What To Ask About When Buying A New Home Security Camera In College Station

It's easy to see why most home security systems include at least one home security camera in College Station. But with so many different models and options for cameras, it's tricky to know what you really need. Do you buy one from a hardware store and set it up yourself? Or is it preferable to get your cameras installed by a specialist? Should you try to find one that live streams in HD? How do you choose between an exterior camera attached to the overhang or a doorbell camera?

To explore these questions and other common concerns, here is what you should look for in a College Station home security camera.

Types Of Home Security Cameras in College Station

There are three common kinds of home security cameras in College Station. Each has a special purpose and can easily integrate with your residential security system:

• Outdoor home security camera: These kinds of cameras are installed on the outside of your home and give you a wide view of your property and main entryways.

• Indoor home security cameras: Indoor cameras attach to a wall or sit on a level surface, and primarily show a single room within your home.

• Doorbell cameras: A doorbell camera replaces your current doorbell and provides a view of your porch.

How Do You Know It’s A “Good” Security Camera In College Station?

Take a quick look down the security camera section in a big-box store, and you’ll quickly see that there’s a wide range of camera quality and features. Here’s a short list of what you should look for in your home security camera:

• Wide field of vision: You'll probably want your camera to scan as much terrain as possible. If you don’t have a wide-angle lens, you have a higher chance of blind spots and spaces where people can hide. Try to get cameras with at least a 140° to 180° field of vision.

• Low-light vision: A camera’s not much good if it can’t display what’s happening in the dark. Try to find a camera that uses infrared LEDs that give nighttime illumination.

• HD resolution: The days of digitized blobs are history. Only consider cameras that record and livestream in 720 HD or higher.

• Strong construction: Your outdoor security cameras should be able to function when there’s poor weather like rain, heat waves, or frigid temperatures (some even include a built-in heater). Your indoor cameras should still work if they’re bumped or lightly fall to the floor.

• Motion sensors: Although you can set your cameras for a continual record, that takes a lot of power. Instead, look for a security camera with motion detectors that starts to automatically record when it senses movement.

• Two-way communication: Doorbell cameras should have an intercom system, which makes it easy to talk with visitors without answering the door. However, similar 2-way audio functionality is nice functionality with indoor or outdoor cameras, too.

• Wireless functionality: A wireless camera can be placed almost anywhere on or in your home, and is easy to move if you’d like it somewhere else. Wireless install is often more common than wiring your camera straight into your electric wiring.

• An easy to use mobile app: How good is a security camera if it’s a complicated mess to use? You should look for cameras that include a mobile app so you can view live streaming in high-definition, record and store clips, and get notifications when your cameras detect motion. It’s nice when your mobile app also manages your comprehensive security and home automation system.       

Is It Better To Have Your Home Security Cameras Installed By A Pro?

Once you have learned what’s important for you in a residential security camera, it’s time to choose who’s going to install your cameras. If you’re good with tools, you may see if you can install your cameras yourself. But if you don't know where to put your cameras, or don’t understand the tech, it’s better to get professional installation. Experts, like Secure24 Alarm Systems, know the best spots to hang your cameras for ultimate security and walk you through the mobile app. You may also want professional installation if your security cameras integrate with a full residential security system.

Buy The Best Home Security Cameras in College Station With Secure24 Alarm Systems

The best home security cameras with expert installation in College Station come from Secure24 Alarm Systems. Simply contact us at (979) 330-5973 or send in the form below to get your no-cost quote. We’ll show you your best options and how your cameras can integrate with your home security system.