6 Essential Features To Look For In CCTV Security Camera Systems
By Urban Company
4 min read
Oct 23, 2017
Deciding to install a security camera system in your house is the easy step. But knowing what kind of camera … now that is the tricky bit. Modern security ...
Deciding to install a security camera system in your house is the easy step. But knowing what kind of camera … now that is the tricky bit. Modern security cameras boast a lot of features and options, and your search for the best security cameras will present you with tonnes of choices.
The features that were considered premium just a few years ago are pretty much the baseline today. This is great because you will be able to
install a CCTV systemthat will actually help you (and the police) should any unfortunate incident happen.
Another thing to note is that simply opting for the best security cameras is not enough. In fact, the term “best” is fairly ambiguous. You will quickly find that different security cameras are suited to different tasks. With that out of the way, let us look at the various list of features that you must have in your security camera system, in no particular order of importance.
1.
High-Definition and Wide-Angle Video:
Even the most basic mobile phone comes with an HD video recording function. The why would you not expect the same from a modern security camera? HD or Hi-def means 1080p resolution. 4K or Ultra-HD (or UHD) cameras are still a bit expensive, but if you are reading this sometime in the future, they may already be commonplace. The footage recorded by HD cameras is crystal clear and distinctive, allowing you and law enforcement officials to detect the smallest details. Additionally, consider wide-angle cameras. These cover a larger area with a single camera, often eliminating the need to install multiple cameras.
1.
Wireless Technology:
The clearest pictures are no good if the camera feed can be cut off by snipping a cable. You will want cameras that can transmit the recorded footage wirelessly without degrading its quality. Wireless cameras and related security camera systems also usually come with some form of remote feed and control system. Smaller variants of these cameras can also be installed in cars, providing an additional layer of security to your vehicle.
1.
Night Vision/Low-Light Cameras:
You should invest in night-vision cameras or at least those that are capable of recording in low-light conditions. Contrary to what movies would have you believe, these cameras do not produce a green monochrome video. Most cameras record footage that resembles regular black and white videos. The more advanced camera systems use infrared or heat-vision cameras for completely dark areas where simple night vision does not quite cut it. This option, however, is not necessary for every home but is definitely a good option for commercial spaces.
1.
Remote Access and Cloud Backup:
Remote access to the recorded video and live feed from your security cameras is crucial. Almost every modern urban home security system comes with some kind of companion app what gives you varying degrees of control. This means that you are able to see live footage from the camera on your mobile phone while you are way, even in another city. You may even be able to activate and deactivate the cameras remotely. Besides the ability to monitor your home when you are away, it also gives you control over how and where you can access your security system. They are also usually integrated with other smart home devices, allowing you to dim the lights or turn on your water heater from the same app. Security systems also allow you to store your footage on the cloud, creating backups and archiving footage for later use.
1.
Speakers:
Security cameras with speakers may sound pointless but they are a step up from speaking over an intercom or through the door. You can see and talk to a visitor without installing an additional intercom system. There are potentially more uses for such cameras. It can be used to calm and soothe pets when you are away, or monitor the outside of your home when you hear some strange noise at night.
1.
Motion Sensors and Automation:
Another technology that has been glorified in the movies, motion sensors and motion-activated security camera systems are much more commonplace than most people believe. The primary advantage is that it cuts down the amount of footage being recorded, saving you tonnes of storage space. It also helps save your internet data as it needs fewer backups to the cloud. More advanced motion detection systems come with movement tracking too. These cameras literally turn and follow a person in their field of view. The motion sensors can also be used to trigger alarms, alerting you to intruders.
These are but a few of the essential features of home security camera systems. There are various other features that you can opt for should you need them. Discuss your needs and options with professionals to find the best setup for your home and your family.