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August 27, 2020

What To Ask About When Getting A Home Security Camera In Columbia

Most home security systems include at least one home security camera in Columbia. However, with so many different brands and features for cameras, it's tricky to know what camera features are really important. Do you purchase one from a hardware shop and do a DIY install? Or is it preferable to have your cameras installed by a professional? Should you try to find a camera that records in full HD? And what's better, an exterior camera attached to the overhang or a doorbell camera?

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

Three types of security cameras in Columbia

Types Of Home Security Cameras in Columbia

Here are the three most common kinds of home security cameras in Columbia. Each one has a unique purpose and should easily fit within your residential security system:

  • Outdoor home security camera: These cameras attach to the exterior of your home and give you a view of your property, driveway, and common entrances.

  • Indoor home security cameras: Indoor cameras are fixed to a wall or rest on a level surface, and typically record a single room within your house.

  • Doorbell cameras: A doorbell camera replaces your current doorbell and lets you see who’s on your front porch.

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

Visit the security camera row in a hardware store, and you’ll quickly see that there’s a lot of discrepancy in camera quality and specs. Here’s a rundown 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 space as it can. Without a wide-angle lens, you have a higher chance of blind spots and places where people can hide. Try to get cameras with at least a 140° to 180° wide angle.

  • Low-light vision: A camera’s not much good if it can’t display what’s happening when it’s dark. You will want a camera that includes infrared LEDs that give nighttime illumination.

  • HD resolution: The days of digitized shapes should be history. Only look at cameras that record and broadcast in 720 HD or higher.

  • Exceptional construction: Your exterior security cameras should be able to withstand poor weather conditions like rain, heat waves, or freezing temperatures (some even include a built-in heater). Your indoor cameras should absorb shock if they’re bumped or lightly fall to the floor.

  • Motion sensors: Even though you can set your cameras for a continuous record, that requires a lot of recording space and power. Instead, try to find a security camera with motion sensors that begins to automatically record when it detects motion.

  • Two-way talk: Doorbell cameras should come with an intercom system, which makes it easy to communicate with delivery people or visitors without answering the door. However, the same 2-way audio feature can be found feature with indoor or outdoor cameras as well.

  • Wireless install: A wireless camera can be added wherever you’d like outside or in your house, and is easy to move if you’d like it somewhere else. Wireless install is usually more common than wiring your camera to your home’s wiring.

  • A user-friendly mobile app: How good is a security camera if it’s hard to manage? Get cameras with a mobile app that lets you see live feeds in high-definition, record and email clips, and receive notifications when your cameras detect movement. It’s convenient when your mobile app also manages your overall home security and home automation system.       

Should You Have Your Home Security Cameras Installed By A Professional?

Once you know what you’re looking for in a home security camera, you need to decide how you’re going to install your cameras. If you’re handy, you may try to DIY a solution. But if you’re unsure the best spots for your cameras, or have questions about the equipment, go ahead and get professional installation. Professionals, such as Secure24 Alarm Systems, can place your cameras for complete security and connect your cameras to the mobile app. You may also think about professional installation if your security cameras pair to a complete residential security system.

Find The Best Home Security Cameras in Columbia With Secure24 Alarm Systems

The best home security cameras with expert installation in Columbia come from Secure24 Alarm Systems. Just call (803) 380-6011 or send in the form below for your no-cost quote. We’ll walk you through your best options and how your cameras can integrate with your residential security system.