Important features to consider when buying a security camera (2024 Guide)

Important features to consider when buying a security camera 2024

Security cameras are no longer just for recording criminal activity; they can also be used to keep an eye on your pets, children, or elderly family members while you’re away. There are many different uses of security cameras. Whether you’re looking to keep your home safe or protect your business and valuable property, it’s important to do your research and make sure you get a camera that has the features you need. In this blog post, we’ll outline some of the most important features to consider when buying a security camera so that you can avail all the advantages that security cameras offer. Keep reading to learn more!

1. Resolution

Higher resolutions provide greater detail and clarity when viewing footage. Some cameras come with a 1080p or 4K tag on them, however, they will give good results only when your WiFi is at its fastest speed. Resolution becomes more important for certain security cameras that are intended to take footage of strangers. For instance, in peephole cameras where you need to know who visits you, make sure to purchase a camera with a resolution of at least 720p HD for optimal performance. Whereas other security cameras with small form factors such as hidden security cameras may not give you crisp pictures even in HD because of the smaller sensors. So, it’s important to consider higher resolutions like 1080p full HD in that case. We, therefore, recommend you check the camera reviews before buying it.

2. Field of View

The field of view determines how much of the surrounding area the camera can see. And it is one of the most important features to consider when buying a security camera. A wide-angle lens will give you a better view of your surroundings, while a narrower angle lens will give you a more focused view. In indoor home security cameras installed may manage with a focused lens, however, security cameras in big dorms and offices need to have a wider field of you to give you coverage. Similarly, 360-degree dash cams are getting famous for in-car security systems recently because of their wide-angle view and better coverage.

3. Pan/Tilt/Zoom

To compensate for a narrower field of view, some security cameras come with a pan/tilt/zoom function. PTZ allows you to remotely control the camera’s angles and zoom in on specific areas to gather details. This functionality is great for outdoor home security cameras where you need to keep an eye on large backyard or other property.

4. Night Vision

Cameras with night vision can capture footage in low light or dark environments. This is an important feature to look for if you plan to use your camera outdoors or in areas with limited lighting. Night vision is quite standard in home security cameras now and the infrared technology works great. However, some cameras come with colored night vision, instead of the common black and white night vision, to give you a better perspective in the dark. Night vision is very important for doorbell cameras especially if the door opens towards the street.

5. Weatherproofing

If you plan to install your camera outdoors, be sure to purchase a model that is weatherproof. This will protect the camera from moisture and other weather-related damage. The most common rating for outdoor security cameras is IP-65, which means they can withstand extreme weather excluding flooding.

6. Storage Capacity

Some security cameras come with built-in storage, while others require an external storage device like a DVR or cloud storage subscription. Make sure to choose a camera that has enough storage capacity to store your footage. Cloud storage allows you for remote viewing of your data from anywhere in the world, however, it comes costly and you need to pay monthly or yearly fees. However, some cameras come with internal storage like microSD cards to store your data on the devices. This is a more cost-effective method as it doesn’t require any subscription or monthly fee. Moreover, your valuable data stays at your home instead of on the internet.

7. Mobile Apps

Many security cameras come with companion mobile apps that allow you to view live footage, playback recorded footage, and adjust camera settings from your smartphone or tablet. Moreover, upon detecting any motion your security camera sends you instant notification on your smartphone app, which allows you to live-stream and talk to the visitor using your security camera’s two-way audio feature. So, make sure to choose a camera that has a user-friendly mobile app for your peace of mind.

8. Two-way audio

Cameras with two-way audio allow you to communicate with people near the camera. This can be useful for home security, baby monitoring, and other purposes. If this is a feature you’re interested in, be sure to choose a camera that comes with good-quality internal microphones and speakers on both ends.

9. Price

Security cameras can vary in price from a few hundred dollars to well over a thousand dollars. Moreover, some cameras may feel inexpensive when they are not. It is because they require you to pay a few dollars upfront for their price but they may require a high-cost monthly or yearly subscription and other maintenance costs like changing batteries, etc. So, make sure to set your budget before shopping for a camera, and be sure to choose a model that fits within your budget.

10. Motion detection

Security cameras with motion detection can send you an email or text message when movement is detected in the camera’s field of view. This is a useful feature for home security and can help you save on storage costs by only recording footage when activity is detected. If this is a feature you’re interested in, be sure to choose a camera that offers it.

11. Other AI features

Some security cameras come with other AI features like facial recognition, person detection, emergency calls, and Alarms and allow you to set detection zones. If these are features you’re interested in, be sure to choose a camera that offers them. However, these features will cost you pay extra. And most cameras will require you to subscribe to their cloud plans to avail of these features.

12. Connectivity

When shopping for a security camera, be sure to consider the connectivity options that are available. There are usually two types of connectivity, wireless and wired. Wireless come with Wi-Fi enabled, while wired models require an Ethernet connection. Both options are good depending on where you are planning on installing your camera. However some highly remote camera systems like cellular trail cameras, which can be both your hunting and security camera, also offer LTE features. So, If you plan to use your camera outdoors, make sure it comes with the required connectivity and weatherproof connectors.

13. Compatibility

It is also important to consider the compatibility of the security camera with your home automation system. Many security cameras come with companion apps that allow you to manage your devices from your smartphone or tablet. If you already have a home automation system, make sure to choose a security camera that is compatible with it. So, that you can manage it with a single phone app. Moreover, it is also important to know about the number of cameras and other devices your app can manage in case you need to expand your home security system in the future.

14. Hard-wired or battery-powered

Another thing you need to consider is whether you want a wired or battery-powered security camera. Wired cameras are typically more reliable and have a longer lifespan than battery-powered cameras, but battery-powered cameras are more portable and can be used in more locations.

So, these are the most important features to consider when buying a security camera. By taking into account these factors, you can be sure to choose the best security camera that meets your needs and fits within your budget.

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