5 Best Smart Security Cameras

Buying Guide for Best Smart Security Cameras

When it comes to security, you must be attentive. That is why you need to check out for the best option in the market. So, here we will be discovering the features that must be considered while purchasing a smart security camera:

App

The smart security cameras that are available nowadays in the market can be easily accessed through your mobile device. Most of these cameras also provide you with the option to log in to your laptop so that you can see the video and can make some changes in the settings if necessary.

This is why you must focus on the app interface of the smart security camera so that it would be convenient for you to use.

Different devices may require different app configuration processes but the thing that remains the same is creating an account, logging in to your account, and entering the WiFi details.

Remember that you can always control some basic features like motion and sound alerts, night vision, two-way talk, and activity logs through a smart security camera app.

Connectivity and power source

Most of the smart security cameras that we opt for personal use work on your home WiFi. This relates to the fact that even a small interruption in your WiFi network will disrupt the working of your smart security camera.

Also, this implies the fact that you must place the camera within the required range where you have placed the home’s router or within the wireless access point to ensure the proper working of your smart security camera.

Therefore, choose a CCTV security camera which has better Wi-Fi range and connectivity.

Video

The major features related to the video of the smart security camera is the live feed support. Most of the cameras support this feature. This simply means your camera can be accessed as long as it is connected to the internet along with the app.

When you are talking about the video features then the most important thing is the video quality. Now video quality depends upon two factors: lens quality and internet bandwidth. If you wish for a cleaner video then you would need an HD camera with more internet bandwidth. However, you might experience more lag times and other glitches due to higher bandwidth.

Hence, you should choose a security camera where you can adjust the video quality as per the bandwidth. In such security cameras, you get an option to adjust the video quality to a lower or higher resolution as per the bandwidth available.

Also, make it a note that most of the cameras in the market provide the option to auto adjust the video quality as per the internet strength. Hence, try to buy a security camera that has this auto-adjustment facility.

Price

Price is an essential feature to consider before buying a smart security camera. Initially, you need to pay the upfront costs such as buying the camera and the installation fees. A low-cost camera may be budget-friendly in the long run. Hence, never go with only the price of the camera while you purchase a security camera.

Storage and subscriptions

Most security camera companies in the market provide additional storage to save any unusual events like motion detection events. These events are either stored in the local storage like SD card or on a cloud storage platform provided by the manufacturer.

There are a few companies which might provide additional cloud storage facilities in the camera price itself. However, most other companies provide flexible storage plans that vary in size from a few GB to over 100 GB.

Choosing a camera with inclusive cloud storage is a better option as you do not have to worry about the filling memories.

Field of Vision (FOV)

The field of Vision of any camera can be defined as the viewable area captured by the camera or it can be also referred to as the angle of coverage. The field of vision of any camera is determined by three elements namely: the lens, the angle of placement, and the sensor element.

The image that is captured by the camera is highly influenced by the field of vision. Hence, consider buying a camera with a wide FOV or angle of coverage.

Point to remember: Ensure to identify the slot where your camera’s FOV will be maximum before you place an order for security cameras.

Maintenance and Servicing

You should never forget the recurring costs of your smart security cameras and that must be included in the budget. Along with the equipment cost, you also need to add the installation costs. The CCTV requires regular maintenance as well as services so that it works efficiently and properly.

You must keep in mind that these maintenance costs are continuous and not one time. For the first year, you may not incur the cost of maintenance due to complementary warranty coverage.

To keep your maintenance budget under control, you can enter into an annual maintenance contract (AMC) once the warranty period is over. You can choose the AMC either with the manufacturer or a third-party service provider.

Advanced features

Live stream, alerts, night vision, and two-way talk, all come under the basic features of the smart security cameras. Beyond this, there’s a whole other world of features and integration available.

Look at some of the advanced features to consider while you select the best smart security.

Camera Lens

In a CCTV, the lens is the most sensitive part as it assists in focusing and capturing the images. While selecting a particular type of lens, first of all, you need to determine the area that you have to cover with your camera. Always consider the lens which gives a wider field of view.

Light Sensitivity

When you look for the best smart security camera, you also think about the one which can capture good quality images even in poor lighting. The worth of the camera is determined by the quality of the picture that it can capture even in poor lighting. There is no point in buying a camera that can not capture anything in the darkness. After all, darkness or night time is the most vulnerable time.

Frames per Second

The speed of the camera is determined by the term FPS or frames per speed. This depicts the number of frames that are being piled up in a second to form the image. Even the quality of the picture depends upon the FPS value of the camera.

Hence, go for the standard cameras that offer high FPS value as you may experience a lag time with low FPS cameras.

Camera Resolution

We can compare camera resolution simply with TV resolution since both are similar in many ways. You can determine the best resolution just by determining the number of pixels. The higher will be the pixel number, the more will be the resolution.

If you need the camera for outdoor installation, then you must go for a high-resolution camera while an indoor camera need not be of that high pixel value.

For outdoor installation, a camera with 700 TVL should be enough whereas for indoor installation resolution of 350 to 560 TVL will be a perfect choice.

Motion detection

Motion detection is a major feature of smart security cameras. This is because this feature allows the camera to notify you only when it detects any kind of motion within its vicinity. These cameras immediately inform you to monitor any kind of suspicious activity observed.

Focal Length

The focal length of the camera is defined as the distance between the centre of the lens and the image. The quality of the picture and its size depends upon the focal length of the lens used.

Wi-Fi Capability

When we talk about the CCTVs nowadays, they are mostly adapted with WiFi capability. This simply means they can communicate with any open network wirelessly. WiFi cameras are the most preferred one since they are easy to install as well as can’t be disabled so easily since it works on wireless mode.

However, any disruption in the Wi-Fi network or signal strength may affect the working of these cameras. Keep this in mind.

Size

Size is important as you have to place the camera as per its size. Some security cameras come with a slim platform while others come with a long neck. Such cameras can be easily installed anywhere you want. Also, you can point them in any direction.

On the other hand, cameras with flat platforms with no neck have limited options when it comes to placing them in the required slots or even pointing them to particular directions may not be possible. However, these cameras are more durable.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q. What is the PTZ feature in CCTV cameras?
A. PTZ is an abbreviation for Pan, Tilt, and Zoom. The PTZ cameras self adjust themselves according to different fields of view. These cameras are different from fixed cameras in which you need to manually change the FOV. You can even control the PTZ cameras from remote locations.

Q. How can I install CCTV cameras at my home?
A. Most of the wireless security cameras are easy to install. However, initially, you may need professional assistance to install the complete CCTV camera system with multiple cameras and a DVR.

Q. Why is infra-red vision important?
A. CCTV cameras with infra-red or IR vision can capture images even in complete darkness. If you choose a security camera with a higher number of IR LEDs, the better will be the recording at night.

Q. What could be the maximum range of a CCTV camera?
A. Depending on the focal length of the lens and the efficiency of the image sensors, you can easily get a range of 25 to 30 metres with your CCTV cameras.

Q. Which are the best security cameras available in the market?
A. The best security cameras depend upon your needs. The best cameras will be the cameras that can easily fulfil your requirements and come under your budget. You can brand like Qubo, Godrej, Mi, Tp-Link, Beetel. All these brands stand out in the market with the best features at the best price.