What To Ask About When Buying A New Home Security Camera In Grand Rapids
Many home security systems use at least one home security camera in Grand Rapids. However, with so many different brands and options for cameras, it's hard to know what camera features really matter. Do you buy one from a big-box store and install it yourself? Or is it better to have your cameras installed by a professional? Should you look for a camera that live streams in full HD? How do you choose between an exterior camera affixed to the overhang or a doorbell camera?
To answer these questions and other common questions, here is what you should look for in a Grand Rapids home security camera.
Types Of Home Security Cameras in Grand Rapids
There are mostly three different types of home security cameras in Grand Rapids. Each type has a unique purpose and can easily integrate with your residential security system:
-
Outdoor home security camera: These cameras are installed on the exterior of your home and give you a wide view of your property, driveway, and main entrances.
-
Indoor home security cameras: Indoor cameras hang from a wall or sit on a flat surface, and usually record one room in your home.
-
Doorbell cameras: A doorbell camera replaces your old doorbell and provides a view of your porch.
What Makes A “Good” Security Camera In Grand Rapids?
Visit the security camera row in a popular big-box store, and you’ll learn that there’s a lot of discrepancy in camera quality and specs. Here’s a short list of what you should look for in your home security camera:
-
Wide field of vision: You’ll likely want your camera to see as much space as possible. Without a wide-angle lens, you have a higher chance of blind spots and places where people can hide. Try to get cameras with at least a 140° to 180° wide view.
-
Low-light capabilities: A camera’s not much good if it can’t view what’s going on during the night. You will want a camera that has built-in infrared LEDs that provide nighttime illumination.
-
HD resolution: The days of digitized blobs are in the past. Only research cameras that record and broadcast in 720 high-definition or more.
-
Strong construction: Your outside security cameras should be able to function when there’s poor weather conditions like thunderstorms, heat, or freezing temperatures (some even come with a built-in heater). Your interior cameras should absorb shock if they’re bumped or lightly fall to the floor.
-
Motion sensors: Even though you can program your cameras for a non-stop record, that requires a lot of power and recording space. Instead, try to find a security camera with motion detectors that starts to automatically record when it detects movement.
-
Two-way communication: Doorbell cameras should include an intercom system, which makes it easy to communicate with guests or delivery people without answering the door. However, the same 2-way audio feature can be found feature with indoor or outdoor cameras as well.
-
Wireless install: A wireless camera can be placed almost anywhere on or in your house, and is easy to move if you’d like it somewhere else. This approach is typically more common than wiring your camera straight into your electric wiring.
-
Is It Best To Have Your Home Security Cameras Professionally Installed?
Once you have learned what you’re looking for in a residential security camera, you have to choose if you should get your cameras [[professionally installed|installed by a pro|installed by a professional. If you’re handy, you may try to install your cameras yourself. But if you are unsure the best spots for your cameras, or can’t figure out the components, it’s better to get professional installation. Security specialists, such as Secure24 Alarm Systems, know the best spots to hang your cameras for complete security and show you how to use the mobile app. You may also look into professional installation if your security cameras pair to a full home security system.
Get The Best Home Security Cameras in Grand Rapids With Secure24 Alarm Systems
The best home security cameras with expert installation in Grand Rapids come from Secure24 Alarm Systems. Just contact us at (616) 207-3771 or send in the form below to get your no-cost quote. We’ll walk you through your best options and how your cameras can become an important part of your residential security system.