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A security camera is a great addition to any smart home. And if you’re in the market to add the technology to your home, here are some things to consider while shopping for a smart security camera.
1What Smart Home Ecosystem You Are Using
A major consideration when looking to add a security camera to your smart home is a simple one. You’ll need to ensure that the camera is compatible with the smart home ecosystem you use. For example, if you use Amazon Alexa, the camera also needs to be compatible with your Echo devices. Purchasing a camera that only works with Apple HomeKit won’t work with Echo speakers and cause other issues that defeat the purpose of the smart home.
If a security camera is your first smart home device, see how the three major smart home systems—Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Apple HomeKit—compareso you can choose which one is best for you.
2Whether the Camera Can Be Used Outside or Indoors
Another issue to consider when looking for a security camera is where you want to place it in your home. There are two major types of cameras. One type can be used only indoors while the other type is made for use outdoors and can withstand the elements like precipitation and a large swing in temperatures.
Cameras made for outdoor use are usually more expensive than indoor-only models but often have more features since outdoor surveillance is more difficult because of lighting and environmental conditions.
3Whether It Requires a Power Source or Uses a Battery
Another major difference in security cameras is the power source. Some cameras use a traditional electrical plug for power while others use a rechargeable battery.
Battery-powered cameras provide more flexibility in terms of where they can be installed since a power source isn’t required. But the large downside is that because of the battery, you’ll need to recharge the camera at certain intervals, anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, depending on how much video is recorded.
Cameras with a battery are often more expensive than plug-in counterparts.
4The Camera’s Field of View
One of the most important technical specs to look for when purchasing a camera is the field of view. As the name suggests, field of view is the viewable area of a location that a camera captures, measured as an angle. A camera with a 180-degree field of view can capture everything in its path. A smaller field of view will capture less of an area.
After deciding where you want to place the camera, you need to find a field of view that will best match the location. For example, you won’t want to purchase an outdoor camera with a small field of view that misses large parts of your yard.
Alternatively, some cameras on the market provide pan/tilt/zoom capabilities. That means you can rotate the camera up/down and left/right to capture more of an area.
5If the Camera Requires a Monthly Subscription to View Recorded Video
There is often a not-so-secret cost with using a smart home camera—a monthly subscription that’s required to capture and store recorded video, one of the essential uses for a camera.
Since all smart home cameras require Wi-Fi, many options currently on the market use cloud storage for your videos. As that costs manufacturers money, that is passed on to users. Monthly subscriptions can range anywhere from $2.99 to $9.99 depending on the manufacturer and amount of cameras you have at home. verify to factor in that cost when looking for a camera.
There are some cameras that don’t require a subscription by allowing you to store video directly on the camera via built-in storage or a microSD card.
6The Camera’s Video Resolution
Just like your television, security cameras offer different video resolutions. Currently, most cameras offer one of three types of resolution—1080p HD, 2K, and 4K. As you might have guessed, 4K cameras offer the best possible resolution followed by 2K and then 1080p HD.
All three options have advantages and disadvantages. For an indoor option, an HD or 2K option will likely provide the image quality you need. But if you’re looking to keep an eye on the exterior of your home, consider a 4K camera. While it’s more expensive, it can show more detail on a wide area and will work especially well when zooming in on something like a license plate.
7If the Camera Works With Other Smart Home Devices
Integration and automation are two ways that a smart home can make your life just a bit easier. So when looking for a security camera, always make sure to see how the specific camera can work with other smart home devices. Depending on what smart home platform you choose, you can create some unique automations.
For example, if a camera spots movement indoors, you’re able to set it so that all the lights in the specific room will turn on. And after a specific time when no one is spotted in the room, the light will automatically turn off. There are many other options with the right camera.
8How Hard the Camera Might Be to Install
Some smart home devices, like a smart plug or smart bulb, take just a few seconds to install and can be done by almost anyone. Security cameras are a bit different. Especially if you’re looking to install a camera outdoors, the installation process can be tricky while trying to find the best possible angle.
So if your camera requires more difficult installation, be prepared for the process and have the tools available like a ladder, drill, and screwdriver. For more guidance, take a look at some of thebest places in your home to install a smart camera.
9If You Have a Smartphone and Smart Speaker
While a smart camera is a great way to keep an eye on your home, you’ll also need a few devices to make the most of the technology. A must-have is a smartphone. Every smart camera on the market uses a companion app to set up the camera, allow users to modify settings, and even view recorded video almost anywhere.
While not required, a smart speaker with a touchscreen, like the Amazon Echo Show, is also another device to consider purchasing. Instead of needing to pull out your smartphone to see a live camera view, you can simply ask a virtual assistant like Alexa to show the video with a simple voice command.
10If the Manufacturer Has a Good Privacy and Security Track Record
Smart home cameras provide a look into your private world. That makes privacy and security especially important. When looking for a camera for your home, do a few minutes of research on the manufacturers you are considering.
Consider cameras from larger, more established names with a good security record. While you might want to save a few bucks from a company you’ve never heard of, it always pays to play it safe. Ensure the company also offers two-factor authentication for your account as a robust security measure.
Now that you know more about smart home cameras, hopefully these considerations will help you select the perfect option to help protect your home.
