Having a home security system means a lot more than putting a warning sticker on your front window. Thanks to affordable smart home systems and DIY home security cameras, anyone can easily monitor their home when they’re away. In fact, security isn’t the only reason to have a wireless surveillance camera. They’re also great for checking in on the family pet, the kids or the babysitter (checking in, not spying on).
Home security cameras used to be expensive, and required complicated wiring and backup storage systems (many professional home security systems still do), but new DIY home security systems based on wireless surveillance cameras set up easily and can be monitored by smart phones or tablets. In fact, many of the new cameras cost less than $200 (more for outdoor cameras).
An article by Bob Silver in the January 2015 issue of Electronic House outlines the 9 top features you need to look for in a wireless DIY home security camera.
One of the most important features is video quality. An HD-capable camera will record in more detail and allow for better zooming (and maybe a virtual tilt/pan feature in the case of cameras with wide lenses).
Storage is also an important feature for you camera system. Do you want local storage, cloud storage or both? Both options have value, and what you choose may depend on your needs and your budget.
The smart phone app that supports your wireless camera is a key feature. Ideally it includes easy controls, video and picture saving and activity alerts. Two-way communication is also a bonus feature, but few DIY security cameras include that (the Piper is one that does, and it includes a whole lot more).
Read more about wireless home security cameras and DIY options in the January 2015 issue of Electronic House.
Total Control Remotes LLC says
As a parent and custom integrator I have done my fair share of research both through product testing and reading. By far the best camera I have worked with, tested and implemented is Dropcam. What makes Dropcam better than the competitors is its ability to provide solid video and excellent features, but most of all its resiliency to stay on the network consistently and reliably. I have not found that to be the case with other brands.