How to Choose a Security Camera System for Your Home

Home Security Camera Systems

Deelat.com has a myriad of options for video surveillance, so it may be difficult for you to choose the right system for your home. More and more homeowners are opting to install private security networks on their premises to deter theft, monitor child/senior care provider conduct, or just to stay aware of what’s happening on or around their property. Security camera systems are now available for just about every need and budget, and give you the freedom to view video footage from both on-premises Closed Circuit (CCTV) monitors, or remotely over the Internet, as well as record the footage on hard drives or other removable media.

We can help you start your research by asking yourself a few basic questions:

Is the Setting in Bright Light or Low Light?

The overall light level of the environment you’re going to be securing should be a determining factor in your choice of camera. If your video surveillance will be taking place in bright, well-lit areas, your choices have very few limitations, because ample light makes it easy for just about any security camera to capture clear footage.

Alternatively, dim lighting conditions require more consideration, because not every video surveillance camera is built to handle these situations. Look for a camera that has a light sensitivity rating of 1 Lux or lower – it will either be labeled as a Day and Night camera, or will have low-light compatibility among their features. Day/Night video cameras give you the most flexibility, so if your situation needs 24/7 surveillance, go with a Day/Night.

Do you Need Wired or Wireless?

Another major factor in your decision is whether or not you want your security camera to be hardwired or not. Wired surveillance cameras typically send a more solid and secure video signal because they typically have a higher throughput. They usually take more money and effort to install because wiring needs to be run.

On the other hand, wireless cameras can be placed virtually anywhere with ease, because you don’t have to worry about running new cable or patching into existing cable runs. Signal security is also becoming much less of an issue, thanks to ever-improving encryption protocols. The difference between wired and wireless is usually defined by the resolution quality of the footage. Not that wireless does a poor job, but their signals can be interrupted by any number of reasons.

Fixed or Pan/Tilt/Zoom?

If you plan to keep your security camera fixed on one stationary view, or if you would rather have the ability to look around can be an easy factor to determine. If you only need to focus on a certain section of a room, building entrance, or parking area, then a standard-format fixed camera will do just fine. However, if you need the ability to remotely swivel and/or zoom your camera to follow action or cover a wider area, then opt for a Pan-Tilt-Zoom (PTZ) surveillance camera instead.

Unlike fixed cameras, PTZs are designed to freely move their lenses back and forth horizontally (pan), vertically (tilt), and adjust lens focus (zoom). All of this can be controlled, but there are also PTZ cams that can be programmed to automatically pan, tilt and zoom wherever movement is detected.

On-Premises or Remote Viewing Access?

How do you plan on viewing the video footage? For most folks, a video feed going to a digital video recorder (DVR) or a CCTV monitor at home is all they need, but what if you want to keep an eye on things from elsewhere?

Remote access surveillance cams, also known as IP cameras or network cameras, are a wise decision if you need this ability. They are designed to be connected to a computer network via Cat5 Ethernet cable or Wi-Fi, these web-enabled cameras allow you to log in and view what’s going on from most any Internet-connected computer or smart phone.

Hopefully this helps you narrow down your options and make a decision on which surveillance camera you should get to help protect your home or property.

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