I am all for having a smart home and top notch home security. When you are looking to keep your home or business safe and protected, you need the right security devices to do so. For many, adding a security camera is a no-brainer. Outdoor cameras are the first line of defense against burglars, intruders, and thieves that can attack your business or home at any time. Choosing the right outdoor security camera from a reputable company is essential.
Depending on what company you get your security from, you may be able to get a security camera that seamlessly integrates into your security system. However, you can also choose to add your own cameras that can be controlled by an app, or even integrated with your Google Home, Amazon Echo, or Samsung SmartThings.
Below are some of the top features to look for when in the market for a new outdoor camera for your home or business.
Night Vision
You are familiar with the phrase “the freaks come out a night”. Most home and business burglaries happen at night, under the cloak of darkness. Because of this, the most important feature that any modern camera for outdoor use should have is night vision capabilities. This is necessary for effective monitoring of your home or business. When comparing different cameras with night vision, look for one that has infrared technology.
Motion Activation
Another great feature that modern-day outdoor cameras should have is motion activation. These cameras will generally turn on when they detect motion, and record for 30 seconds or so, depending on your settings. This means you will be able to save energy costs and not have to record as much on your devices that are connected to your cameras. Keep in mind this may mean cars, people walking past, animals, the mailman, birds, or even large insects that move within the camera’s viewing range. Many modern outdoor security cameras will come equipped with energy-saving features.
Picture Quality
I am totally addicted to watching See No Evil on Investigation Discovery quite often. And I have seen this issue. There is no point in capturing an intruder on camera if you are not able to see them clear enough to identify them. This is why it is important to spend the money to buy a camera that records quality footage. When you are able to obtain quality picture footage, police and investigators will have a better chance of capturing the person or people responsible for attacking your business or home. It can also be great as evidence in a court case as well. Look for a camera that records in at least HD quality.
Weatherproof And Vandal-Proof
It gets dang cold here in Chicago. When comparing different outdoor security cameras for your home or business, check to make sure the cameras are resistant to the outdoor elements and vandals. Most cameras should list an IP rating. The IP rating tells you how many of the elements your camera will be resistant to. Your cameras need to be able to work during rain, snow, cold and hot weather. For additional protection of your investment in the outdoor cameras, you can opt to purchase a special housing unit to cover and protect them. This will add to the overall price of your cameras system installation. But, your home security is worth it.
Field Of View
When having outdoor cameras installed, it is essential to make sure there are no areas around your home or business that are left vulnerable. Ensure that your cameras have a full range of view without leaving any blind spots for criminals and attackers to utilize. Many modern-day cameras are either single-lens or fisheye lenses. These are popular because they do not leave blind spots.
While this is only a short list of features to consider when in the market for an outdoor camera for security, these are some of the top ones to keep in mind. They are a good start to making an informed choice when looking to protect your home or business from those who want to attack it. Stay tuned for a round-up of my favorite security cameras!
