Nowadays, security cameras are not seen as a drastic and expensive security measure for your home. These cameras have become much more affordable and accessible, meaning that it is no longer a luxury to have one installed. Though security cameras have improved quality, recording capability and affordability, outdoor security cameras are still more vulnerable. This article will offer a guide that will assist in understanding outdoor home security cameras.
The Importance of Home Security Cameras
Home security cameras offer plenty of benefits as they allow you to monitor the activity occurring on your property from any location. Installing a home security camera is a smart move, and we will show you why it is essential to install one.
- Deters criminals
When installing an outdoor security camera, you will deter criminals even if it is only a dummy camera, as most criminals will detect them before they break into the home. Whenever criminals see that your home has a security camera, they won’t want to break in as they do not want their activity to be recorded.
- Assists the police
If a burglary occurs and you have a security camera installed, the security camera will record the footage in high definition. The videos and images from the security camera will capture the culprit, which might assist in returning the items that were stolen from your home.
- Watch activity at home
Security cameras allow you to check in on your children and pets even when you are at work. In the case of pets, it can be stressful to leave them alone at home, and it may also be expensive to have someone look after them. However, by installing security cameras, you will be able to check in your pets from wherever you are.
Home Security Cameras Features
Home security cameras are available in many different shapes and sizes, and they also have many features that you can choose from. Below we will show you the features that you can expect from home security cameras.
- Motion sensor
Security cameras capture a lot of footage throughout the day, and even though you want to capture all suspicious activity, you might end up with a lot of empty footage that might fill up your storage. However, with motion sensing, you can pause recording until the camera detects movements in the frame. You can also receive alerts to your phone or computer when movement is detected in the area that the security camera is installed.
- Two-way audio
Security cameras have speakers that allow two-way communication between the person monitoring the video stream and the person in front of the camera. With two-way audio, you can communicate with the person at your front door, which is convenient, especially if you have guests while you are not at home.
- Infrared or low-light mode
Low-light qualities contain image intensifiers that can amplify very small amounts of ambient light, creating brighter images with discernible details. The technology used in low-light mode is the same technology used for night goggles, and the low-light mode makes it easier to capture photos and videos in the evening.
- Cloud storage
Security cameras that are unable to save the footage they capture are not effective, especially in the event of a burglary occurring. Therefore, cloud storage is an essential feature for a security camera as it ensures that this footage is backed up and you can access it whenever you want to.
Where to Place Outdoor Home Security Cameras
The area where you install the outdoor home security camera will affect its level of effectiveness. Below are some of the places you should consider installing your security camera.
- Windows or ground-floor doors
When burglars attempt to break into a home, they will use the same routes that the homeowner uses, using the doors and windows located on the ground floor. Therefore, you should ensure that you install your outdoor security cameras on ground-level windows and doors.
- Driveway
If your home has a driveway, you must install an outdoor security camera in this area as it will be able to monitor one of the most common places that thieves will use to sneak into your home.
- Yard
You should install security cameras both at the front and back of your yard. Front doors might be common to use and much more accessible, but so is the backyard, as they are usually covered, making them appealing to criminals. When criminals use the backyard to break into the home, they can do so without the risk that they will be caught. The back yard is also appealing for burglars as most people tend to neglect their back yard landscaping, giving thieves a good hiding place.
- Garages
Most people do not only use their garages to park their vehicles, but they might also store expensive equipment and tools in there. Therefore, it is crucial that you install outdoor security cameras in this area. If you install a wireless outdoor security camera, ensure that the WiFi extends to the garage so that you can see all the activity occurring.
Considerations When Installing Outdoor Security Cameras
When it comes to outdoor security cameras, you should consider the weather conditions that the camera will face. Ensure that the security camera is covered as the camera might be exposed to high-temperature ranges, such as rain. Secondly, when it comes to outdoor home security cameras, they are also vulnerable to glare, reducing the quality of the camera’s footage. Therefore, ensure that you keep reflection and glare from the security camera and that it is not installed in direct sunlight. Though infrared cameras can offer you night-time footage, it is essential that you increase visibility through using outdoor lighting as the night vision footage will be in colour.
Speaking of outdoor security, Do Outdoor Security Lights Really Deter Intruders?
