What you need to know about security cameras

Home security cameras are quickly becoming an essential way to keep your home safe from invasion.

There was a time when they were only used in banks and other high-security businesses and while certain elite homes may have had cameras, it wasn’t seen as affordable for the average homeowner.

But CCTV, or closed circuit television, technology has become a lot more accessible in recent years.

With smart technology, you can see what’s happening outside and inside your home at all times on your smartphone or tablet.

There’s no doubt security cameras are a much bigger deterrent to criminals than an alarm system.

But there are many different types and levels of home security cameras to choose from and even drawbacks to consider.

The cost of a security camera system varies considerably depending on what kind of cameras and the type of system you choose.

Cameras will be placed in various strategic locations outside your home, but will there be cameras inside as well?

When preparing a budget, make sure you take into account the number of cameras, the power source of each camera, installation costs and the ongoing cost of monitoring the system and maintenance. In the case of break-in and theft, making a claim with an insurance company has its challenges. When you’ve got security cameras, the footage will back you up and make your claim valid.

As to where to put the cameras, it’s best to follow professional advice. A contractor with considerable experience can advise you on the best strategic locations for your cameras.

The aim is to capture as many angles around the house as possible, whether it’s indoors or outdoors.

It may be advisable to install wide-view exterior cameras to not only capture as much of your property as possible but also to intimidate possible intruders. Don’t forget that outside cameras will be exposed to harsh weather conditions so it’s wise to place them under cover if possible.

Where cameras are placed inside can be a more contentious issue, so it would be best to check with your family (or tenants, if that’s the case) to ensure that everyone’s on board.

The primary aim should be to have cameras in the main entrance and communal areas of the home rather than more private areas such as bedrooms and bathrooms.

Whatever the case, the household’s residents and guests should always be informed where cameras are.

There are also various ways to store your security footage for memory cards, in the cloud, digital and network video recorders, and directly to you computer.

Likewise, cameras can be powered from various sources, depending on your operational needs.

Battery powered cameras use Wi-Fi to connect to your security system and offer the most flexibility when it comes to installation.

It’s worth noting that some wireless cameras might need to be plugged into power points regularly to recharge batteries, or may require frequent battery changes.

There are two main types of wired security systems: analogue using cables and digital with data send by ethernet cabling.

Both are powered by their respective cable types so there’s no need to provide power at the point of installation.

– BY REALESTATEVIEW.COM.AU