Security cameras are a worthwhile investment for any homeowner and can also serve as a tool for preventing crime. Home security cameras discourage any break-ins, intrusions, or trespassing.
Since most cameras today work with Wi-Fi or mobile apps, monitoring your home is easy as the footage from the camera can be accessed through your smartphone.
It’s not enough to purchase a video doorbell alone. Quality outdoor home security cameras can go a long way in protecting your home. Here are some features to look out for when buying an outdoor home security camera.
Good Video Resolution
Resolution is one of the most important features that people look for in cameras. Most cameras can reach 1080p but only under ideal conditions such as strong Wi-Fi connection. If the network speed is low, you may not get the best video resolution.
A camera with a lower resolution might produce grainy images, which may not be quite helpful. It’s best to go within the 720p to 1080p range when picking a security camera.
Night Vision
You would want your camera to record footage at night, especially since it’s the prime time for burglary. You may have to spend a little more money if you want full-color night vision, but the results will be worth it.
Field of View
When getting an outdoor camera, consider how much coverage you want to get out of it. This is known as the field of view.
For a better understanding, the field of view is the distance between the two edges of the camera display.
You can pick a camera with a field of view ranging from 180 degrees to 360 degrees. A 360- degree camera will allow you to monitor your entire surroundings and is best for open spaces.
Design and Durability
How a camera is built and how it looks often reflect the purposes it serves. For instance, a camera with a cylindrical design and no cover is not meant to be outdoors.
The size of the field of view will also help you determine where the camera should go. 360-degree cameras, for instance, should not be placed in corners or near walls.
Other cameras that are plug and play need to be mounted or placed somewhere near wall sockets.
Pan-Tilt-Zoom
Pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) cameras are a good economical option for homeowners. This camera allows you to move side to side and up and down and zoom in and out for better details.
PTZ cameras allow you to see more out of your space, and one single camera will suffice all your needs.
AI Facial Recognition
This feature is not popular yet, but more and more cameras are starting to adopt it. Cameras with facial recognition can learn the common faces at home and then use the data to generate real-time familiar faces alerts.
Such cameras can also tell when an unfamiliar face is around the house and will notify you through your phone. This technology has the potential to even save lives.