Ensuring the safety of you and your loved ones is paramount in today's world, and investing in security cameras is one of the most important steps towards achieving that peace of mind. But with so many options and features, how do you choose the best security cameras for your home?
Why Do I Need Security Cameras?
Did you know that one in five homes now have Security Cameras, and this number is growing exponentially. Security cameras are now considered one of the most essential items for keeping you home and loved ones safe. Security Cameras are considered an excellent way to deter crime before it even happens, and then if it does, you have footage that can be used by police or insurance companies.
What Are You Trying To Achieve With Security Cameras?
The first question to ask yourself when choosing Security Cameras for your home is what are you trying to achieve by installing security cameras? It might sound like a simple enough question, but there are many things to think about that are often easily overlooked. Are you looking to keep an eye on the outside of your home in case of invasion? Are you aiming to prevent crime before it even begins? Would you like to see who is at the front door before you open it? Do you want to check to see what that bump in the night was? Or would you like to see inside your home to watch pets or elderly family members?
Types of Security Cameras
The type of Security Camera you choose will largely depend on what you are trying to achieve. Different camera options allow for different features such as resolution, active deterrents, phone app connect, quality and more.
Phone App Connect
Keep an eye on your home when you're at work, on holidays, or anywhere in the world. Phone App Connect capabilities allow you to remotely view your camera footage in real time, playback footage easily and save files to your phone. It can also be set up to send you motion alerts any time there is movement in front of your cameras.
Active Deterrents
Often simply having Security Cameras on your home can be enough to deter potential crime, but the addition of active deterrents can add another level of defence and peace of mind. Strobing lights and a motion activated siren are very effective ways to stop potential criminals in their tracks, keeping you and your home safe.
Wired Vs Wireless Cameras
Wired cameras are the most reliable option when it comes to Security Camera options. There is no need to charge a battery, less chance of disconnection, and footage is backed up to an onsite hard drive and not the cloud.
Even though wired is the preferred choice, there are circumstances where wireless Security Cameras can be very useful. For example, in locations where power can not be accessed or in remote locations.
Uninterrupted Power Supply
In the case of a power outage or if someone tries to turn your power off, an Uninterrupted Power Supply, or UPS, provides power to your Security Camera system so you are never without coverage. Cameras will still receive power and will continue to record even when your home is at its more vulnerable.
Hard Drive Size
Something that can easily be overlooked is the size of your hard drive. Footage can either be continually stored for 24 hour footage, or stored only when there is motion. Either way, footage can accumulate quite quickly. Consider how many cameras you have, your storage preferences, and how long it might be before you need the footage and report it in the case of a problem.
Did you know, in the case of a crime in your home, investigations can take weeks or even months to complete? It is so important to ensure you have enough storage space so you don’t lose critical footage.
Other Available Features
Other features that you could consider are:
Resolution - What quality of footage are you looking for and how far do you need to see?
Human Body Detection - AI can track and alert you to any detected humans.
Built in Microphone - Speak through the camera to anyone within view. This is also great for use with pets.
Night Vision and Colour in Low Light Technology - Get clear footage even in low and no light.
Tracking - Technology that can track and follow motion so you never miss a thing.
Installation
Did you know that Security Cameras are required to be installed by a Registered Private Security Equipment Installer and Security Adviser issued by Victoria Police and Licensed Cabler issued by ACRS, however many companies offering camera installation do not have these. The good news is, Adessa Electrical does have these registrations and licences!
If your cameras are installed by someone who does not hold the appropriate licences, not only may the job not be completed correctly, but footage of any crimes that may occur may not be submissible in court! Imagine having footage of a crime being committed and not being able to use it! So please always use a fully licensed installer to help keep you and your home safe.
Have a Question?
Contact Adessa Electrical today to discuss your home security needs.
0428 566 322