Selecting Home Security Cameras

HSC Staff Writer

So you've made the wise decision to purchase home security cameras to improve your family's overall safety. Security Cameras are becoming more popular as part of home security systems. Years ago adding cameras to your home security system was cost prohibitive to all but the wealthy. Today some security cameras cost as little as $50.00 and do at least an adequate job.

Selecting Home Security Cameras

Determine if you need audio as well as video. Check your state laws as many states have strict laws about recording conversations without a person giving permission.

Do you want the recordings from your home security cameras to be in black and white or full color? Color images are generally more expensive.

How much image quality do you want your security cameras to provide?

Will all or some of the cameras be outside? If so you will need to purchase cameras with special waterproof housings. In addition cameras placed in areas susceptible to vandalism may need additional protection.

Is there power near the where the cameras are to be placed? If not you will need to choose a wireless security cameras that runs on batteries.

How many cameras will it take to properly cover your home and do you want them to be identical in quality and kind.

Do you plan on recording the images from the cameras or do you want to just monitor activity without recording? If you plan on recording the video from your cameras do you want to record it via the older VCR technology or record the images to the hard drive of your computer?

If you travel a lot do you want the ability to view your security cameras over the internet? This is becoming very popular and is accomplished by hooking your home security cameras up to your pc and then accessing the images over the internet.