It can be very time-saving to know what to look out for in-home surveillance cameras when you find a deal on a camera that you like. To get the best bang for your buck, we recommend that you choose a security camera that meets certain minimum requirements.
Security camera video quality
A wireless security camera’s video quality is important, but it goes beyond just video resolution. A camera’s field-of-view, frame rate, night vision quality, and frame rate are all important factors. These are the things we recommend to ensure that your security camera delivers excellent video performance.
- A 1080p video resolution or higher will give enough detail to distinguish people through their facial features, clothing, and actions. You don’t have to rely on your phone’s small screen for 1080p resolution. The Reo link Argus 3 Pro, with its 2K video resolution, is a wonderful example of high-quality video resolution.
- The camera can see large areas indoors and out while still keeping the subject size within the frame. A wider viewing angle of 160o might be a good option for a video doorbell or outdoor security cam. This will allow you to cover more areas with fewer cameras.
- Smooth motion in videos requires a frame rate of at least 15 frames per second (fps). Smooth video is less prone to motion blur. This can cause poor detail on high-resolution cameras. Smooth video is less susceptible to motion blur, which can reduce detail even on high-resolution cameras. Google Nest cameras.
- Wireless cameras can produce bright images after sunset when they have a night vision range of at least 30 feet. Infrared LEDs are used by most security cameras to record in total darkness. You might still consider purchasing a model with a secondary light, such as the Ring Floodlight Camera. This can help deter intruders while providing color night vision.
Video storage for security cameras
Video recording preserves a record of what happens around your home without you having to constantly be on the lookout for live feeds or respond to every notification on your smartphone. It all depends on your personal preferences and budget. Here are our recommendations for both:
- You can record several week’s worths of videos with a local storage capacity of 32GB or more (preferably an SD card). If possible, cameras with resolutions greater than 1080p (e.g., most Eufy cameras) should be able to support 64GB or 128GB microSD cards. We recommend an NVR of at least 1 TB if you have multiple analog security cameras.
- Cloud storage video history for 14 days or more will allow you to view and download recordings if your IP camera catches your attention. Monthly storage costs for one doorbell camera will be less than $4 per month and $10 for multiple cameras. Wyze’s two cloud plan is a great place to start.
Security camera features essentially.
These features will make your camera more user-friendly and more efficient, even though video quality and storage are the most important aspects of home security cameras.
- The most convenient way to manage your Wi-Fi security camera is via a mobile app. You can view and receive notifications as well as adjust settings to make your everyday life easier. You also have access to smart home controls and two-way audio. Blink cameras are a great example of a simple but powerful mobile app.
- A Motion detection camera makes managing notifications and video storage easier. A smart detection is an option, though models with motion sensitivity and adjustable motion zones are sufficient for most people. Smart detection is an artificial intelligence feature that allows smart security cameras to identify people, animals, and other objects and notify you.
Optional security camera features
Your camera and wallet won’t be affected by anything beyond the security camera features mentioned above. These are some nice features that you might want but are not necessarily what you need.
- While a battery eliminates the need to run power cables through installation, you will still need to charge it to keep your camera working. While batteries are convenient for outdoor cameras, we prefer wired cameras. You don’t like changing out smoke detector batteries, so an indoor security camera that consumes too much power may prove to be more hassle than it’s worth.
- An outdoor weatherproof camera can be another thing you don’t need in your home. You can also save money by purchasing an indoor camera. You might also consider an outdoor camera for areas of your home that don’t require heating, such as the garage or workshop.
- A security camera can be a great way for your camera to improve its skills. It will work with professional monitoring and a range of security sensors. It will cost you more in monthly monitoring and equipment. Before you make a large investment in security systems, get comfortable with your security camera.
