Shopping for a Home Security Camera

Crime and prevention are common topics of discussion for most home owners. One of the proactive ways to prevent crime is by installing a security camera. Many people get overwhelmed by security cameras and feel that it is something only for the smart people; in fact, today’s security cameras are so simple to use and maintain that they are ideal for almost anyone. Security cameras have a lot of other benefits besides just monitoring your home, they can monitor your child while he/she is playing in the garden or even watch the baby sitter or the live-in maid to ensure that the child is not being harmed.


There are so many home security cameras on the market that the average consumer is bound to get confused. Almost every website or catalog claims that their cameras are the best. While most home security cameras are effective, you should do your homework to get the best camera for your purpose.


Know beforehand why you want the home security camera. Do you want it for the outdoors or indoors and what is your budget limitation? Indoor cameras are generally more for spying, surveillance and monitoring, whereas the outdoors are more geared for home security. But there is not hard and fast rule – you can use either camera anywhere you want.


Security cameras for surveillance are often known as CCTV or closed circuit television.
Once you have decided on your budget, you need to know the distance that you want monitored. Most home security cameras can survey up to 50 feet and thus, if you want long or variable distance monitoring, ask if the camera has interchangeable lenses. Check to ensure that the camera comes with a kit to install; most installations are very simple and only rarely is a professional required.


If the camera is going to be for the outdoors, ensure that it has a protection from sun, rain or snow. You do not want bird poop to fall on it on a regular basis. Check the lux of the camera. Lower lux numbers mean that it can still work with low levels of light. Plus, if your facilities do not have bright lights, you may want to stick to a black and white camera. And finally make sure that the image captured is clear and acceptable to you. If the resolution is poor, the camera may not be worth it, especially if you are trying to catch details.


The next step you have to decide is if you want a wireless camera. The wireless home security cameras have one great advantage. They do not need any wiring and because they do not have this limitation, they can be placed anywhere - both indoors and outdoors. These wireless cameras are so small that they can be placed anywhere in the home. However, wireless cameras are easily influenced by electronic signals. Wired cameras are usually more stable and not easily affected by nearby electronic transmission.


If you want a camera for night time surveillance then you need to have a camera with infrared capabilities. A home security camera is a long term investment, so take your time when buying one. The market is such that the ball is in your hands- so ask for discounts.