What To Look For When Getting A New Home Security Camera In Philadelphia

Many home security systems include at least one home security camera in Philadelphia. However, with all the different types and options for cameras, it's tricky to know what camera features are really important. Do you buy one from a retail store and set it up yourself? Or is it better to get your cameras installed by a specialist? Should you ask for one that streams in HD? How do you choose between an outdoor camera affixed to the overhang or a doorbell camera?

To explore these questions and other common concerns, here is what you should look for in A Philadelphia home security camera.

Types Of Home Security Cameras in Philadelphia

Here are the three most common kinds of home security cameras in Philadelphia. Each one has a specific purpose and can easily fit within your residential security system:

• Outdoor home security camera: These cameras hang on the outside of your house to offer a wide view of your yard and main doors.

• Indoor home security cameras: Indoor cameras are fixed to a wall or are placed on a flat surface, and usually record a single room in your house.

• Doorbell cameras: A doorbell camera replaces your current doorbell and lets you see who’s on your front porch.

What Makes A “Good” Security Camera In Philadelphia?

Take a quick look down the security camera aisle in a hardware store, and you’ll learn that there’s a lot of discrepancy in camera quality and specs. Here’s a list of features to look for in your home security camera:

• Wide field of vision: You'll probably want your camera to scan as much terrain as possible. Without a wide-angle lens, you have a higher chance of blind spots and spaces where people can hide. Try to get cameras with at least a 140° to 180° field of vision.

• Low-light capabilities: Your camera should be able to see what’s happening at night. Try to find a camera that has built-in infrared LEDs that offer nighttime light.

• HD resolution: The days of grainy blobs should be behind you. Only consider cameras that record and livestream in 720 HD or more.

• Exceptional construction: Your outside security cameras need to be able to stand against poor weather conditions like rain, heat, or freezing temperatures (some even come with a built-in heater). Your interior cameras should still work if they’re bumped or knocked to the floor.

• Motion detection: Although you can program your cameras for a continual record, that requires a lot of power and recording space. Instead, look for a security camera with motion detectors that begins to automatically record when it detects movement.

• Two-way talk: Doorbell cameras should come with an intercom system, which makes it easy to talk with delivery people or visitors without coming to the door. You can also find the same 2-way audio capability with interior or exterior cameras, too.

• Wireless install: A wireless camera can be added wherever you’d like outside or in your home, and is easy to move if if you’d like to position it elsewhere. This approach is often preferable to wiring your camera directly into a power line.

• A simple mobile app: How helpful is a security camera if it’s difficult to view its feeds? Try to find cameras with a mobile app so you can watch live streaming in high-definition, record and store clips, and receive notifications when your cameras detect movement. It helps when your security app also syncs with your complete security and home automation system.       

Is It Best To Have Your Home Security Cameras Installed By A Professional?

Once you know what you’re looking for in a residential security camera, it’s time to decide if you should get your cameras [[professionally installed|installed by a pro|installed by a professional. If you’re comfortable with tools, you may see if you can DIY a solution. However, if you’re not sure the best places for your cameras, or don’t understand the tech, go ahead and get professional installation. Security specialists, such as Secure24 Alarm Systems, know the best spots to hang your cameras for complete security and connect your cameras to the mobile app. You may also explore professional installation if your security cameras sync with a full home security system.

Buy The Best Home Security Cameras in Philadelphia With Secure24 Alarm Systems

The best home security cameras with expert installation in Philadelphia come from Secure24 Alarm Systems. Just call (215) 798-2927 or send in the form for your no-cost quote. We’ll talk through your your ideal options and how your cameras can become an important part of your residential security system.