How To Select The Best Security Camera
Needing a security system for your home but aren’t sure where to start?
This article is perfect for helping you choose which security system is best suited for your home and family. At Security Systems Australia we have extensive experience in selecting and installing security cameras in Australia, to provide our clients with safety and a clear mind knowing their family and property are safe at all times.
The main thing is to look at is the various features of security cameras available on the market, and understand the functionality that comes with each option. For instance, there are cameras that are wired which are recommended to those who want to avoid the fuss of recharging batteries, and there are also cameras that are battery powered and are usually preferred by customers who value discretion and don’t want unsightly cables around their home.
But the number 1 thing is you need to be aware of is WHY you are buying a home security camera – what’s the purpose. Is it to scare away potential burglars, to have evidence in case someone breaks into your home, or to simply see who is ringing the doorbell outside your front door without having to get up from your couch? Once you’ve determined the precise reasoning for purchasing security cameras in Australia, it will be a lot easier for you to navigate among the various choices available both in physical and online stores.
Here are the main things to look at when choosing the right security camera for your home:
Connectivity
Detect whether you prefer a camera that will need cables, or one you can connect to your home Wi-Fi. If you want to install a camera on your second storey and your Wi-Fi is downstairs, the connectivity may not be strong enough and you might be required to wire it regardless.
Wired vs. battery-powered
Inspect whether there is a nearby power outlet for you to connect your potential security camera to; otherwise you will probably need to get a battery operated system. A cable-powered security system is recommended if you are a forgetful person, and don’t like the idea of recharging batteries regularly. You wouldn’t want to miss out on capturing footage of a burglary in your home because you forgot to charge your batteries would you?
Night vision
If you want to ensure the safety of your home 24/7 you will need a camera that accommodates for night vision. Not having a camera that can record images in low-light setting means you will lose several hours of precious images that could reveal potential suspicious activity on your property. Even though a high number of burglaries happen during the day as this is the time when most people leave their home unattended when they are at work, having a camera you can rely on during the night is a must.
High resolution/video quality
The higher the resolution, the higher the chance you can recognize a human face. If you live in an area where burglaries take place often, having a camera with high resolution is vital if you want to ensure your potential trespasser is identified.
Weatherproof equipment
If you live in a house with courtyard and want to keep several outdoor areas under surveillance, choosing a weatherproof security system is paramount. You need to distinguish the difference between cameras designed for indoor use and cameras that are suitable for the exterior of your home. The camera’s that are designed for outdoors are specifically built to withstand Australian weather conditions, while also delivering the best results and high-quality images. Investing in outdoor weatherproof equipment is essential because it allows you protect your outdoor possessions that can be extremely valuable. These objects often fall prey to someone looking to make a quick swipe; such as an expensive grill left in your backyard.
Motion detection
Motion detection may seem like a hi-tech feature seen in spy movies, but such equipment is widely available nowadays, at affordable prices. There are many advantages you can get by using a motion detection camera, such as not having to spend a lot of time watching activity captured by security cameras (the camera can be left in standby mode and can automatically start recording when it senses any type of movement, either a moving object or human being). You then only receive a notification only when it’s necessary, it also uses less energy/power for recording as the camera is only activated when it senses motion.
Infrared cameras
This type of camera produces high quality colour video in daytime, and uses infrared illuminators in dim light or dark, displaying black and white images. Just like any other surveillance camera, they can be weatherproof and will perform well during both hot and freezing weather without additional housing required.
Dome cameras benefits
Dome cameras are among the most popular because they offer an additional degree of surveillance without people seeing where the lens is pointing, due to the smoked aspect of the dome. The smoked cover does not affect image quality.
Pro box cameras for those who focus on image quality
Common in public spaces like banks and supermarkets, pro box cameras or bullet cameras provide excellent video quality, both in daytime and in low light conditions. Due to their distinct and recognisable shape, they are used as deterrents for criminals and offer benefits like a longer range, easy installation, and including infrared sensing and night vision.
Special features of pan tilt zoom (PTZ) cameras
These cameras have pan, tilt, and zoom functionalities, which can be controlled by using software or a joystick. They are preferred by professionals because they can be controlled digitally, and come with advantages such as; offering a larger area view, reducing the number of cameras in an area, allowing the user to focus on minor details through zooming options, and usually coming with a vandal resistant dome.
Hidden cameras
They represent the best solution when you don’t want people to know there is a camera. Hidden cameras often come in the shape of a clock, a smoke detector, a sprinkler, an air freshener, or an exit sign. Their performance is usually lower compared to other types of cameras, but they are useful when you want to record people without their knowledge and capture on footage behaviour that is illegal or dangerous. Many people use them to monitor nannies and see how they take care of children..
Colour or black and white camera?
We are used to seeing most of our moving images in colour, but when it comes to security cameras in Australia, going for the colour version means you will pay a higher price for a higher degree of footage. The best decision in this case also depends on your camera’s purpose. If you just want to keep an eye on children and pets or see the person ringing at your door, black and white will do. On the other hand, if you think you will need to identify an intruder, details like the colour of the clothes, eyes, hair and skin are important, so it will be worth investing in a colour camera.
Data storage
Last, but not the least, another criterion to consider when buying a security camera is data storage. Footage is no longer stored on videocassette tapes, but on memory cards, hard drives, or cloud. Memory cards are the most affordable, but their size may be too limited for your needs, while recording on a hard drive means that footage will be saved on your computer’s built-in drive or on an external drive, again with drive capacity limitations. Many customers nowadays prefer storing on cloud because their data are stored safely and the capacity provided through various package deals is higher – even up to two terabytes. The only disadvantage is the recurring fee you need to pay for video storage.
Security cameras Australia are no longer used just by cops or large enterprises, but they are an everyday reality for many families and small businesses looking to ensure the safety of people and physical goods. The wide range of products available on the market can make the selection process lengthy, but you can make the best decision in a relatively short time if you know exactly what your surveillance needs and determining exactly why you want to install a security system on your property.
