With crime rates on the rise—and with the ever-growing gap between the haves and the have nots growing and expanding every day—it has never been more important to have a camera surveillance system guarding and monitoring your home. Cameras in and around your home can serve as a great deterrent to would-be thieves. A camera system can also help you and law enforcement identify perpetrators after the fact, potentially leading to his or her arrest and the return of your stolen items.
Once you have decided you need a camera surveillance system for your home, there are several questions and factors you need to consider. Off the bat, you must ask what type of camera home security system you need based on your home and surroundings; and how much camera-based security you can afford. These types of systems can range from very simple to very elaborate; very affordable to very expensive. Some are made to be used outside, while others are mounted strictly in the inside of your home. Some systems even include audio, and applications that allow you to monitor your home from anywhere using a smart phone or tablet.
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In the following article we will outline all of the various factors you should consider before purchasing a camera surveillance system for your home—questions that will ultimately help you select the most ideal video-centered security system available to protect you, your family and all of your personal belongings.
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Factors to Consider When Choosing the Right Camera Surveillance System
Before you invest your money in a quality camera surveillance system, you definitely want to consider a few factors first. In the end, by answering the questions below, you should be able to make an intelligent buying decision that meets all of your needs.
Are You Looking for Inside Cameras or Outside Cameras?
Where you plan to place your cameras will make a big difference when it comes to purchasing a system. Today there are many different kinds of camera surveillance systems on the market, including those intended mainly for outside use and those geared toward indoor use. Truth be told, the high-quality nature of many of today’s surveillance cameras makes many of these systems perfect for both outdoor and indoor use, but there are a few factors to consider.
Cameras that you intend to place on the outside of your home should be durable and rated for all temperatures. Some cameras, for example, can freeze up in extremely cold weather, making them essentially useless. In these cases, you may need to purchase special housing for those cameras (some of these housing options have built-in heaters that activate when the camera gets too cold) to ensure they will be working when you need them.
Indoor cameras for home use do not usually require any special housing (unless you want them to be discreet), but they may come with a lot of bells and whistles that you do or do not need—bells and whistles that can drive the cost of these camera surveillance systems through the roof
Do You Want Overt or Covert Cameras?
The question regarding overt or covert cameras is an important one—perhaps the most important question when selecting a camera surveillance system for your home. Overt cameras—cameras that are out in the open for everyone to see—can serve as a great deterrent for would be thieves and intruders. It lets them know that a) you have a camera surveillance system, and b) that their every move may be on tape. Overt cameras can be placed above garages, doors and windows—protecting every potential entry point to your home. Some even have motion detectors and light systems, meaning they activate when they detect any type of motion and shine a bright light on your property. And while overt cameras vary in price and quality, just the presence of some of these cameras—such as the large box-style cameras—may be enough to scare off potential bad guys.
Covert cameras—cameras that are hidden from view—are another option available to homeowners. From the dome-style cameras that look like additional light fixtures, to the Pan-Tilt Zoom cameras that can secretly monitor expansive areas, to cameras that are so small they can fit in the palm of your hand, covert cameras come in many different styles and sizes. Covert cameras are great for when you want to catch someone in the act—such as a “porch pirate” attempting to steal a package off your front porch. There are also the aptly named “nanny cams,” when you want to secretly monitor your child’s care professional for quality. Covert camera systems can be used both inside and outside of the home, and many of today’s models have features that allow you to monitor the camera system from your smart phone tablet or computer.
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What Is the Size of Your Home and Yard?
The size of the home and yard you are looking to protect with your camera surveillance system is an impactful factor that must be considered. The area that must be covered will not only help you choose the “type” of camera you need, but also the number of cameras, and the network that connects them.
For smaller areas, such as those areas inside your home or a camera overlooking the porch, you may want to consider a static camera—a camera that does not move and stays focused on one particular area. There are many high-quality static camera systems on the market today, and most all of them deliver a crystal clear image. When selecting cameras for the inside of your home, you should first map out a blueprint detailing the different areas in your home, including any nooks that may be difficult to see. This “mapping” will not only help you pick the right type of camera, it will tell you just how many cameras you need for total protection—and, naturally, if you can get away with fewer cameras you may be able to save a boatload of money.
The size of your yard also matters when choosing a camera surveillance system, as different cameras are rated for different distances. If you have a very long driveway, an extensive backyard, or even a ranch or a farm that you need to protect, it would be wise to select a high-quality Pan-Tilt Zoom (PTZ)-style camera. These cameras have a very wide range of view. Moreover, they can also zoom in on objects with remarkable clarity given the large area they are covering.
Regardless of the type of camera system you select, you should always check the type of network you will need to run it. While smaller camera surveillance systems can be operated on a basic LAN network, those covering larger areas—with cameras that are many, many yards apart—may require the more extensive WAN network. Thus, you should always consult a professional before making your purchase.
Are You Looking for a Lot of Detail and Image Clarity?
Detail and clarity are two of the biggest buzz words in the field of camera surveillance, but how much resolution do you actually require to adequately get the job done?
When purchasing a camera surveillance system for the outside of your home—assuming the outdoor space is fairly large in scope and area—you are definitely going to want to select a camera that is very high in resolution. Why? Not only do these high-res cameras deliver great detail over a large area, they are also able to produce some remarkable image clarity when in zoom mode—making it easier to identify potential intruders and those trespassing on your property.
For smaller areas, such as the porch and inside your home, you can probably get away with cameras that offer a little less resolution, as they are only focusing on one particular area that is close at hand. Of course the best part is that lower resolution cameras tend to cost considerably less than their high resolution counterparts, enabling you to save money in the long run.
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Dark Conditions or Light Conditions—It Makes a Huge Difference
What are the lighting conditions inside your home? Do the areas in which you plan to place your cameras receive a lot of natural sunlight? Is there the potential for reflection or backlighting that can distort the images of the camera? All of these questions must be considered—and talked over with a camera surveillance expert—before pulling the trigger on any big purchase.
Most night-vision outdoor cameras already have the technology to take pretty clear images and video in darker lighting conditions. However, most people don’t take into account that “light” conditions also matter. Both reflection—off of a floor or stainless steel appliance—and backlighting, for example can lead to glare—and images that are essentially unusable.
The good news is that the camera industry has become very intuitive in the last few years, and there are many technologies now available that can counter most light-centered problems. Some of these technologies, for instance, include the IR filter and artificial illuminator, which can work in concert to lessen the amount of light reaching a sensor, leading to crystal-clear images at any time of the day or night.
Do You Also Want to HEAR What Is Going On?
Is audio important to you in a camera surveillance system? If it is, you’re in luck. As camera surveillance technology has become more and more sophisticated over the years (mostly in the last decade), there are now many systems on the market today with a range of integrated audio features.
If you are monitoring a nanny or babysitter in your home, being able to hear what is going on as well as see can be a huge advantage, giving you a better idea of how your child is being treated or, God forbid, mistreated.
Camera systems with integrated audio also enable you to speak with—scare off—a potential intruder before he/she gets too near to your home. There are even doorbell cameras that enable you to remotely monitor anyone attempting to knock on your door or ring your doorbell—and speak to that person from wherever you are using your computer or smart phone.
Finally, cameras with integrated audio and intelligent detector systems can also sound an alarm of sorts when someone gets too close to your home while you are away—probably making that person run for the hills.
Will You Need to Upgrade at Some Point?
Known as scalability in the business world, you must consider whether you may need to upgrade or add to your camera surveillance system as time goes on. Why is this important? Many of the closed circuit camera surveillance systems are hard-wired. What this means to you is this—trying to add additional cameras and features as time goes on may be difficult to impossible.
If you think you may want to upgrade at some time, you may want to consider today’s IP cameras, which work off a wireless network. With these types of systems you can still get great, clear camera footage, only with a measure of flexibility. IP or wireless camera surveillance systems allow you to add additional cameras or features to the network without any hassle. In fact, the process is as easy as adding a new computer or tablet to your wireless network at home. Best of all, these systems allow you start small—perhaps with just one or two cameras—and grow your system as your needs adapt. This strategy will also be much easier on your wallet.
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What Parts of Your Home Should You Focus on First?
If you elect to “start small” with a wireless, IP camera system, you will next need to consider the areas of your home and yard that require the most immediate attention and security. Of course, this will depend on your situation. For example, some people may require an indoor camera system immediately—as a way to monitor a nanny or to feel some peace of mind when they are working, as they remotely watch their children return safely home from school and other activities.
If you are worried about potential intruders, there are several tools at your disposal. First, we recommend a very overt wide angle PTZ camera, perhaps overlooking your driveway or yard. Not only will this camera serve as a visual deterrent, its high resolution video and zoom feature can help identify the perpetrator so that law enforcement can act. A motion detector with an alarm can also be used with this type of camera, which is very important when you are away from your home.
Doorbell or porch style cameras can also protect you against those trying to gain entry to your home or steal packages from you. They are also a great way to monitor your home while you are at work or running errands.
Make a plan before you even start installing a camera surveillance system. Ask yourself questions like:
- What areas of my home are most vulnerable
- Are there areas of my home/yard that are obscured from view—areas that might appeal to intruders as possible entry points.
- Has my home ever been breached before? How did they gain entry?
- What tools do I need to properly secure the cameras
- And more…
Remember, if you do not take the time to answer these questions, the thieves will. Every homeowner should stand outside of their home and try to think like a thief. In doing this, it will help you identify vulnerabilities and create a viable plan for the placement of your cameras.
Just remember, having a plan as to where you want to place the cameras can help you determine the right system for your home and the proper placement of the cameras. It can also save you a lot of money in the long run.
Five More Tips to Consider When Setting Up a Camera Surveillance System
When deciding where and how to place the cameras in your new surveillance system there are five more things you should consider. They include:
- Properly Secure Your Cameras. Although a camera surveillance system can be very effective against potential intruders and thieves, if you fail to properly secure those cameras you may make them vulnerable to tampering. Always use the recommended hardware when securing these cameras inside and outside of your home, and consider using some type of housing that will further protect them.
- Place Your Cameras High. Although any type of camera system can be vulnerable to tampering given the right amount of time, placing the cameras up at the highest point of your home makes them less likely to be a target.
- Don’t Assume Your Camera Can Multitask. Cameras, regardless of the type you select, cannot multitask—they can only do what you prepare them to do. A camera, for example, cannot simultaneously focus on a face and a license plate at the same time, unless you place it in a position to do so. Over-relying on the intelligent technology of the camera is never a good idea; it pays to be vigilant and ultra-focused when mapping out their placement and function.
- Use Wide Dynamic Range Cameras Outside. Static cameras that are placed at windows and other potential entry points will only catch the possible intruder if he approaches at just the correct angle or looks directly into a camera. Thus, wide angle view cameras are always best for scanning the outside of your home.
- Think “light.” Unless you buy a camera system that is designed with night vision—designed to pick up clear images out of the blackness—you will need to supply the light. For example, cameras over the garage can be equipped with motion detection that will trigger a bright light to illuminate the premises when someone is approaching, giving your camera an opportunity to identify the perpetrator.
One Final Money-Saving Tip
If you are on a tight budget, we strongly recommend you start small with your camera surveillance system and work up as time goes on. After all, if one wide angle PTZ camera is all you can afford at this time, it is definitely better than no security at all.
However, there is one step you can take—a money-saving step—that can fool potential intruders into thinking you have more security than you actually do: dummy cameras. Dummy cameras cost little to nothing, and most of these are built to look exactly like the genuine article. By placing a few of these around the house—along with at least one genuine, wide angle PTZ camera—you can make your home feel like Fort Knox and prevent potential thieves and intruders from even taking a chance on your home and possessions.
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More resources:
- How to Install Outdoor Surveillance Cameras, Family Handyman
- Putting together a home surveillance system, general home security, LevelOneTechs
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