Security cameras provide an eye on the property when the owner isn’t there or isn’t able to watch the property on their own. However, finding the right security camera to purchase is crucial. Today, there are plenty of options available that have many features property owners might find useful. Read the information here to learn about the top features a good security camera must have to find the right ones for any property.
A Way to Save Footage
A way to save the footage obtained by the camera is crucial. Some cameras will include an SD card to save small amounts of footage, usually between one to three days’ worth. Other cameras, like the ones in the Geovision system, are connected to much larger storage so they can keep footage for a much longer amount of time. More extensive storage also means there is usually sufficient room to be able to store high-quality footage so that property owners can take advantage of high-definition security cameras.
Resistance to Rain and Other Weather
Cameras that are going to be placed outside will need to be resistant to the weather. Check the details for any camera to ensure it can be used outside and that it will not be destroyed the first time it rains. Cameras are delicate so that they can be broken in severe weather, but they should hold up to a typical rainstorm. Some cameras will have added protection to allow them to keep working even if the weather is severe, so look into these aspects of any camera being considered.
High Video Quality
A video camera isn’t going to be very useful if the footage is not clear. Look for a high video quality to ensure everything within the camera’s view can be seen clearly. Security cameras today tend to have at least 720p resolution, but there are cameras that include a higher resolution. Opt for the higher resolution when using a system that offers adequate storage space for the larger files. If a camera does catch someone on the property that doesn’t belong there, the higher the quality of the footage is, the easier it may be for the authorities to find out who they are.
Able to Detect Motion
Cameras can record all of the time, but this may lead to the storage being filled up quickly. While most video storage systems do automatically erase old footage when space is needed, it’s often better to choose a system that offers motion detection instead of recording everything. When any movement is detected by the cameras, the motion detection will tell the camera to start recording and, depending on the setup, can alert the property owner to what is happening. If the property owner has the ability to view the camera remotely, they can see what is happening in real time whenever motion is detected.
Ability to See at Night
Properties need to be secured at night, not just during the day, so it’s crucial to have a camera that can see in the dark. Instead of leaving lights on throughout the night, choose a camera that has infrared capabilities. This allows the camera to record footage no matter if there is no light at all or in instances where the lighting is very low. There are different qualities of infrared capabilities, so check out how it will look before purchasing. If the property being secured has very little light at night, it may be better to spend a little bit more on a camera that has great night vision instead of struggling to view the footage of anything that happens after dark.
Two-Way Audio Communication
Depending on the property, it may be a good idea to choose a camera that offers two-way audio communication. If someone is detected on the property, the audio can allow the property owner to listen to what the person is saying or doing, even if they aren’t quite in view of the camera. The property owner may also be able to tell the person to leave the property immediately and that the authorities are on the way, if necessary. Two-way communication can be useful in a variety of different situations, so having this feature is a good idea.
Backup Power Source
Most security cameras will need to be hard wired to the electricity or plugged in to ensure they don’t stop working. However, this does pose a problem if the electricity to the building is shut off. Some security cameras, however, feature a backup power source. If severe weather knocks out the power or a burglar cuts the power to the building to try to bypass the security system, the camera will run on a battery backup, so no footage is lost. The amount of time the cameras can record once power is out will depend on the size of the battery the camera will use.
Adjustability
The view of the camera is likely the most crucial factor to consider. Cameras with a broader viewing angle can see more of the property at one time, but the detail is not quite as good as cameras with a smaller viewing angle. Smaller viewing angles can get a clearer view of anyone on the property, but it’s a good idea to look for cameras that also include adjustability. If the camera can adjust on its own to follow someone on the property or it can be remotely adjusted as needed, it provides the clarity of a smaller viewing area with the larger viewing angle of the wide view cameras.
While there are tons of fantastic security cameras available for property owners today, choosing the right one to purchase isn’t always easy. Keep these features in mind when looking into any security cameras to find one that’s going to offer more for the money. Though cameras that have all of these features and more might be a little more expensive, they can be well worth the cost when they can help catch a burglar or prevent a break-in.
