There is a continual increase in the number of security cameras for sale. With the introduction of big names such as the Nest Cam iQ, it is more commonplace for most homes to have their security systems in place.
When it comes to purchasing your indoor, outdoor security cameras, there is so much choice; it can be hard to know which is the best.
You can find the top five home security system setups to help monitor your smart home’s security in our reviews.
But the end, you’ll have a better understanding of which are the best security camera systems for your home or business.
How to Choose a Security Camera System for Your Home
1. Camera Type
Camera choice is the first thing, and it does depend on where you wish to place it. Inside homes offer lots of security camera options. Outside, and you’ll need to decide if you want wireless security cameras or video doorbells.
For monitoring doors, consider video doorbells as they get power from your doorbell wiring. To monitor other areas, you’ll need a wired outdoor security camera or wireless security camera. Bear in mind, doorbell cameras are designed to face the elements, yet not all other security cameras are weatherproof.
2. Power Source
Battery-powered wireless security cameras will need to be recharged depending on how long the batteries can last. Hardwired cameras and doorbells avoid this issue yet can limit placement options.
3. Cloud Storage
Many newer camera systems come with free cloud storage. Manufacturers now opt for cloud storage instead of memory as video files are large.
The amount of free online storage and the cost of storage plans can vary drastically. Besides this, many offer motion-triggered video and not continuous video feed storage.
4. Privacy
Such cameras offer peace of mind, yet you shouldn’t forget that if you have an indoor cam and the best outdoor camera, they present a view into your home as they connect to the internet. If you can check the video from your phone, then the chances are, so could another person.
You will need to set up a unique username and difficult-to-guess passwords. Also, some cameras offer two-factor authentication. (Learn What Startup Programs Can I Disable)
What is the Best Home Security Camera
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1. Heimvision HM241 1080P Wireless Security Camera System, 8CH NVR 4Pcs Outdoor WiFi Surveillance Camera with Night Vision, Waterproof, Motion Alert, Remote Access, No Hard Disk
The Heimvision HM241 is plug-and-play and offers easy setup. The wireless cameras are paired to the NVR system at the manufacturers. All it takes is to power on, and you have 24/7 surveillance.
The system is rated to IP66 for a dust-tight, waterproof, and weatherproof outdoor security camera. It records in 1080P HD for crisp images and HD live video. Footage from day and night is clear from the 2.0 Megapixel bullet cameras, and there are 65ft of Night Vision and the 110° viewing angle.
You can set the system to send smart home notifications via email or snapshot alerts pushed to your smartphone if motion is detected. You can customize a detection plan and zones for every camera. (Read How To Use No Limits Magic Build)
For remote viewing, connect the NVR to your home router. With the phone app or on your PC, you can remote access simultaneously on smart devices any time, no matter where you are.
Pros
Cons
With a guide price of $180, you get a robust and smart security camera system designed to face any weather. It can ultimately support 8 cameras, which makes it a fantastic option to monitor your home. You also have the option of wire-free, or you can hardwire the cameras with an Ethernet cable.
2. XVIM 1080P Wired Home Security Camera System 4CH CCTV DVR Recorder 4pcs Full HD 1080P Indoor Outdoor Waterproof Surveillance Cameras Night Vision, Easy Remote Access
The XVIM offers 4 X 1080P Bullet outdoor security camera options with IP66 Waterproofing.
The 2.0 Megapixels HD CCTV cameras have 24 LEDs automatic IR-cut filters. It allows you to have live viewing, recording, and playback. The cameras are in an IP66 metal housing and can be used indoors and outdoors. You can find they have 100 FT Night Vision.
In operation, you have customizable motion detection with alerts via email. You can also cut down on false alarms by setting up the detection zone for your outdoor camera from your DVR.
The XVIM indoor, outdoor security cameras offer true colour under all lighting, whether it’s day or night 24/7 monitoring. The DVR is equipped with HDMI and VGA ports for multi-video output so that you can view the recording on an HD TV or computer monitor.
Connect to the internet, and download the free app for Android and IOS. You can remote monitor an indoor or outdoor camera anytime.
Pros
Cons
With a guide price of $105, you get the best security camera system with excellent reach at night. It does lack the option of Wi-Fi cameras, so that you will need a cable and external power source for each camera.
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3. HeimVision 2K 3MP Security Camera, Pan/Tilt/Zoom WiFi Home Indoor IP Camera for Baby/Pet/Nanny Monitor, Night Vision, 2-Way Audio, Motion Detection, Cloud/Local Storage, HM202A
The HeimVision 2K 3MP HD video Security Camera comes with 2K 3MP ultra-high resolution and 110° field of view from the wide-angle optical lens without distortion.
Rather than fixed, you have remote control from your mobile device of the 355° horizontal and 95° vertical rotation to cover a full 360° panoramic view to keep an eye on your home with no blind spots.
The HM202A wireless security camera detects motion and sound; it intelligently tracks and records while sending real-time alerts. You can adjust the detection sensitivity of the IP camera from high to low.
You can use the anti-noise microphone and speakers to communicate with your family through the surveillance camera. The WiFi indoor camera’s night vision range is 15m/49 ft thanks to the 6 infrared LEDs that offer clear vision. (Read CBS Australia)
With the Hikvision 2K 3MP Full HD video security camera, you have full encryption, and no third party can read information between your camera, home Wi Fi and company servers. The smart home indoor security camera supports cloud storage and memory cards up to 128GB for secondary video recording.
Pros
Cons
With a guide price just below $30, you have a quick solution for monitoring one area inside your home. It also enables you to communicate, so if it was an elderly or ill family member, you can easily keep in touch from anywhere over your internet connection.
4. ANNKE 5MP Lite Security Camera System Outdoor 8 Channel H.265+ DVR and 8X1920TVL IP66 Weatherproof Home CCTV Cameras, Smart Playback, Instant Email Alert with Images, 1TB Hard Drive-Y200
With the ANNKE security camera system, you get 8 cameras offering 1080p HD 5 MP images from the IP 66 weatherproof cameras.
You can see sharp images in near darkness up to a 100 ft night vision distance. You get H.265+ Video Compression and a 1 TB Hard Drive. H.265+ compression means more local storage, and transmission efficiency means there is no video quality reduction. You will find 24/7 recordings using the 1 TB HDD offer 7x longer videos than with an H.264 encoded systems.
The system comes secure with the ANNKE private protocols and most hackproof encryption. You need to set up an activation password before the device can be configured, and it requires secure two-factor verification for device access.
You can experience unlimited remote live streaming or playback using the free ANNKE Vision App on mobile devices and PCs. You can receive app pushes and email alerts.
Pros
Cons
With a guide price of just over $210, this security camera best suits homes that need this number of cameras. It offers excellent storage and excellent image quality, which is bright and clear. It could be one of the best security cameras when set upright.
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5. Security Camera Outdoor Victure 1080P WiFi Home Security Camera with Pan/Tilt 360° View Night Vision IP66 Waterproof Motion Detection Compatible with iOS/Android
The Victure 1080P home security camera delivers lots of viewing angles using the 360° horizontal and 110° vertical rotation range.
It means you have a vast viewing angle, and you can eliminate blond spots. The camera also comes with smart motion tracking, so movement is monitored without missing the activities around your house.
The best indoor camera is also IP66 waterproof and can cope with an extensive range of temperatures. It offers full HD with a wide-angle lens, and at night it utilizes the 12 hidden infrared LED’s.
You can store it onto the Micro SD or use the encrypted security cloud storage service that is on offer.
Pros
Cons
With a guide price of just under $50, you get a great little camera to use for checking your door when there is a delivery. With two-way communication, you can check what anyone does on your doorstep. You can even control this best smart model using Alexa.
What to Look for When Buying a Home Security Camera System
Some security camera features may be more important for some than others.
Here are some of the things you may need to consider when choosing.
Field of View
Field of view for many cameras ranges from 90 to 140 degrees. To keep tabs on your backyard or large room, you’ll need a larger field of view to monitor the area. A narrow field of view will be all you need for a porch or doorway.
Night Vision
Most security cameras offer night vision. You need this if you want 24/7 monitoring.
Resolution
You may find ultra-high HD in TVs up to 4K, yet this can consume large amounts of data. Resolution in security cameras ranges from 480p to 1080p to offer better detail.
Low Light
Dim areas won’t activate night vision, so the camera will require a wide aperture to absorb more light.
Motion Detection
Motion detection can alert you whenever a specific area detects movement. It can be delivery men, thieves, or animals. Some cameras may have motion detection of just 90 degrees, while some have 270 degrees. Some models have lights, which will be activated if there is motion. Motion boundaries can set from a few feet to over 100 feet.
Power Source
Battery-powered cameras are far more manageable for everyday individuals to install. Cam battery life can be a factor as they will require new or recharging. Hard wired cameras need a power cable you need to hide, or it is easy for anyone to disarm.
Audio
Many camera types won’t record audio; also, even less will allow two-way audio. Using this feature, you can communicate with whoever you see on camera.
Apps
Modern security comes with a mobile app for remote connection. You can find some controlled by Alexa and Google assistant for easy control for hands-free control rather than opening the mobile app.
Storage Plans
Most cameras come with additional cloud storage plans to record and store any motion detection events.
Camera Size
Size can dictate where you can place the camera. Some are slim, and they can point in any direction and install anywhere. Others have no neck and limit where they can be placed.
Wired vs. Wireless Security Cameras
Wireless Home Security Cameras
A Wi-Fi security system uses individual wireless cameras located throughout your home, and the cameras work by W- Fi to communicate with the control panel. This, in turn, connects to your router, and from here, they can notify you if there is motion, etc. (Read Is Whatsapp Safe To Use)
The drawbacks of Wi-Fi security systems are reliability; since Wi-Fi routers and phones can go down, this can cause your cameras to fail. Wi-Fi security systems can also suffer from electromagnetic interference from baby monitors, remotes, microwaves, and more. Home size and configuration can also have a massive impact.
Hardwired Home Security Cameras
Hardwired security systems connect to the control panel through Ethernet cables, which connect to your router.
Wired systems are more reliable, yet they can take more to set up in the first place.
FAQ
What is the difference between HD and IP cameras?
You can find several differences between HD and IP.
Max Resolution
IP cameras lead here with some models with 4K. HD, however, offers 2MP and 4MP analog cameras.
Cabling
HD analog cameras use coaxial cabling, making them popular for customers not wanting to change a current system. Coax has a long reach of up to 500 meters.
IP cameras use CAT 5/6 cables and are limited to approximately 100 meters maximum. Beyond this is a signal loss, which compromises video quality.
Setup
HD analog cameras are plug-and-play devices as there is no network configuration. IP cameras need the cameras set up on the network.
Price
HD analog cameras are often less expensive than IP cameras.
Camera Storage
Most IP cameras offer onboard storage using Micro SD cards for built-in redundancy in case of a network outage. Video storage isn’t available at camera level with HD cameras.
Security
Cybersecurity is a significant concern, and many claim HD cameras are more secure. IP cameras can be accessed across the internet and prone to security vulnerabilities.
While there will always be some level of risk when using IP cameras, there are steps you can take to harden your IP devices against attacks. I always recommend using strong passwords, firewalls, and keeping camera firmware up to date.
Can wired security cameras be hacked?
A wired camera itself can’t be hacked as there isn’t anything to be hacked. However, the control unit will connect to the internet to enable real-time alerts. Hackers can access this, and then they can see what is happening on camera or what footage is being taken as it is sent to a cloud storage facility. (Find the Best Hard Drive Cleaner)
The smart home system in a wired configuration is harder to access, yet not impossible.
And Finally
The options here offer the vest best security cameras to cover all security systems that won’t break the bank. You can have many more advanced features, yet there gets a level when advanced features don’t offer much security.
However, here are great options, and if you need a full system, the first in the list will offer the best home security camera system Australian homeowners can choose.
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