Choosing the Right Home Security Camera – Essential Considerations
When selecting a home security camera, it’s important to consider certain factors for a successful installation and use. Ease of setup and use are crucial, as well as having a design that fits your taste and blend in with your surroundings. It’s also essential to choose a camera that offers reliable device support, so you can easily check in on your home from your phone or web browser while you’re away.
Image Quality
When selecting a home security camera, it’s important to consider the resolution. While most cameras offer 1080p, higher-resolution options (up to 2K) provide clearer zoomed images. Some cameras have optical zoom while others rely on digital zoom that enlarges the recorded image. It’s also crucial to consider the field of view, which varies between 105 to 360 degrees and can be increased with a camera that can pan and tilt. Choose a camera that has a wide field of view if you need to monitor a large area.
Connectivity
Most home security cameras are connected to a Wi-Fi network, but some also have additional means of communication, such as Bluetooth or home automation standards like Zigbee or Z-Wave. Setting up the camera is easy and can be done through a smartphone app. Once connected, you can access live footage or recordings from your smartphone or tablet. Many cameras come with a companion app that manages all the controls and settings. Some cameras offer access via a web portal for added flexibility. Additionally, some new cameras can be controlled through voice commands with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant, or even through IFTTT integrations, allowing interaction with other smart devices and platforms.
Storage
When it comes to storage, most security cameras use cloud services for remote access and to store recordings. However, some models offer the option of saving recordings locally through a microSD card slot. If you are concerned about online security and don’t want to pay a subscription fee, using a microSD card may be a better option.
It’s important to note that cloud service subscriptions vary in their offerings. The amount of recording time they store and the number of cameras you can monitor with a single subscription can differ among companies. Some offer free cloud storage but typically overwrite recordings after a week.
Face Detection
Most security cameras send a notification upon detecting any activity. Some cameras, like Google Nest Cam, use face recognition technology to eliminate false alerts and can send notifications when a known or unknown face enters the field of view. The camera will automatically zoom in on people to identify them.