Home Security Cameras Buyer’s

Outdoor security cameras are the first line of defense when it comes to protecting what’s most important—your home, property and family—and they are a crucial part of any home security system. Outdoor surveillance provides the assurance that anything and anybody approaching your property and home will be noted, whether in real time from inside the safety of your home, remotely, from computer or smart phone screen, or recorded digitally to be called upon at a later time, if desired.

How They Work

In simplest terms, outdoor security cameras are installed, either using wired or wireless technology around the home and property to monitor and/or record activity in its area, or “zone.” Connected to a central control center, whether through a DVR or over a wireless network, the homeowner is able to see and access everything the camera(s) sees, recording if desired to access at a later time. These cameras are typically programmable to record at specific times, when they sense motion, or upon demand.

Different Types and Features of Outdoor Security Cameras

As outdoor security cameras continue to grow in popularity, they are practically becoming a household name. As demand rises, so does the number of different needs and application for these cameras. The result is a fast-growing market of different types of outdoor security cameras, which is great news for choosey homeowners, who can better meet their needs today than they could have in what was a much smaller market with less choice even five years ago.

Here is a brief rundown of some of the types of outdoor security cameras available as well as a listing of key features. As you read each one, keep your home and property in mind, paying close attention to the details of each type that may or may not suit the specific applications you need and want.

Wired Cameras: Often requiring professional installation, wired security cameras must be located in places where they can meet the necessary outlets. Wires may be difficult to hide, making surveillance obvious to an intruder, who will try to avoid the range of the cameras. They may offer a clearer picture than wireless cameras, as well as more reliance when it comes to streaming, but in the outdoors, the wires may be in jeopardy due to weather and other outdoor vulnerabilities.

Wireless Cameras: These cameras are ideal for outdoor installation, which can be otherwise challenging. Without wires or reliance on a power source (they run on batteries) to restrict placement, they are quite versatile, covert (no visible wires), easy to install, and a snap to relocate as the homeowner sees fit.

Dome Cameras: These cameras are dome-shaped and are designed to be an “in-your-face” type of protection. Very obvious in their purpose, dome cameras are also most suited to a more protected entryway type mount so they will be immediately visible to anyone who approaches. Unlike the bullet camera, it’s difficult to tell where the camera is pointed, increasing its purpose as a deterrent. “Speed domes” are a variation that spin quickly to capture a broader range of images.

Advantages

It is in a thief’s best interests to pick the easiest targets possible. Houses with security systems are typically not worth the trouble for house thieves unless there is something specific in the house they are targeting that makes the house worth the risk. Placing a sign in your front lawn or by your front door advertising a home security system will usually make an intruder think twice about trespassing onto your property. Security systems often cost hundreds of dollars, while a quality sign could run you less than five dollars.

Disadvantages

Relying on a sign as your main source of home protection is a risky proposition. The sign is only effective if a potential home intruder believes it is genuine. Some companies sell fake home security signs, and the signs are often recognized by experienced burglars. Therefore, security signs that advertise generic systems and lack a brand identity are more likely to be perceived as fake. Once that happens, the sign is useless.

While a security sign does work as a deterrent, it also alerts a thief that a system is present if he decides to go through with the break-in anyway. This means he is less likely to be caught by surprise by an alarm activating. If a thief is familiar with particular types of security systems, the sign lets him know what he can expect once he tries entering the home.