Whether you’re a newcomer to the McDonough, GA area or if you’ve lived here your entire life, home security is something that you want to make sure is at your top priority.
With the increase in technology and decrease in cost for such smart home devices as safety cameras and home alarm systems, there has never been a better time than now to invest in your security. While these systems require an initial investment, they will come back ten-fold when you need them most.
One of the first things people think about when purchasing home security products and services is which items they should get? What type of camera they should get: indoor vs. outdoor? Which one can transmit images via Wi-Fi? Can I view this from my phone? Are the components waterproof?
Let’s dive right into the article and tackle some of these questions.
Home Security Cameras
Security cameras are the most popular of all home security devices. They are easy to install, they transmit images via Wi-Fi, and you can view them from your smartphone.
Some of the benefits of home security cameras include:
- Keep burglars away. The presence of cameras can scare away potential burglars
- Keep an eye on your pets, kids, or elderly parents while you are away
- You can confirm who is at your front door before you open it
- Know when someone is stealing packages off of your doorstep
- Watch what’s happening while away from home (work, vacation, etc.)
Like all equipment, security cameras also come with different specifications depending on your needs and budget.
To get a security camera that meets your needs, you need to answer certain questions. Some of these questions include:
Do I want a specific type of image sensor?
Most modern-day home video monitoring systems utilize either CMOS or CCD image sensors. Both have their distinct advantages and disadvantages.
For instance, CCD image sensors offer better image quality and higher resolution than CMOS image sensors, but they also consume more power.
On the other hand, CMOS image sensors consume less power and give you better low-light sensitivity. But, they yield lower resolution images along with poor color reproduction.
At the end of the day, though, it doesn’t matter what type of image sensor your IP camera utilizes, as long as it suits your needs. you
What is the viewing angle of my security camera?
The viewing angle determines how large or small an area you can monitor with your camera by simply looking at it via your smartphone. If your camera’s view is too narrow, you will not see what is happening within its range.
On the other hand, if your cameras’ view is too broad, you will get images that are out of focus and contain unnecessary details that you won’t need. The average home surveillance system has a 180-degree field of view lens, ensuring all areas in front of the camera are within range.
Talk to an expert if you are unsure of what to choose.
Do I want night vision?
Outdoor home security cameras have built-in infrared illuminators. These allow them to produce clear images in complete darkness as long as a light source is nearby. With this feature, you can see who is stealing your packages or if someone is lurking around your property at night.
Will I want to view the footage from my phone?
The majority of home surveillance systems today can be viewed directly from a smartphone. This makes it easier for you to keep an eye on things while away from home. You can simply set up your security cameras and then connect to them via Wi-Fi remotely from almost anywhere in the world with internet access.
Where do I want to place my security camera?
Indoor vs. outdoor: security cameras can be placed anywhere, but there are special types of cameras for each area. Outdoor home security cameras face the elements and need to be waterproof. Indoor security cameras can be anything from a basic wired or wireless smart camera that allows you to view images on your phone via Wi-Fi, all the way up to an indoor security camera capable of giving you round-the-clock surveillance with pan/tilt/zoom capabilities.
This brings us to the two main types of home security cameras: outdoor vs. indoor. Let’s look at each individually.
Outdoor Home Security Cameras
These are pretty self-explanatory; they are security cameras installed outside. Some of their outstanding features include:
Weatherproof: Outdoor security cameras are specifically designed to withstand all kinds of weather. The best outdoor home security cameras can also be used for indoor and outdoor surveillance, making them versatile.
Image Quality: Outdoor security cameras typically have higher resolutions than indoor ones, and they use powerful lenses to produce clear images even under low light conditions or at night. Some of the best home security systems include the AXIS M1145 Network Camera.
Ease-of-use: The best outdoor home security cameras are pretty easy to set up and install. You can choose a DIY installation or go with professional installation for best results.
Indoor Home Security Cameras
Suppose you want to monitor what’s happening inside your house around the clock while away; an indoor security camera is what you need.
Indoor cameras vary in features, but most allow for live streaming directly on your phone via wifi or internet connection.
Some other functionalities that many indoor security cameras have today include
- Two-way communication (so that the person monitoring the camera can communicate with people in front of it)
- Pan/tilt/zoom capabilities (which allow for remote surveillance), different recording modes
- Alerts when there’s movement detected
- And the ability to link several cameras together (to get a wider view of your home).
Two main advantages of indoor security cameras are:
Price Range – indoor home security systems cost less than $100. The more you pay, the higher quality your images will be. If you want pan/tilt/zoom capabilities, wireless connectivity, remote streaming on your smartphone, and high-resolution recordings, you need to expect to spend a few dollars over $300.
Number of Cameras per Package – As with outdoor security cameras, different indoor security systems come in various packages. Some popular choices include an 8-channel system or a 16-channel system. These allow for multiple cameras to have complete surveillance around every corner in your home.
How Do They Compare?
It all boils down to what you want from your surveillance system. If it’s round-the-clock monitoring that you’re after, then an outdoor home security camera would be best because of its adaptability and flexibility.
On the other hand, if seeing your property clearly isn’t a problem, and you just want something affordable that can help prevent theft or burglary attempts, then an indoor security camera is a way to go.
Other Home Security Equipment
Home security cameras are just a tiny part of a home security system. There are other devices you need to install on the outside of your property and around your house so that you gain complete video surveillance coverage. Such equipment includes
- Motion detector or sensors. These are placed inside your home or near the doors, windows, and other entry points. When they are triggered by movement in front of them, they set off an alarm that alerts both you and the police department.
- Door/Window Sensors: These devices are mostly used to secure your home’s entrances because when a door or window is opened without authorization, they set off the alarm system.
- Remote panic buttons: These are typically worn around the neck or on the person’s belt-line. They can be used to alert you in an emergency like a home invasion.
- Burglar/Fire alarms: These devices are security products that anyone can use- whether they have a home security system or not. They are very affordable and can be the difference between life and death in certain emergencies.
- Passive infrared sensors: They detect heat signatures, so they can set off a recording when someone or an animal passes in front of them.
- Infrared beams: These are used in conjunction with motion sensors and can also be used on their own, especially if you only want to monitor a specific area.
- Strobe lights: They trigger when someone triggers a motion sensor or an infrared beam and produce bright flashes that deter intruders from entering your home,
Final Thoughts!
Home security systems are not just about installing cameras at your place. You need several other components to have complete surveillance of your property and the surroundings. The good news is the components are available in one package, so you don’t have to go around looking for different products.
If you live in McDonough, GA, and surrounding areas, our experts at Smart Output Protection are always available to help you keep your home safe.
We specialize in all home security services, including: home security companies
Security Camera Systems and Video Doorbell Cameras
- Smart home security system installation
- CCTV camera setup and adjustment
- Video surveillance system setup and maintenance and more
Burglar Alarm Systems
- Installing and maintaining security systems
- Burglar and anti-theft systems, motion detection systems, other alarm systems
- Security camera installation, doorbell cameras, smart locks, and surveillance cameras
- Wi-Fi Garage door controller and home automation
- Professional monitoring services
