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How do I Choose the Best Home Security Camera?

G. Wiesen
G. Wiesen

When looking for the best home security camera you should consider some basic elements of functionality. For one thing, you should consider how you want to access the data recorded by the camera. There are a number of different types of systems, from closed-circuit television (CCTV) systems to Internet protocol (IP) cameras, that allow you to access the video from a computer through the Internet. You should also look for a home security camera that will fit your needs regarding indoor or outdoor use, as well as the area you want to monitor.

A home security camera is a device used for home surveillance and security that captures video or still images and relays them to another system for storage or viewing. You should consider how you want to access the images captured by the camera. Some cameras can store images on a digital recording device (DVR) for future playback and long-term storage. Other types may only transmit information to another location, where you will need to have monitors and recording devices set up to capture the signal.

Home security systems can be costly, but they are usually worth the investment, especially in nicer homes that are prime targets.
Home security systems can be costly, but they are usually worth the investment, especially in nicer homes that are prime targets.

There are even some types of home security camera that store the captured images on a DVR, while also allowing real-time viewing and monitoring of the images through the Internet. These IP cameras allow a user with the proper software, which typically comes with the camera, to connect to the camera over the Internet and see the images being captured. Security protocols are also typically included, allowing a user to set up a name and password required to access the camera images.

Home security cameras may be used to monitor areas inside or outside of a home.
Home security cameras may be used to monitor areas inside or outside of a home.

It is also typically a good idea to consider the area in which you want to have the home security camera capture images. If you are looking to monitor a fairly small room, then you may only need a rather simple camera and mounting. Larger areas, however, may require multiple cameras or mounting systems that allow a single camera to rotate to more effectively monitor the region. You should also consider whether the camera you want is for use indoors or outside.

DVRs can be used to store video gathered by a security system.
DVRs can be used to store video gathered by a security system.

Outdoor use may require a specific type of home security camera durable enough to survive the elements. These types of cameras will also often be designed to prevent tampering, and may conceal the wires and other hardware used by the camera. There are even concealed cameras that are meant to be hidden, and allow secure, undetected viewing of an area. The use of these types of cameras for an area other than your home, or pointed toward private property, may violate privacy laws in your region, so care should be taken when using these devices.

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    • Home security systems can be costly, but they are usually worth the investment, especially in nicer homes that are prime targets.
      By: itsallgood
      Home security systems can be costly, but they are usually worth the investment, especially in nicer homes that are prime targets.
    • Home security cameras may be used to monitor areas inside or outside of a home.
      By: Giuseppe Porzani
      Home security cameras may be used to monitor areas inside or outside of a home.
    • DVRs can be used to store video gathered by a security system.
      By: Yoanna Boyadzhieva
      DVRs can be used to store video gathered by a security system.
    • Home security cameras can help protect people inside homes as well as belongings.
      By: Brian Jackson
      Home security cameras can help protect people inside homes as well as belongings.