one of the most crucial features to look out for. This is where the camera will start a recording as soon as any motion is detected; this will then send an alert to your phone so you are aware of what is going on. One of the great things is that you can set it up so this is active when you and your family aren’t at home – otherwise you’ll be getting those alerts every time someone comes through the front door.

It is easy to see that there are many different things to consider when looking for a home security camera system. They are there for your protection and safety so it is vital you are thoroughly researching and spending time deciding what features are going to benefit you the most – remember, everyone will be different. By implementing the points above, the process of choosing will become a lot more straightforward than if you are going in head first without any guidance.

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Here at SecurePro, we offer a range of comprehensive, high-quality CCTV packages as well as a host of security services. Our expert team is always on hand to help with any queries or to give more information regarding how we can keep you safe. Contact us today on 01384 378300 to speak to one of our team members in confidence.