What are home security cameras?
A home security camera can be used to keep watch over the interior and exterior areas of one’s house. It is a video capture and recording device where the signals from the camera at any specific place can be sent to a connected monitor or accessed from a smartphone, tablet, or computer, anywhere, anytime. These are also commonly known as closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras.
See also: More about LED panel design
CCTV camera for home: Benefits
These are most useful to families who have babysitters or caretakers for the elderly, so that one can keep a check even from work. Security cameras can also restrict criminal activities. In case, a house is robbed, the CCTV footage can help the police to identify the culprits and arrest them.
Types of home security cameras
Home security cameras are mainly of two types – indoor and outdoor – with subcategories in each.
Bullet home security camera
Bullet and dome cameras are the most commonly-used home security cameras. Both are named after their respective shapes. Bullet cameras are designed for capturing visuals of a specific area. These are fixed to a certain place and are ideal for home security. These thin, cylindrical cameras focus on a fixed view, such as a particular entry or exit.
Dome home security camera
Dome camera is another basic security camera and is often referred to as ceiling camera. These are usually fixed indoors but can also be used outdoors. Compared to bullet cameras, they are more discreet. Dome cameras are designed with infrared illuminators, enabling it to capture videos in low light. The dome camera has a hardened plastic exterior, making it difficult to break or sabotage the camera.
See also: How to select the right home lock system?
C-mount home security camera
C-mount CCTV home security camera uses detachable lenses to suit different areas. A varifocal lens is often used to adjust the angle of view and focal distance, allowing the camera to be zoomed in and out. While standard CCTV camera lenses usually cover a distance of 35-40 ft, the C-mount surveillance cameras can cover distances over 40 ft.
Day/night CCTV camera
The day/night CCTV camera has the advantage of functioning in any type of light condition, from bright light to low light, without the need of infrared illuminators. Ideal for outdoor surveillance, where infrared CCTV cameras may not function optimally, day/night CCTV cameras can capture images even in conditions where there is glare, reflection, and strong backlight, at any time of the day.
PTZ (pan, tilt and zoom) home security camera
This home security camera’s lens can pan left and right, tilt up and down, and zoom in and out. Commonly known as speed dome cameras with PTZ functions, they are apt for high-security zones. This CCTV camera is ideal for full coverage of the entire exterior of a house, even in poor light conditions.
Night vision home security camera
This camera captures images even in the presence of fog, dust and smoke. Night vision CCTV can record in low-light or no-light conditions. Infrared LEDs allow well-defined recording, even in pitch black surroundings. An infrared-cut filter simulates daylight for clear images.
Network/IP CCTV camera
An internet protocol (IP) home security camera is a type of digital video camera used for surveillance. It sends and receives data through the internet and may or may not require a wired connection. These cameras share live footage that can be accessed from anywhere. Archive footage is stored on network video recorders or security software for later viewing. The most common security cameras are Wi-Fi CCTV cameras, while some have Bluetooth, linked to the smartphone, or use the home automation network to interact with other devices.
Wireless CCTV camera
Wireless home security cameras only need to be plugged into an electrical outlet. They connect to a cloud server through Wi-Fi and store the data in the cloud. Note that all wireless CCTV cameras are not IP-based, as some may use alternative modes of wireless transmission. Overall, their discreet appearance and unobtrusive fitting blend well with any interior.
Smart (voice-integrated) cameras
Smart home security cameras are tiny cameras that can be placed anywhere, to provide a wide, 360-degree view of the surroundings. Most home security cameras also offer integration with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or Home Kit, for smart home systems. They can be operated by voice command and can be set to work with smart speakers and streaming devices. Smart home security cameras have features such as HD video recording, night vision, built-in alarms and motion detection. They can also be used as baby monitors with powerful microphones and speakers. Integrating such voice-controlled home security cameras with existing smart home devices, offers complete ease of use.
Importance of cloud-based home security camera
Hosting video content on the cloud is the latest development in home security cameras. As the name suggests, cloud storage is the method of storing surveillance footage on online servers, known as the cloud. Modern security systems can directly upload and store footage to the cloud, keeping it safe forever. Home wireless security cameras may provide free cloud storage with limited space, with the facility to purchase additional space. One can also save files to a cloud service, using centralised cloud storage, which simplifies the data retrieval process. CCTV cloud storage uses the internet to archive the recorded data in a manner that is safe, secure and easy to access. All the data is logged with date and time so it is easy to view, fast forward, rewind, delete or download the recordings.
Things to know before buying a home security camera
- Before buying the home security camera decide the precise location(s) for surveillance and the purpose of the cameras. Do you need it for monitoring in your absence or the overall safety of your house? Your purpose should define your choice of security camera.
- Clarity is an important feature, as one should be able to identify people’s faces in the footage. Modern, in-home security cameras are equipped with high definition features.
- A home security camera should have night vision that automatically adjusts itself as per the available natural light.
- If you are looking for superior home security, consider CCTV cameras with motion and audio sensors to detect noise or movement.
- Consider the available power sources in areas where you plan to install a home security camera. While a wireless signal can send the video to a connected device (computer or mobile phone), the camera will still require power to function.
- Consider the video management and storage features. Depending on the home security camera, select a network system that can handle streaming.
- Ensure the CCTV provider provides at least one year of warranty.
Home security cameras in India
According to industry experts, India’s CCTV market is expected to register a CAGR (compound annual growth rate) of 22.35% during 2021-26. There are various brands offering home security cameras in India including Godrej, Sony, CP Plus, Zicom, Secure Eye, Mi, EZVIZ, Quobo, Realme, Hikvision, Honeywell, Beetel, Panasonic, Dahua, UNV, Hi Focus, Swann, Sricam, Sanyo, Samsung, and LG Bosch. While non-IP cameras dominate the Indian market, this scenario is expected to change soon.
In India, security cameras can cost anywhere from Rs 1,500 to over Rs 1.5 lakhs, depending on the features and the brand.
Tips for effective home security camera installation
- Place the home security camera for appropriate viewing. A camera at the main entrance can record people going in and out of the home, including maids and delivery boys.
- Placing cameras in the rooms and the main lobby makes it difficult for people to move undetected> it will allow you to monitor children, pets and the helping staff.
- Install the security cameras eight to 10 ft from the ground. This is the optimum height for proper recording and for keeping it out of easy reach.
- Place your outdoor camera such that it is not impacted by the rain or sunlight.
- Hide the security camera cables to prevent accidental or intentional disconnection. Install them on the side of the building or the ceiling where the cables can be easily concealed.
- Decide whether you want the security camera to be visible or hidden. Visible security cameras can deter burglary but can be a target for destruction.
- You can also install a visible fake camera and conceal the real one. Opt for proper protection around the security camera to avoid damage or tampering.
FAQs
What is a doorbell camera?
A doorbell camera has a video recorder and a speaker that allows residents to speak to the person at the door. It may be Wi-Fi-enabled.
Are solar-powered security cameras available in India?
Solar-powered CCTV cameras in India are becoming popular. These outdoor cameras have a solar panel on the top, and come with in-built batteries. These cameras have Wi-Fi capabilities, motion detectors and several other features.