In an ideal world, your home, property, and family would always be safe, and you would never need to worry about what might happen. However, break-ins, burglary, and theft are a reality. Home security may not make the world ideal, but it can grant you the next best thing: peace of mind. Having a secured home from the start allows you to put worry aside and instead focus on living your life.
One key component of many home security systems is security cameras. Not only can home security cameras catch a thief in action, but also they act as a deterrent, stopping crimes before they happen.
Theft recourse and prevention are not the only benefits home security cameras can provide, however. They also allow you to check on family and pets while away, or in the case of a doorbell camera system, even allow you to answer the door remotely and see who's there.
But with so many choices on the market, how do you pick the right one? It can feel like a big decision, especially when your home's safety is at stake. But ADT is here to guide you through the different types of cameras so you can focus more on your family and less on security.
Top Benefits of Home Security Cameras for Four Demographics
How home security cameras can benefit you depends on your situation. Whether you are a homeowner, renter, owner of rental properties, or have a family or pets, all of these play a role in assessing your home security camera system needs.
Benefits of Home Security Cameras for Homeowners
Your home is likely your biggest asset and largest financial investment. It should go without question that you want to keep it safe. If your home is broken into, it could cost thousands of dollars in damage and lost property, and you may not be able to recoup the full expense from insurance.
Moreover, your premiums may increase as a result. And if the thief is never identified and caught, your stolen property - including heirlooms and items that cannot be replaced - may never be recovered. A home security camera system, however, can catch a thief in action and even deter a would-be thief.
Indeed, a reliable home security camera system could save you more than it costs. Your home is also your place of safety and refuge. That alone has value that you can't place a price on.
Benefits of Home Security Cameras for Renters
Just because you are renting your home as opposed to owning it doesn't mean you don't have valuables that you would miss terribly if they were to be stolen. You can't always count on renter's insurance to cover everything either, including anything sentimental or the loss of your sense of safety and security. Just as they can for homeowners, security cameras not only help to catch any thieves but also deter them.
Benefits of Home Security Cameras for Families
If you live with a partner, parents, kids, pets, or any combination thereof, you, no doubt, want to keep them safe. In addition to all of the same protections that cameras can provide homeowners against theft, having security cameras in and around your home can allow you to check on your kids or pets while you are away.
You can determine which of your dogs is responsible for shredding the couch cushions in your absence and verify your kids made it off the bus and into the house safely.
Whatever your situation, home security cameras can provide safety and convenience that go above and beyond any expense associated with installation and maintenance.
Six Types of Home Security Cameras
Below is a list of six different types of home security cameras you’ll want to consider when putting together a home security system:
- Indoor security cameras
- Outdoor security cameras
- Doorbell security cameras
- Wireless security cameras
- Wired security cameras
- Monitored security cameras
Indoor, Outdoor and Doorbell Security Cameras
Indoor security cameras: While they may be able to document theft or vandalism, many people install indoor cameras for other reasons. Indoor cameras, for instance, allow you to keep tabs on the goings-on inside your home, whether that means monitoring family members, pets, or the nanny in your absence. Some indoor cameras may even be able to work in conjunction with a communication system that allows you to say “hi” to your puppy while you’re at work or greet your spouse when they get home.
Outdoor security cameras: These cameras are often best at deterring any would-be thieves who would rather not be caught on camera. If you have a rental property that you want to secure with cameras, you will need to place them outside, as well. Outdoor cameras are also a great way to see who comes by your house, if the neighbor’s poodle is using your yard as a bathroom, and verify that a package has arrived.
Wired/Wireless Security Cameras
Indoor security cameras: While they may be able to document theft or vandalism, many people install indoor cameras for other reasons. Indoor cameras, for instance, allow you to keep tabs on the goings-on inside your home, whether that means monitoring family members, pets, or the nanny in your absence. Some indoor cameras may even be able to work in conjunction with a communication system that allows you to say “hi” to your puppy while you’re at work or greet your spouse when they get home.
Another advantage of installing ADT indoor security cameras is that you can access a live feed with the ability to shift between the different cameras installed in your home.
Outdoor security cameras: These cameras are often best at deterring any would-be thieves who would rather not be caught on camera. If you have a rental property that you want to secure with cameras, you will need to place them outside, as well. Outdoor cameras are also a great way to see who comes by your house, if the neighbor’s poodle is using your yard as a bathroom, and verify that a package has arrived.
Other advantages of installing ADT outdoor security cameras? You have an eye on the outside of your home that can withstand the elements and includes night vision, meaning you can see what's going on around your home at any point during a 24-hour period.
Doorbell cameras: These are doorbells that have a camera and can alert you through a smartphone app when someone is at your door. They usually allow you to see and communicate with the person. This can be helpful if you are expecting deliveries while away or need to let someone into your house in your absence.
The ADT doorbell camera also includes night vision to see visitors more clearly in low light and provides a large enough view to see beyond your front porch.
Wired, Wireless, Monitored Security Cameras
Wired Security Cameras: Wired cameras are considered to be the more traditional security camera option and are used regularly on larger properties. They are more reliable in that they allow for a larger system of cameras to be installed without having to worry about interference. Because their install is a bit more involved, they are best for systems that you’d like to be permanent. For many, the increased reliability and ability to connect a large camera network make the more involved installation process worth it.
Wireless Security Cameras: Wireless cameras allow for easy installation since you don’t need to drill holes and run wires through the walls. They’re typically battery-powered with the ability to recharge, something that can be advantageous during power outages. They’re also great if you don’t want an installation to be permanent – which might be the case if you are renting a home. You can usually find all of the same features you’d find in wired security cameras, including night vision, the ability to setup notifications with your smartphone, and custom motion detection.
Monitored Security Cameras: Monitored cameras are actively monitored by a professional home security company, meaning that if there is an activity that triggers a sensor, the person monitoring your system will contact emergency responders, who will be dispatched to your home. By leaving the monitoring to the professionals, you don’t need to check in while you’re away. Such systems can usually alert you in the event of a break-in, fire, or another type of emergency. This layered approach adds a human element to home security and helps further prevent issues in your home.
Top Security Camera Features to Consider Before Buying
Home security camera systems may come with any number of features, and understanding the pros and cons of each can help you determine which features are right for you. Some common features of security cameras are:
Motion detection: Security cameras can alert you when motion is detected. You can even set the sensitivity on ADT’s motion sensors based on the size of your pets or other objects that might consistently move into the camera’s view.
Low light/infrared: Many cameras come equipped with infrared night vision, which allows you to observe what is happening even when it’s dark out.
Wi-Fi capability: This allows you to connect with your cameras remotely and can give you more options on where you can place cameras. This capability is what allows you to view live camera footage from your smartphone from anywhere with an internet connection.
Cloud storage: Video files can quickly fill up your home hard drive, so the ability to keep videos stored on the cloud is another useful feature. Not only does it save space on your home device, but also it keeps the video safe and secure and makes it accessible from anywhere.
Ability to withstand elements: This is important, especially for outdoor cameras. ADT cameras have a weatherproof design that makes them resistant to rain, snow, and humidity. They also have a built-in heater that keeps them operational even when it’s cold out.
Image quality: Different cameras will have different image quality. While greater image quality comes with greater bandwidth use, if your footage is too pixelated, it may end up being of no use. ADT cameras have new high-quality video capabilities.
Power sources: Cameras come in wired and wireless varieties. Wired cameras can be directly connected to a power source, while wireless cameras operate off batteries.
Smart home integration: Cameras that can integrate with the rest of your smart home devices can be especially convenient. Other smart home devices can include doorbells, locks, lights, thermostats, and fire or carbon monoxide sensors.
Power sources: This feature is most common with doorbell cameras and allows you to communicate with the person on the other end of your camera feed.
Note that the two-way audio feature does not allow you to talk to ADT operators directly.
Field of view: Different cameras have different fields of view. ADT outdoor security cameras have a 95-degree viewing angle, and indoor cameras come with 128.6-degree viewing angle capabilities.
You will want to assess each feature listed above and determine if it meets your needs. If you have any questions about specifications related to ADT camera products, you can contact an expert at ADT today.
Getting Started With a Home Security Camera System
There are plenty of options when it comes to home security cameras, but finding the right one for you takes an understanding of why you need one and how you’d like to use it.
At the end of the day, ADT is always an option. ADT has protected homes longer than any other company in the business, and our team of experts is here to help you choose the best home security camera that is right for you.
Related Articles:
Sources:
1. FPO Barkly and the Ponemon Institute. "The 2017 State of Endpoint Security Risk Report". Accessed June 1, 2018.
2. FPO Barkly. "The Hype-Free Guide to Fileless Attacks". Accessed June 1, 2018.
3. FPO Simon Wiseman. "Why 'fileless malware' is the biggest new threat to your business." Accessed June 1, 2018.
2. FPO Barkly. "The Hype-Free Guide to Fileless Attacks". Accessed June 1, 2018.
3. FPO Simon Wiseman. "Why 'fileless malware' is the biggest new threat to your business." Accessed June 1, 2018.
FAQs About Home Security Cameras
Who installs security cameras in a home?
While DIY installation is certainly an option, many people choose to have their systems installed by a professional to avoid problems and hassles. In fact, ADT’s installers have an average tenure of over nine years and are focused on safety and convenience. As the industry’s largest sales, installation, and service field force, ADT guarantees a professional installation.
How long does footage stay on security cameras?
Local footage can be stored on a security camera’s SD card, and the amount it can hold depends on the camera settings and size of the card. ADT offers free unlimited cloud storage with their camera systems, which means you can save all footage indefinitely if you like. If you are utilizing ADT’s monitored surveillance, videos are stored for up to 30 days.
How many home security cameras do I need?
For outdoor cameras, you typically want one in the front to monitor the front door and one in the back. If your house is large, or if there are spaces that are difficult to view with just the two cameras, you may need more. If you want to see who is on the porch, you might add a doorbell camera as well. For inside your house, consider what it is you want to monitor. The entrance? The main room? Children's bedrooms? One camera per room you want to monitor is usually sufficient. Keep in mind that you can always add more cameras later if needed.
Do security cameras increase home value?
Just as other amenities can contribute to your home's value, so too can security systems. Some things to highlight if you want to increase your home's marketability include the features specific to your system and whether or not it is professionally monitored.
Do security cameras record all the time?
The current standard is that security cameras record continuously.
