Picking the Best Security Camera for Your Needs

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Last Updated on October 13, 2021

Outdoor cameras can withstand the elements but might require periodic battery recharges and an electrical outlet. Indoor cameras allow you to watch over your home, but they cannot be used to catch package thieves. 

Additionally, you can use doorbell cameras to appear home when you aren’t. 

Security Camera: Choose the Best for Your Needs

Here are some of our favorite ways to use security cameras, and how to pick the right cameras for your needs. 

Note That: A few states restrict the use of biometric technology such as facial recognition, an option some cameras smart feature, so check your local laws before getting one.

      1. Defending against criminal activity

An outdoor camera provides you with peace of mind regarding what’s happening around your house. Look for a camera that can record lengthy recordings and doesn’t have a lack of video between clippings – a common mistake. 

Night vision camera is also important, and an adjustable motion sensitivity will reduce nuisance smartphone alerts. 

You may want to consider a camera with a rechargeable battery if you do not have an outdoor outlet or and don’t want your property theft. 

However, keep in mind that the camera would need to be changed frequently if there was a lot going on.

     2. Keeping watch over your pets

There are some pets who suffer from separation anxiety, and then there are pets who just love to eat socks, trash, and anything else that isn’t encased in concrete. 

The wide range viewing angle of an indoor security camera allows you to see what your pets are doing while you’re away. Two-way audio is also available on plenty of security cameras, so you can yell at them to get up from the couch.

       3. Monitoring the children

Even though this may sound Orwellian, indoor cameras can keep an eye on your kids by letting you know (via smartphone alerts) when motion is detected, for example when kids come and go from school because of the cameras with smartphone apps. You just need to point the camera at the door(entranceway monitoring).

Using two-way audio cameras, you can greet them (and remind them about their homework and other chores), while using additional features like facial recognition devices, you can differentiate between family members and the dog walker. 

Unless you plan to watch alerts 24/7, it’s a smart idea to keep some type of video clip storage.

      4. The monitoring station in a remote area

People with vacation homes or larger properties can 24-hour monitoring their surroundings with outdoor cameras to catch prowlers, raccoons, and storm damage in real-time. Taking a camera to your elderly parent’s house may also be a good idea (with their permission, of course). 

When you choose an indoor device, be sure to get one that can show live video and let you hear two-way audio, so you can talk to your parents.

      5. Screening incoming guests

Do you want to know who goes there? 

When you have a doorbell camera, you can see who’s at your doorstep, no matter how far away you are. Doorbell cameras can also alert you to motion or ringing if they detect movement, so you can respond to the visitor accordingly-he would not know whether you were home or not. 

When you’re worried that you may miss someone if you can’t answer the connected smartphone alert, consider a camera that automatically saves recordings to the cloud so you can access them remotely.

      6. Catching porch pirates

With a doorbell camera, you can keep an eye on deliveries to your porch as you can be notified whenever something arrives or even speak directly with the delivery person. 

You should find a camera that has a motion sensor(and that can be adjusted so that it doesn’t generate nuisance alerts) since delivery drivers don’t always ring the bell. 

The main disadvantage of this type of camera is that it provides a relatively limited view since it is designed to patrol your front door area.

Conclusion

Picking the Best Security Camera for Your NeedsThere are various options available when you want to go for a security camera. You should broadly research on what type of camera meets your requirement better.In order to have a wider viewing angle or to cover a specific area of your houses, such as the driveway, the back door, or the side, you might want to add an outdoor camera.

Olivia Bouler

From a young age, camera's fascinated me. My dad gave me my first Canon when I was seven, and since then I've tried to improve my craft. As a young Ornithologist and photographer, I travel a lot and love to bring a camera with me. I love the feeling of capturing a moment that can never be repeated and providing someone with a memento of a time or place.