If you have made the decision to secure your home or business by installing a surveillance system with security cameras, you are making a good decision. However, you might be a bit confused when it comes to purchasing your surveillance system and the accompanying cameras. Many people have a difficult time choosing the right type of cameras for their home or business, and the task can be a bit daunting for those who have never purchased security cameras before. There are several types of security cameras out there for you to choose from, and it is important to choose the right type for your needs. By doing a bit of research and choosing the right security camera, you can save money by purchasing only what you need, and you can also feel assured that you are getting the maximum security and protection out of your surveillance system.
Wired vs. Wireless
Among the many different security cameras that are out there, you should have the option between wireless and wired options. Just because you choose a wireless or wired camera does not mean that you are restricting your other options: Security cameras of all types should come with the option between the two.
Many people feel comfortable with wired security cameras because they are what most people are the most familiar with. In the past, there was no option to purchase wireless security cameras. There are plenty of top-of-the-line wired security cameras out there that offer plenty of features and a high picture quality, but there are some disadvantages that go along with choosing these cameras.
First of all, you have to think about the installation of wired security cameras. Installing these cameras can be a bit of a hassle, and a lot of people choose to hire an experienced technician to install wired security systems. Because the wires have to be carefully hidden, it can be complicated to install them without interfering with other wires and cables that might be ran behind the walls, in the ceiling or under the floor. It can also be frustrating to get the wires to the digital video recorder or other recording device. Another problem with wired security cameras is the fact that they cannot be easily moved. If your security needs change, you will have to go through a bit of a hassle in order to move your cameras to a new location, and uninstalling your system and reinstalling it if you move can be a major hassle.
Wireless cameras, on the other hand, are much easier to install, and you may be able to install your own wireless cameras in just one day. These convenient models are also easy to move around, so you can rearrange your system as you see fit. Nowadays, wireless cameras are the best option for most home or business owners who are looking to purchase a new surveillance system. You don’t necessarily have to switch out any existing wired cameras, however, but you should consider making the switch at some point.
Dome or Bullet Cameras
Many of today’s security cameras come in either a dome or bullet shape. Many people have a difficult time deciding between the two, but both types of cameras have their own advantages.
Dome cameras are great for those who are looking to secure a large area, such as a large retail store or other business. Because people cannot see inside the dome that houses the camera, it is difficult for them to realize which direction the camera is pointing and filming at. Therefore, those who use dome cameras can sometimes deter crime without having to purchase enough cameras to adequately record everything that happens in their business. For those who utilize security cameras for home use, however, dome cameras might not be the best solution.
Bullet cameras are the more traditional style of camera that you probably think of when you think about security cameras. These cameras look like cameras and mount on the wall or ceiling, and it is easy to tell where the camera is pointing and what it is recording. Dome cameras are typically general purpose cameras, and they can be used for indoor or outdoor use in both homes and businesses.
Hidden Cameras
Those who are trying to keep an area under surveillance without being detected often choose hidden cameras. Hidden cameras come in many styles, but the more typical ones that are used for basic home or business security purposes are typically small, wireless cameras that can be easily hidden.
Hidden cameras are great for those who are looking for a reliable nanny cam. With a hidden nanny cam, you can keep an eye on your babysitter or nanny to make sure that he or she is doing his or her job, and you can watch out for any suspicious behavior.
Although most traditional hidden cameras look like cameras but are simply smaller and easier to hide, there are plenty of even more discreet cameras out there for you to choose from. You can even purchase alarm clocks, ink pens and other items that are fully functional yet that work as hidden security cameras.
If you decide to use a hidden security camera, you should consider checking out your state’s laws on such matters. In some places, it is against the law to videotape someone without their knowledge or permission, so you should make sure that doing so is legal in your area before investing in a hidden security camera.
General Purpose Daytime Security Cameras
The type of camera that you probably most commonly see inside stores and in other places is a general purpose daytime security camera. These cameras typically come in a bullet shape, and they are typically mounted to a wall, ceiling or outdoor post.
General purpose cameras do not have infrared technology, so they cannot capture footage if there is no light. However, some people compensate for this by installing lights near their cameras. You can typically find either an indoor or outdoor use camera that works for general purposes.
Infrared Security Cameras
Infrared security cameras utilize infrared technology in order to capture clear surveillance footage in low lighting conditions and at night. You can find these types of cameras for both indoor or outdoor use.
Different infrared security cameras capture various quality levels of footage in the dark, so look for a camera that can record in complete darkness if you are looking to tape a completely dark room or if you want protection outdoors at nighttime.
Day to Night Security Cameras
One exciting type of technology that has hit the security camera market in recent years is a camera that can capture footage both during the daytime and at night. These cameras capture clear footage during the day, just as a regular daytime camera would, but they have technology that allows them to switch over to using infrared technology when lighting conditions become too dark.
For those who are looking for a camera that can function in all types of lighting conditions, a day to night security camera is an excellent choice. It allows you to capture clear footage in all situations, so you do not have to worry about purchasing multiple cameras in order to keep constant surveillance of your home or business.
IP/Network Security Camera
IP or network security cameras can come in many different forms, and they allow you to view your surveillance footage from your personal computer or other device from anywhere around the world. You have to be careful with security on your network if you use this type of camera, however, because an experienced hacker could figure out how to stream your surveillance footage if you aren’t careful. By taking precautions and protecting your network with a strong password, you can help to eliminate this concern.
There are several reasons why you might want to consider an IP or network security camera. If you do not want to purchase a standalone digital video recorder in order to record, store and watch your surveillance footage, you can instead choose to purchase IP or network security cameras that will allow you to watch your footage from your personal computer. This can save you a bit of money in some cases, and it will still allow you to keep your home or business under surveillance. You do want to make sure that your computer has plenty of hard drive space, however, and you will also want to make sure that your components are strong enough that you can use your computer as a part of your security system.
Many people also like to use IP or network cameras because it allows them to feel peace of mind. For instance, a parent who leaves his or her child at home alone in the afternoons might be a bit concerned about doing so. By using indoor security cameras and having the ability to stream the footage onto their office computers, however, these parents cam feel more comfortable about the safety of their children.
If you travel or stay away from home often, you may also like the idea of being able to keep an eye on your home when you are away. If you have IP or network cameras installed, you can check on your home any time that you want to, as long as you have a laptop or device and an Internet connection around.
Business owners may also want to consider installing IP or network cameras instead of more traditional cameras. Many business owners have a difficult time relaxing when they go home, especially if their businesses are still open, but you can check on how things are going at your business any time that you want to if you use IP or network cameras. You can also check on things while you are away on business or when you cannot physically get to your business for one reason or another.
Indoor or Outdoor Cameras
Some cameras are designed for outdoor use and are weather resistant. It is often a good idea to purchase these cameras for outdoor use, especially if the cameras will not be covered, and you don’t have to worry about the weather messing them up. Regular indoor cameras can easily and quickly get damaged outdoors, so it is important to think about such things when shopping for cameras.
If you do choose to use indoor cameras outdoors, however, you will need to purchase some sort of cover or casing for it. There are plenty of plastic cases out there that protect indoor security cameras that are used outdoors.
Vandal-Proof Security Cameras
Many people worry about their security cameras being somehow damaged by thieves or vandals, and this is something that you should think about. Hanging your cameras up high or hiding them can help, but it is a good idea to purchase a vandal-proof security camera if you are worried about your camera being damaged.
Vandal-proof cameras are designed to be extra tough, making them difficult or next to impossible to break. You can also typically find vandal-proof cases that are designed to protect more sensitive cameras, giving you the protection that you need without having to go out and purchase a brand new camera.
Dummy Cameras
Dummy cameras are fake cameras that are installed to look as if cameras are keeping an area under surveillance. Although dummy cameras do not do anything at all, they can help to deter crime, especially in areas where crime is not known to be rampant.
If you would like a bit of protection but do not want to purchase real cameras, you should consider dummy cameras as an alternative to doing nothing at all. You can also use dummy cameras to fill in a surveillance system that doesn’t have quite enough coverage. When shopping for a dummy camera, however, make sure to look for one that actually looks real; some are much more realistic than others.
