Home security is extremely important. One of the best tools you will find for protecting your house is a home security camera. These can deter criminals as well as help you catch the ones that manage to commit crimes. No home security system is complete without a few well-placed security cameras. Here are a few of the different security cameras you will need to choose from.
Boxes And Bullets.
The box camera and bullet camera are both very common indoor security cameras. They are named so primarily because of their shape and not necessarily because of the features they offer. As you might be able to guess, the box camera is shaped like a rectangular box. The bullet camera has a more cylindrical shape.
The box camera is still slightly more common, but the bullet camera does provide a more sleek and sophisticated appearance. In terms of features, they offer most of the same options. They are very versatile regarding available sizes and lenses.
Most box cameras are designed for indoor use. Bullet cameras can be used indoors or outdoors, but are also primarily seen indoors. Bullet cameras have the added benefit that most of them are designed to be waterproof. There are also waterproof box cameras, but it is not quite as common.
Home security cameras of this type are often sold as stand-alone mounted units or as part of a larger home security system. However, they do not usually come with tilt, pan, and other motion features. Adding motion features to these cameras will require a specialized base for mounting. It will add a bit to the price tag, but can be worth it in some situations.
Remote PTZ Cameras.
Remote PTZ cameras are cameras with pan, tilt, and zoom functions that can be controlled remotely. The controls may come from a command center, a computer, or even a smartphone application. Technically, box or bullet cameras can be sold as remote PTZ cameras if they have the specialized base and the included zoom feature.
Remote PTZ cameras are very effective when it comes to home security. For one, you have the option to look around, tilt, and zoom whenever necessary. This is particularly useful if you are controlling the camera via a laptop or smartphone while you are away from home.
Second, most of these cameras can be programmed to move along a specific pattern when not being controlled. For example, if the camera is mounted on a corner it can be programmed to pan back and forth during certain time intervals. This allows for maximum coverage of the home.
Third, the high-end models come with motion tracking capabilities. This further expands their range by allowing them to automatically turn to follow movement detected by the sensor. It may even zoom in on the area.
The Dome Camera.
A dome camera can be thought of as a remote PTZ camera protected inside a dome casing. The dome casing provides a few benefits. It protects the camera from dirt, debris, and other obstructions. This is useful if you have the camera placed in a kitchen. These home security cameras are also popular in commercial residents such as retail markets.
The dome also allows for a smaller housing on the camera itself. This allows the camera to pan and tilt more quickly. Some dome cameras are referred to as high-speed dome cameras because they can turn and focus at incredibly high speeds thanks to the freedom and flexibility offered by the dome.
The dome has another benefit: it really stands out to criminals. They see the dome and they know that they are being watched. If they can see the dome, then it is very likely that the camera can see them.
Dome housings are available that are designed for indoor and outdoor use. The dome camera is great for outdoors thanks to the protective layer of the dome itself. Dirt and debris are less likely to interfere with the camera’s functioning.
Dome cameras are often controlled via remote control as well as with automatic motion tracking as with other PTZ cameras. They can also be programmed to record along a specific, timed pattern.
Digital IP Cameras.
An IP camera uses an Internet Protocol to constantly transmit its video content over a network. The video can then be viewed from anywhere in the world if the network is connected to the web. All of the camera types above could come as IP cameras as well. However, one of the big differences is that many home security cameras are analog while an IP security camera is usually digital.
Digital cameras have their benefits. The resolution can be greatly increased and it allows for high-quality scalability. This makes it easier to zoom in on certain features and identify someone committing a crime in your home.
The video may also continually run through different types of video analytic programs. For example, facial recognition software is becoming more common and reliable.
These cameras are also easier to manage remotely thanks to their internet connectivity. Altogether, it makes for a safer, well-connected home security system.
The Camera That Is Right For You.
Finding the right cameras for your home can be a bit tricky. What features are important to you? Is internet connectivity necessary? What about the pan, tilt, and zoom? Many modern home security cameras come with both of those features and don’t cost an arm and a leg. Simply shop around and see what is available.