Which Camera Security System is Right for Me?

 

So you’ve finally decided to install a camera security system in your home? Great! But how do you know which is the right system for you? There are many different options available and many different factors to consider such as use, number, or location. It might seem a little overwhelming when you get down to the nitty-gritty and you may lose a few hairs along the way as a result, so to preserve your head of hair, we have set up a brief guide to help get you going.

There are at least seven main types of cameras that you can install in your home: day/night cameras, dummy security cameras, wireless cameras, hidden cameras, dome cameras, IP cameras, and bullet cameras. Each one will now be described so you can get an idea of what option will suit you best.

1) Day/Night Cameras: One of the most popular options, day/night cameras are able to capture high-resolution in images even in low lighting, such as in moonlight or streetlight. Without an infrared light, they cannot capture images though in no-lighting situations because they need some source of lighting. If you are considering this option, you may want to look at infrared cameras to provide complete security.

2) Dummy Security Cameras: This is the low-budget way of at least looking like you have a camera security system. Believe it or not, dummy cameras actually have a high success rate of deterrence to possible burglars since most thieves would rather not even try their luck but would go elsewhere. If you go this route make sure to pick up a dummy camera that looks like it’s from this decade, otherwise there is no point in even getting one. Also, consider getting one with a LED light to increase the appearance of having a real camera.

3) Wireless Cameras: These cameras are a good option because they are fairly easy to install. Wireless cameras function by transmitting radio waves to some sort of receiver. They require a VCR or some video equipment to send a signal to, but that is about the only cable you will have to put in. Another advantage to these cameras is that you can more than likely install them yourself with relatively little trouble.

4) Hidden Cameras: For more information on these covert cameras, check out our other article on home surveillance. Hidden cameras are very useful for obtaining information on people acting normally, as if there is no camera present. These are particularly handy if you need to check on the babysitter or nanny to make sure they are doing what they should be doing. They are somewhat harder to install since they are covert, and may require a professional to complete the installation.

5) Dome Cameras: Usually seen in commercial situations, dome cameras are also becoming more popular. They are particularly advantageous because of the dome covering, which fits around the small fitted camera inside. This covering helps protect the camera from extreme weather situations, and as such can be used in a variety of situations such as on boats, piers, and other extreme temperature situations. They are also great because they mask the camera inside, so often times dummy cameras can be used to save on costs.

6) IP Cameras: These are becoming more common as technology improves and awareness increases. With IP cameras, instead of transmitting a radio signal, the signal is made digital so that it can be transported along a network. For this reason, IP cameras are especially useful since the live feed can be seen from a web browser. So, wherever you may be, you will be able to see what is going on around your property, which adds a comfort factor when you are out on vacation.

7) Bullet Cameras: These cameras are useful because they are lower in cost and smaller in size. They are fairly versatile as well, so they can be placed in smaller areas. They can even come in sizes as small as two inches. They are a great option to consider for low-cost budgets, but they cannot capture as much visual information as a larger option could.

In conclusion, the best way to get the right camera security system is to know what you want, and then shop for what you want. I hope that by reading this article today you have gained an insight as to what is available to you and how it can help you best.

About the Author

Gavyn Smith is an associate editor for the home security resource secure24seven. Please visit his site if you would like to see more about home security or read additional home security articles.

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