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Best Home Security Camera 2023 • 10 Home Security Cameras Reviews
Feeling safe at home is important. Adding a security camera will secure your property. Discover which security cameras will best suit your family and your lifestyle.
Home Security Camera Leaderboard 2023
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What is a home security camera?
A home security camera can offer video surveillance of various areas of your home. It is common to install one outside your front door to monitor anyone arriving at the property, but you could also install cameras inside the house, in the garden, and at any exterior gates.
Being able to visualize areas of your home can offer reassurance at all times, whether you are on your property or not. A live video feed can be accessed via any monitors included with the camera, or via your smartphone.
How does a home security camera work?
Cameras are installed at your property. The live video is transmitted to a receiver via a wired connection, or wirelessly across a Wi-Fi connection. Some cameras will also transmit audio footage. Receivers offer a live feed as well as a recording function so that you can check any footage at a later date.
Advantages and Applications
One of the major draws of a home security camera is that you can remotely monitor your home for peace of mind that it remains secure. It can be reassuring to know that if there were a problem, you would know about it instantly, and therefore be able to act on it earlier than if you had not had the camera.
Having a camera on your property may also increase the chances of a successful prosecution should an intrusion occur. An intruder may be caught on camera, helping the authorities to make a clear identification, which could lead to a conviction.
Of course, the visibility of cameras on your property may also deter criminals from trying to break in in the first place. Installing a security camera may lead to reduced insurance premiums through some companies. Your insurer may recognize that having a camera is likely to deter burglars.
What types of home security cameras are there?
A variety of home security cameras are available on the market, each offering a range of benefits.
- Wired cameras are the most traditional type of camera. They are wired to a recording system which can then connect to the internet.
- Wireless cameras send data via Wi-Fi but still require a power cable.
- Wireless cameras are 100% cable-free and therefore require batteries. The footage is transferred across Wi-Fi and then stored on the cloud.
- Wireless IP cameras stream data across your home Wi-Fi network so that you can access the footage wherever you are.
- Smart cameras can integrate with smart home devices, including Alexa, for convenient voice activation.
How Home Security Cameras Are Tested
Home security is very important, and you want to know that you are getting a camera that will do everything you need. Experts spend time looking at the key functions of security cameras so you can quickly find the right one for you. Key testing criteria could include the following.
- How well the camera functions during the day and night – When buying a camera, you want to know that it will offer excellent video quality around the clock.
- Image quality – If your home is under threat, you’ll want the camera to record quality images at close range and further away. Clear images may help the authorities to identify the perpetrators or aid a conviction.
- Ease of set up – Unless you are an expert, when buying a camera, you’ll want to know that it can be installed easily by someone with limited technological experience.
- Camera functionality – Experts consider whether the camera sends email alerts or push notifications to a connected smartphone. These functions alert you to potential problems so that you can act on them, fast.
What to Look for in a Home Security Camera
Be sure to consider the resolution of the picture quality; it would be disappointing to receive video footage that is grainy, blurred, and not fit for purpose.
If you don’t want to drill into the walls, or if you live in a rental property, you may wish to search for security cameras that can be placed on a flat surface.
Leading Home Security Camera Manufacturers
Some manufacturers are striding ahead of the rest of the field. Here we discuss the seven clear leaders when it comes to home security cameras.
- HeimVision
- XVIM
- ANRAN
- Wyze Cam
- Blink Indoor
- Voyager
- Zumimall
Internet Versus Retail Trade: Where should I buy my home security camera?
Although retail stores sell a selection of home security cameras, nothing can compare to the range of stock available online. For the widest choice and most competitive pricing, it will be best to order a camera to suit your needs online.
Advantages and Disadvantages Based on Customer Reviews
American customers are forthcoming about letting others know what they love about their camera, and what falls short of their expectations. Our summary of their honest feedback may help you in your quest to find a camera.
The Blink Indoor Security Camera is great for keeping an eye on the inside of your home when you are at work or away on vacation. It looks attractive and is found to be very easy to set up. However, some customers are not happy with the quality of the nighttime images produced. A large number of customers are also unhappy that the integration with Samsung SmartThings has been discontinued. The loss of this function would only be important if you were hoping to use SmartThings.
The Voyager 360o View is found to have a great range of vision with its extreme degrees of rotation. Customers find it produces sharp video images and are satisfied that every image is time- and date-stamped, making it easier to identify exactly when the footage was filmed. Unfortunately, some customers feel that the camera looks cheap, and others have received a faulty camera.
The HeimVision HM241 is popular with customers because it is so easy to set up. Reviewers are also happy that the camera can be used both indoors and outdoors.
The ANRAN 5MP is loved for its infrared technology, which gives clear images on even the darkest of nights. Customers also report that it records well even when recording into direct sunlight. However, these qualities come at a significant cost.
Interesting Facts and Advice
History of the Home Security Camera
Surveillance has become a normal part of everyday life for most of us. From traffic cameras to store security, we are used to being caught on camera. But it wasn’t until 1880 that video cameras were developed. These cameras were large, and the image quality was poor. In the late 1930s, miniature cameras began to be produced, and for the first time, it was possible to film covertly.
The first consumer camcorder was released by Sony in the 1980s. It was still much larger than the video cameras of the present day and had to rest on the user’s shoulder while in use. The following decade saw the introduction of video cameras on all ATMs for bank and customer security.
The 1993 attack on the World Trade Center in New York increased the public’s awareness of the need for public safety measures. The US thus made facial recognition programs a higher priority.
Facts about Home Security Cameras
In 2019, the US had more CCTV cameras installed across the country per person than China. It’s not just public spaces that need CCTV; plenty of Americans are choosing to install home security cameras for their own peace of mind, too. The most common reason for installing a security camera in 2019 in the US was to feel more secure (49.6% of respondents).
The age group most likely to cite this as their reason was those over 55. Surprisingly, only 6.1% of those surveyed said that they had added a security product because someone had broken into their home. 5.2% of respondents said they wanted to benefit from an insurance discount, and 8% installed a security product when they moved to a new area.
Install Your Home Security Camera in 5 Steps
Most cameras are designed to be easy to install, but careful consideration beforehand will help you to make the most of your product.
Step 1
Step 1
Read the instruction manual.
Step 2
Step 2
Download any apps required.
Step 3
Step 3
Consider where to position your cameras. Before you drill into walls or affix cameras, look at the range of vision each position will give you and try to avoid creating blind spots.
Step 4
Step 4
Affix the camera(s) to the exterior or interior walls.
Step 5
Step 5
Test the video feed to the accompanying monitor or check the feed on your smartphone. Adjust the camera positioning as needed.
10 Tips for Care
The following tips will help to ensure the smooth running and uninterrupted service of your home security camera.
Tip 1
Tip 1
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully when installing the cameras.
Tip 2
Tip 2
Download updates when prompted.
Tip 3
Tip 3
Install cameras carefully using the correct fixtures and fittings.
Tip 4
Tip 4
Keep camera lenses clean.
Tip 5
Tip 5
Affix any loose wires to avoid wear and tear.
Tip 6
Tip 6
Remove dust from the control equipment or monitors so that they can continue to function effectively.
Tip 7
Tip 7
Monitor cables for damage.
Tip 8
Tip 8
Periodically check the power cable and plug to ensure it is not overheating.
Tip 9
Tip 9
Check cloud storage is adequate and functioning properly.
Tip 10
Tip 10
Confirm that the video feed is displaying the correct date and time.
Useful Accessories
A home security camera can be paired with other security features to offer greater protection and reassurance. Home alarm systems can use movement sensors and door alarms to alert you to the presence of an intruder. Even if you are not at home, a push notification can alert you to a potential problem. Combined with your home security camera, you will be able to see what is happening and alert a neighbor or the authorities of an emergency.
FAQs
Where should I buy a home security camera?
For the best choice and most competitive pricing, it is wise to shop online for a home security camera. You can search by your selection criteria including range and power source, and filter by the cheapest price.
How does a home security camera work?
Most commonly, cameras are installed inside or outside your home, and the video and audio data is uploaded via Wi-Fi to your cloud storage or a hard drive. The cameras may record constantly or may be alerted to begin recording when movement or noise is detected. Users can then view the video footage in real time, or benefit from watching it after the event.
How do I install a home security camera?
The installation will vary depending on the make and model of the camera. Usually, the cameras are installed by drilling or placing them into position, and then a connection is made between the camera and the storage facility or hard drive via Wi-Fi. Users may access the footage via a cloud storage system or by accessing an app.
How many home security cameras do I need?
The number required will depend on the size of your home, and how many areas you want to keep under surveillance. You should also consider whether you wish to record both inside and outside your home. If you have high-security needs, it may be worth considering a camera with a wide-range lens to capture as large an area as possible.
Are home security cameras an invasion of privacy?
In states where surveillance is allowed, home security cameras are not an invasion of privacy as long as you only record your home and garden. Ensure that you alert family members and guests to their presence.
How do home security cameras offer night vision?
Night vision is often achieved by the inclusion of infrared LEDs which act as a floodlight. Infrared is not visible to the human eye, so we don’t see the light, but the camera can record good-quality images despite it appearing to be dark.
Can home security camera footage be used in court?
The short answer is yes, as long as certain criteria are met. These criteria vary between states, so it is worth checking the guidance for your individual address. Many security systems will also include a window display sticker warning thieves that recording is in operation. Displaying a warning to potential criminals may help to get video evidence accepted in court.
Can I get a combined home security camera and doorbell?
Are there any wireless home security cameras?
Yes, some systems are fully wireless and operate via battery. Others do not require wires between the cameras but do have a power cable.
Can I set up a home security camera in an apartment?
It is possible to set up internal cameras inside your apartment. Depending on the size and configuration of common hallways, you may also be able to record callers at your front door without invading the privacy of other residents.
Alternatives to the Home Security Camera
If you are unsure about installing a home security camera, you may prefer to consider a home alarm system. The system can be programmed to alarm when an external door is opened, or when unexpected movement is detected within the house. A push notification can be sent to your phone alerting you to a potential issue.
Further Links and Sources
- https://aithority.com/news/top-10-countries-and-cities-by-number-of-cctv-cameras/
- https://www.howtogeek.com/407363/how-to-make-a-security-cameras-night-vision-work-through-a-window/
- https://www.trustedchoice.com/insurance-articles/home-family/home-security-tips-tricks/
- https://home.howstuffworks.com/home-improvement/household-safety/home-security-tips.htm
- https://bestlifeonline.com/home-security-tips/
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