Keeping your family safe is your number one priority.
It only takes a few minutes of the nightly news to give you a sense of how dangerous the world can be. The changing times have persuaded more people to invest in some type of security equipment for their homes.
One of the most common components of a security system is a surveillance camera. It can be daunting, considering the number of products available. In order to make a good choice, there are some things to think about.
Security camera considerations
Thinking through some of the following questions can help you narrow down what you want and need in a security camera.
- How serious are you about surveillance? Do you want the main function of the camera to be a visual deterrent? For some people, just having the camera there is enough to provide them with a feeling of safety. For others, the preference is to have a high-quality resolution that records and can play back a clear video. Of course, there is a wide range of in-between options too! Decide what level of security it will take to make you feel safe.
- How important is customer service to you? Do your research. Get online and read reviews of different companies. See what actual customers are saying about the support they received or didn’t receive. Often, a professional security company can offer helpful insight.
- Is simplicity of use a major factor? Is it important that the setup is very easy? It may sound like a silly question but, are you willing to trade off a more complicated setup for a higher-quality surveillance camera? Weigh out the different options you have and decide what’s most important to you.
- What is your budget? As with any major purchase, you have to take the cost into account. The quality of the security camera is directly related to the cost. The higher the price, the higher the quality camera you can get. Of course, there is the upfront cost of the equipment. In order to have data that can be recorded and played back, there may be a monthly fee, depending on what company you work with.
- Do you have adequate hard drive space? While this may only be relevant for a higher quality security camera system, it’s still important to think about. The video data that is captured can require large amounts of storage space on your hard drive.
Types of cameras
Once you have answered the above questions, it’s time to look at types of cameras. There are four main kinds:
- These are by far the most commonly used surveillance camera. They have options for multiple lenses, they serve as a visual deterrent, and they’re budget-friendly.
- These cameras are also common, though they aren’t as visually obvious as box cameras. They also have interchangeable lenses and they come in a range of sizes.
- PTZ is an acronym for cameras that can pan, tilt, and zoom. They give a 360-degree field of visibility and can be controlled remotely. They are a good camera to use when you have a wide space to cover but only want one camera.
- These cameras come in a range of sizes and, depending on the one you choose, can offer visual deterrence. Some models allow for interchanging lenses and the capability to zoom.
When the safety of your family is at stake, you’ll want the best surveillance camera system that you can afford. Take your time, do your research, and choose the best option for your family.