Choose what areas you want to monitor

Having eyes on every space in your home is probably overkill, so focus on the key spaces to monitor with cameras. These include high-traffic areas, common break-in spots, and wherever else you want to capture. Knowing where you want cameras to be installed will determine how many cameras you will need to buy.

Entryways, common living spaces, and windows are common indoor areas to install cameras. These locations can help you monitor who is inside your home and watch for young children or elderly adults on the stairs or in other dangerous spots.

Outdoor cameras typically monitor doors, porches, and backyards. These locations can capture visitors, delivery people, or potential intruders. Some homeowners also choose to install cameras near pools or hot tubs to be alerted when young children or pets are nearby.

Decide what type of cameras will you need

There are many types of security cameras, but they all start with the power source: wired or wireless. Wired cameras don’t necessarily need a power source to be nearby, but they are wired to the central recording device, which means they’ll need to be professionally installed. Installation requires running wires in your home from each camera to the central recording device, which is housed on your property.

Alternatively, wireless cameras transmit video wirelessly through a network, which means they’re easier to DIY install. They may draw power from a battery, solar, or a nearby power source, depending on the type of camera. Because you don’t need to install wires from a camera to a central location in the home, wireless cameras are becoming increasingly popular.

Wired cameras have the benefit of recording to a device in your home. Wireless typically use a cloud or software to record, which often necessitates a monthly subscription fee for storage or software.

Set a budget

Your budget might determine the type and number of cameras you purchase to install in your home. Installing home security cameras can cost anywhere from $200 to over $1,000, depending on how many cameras you buy.

If you have a large property and high-end cameras, you can expect your budget to balloon. On the other hand, if you only want a few cameras pointed at exterior doors, you’ll likely be on the lower end.

Another factor to consider is the cost of activation and the monthly cost of subscriptions or premium features. These small costs can add up and increase your budget. While wired cameras may cost more initially, they’re less likely to have video storage feeds and may save you more in the long run.

Compare features and plans

The types of features you want and plans for the camera might influence which model you purchase. Some popular security camera features include:

Motion-activated recording so the camera only records footage when movement is detected.

A smartphone app that sends push alerts when cameras capture something

High-definition or night vision video for quality recordings

Audio recording and a built-in speaker for two-way communication

File storage in the camera

A wider field of view for improved monitoring

Geofencing so the camera only records when you’re away

In addition to specialty features, look into the monthly plans offered. These subscription plans could include professional monitoring, where a representative calls you if there’s a break-in. Other plans offer video storage so you can reference old recordings.

Look into privacy policies

Security cameras are meant to keep you safe, but with the popularity of cloud-based servers, it’s important to keep your cameras safe from hacking. Since your live or recorded video footage is saved on remote servers, there’s a chance people could access it.

Thus, it’s important to purchase a security camera with the right privacy and safety features. Geofencing can be helpful, as the camera will only record when you’ve left the property. Similarly, some security cameras offer a physical lens you can use to block the camera from recording when you don’t want it to. Additionally, consider going with a camera that includes a smartphone app with two-factor authentication. These features can prevent someone else from accessing your video.

Do I Need Home Security Cameras?

There are plenty of reasons to get home security cameras since protecting our homes and the people in them is something we all want to do. Home security cameras offer a simple, relatively inexpensive way to do this. Installing a home security camera inside or outside allows you to see what’s going on remotely through your smartphone at any time. A camera can also alert you to any activity on your property thanks to built-in motion sensors. While property crime is declining in the U.S., package theft is becoming a big problem in many neighborhoods, with 36% of Americans in 2019 reporting they had been a victim.

However, good home security cameras can provide peace of mind when you’re away f rom home. The footage can be used to alert authorities or prosecute a perpetrator, and research has shown that just the presence of a camera can deter a potential thief. Most perpetrators, if they see a camera, see the home as a harder target.

While the experts we spoke with all recommend that you install a monitored home security system for complete home protection (most of which offer cameras), installing home security cameras by themselves is an option if you don’t want things like motion sensors and the expense of professional monitoring. Security cameras can be self-monitored, sending alerts to your smartphone when they detect noise or motion. With two-way audio and sirens built into the cameras, you can act on the alerts and potentially ward off trouble.

What To Look for in a Home Security Camera

Key features to look for when buying a home security camera include:

Motion Activation: A camera should start recording as soon as motion is detected and store that footage somewhere that can be accessed for a period of time. This is sometimes referred to as event-based recording.

Smartphone Alerts: A good security camera should offer customizable alerts that are sent to a smartphone or tablet.

Resolution: The higher the resolution a camera records, the more detail you’re going to see. Most of today’s cameras offer full high-definition (HD) video (1080p or 2 megapixels). Super HD (1440p/4 megapixels or 2K) and ultra HD (8 megapixels or 4K) are increasingly popular as they produce sharper, clearer images. Full HD will be fine for most people, but if you want to zoom in close on a person’s face or license plate, look for super or ultra HD and an 8x or 12x digital zoom lens.

Night Vision: Outdoor security cameras should have night vision with a good range. Cameras don’t see as far at night as they do during the day, and night vision range varies from about 30 feet to 300 feet. Look for a camera with night vision that has a range of at least 50 feet. Color night vision is also an option on some higher-end cameras.

Audio: A built-in microphone allows you to hear as well as see what’s going on. A speaker for two-way audio is a good upgrade so you can also talk through the camera to whoever is on your property.

Storage: Most cameras store their footage in the cloud (a remote server connected to your camera via the internet). Local storage is also an option for some, either on a microSD card in the camera or a separate connected hard drive.

Field of View: The wider the field of view, the fewer cameras you will have to install to cover your entire property. Look for a field of view between 130 and 180 degrees.

Design: You want your cameras to be noticeable to potential burglars but also look attractive when mounted inside or outside.

Privacy Features: If you’re concerned about privacy, look for a geofencing feature that will turn a camera off when your smartphone is in the house and back on when you leave.

Security Features: Two-factor authentication is an important security feature that helps guard against hacking. This means you have to confirm it’s you logging in to your account by using a second method, such as a phone call, email or text message.

Advanced Features: A built-in siren or floodlight can act as an extra deterrent, and enhanced software capabilities such as the ability to set activity zones, differentiate people from animals, recognize faces, and zoom and pan give you more control over what your camera sees.

Integrations: Smart wireless cameras can communicate with smart home systems to give you extra features, security, and convenience. When integrated with Amazon’s Alexa or Google’s Home ecosystems, for example, you can use voice commands to pull up security footage on a smart speaker with a screen or a compatible TV. Some security cameras also integrate with smart locks to allow for secure in-home deliveries. Cameras that work with Apple HomeKit will let you view them through Apple’s Home app as well as store your footage using HomeKit Secure Video, a good option for those concerned about privacy.

Where To Buy a Home Security Camera

There are plenty of places to purchase your home security cameras. Big box stores like Walmart, Home Depot, and Lowes have a variety of cameras in-store, giving you the opportunity to see the product before you buy it. However, online storefronts, such as Amazon, might have a wider variety and more brands.

You can also purchase cameras directly from the provider. Similarly, some security camera companies include an introductory offer that includes the cost of the subscription service for up to a year with the purchase of a camera, When you purchase a camera, pay close attention to its warranty.

What To Avoid When Buying a Home Security Camera

Don’t choose a no-name brand because it’s the cheapest option. A cheap camera might save you money upfront, but in return, you might get limited support or poor video footage. Cameras should provide peace of mind, not more headaches from troubleshooting or contacting customer service. An upfront investment in a camera with a trusted name and better features could help you sleep better at night.

Don’t buy more equipment than you can handle. You might be tempted to install cameras almost everywhere around your home, but don’t bite off more than you can chew. More cameras mean a more complicated system, higher installation costs, and more maintenance down the line. You might feel overwhelmed with too much monitoring, and get too many notifications when you leave the house. Consider starting slow and adding cameras instead of starting with too many.

Don’t overestimate your internet connection. If you’re opting for a wireless camera system, remember that recording and transmitting video footage over the Wi-Fi network can be a bandwidth hog. The more cameras you add, the more devices connected to your home Wi-Fi system. Depending on how many wireless cameras you install on your property, you might consider upgrading your Wi-Fi bandwidth to ensure all the cameras can work at once, in addition to other connected devices.

Don’t assume your camera is recording everything. Cameras can help you feel safer in your home, but they won’t capture everything. To make your home extra secure, consider installing cameras in addition to door sensors, motion sensors, and even moisture sensors. A healthy mix of monitoring tools can provide more data than a single camera on its own. In addition to security tools, nothing beats common sense. Remember to lock doors and secure valuables when you leave home to deter theft or unwanted visitors.

Don’t skip out on resolution. What good is video footage if you can’t see what’s happening? Resolution refers to the number of pixels in a video frame rate. The higher the resolution, the more pixels, and the more you can see in your footage. Low resolution won’t be able to show detail and might have a harder time recording in low light. Higher resolution can provide crisp footage and detailed video, which can help identify people on your property and more.

Don’t install your camera if you aren’t confident. Cameras can either be installed by a professional or by you. Installing cameras on your own can help save you on installation costs, but if you aren’t confident in your skills, consider hiring a pro. A professional installer will know the right angles to capture on a property and will be an expert at placing cameras across your home. If you install a system on your own, you might not pick the strongest angles and locations, meaning you could miss out on meaningful footage in the event of a break-in or theft on your property. Using a pro might help you sleep easier at night, knowing you’ve got eyes on your home, even when you’re asleep.

How To Maintain a Home Security Camera

Home security cameras are relatively self-sufficient. However, because of their connection to the internet, it’s crucial to keep the software updated for security reasons. Check your camera’s mobile app periodically for firmware or software updates, and install them promptly according to the camera’s instruction manual. We also recommend rebooting your camera system at least every 60 days by unplugging it and plugging it back in to keep it up to date.

It’s important to clean a camera’s lens in order to maintain a clear picture – especially outdoors, where it can gather dust and debris easily. Periodically clean the lens with a non-ammonia-based glass cleaner and a lint-free paper towel or microfiber cloth. Don’t use a cleaner with alcohol or ammonia, which will damage the protective coating on the lens. Also keep any landscaping around the cameras in check; a branch waving in the wind in front of your camera will obstruct your view and send you endless notifications.

Bear in mind that most outdoor cameras are weather-resistant, not totally weatherproof, and they have temperature operating limits. If you’ve experienced

severe weather, check all the cameras afterward or remove them beforehand if possible.