Best Home Security Camera: Outdoor, Wireless, Wired, Self-Monitored, Indoor, WiFi, DIY, Systems, And More

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Man looking into security camera: Home Surveillance Cameras 101Home surveillance systems have come a long way. They started with a licensed installer coming to your home with bulky equipment and endless strings of cords. High monthly bills and lousy image quality followed.

Today, we have access to DIY solutions that you can install yourself and monitor from your phone. If you want to purchase your own home surveillance cameras but aren’t sure where to begin your search, you’ve come to the right place.

Article Overview

How Do Security Cameras Work?

First, you have the option of using wired or wireless security cameras. Larger properties and businesses typically use wired cameras. These systems use cables for power, internet connection and video transfer. Cables connect the cameras to a recorder, which you then attach to a router.

A wireless camera is much easier to install because there are no cables. You can install these cameras anywhere within range of the base station, which connects to the router (sometimes with a cable). The system transmits video footage wirelessly to the recorder or app.

What Are The Different Types Of Security Cameras Available?

Before deciding on cameras, you’ll want to consider where you live, how heavy foot traffic and crime is in your area, the layout and positioning of your home, and weather conditions, among other factors. Here are the different types of security cameras you’ll want to consider:

Outdoor | WiFiWireless | Wireless | Doorbell | App-Based | CCTV | Pet Cams

Outdoor security camera mounted to wall (Caption: Guide To Outdoor Security Cameras)Outdoor Cameras

Video surveillance around the exterior of your home can help scare off intruders before they even try and step foot into your house.

If they’re still gutsy enough to break into your home, you may be able to bring them to justice. Find out which outdoor security cameras we recommend.

 

Indoor Cameras

Ring stick camera on table (caption: Best Indoor Security Cameras)Indoor cameras today connect to your internet and typically can deliver footage through an app. These are much easier to install, but they can be less reliable if you have an inconsistent internet connection or someone severs the internet connection to your home. Indoor cameras are easy to relocate since all you have to do is plug them in (some don’t even require this step) and connect them to your WiFi. Some even have AI features.

We’ve reviewed the best indoor security cameras.

Wireless Cameras

Arlo camera at night (caption: Best Wireless Security Cameras)Wireless security cameras allow you to flexibly place your camera without worrying about hardwiring it or putting it near an outlet. Their simple installation and ease of use make them a popular choice.

You can read our reviews of the best wireless security cameras and the best wireless outdoor security cameras to see our top picks.

Wired Security Cameras

Lorex camera at night (caption: Best Wired Home Security Cameras)There are two main reasons people consider a wired security camera. They want a reliable connection, and they want to record video locally, so they don’t have to rely on cloud recording. You can read our article about the best wired security cameras to see what we recommend.

 

Doorbell Cameras

Ring doorbell posted on a front door (Caption: Best Doorbell Cameras)

An increasingly popular type of security camera available today are doorbell cameras. Package theft is occurring more frequently with the abundance of online shopping consumers are doing, so monitoring the front door is a necessity.

Doorbell cameras replace your existing doorbell with one that includes a camera. Download an app onto your phone and get notifications when someone rings your doorbell or motion is detected (depending on the brand you buy). If someone tries to break into your home or steal your package, you can speak to them through the doorbell to try to scare them off.

You’ve probably heard of Ring’s doorbell camera as it was one of the pioneers in this space. But did you know there are other companies you can choose from as well? Read our doorbell comparison article to see which one we chose as the top pick.

Did You Know?

In the Ring app, neighbors can help one another by creating alerts of nearby crimes. The company has also partnered with more than 400 law enforcement agencies across the country.

Pictures Of Home Security Camera Apps On Smartphones (Caption: Turn A Phone Or Tablet Into A Security Camera)Camera Apps

Have any old smartphone lying around your house?  Turn it into a security camera! This can save you a lot of money. All you have to do is install a home security camera app on your phone and your system will be up and running in minutes.

CCTV Security Camera Systems

Pet Cameras

Dog next to pet camera (caption:Best Pet Security Cameras)

Want to keep tabs on your furry friends while you’re not at home? Many indoor WiFi security cameras or cameras that are part of your whole-home security system can allow you to view your pets.

But there are some fun pet-specific cameras on the market that have interactive features, such as games you can play and treat-tossing capabilities.

What To Look For In A Security Camera

We feel night vision and motion detection are “must haves,” while other features can be useful depending on your unique circumstances.

Factors To Consider In A Home Security Camera

Must Haves

  • Night Vision – This is important since many crimes take place in the dark or at night. The best cameras have night vision, to catch the criminal’s face or license plate in the dark (note that most do not yet apply facial or license plate recognition technology, manual matches will have to be made). Check out our top picks for the best night vision cameras.
  • Motion Detection – We suggest getting a camera with motion detection, so your camera picks up important events only, vs recording constantly or on a fixed schedule. Constant recording takes up a lot of storage space, and if there is a crime committed, you’ll have to watch through all of that footage.

Advanced Features And Technical Details

  • Field of View – The size of the area you want to monitor will determine the field of view. Is a wide-angle lens necessary? Ultimately, this will be up to you. Consider where exactly you might place a camera before purchasing.
  • Zoom, Pan, Tilt – Make sure your camera(s) point in a direction that allows the criminal’s face to be seen clearly (a zoom feature can help a lot here). Think about where the criminal might break in, and how, when you consider the placement and angle of your camera. If you’re covering wider areas we recommend a camera that pans and tilts as well (many of these are controllable remotely, via your smartphone, and can also be motion-triggered).
  • Resolution – Technology has come a long way in the improvement of picture quality. Make sure the camera you are considering has high definition at a minimum so you can clearly see characteristics of burglars and any unusual activity. And note that for WiFi cameras the image quality will depend on your internet speed.
  • Arlo Ultra camera with solar panel (Caption: Best Solar Powered Security Cameras)Wireless or Hardwired – Since thieves can cut wires (and potentially disable your system that way), wireless equipment has become the norm, especially in older homes where wires are potentially easier to access. One advantage of a wired system is you will not have to replace batteries. Some cameras are solar-powered or use rechargeable batteries.
  • Audio detection – This can be convenient because you can speak to the intruder and warn them that authorities are on the way. They may leave before doing any harm. Or you can have your own personal security guard do that for you by monitoring your camera feeds and deterring intruders with the Deep Sentinel system.
  • Motion detection zones – You can select areas of the view angle that should detect motion and begin recording. Zones come in handy if you place a camera above your garage that shows part of the street (learn more about garage security), but you don’t want your camera to record every time a car passes by.
  • Feed quality – high definition video can capture more details that may come in handy when apprehending a suspect.
  • IP Camera – a camera capable of recording to the internet, where you can remotely access the footage. Compare this to a DVR camera, which records to a local hard drive that an intruder could steal.
  • Recording length – the longer the recording capacity, the more footage you can capture, but that may also affect online storage limits.
  • Operating temperature – For example, in Iowa, the winters can get below -10°F, so I needed an outdoor camera that could withstand the frigid temperatures as well as hot summers reaching around 100°F.

Pro Tip

Every home and situation is different so we suggest making a list and looking for the best surveillance camera that meets your specific needs.

Security Camera FAQs

There are a few things to keep in mind before buying your cameras, as well as questions we receive from our readers. 

  1. How Many Cameras Do I Need?
  2. Where Should I Place My Cameras?
  3. How Easy Are Security Cameras To Install?
  4. Can Security Cameras Be Hacked?
  5. Do Responses To Alarms With Cameras Get A Higher Police Dispatch Priority?
  6. Are Security Cameras Legal?
  7. Can Security Camera Footage Be Used In Court To Prosecute Crimes?
  8. What Should I Do If My Camera Is Not Working?
  9. Do Security Cameras Invade Privacy?

1) How Many Cameras Do I Need?

Many systems allow for you to add-on multiple cameras. You might get one camera thinking it’s enough coverage but then come to learn you need a second camera for another part of your house that is an entry point for intruders and it’s easy to add a second camera later on.

Security camera catching a mailmail in action

2) Where Should I Place My Cameras?

Our home security camera installation guide has all the details on where you should place your cameras, how to install them and other tips.

3) How Easy Are Security Cameras To Install?

One of the biggest concerns is how simple the camera installation is. Fortunately, most security cameras have DIY set-ups that take less than 15 minutes. However, there are some that require a little more work (i.e., CCTV systems).

4) Can Security Cameras Be Hacked?

There are multiple ways for hackers to gain access to your security camera. Read our guide to properly secure your cameras.

5) Do Responses To Alarms With Cameras Get A Higher Police Dispatch Priority?

What Is The Average Police Response Time In The U.S.?This depends on your precinct and specific police department protocol, but yes, in many cases a video-verified intrusion is considered a “burglary in progress” and will receive higher dispatch priority. What does this mean? Typically a faster response time. Check out our article on average police response times around the country to see how quick your local cops are.

Note that if the suspects are not caught, there is another whole issue surrounding the admissibility of video in court.

6) Are Security Cameras Legal?

Be sure to learn about the laws in your state or contact your local police department regarding the legality of filming people from a surveillance camera placed on your property.

7) Can Security Camera Footage Be Used In Court To Prosecute Crimes?

In general yes, but you will need to prove that you had permission to record the suspect, that the footage is admissible in court, and that it is relevant. Typically intrusions in and around your property are admissible, whereas more public locations like your sidewalk or a public access may not be.

Another potential hurdle is whether the video recording is accurate enough to warrant facial recognition. In our experience this is where the evidence often falls short. We recommend you consult with your attorney for specifics in your jurisdiction.

8) What Should I Do If My Camera Is Not Working?

If you run into problems with your security camera working, it may be an easy fix. Before you panic, check out our expert’s tips on security camera troubleshooting.

9) Do Security Cameras Invade Privacy?

Security cameras ride a fine line when it comes to privacy. Our experts explore how security cameras can be an invasion of privacy, how to prevent your cameras from violating others, and how to protect yourself.

This step is often overlooked but it’s critical to know the laws before buying a security camera, especially if it’s hidden, in a vacation home or if you plan to use any intrusion video in court. In the case of a vacation rental property, for example, it is illegal in most locations to operate indoor cameras without guests’ permission.

Some cities ask you to register your security cameras in case a crime takes place nearby so they can see if there are any cameras in the area that may have captured the activity. In fact, in Washington DC, they even have a rebate program to reimburse and incentivize residents to add outdoor cameras to their homes to help with crime prevention and monitoring.

What Are The Best Security Systems?

Cameras are very helpful, but what about entire security systems? You can add door, window, motion, glass break, and environmental sensors to protect yourself from smoke, carbon dioxide, and other hazards. Find out who our top providers are in our home security systems reviews.

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The information provided through this website should not be used to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease; it is not intended to offer any legal opinion or advice or a substitute for professional safety advice or professional care. Please consult your health care provider, attorney, or product manual for professional advice. Products and services reviewed are provided by third parties; we are not responsible in any way for them, nor do we guarantee their functionality, utility, safety, or reliability. Our content is for educational purposes only.

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