Nowadays, setting up security camera systems can be done without hiring professional help. But with so many being sold, you’ll need security camera buying tips. 

You will learn how to find your best options by going through our security camera buying tips.

1 – What’s Your Goal?

Before you look for what to buy, think about what you want from your security camera. 

Do you want the camera to be a permanent fixture? Or do you want the freedom to move it easily?

Does the video feed need to be in high resolution?

Are you going to save the footage online? Or are you saving it on a flash drive? 

What price range are you looking into?

2 – Main Types of Security Cameras

The most common types of security cameras are:

Dome cameras

They are one of the most popular cameras in the market. They provide a wider view than bullet cameras.

They can be used as an indoor and an outdoor camera.

Bullet cameras

They look like bullets, and thus the name. They can be as small as a lipstick or as big as a water bottle. They give you one fixed view. This is good if you just want to focus on a particular area. They are ideal for outdoor use. 

Indoor cameras and Outdoor cameras

Choose one based on where you’re going to use it. 

Outdoor security cameras are durable. They are built to withstand different weather conditions. 

Both indoor and outdoor security cameras have infrared night vision and remote viewing.

Wired cameras

Wired security cameras are physically connected to the recorder and the router. They are also connected to a DVR where security footage is stored and viewed. 

Wireless cameras

The video is transmitted to a receiver without the need for wires. 

But they may not be entirely wire free as they need to be plugged to a power source. 

They are easier to install than wired security cameras because they don’t require wires. And they don’t need to be mounted.

Wire-free cameras

They don’t use any wire at all. The cameras’ power source are either batteries or the sun.

You can easily change their position or location. 

Live streaming cameras

They allow you to look into see the video footage via live viewing. 

You can even adjust the view of the camera. You can zoom, tilt, or pan the camera.

3 – What You Should Look Into

Now that you have an idea of what kind of options you have, it’s time you look at these features: 

Image Quality and Color

What level of image resolution can it promise?

Will it give you colored images?

Do you need to have colored images? Or do you prefer black and white cameras with better video quality and a cheaper price?

Night Vision

Can the camera see at night? Check if it has low-light imaging technology.

When you’re looking into camera sensitivity, check the lumens. The lower, the better. 

If you want cameras that can detect heat, look for cameras that have infrared capability.

Close in on the Subject

If you want the option to be able to zoom in or pan both sides, look for a camera with the capability of range of motion. This is good if you want to see details upclose such as a car’s license plate number.

Check for Sound

If you want to hear the audio as you look at the footage, look for cameras that have a microphone.