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Everyone needs a little security to feel better about leaving their home and valuables unattended. That lock on your door isn’t there for decoration! But some of us need more than just a little security. Whether burglaries are common in your area or you’re just looking for peace of mind, a Closed Circuit Television (or CCTV) camera may be the solution for you.
With so many options out there (and at prices ranging from dirt cheap to astronomical), choosing the right camera can be daunting. To make it easier, we’ve compiled a list of key features homeowners should look for in a CCTV system. If you want to find the best wired surveillance camera, consider the following:
1. Excellent Image Quality
High Definition Resolution
At the bare minimum, a wired surveillance camera should display a clear image. If a porch pirate steals your valuables off your doorstop, a grainy black and white smudge isn’t going to help the police identify the culprit.
The best CCTV cameras record images and videos in High Definition (HD), and at 1080p resolution (at the very least). With that level of quality, you and the authorities will find it much easier to identify faces, license plates, and other minor details.
Night Vision Capabilities
Your wired CCTV camera isn’t going to be worth diddly if it only works when the sun is out. Quality surveillance cameras use infrared (IR) technology to record in dark and low light conditions.
2. Solid Build and Weather Resistance
The Housing Is Robust
You want a camera that is solidly constructed and isn’t going to crumble like a cracker at the slightest touch. Obviously, the stronger the camera, the more expensive it will be. You don’t want to purchase something that will break the bank, but it should be able to withstand adverse weather and be somewhat tamper-proof.
Weatherproof Ratings
Wired cameras are mounted outside. Even in temperate climates, that means the camera will be exposed to a variety of elements. You want a camera that has a high IP rating. This stands for International Protection (or sometimes Ingress Protection), and it describes the level of environmental conditions electrical equipment can withstand.
For example, a camera rated IPX has no business being left outside because it lacks environmental protection. An IP54 camera can handle some dust intrusion (that’s what the 5 means) and splashes of water (indicated by the 4), but isn’t fully dust or water resistant. By contrast, an IP66 camera is sealed against solid and liquid intrusion and can hold up against just about any weather.
3. Advanced Motion Detection and Alerts
Smart Motion Detection
A CCTV camera with smart motion detection will only record footage when it senses a large moving object in its field of view. There are several grades of “smart” detection, some of which can be fooled by shadows or changes in lighting caused by passing clouds or obstructions. The best wired surveillance cameras should only record when they detect people or cars in the vicinity. The advantage here is the efficiency: you get alerts only when it is necessary (and not for a heavy breeze or a neighborhood cat).
Real Time Alerts
Your camera should send you notifications when suspicious movement is detected near your property, and these alerts on your smartphone or computer should always come immediately. Consider cameras with customizable alert settings.
4. Wide Field of View and PTZ Features
Wide Angle Lenses
The wider the lens angle, the more the camera can see. Ultimately, this isn’t just a great security feature, it’s also a cost-saving one. A camera with a wide enough angle (90 degrees or more) will save you having to purchase additional cameras to ring around your property. However, if your camera is only going to be monitoring a single area, such as a doorway, a more focused lens (25 to 60 degrees) is better for recording more detail.
Pan, Tilt, and Zoom (PTZ)
A PTZ camera is a versatile security tool. It can pan (move horizontally), tilt (move vertically), and zoom (focus on objects in the distance). This enables it to track movement and zero in on suspicious activity. However, PTZ cameras do have some drawbacks.
Because of its more advanced capabilities, PTZ cameras are typically more expensive. And the higher number of moving parts means it may require more upkeep to maintain. Finally, though the camera is more dynamic than one with a wide-angle lens, it can only record what’s directly in front of it. Keep these factors in mind when making your camera choice; you don’t want to end up with a blindspot in your system.
5. Reliable Storage and Accessibility
Storage Options: Local and Cloud
How do you want to store your security footage, locally or in the cloud? Both have their pros and cons. Keeping the storage localized means you don’t need an internet connection to record, and the footage can’t be hacked. In theory, this makes the data more secure. However, someone could just steal the physical storage unit. It could also be lost or damaged. The other limitation is the amount of storage itself; a local drive is finite, whereas cloud storage can be upgraded.
The upside to cloud storage is that it can be accessed from anywhere, making it easier to review footage – even when you’re away from home. The downside is that it requires an internet connection at all times and is potentially hackable if the connection isn’t secure.
Easy Access and Remote Viewing
Your CCTV camera should have an easy-to-use mobile or web application that allows you to stream its footage in real time, review archived footage, and make setting changes.
Additional Wired CCTV Camera Features
The following features aren’t as essential as the ones we’ve listed above, but you should definitely consider them before making a final purchase.
Compatibility with Your Smart Home
If you currently use smart home devices, such as Google Home, Amazon Alexa, or Apple HomeKit, integrating a smart camera into your system will improve its overall efficiency. Plus, being able to operate your security systems with voice commands or through a single application is way more convenient.
Power and Backup Options
Wired surveillance cameras will always need a source of power. An Uninterruptable Power Supply (UPS) or backup battery will enable continuous camera functioning no matter what’s going on in the neighborhood.
Conclusion
When you’re anxious about protecting your home with a wired security camera, searching online for the cheapest, fastest option can be tempting. However, we hope we’ve made it clear just how important the right features can be. Clear image quality, durable construction, motion detection, field of view, and reliable storage and accessibility should all factor into your decision.
Installing a wired CCTV camera enables you to build a reliable security system to protect your home. If you’re in the market for a home security system, or curious how to bundle smart home services into an efficient, affordable payment, the experts at SmarterHome.ai are here to help. We can find you the best home security solution today!
