Imagine this scenario: you come home from a long day at work, and as you approach your front door, you see that it's been broken into. You're immediately flooded with a sense of anxiety and fear, and you start to wonder how this could have happened. Could it have been prevented?

In today's world, home security is more important than ever before. And one of the best ways to protect your home is to install security cameras. But before you start shopping for cameras, there are a few things you need to know.

How to Choose the Right Security Camera

Not all security cameras are created equal. When you're shopping for a camera, you need to keep in mind what your specific needs are. Do you need indoor or outdoor coverage? Do you need night vision? How important is the video quality?

Answering these questions will help you narrow down your options and find the best camera for your needs.

Avoiding home security mistakes can be the difference between a safe home and a break-in.

1. Smart or Traditional Security Cameras?

Security cameras have been around for decades; however, smart security cameras are a relatively new innovation. So, which should you get?

Security camera hidden behind plants

Traditional Security Cameras

Traditional security cameras are the basic option. They're typically less expensive, and they're pretty easy to set up. All you need to do is point the camera in the direction you want it to be and plug it in.

However, these security cameras don't offer any of the advanced features that smart cameras do. They also can't be controlled remotely, so you'll need to be home to monitor them.

Smart Security Cameras

Smart security cameras are the newer, more advanced option. They typically cost a bit more than dumb cameras, but they offer a lot of extra features.

For example, many smart cameras come with facial recognition to tell the difference between a family member and a stranger. They also often include two-way audio, so you can listen in and talk to whoever is in front of the camera. You can also control most smart cameras remotely, so you can check in on your home even when you're not there.

With plenty of smart home security systems on the market, it can be hard to decide which one is right for you. But knowing your needs and doing your research can help you find the perfect system for your home.

2. Wireless or Wired?

Your next decision would be whether to get a device that connects physically to your security center or one that you can access via Wi-Fi.

Security Camera on Red Background

Wired Security Cameras

Wired cameras are typically more reliable because there's no risk of the signal being lost or interrupted. They're also usually higher quality because they directly connect to the internet. However, wired security cameras can be a bit more challenging to install, and they're not as flexible as wireless cameras when it comes to placement.

A wired security camera will also need to be connected to a power source, so you'll need to consider it when choosing a location for the camera. And if someone cuts power to your house and your security system doesn't have backup power, your cameras will stop working.

Wireless Security Cameras

Wireless security cameras are much easier to install because you don't have to worry about running wires through your walls. They're also more versatile in terms of placement because you can put them anywhere that has a Wi-Fi connection. Most wireless security cameras are also battery-powered or solar-powered, so you don't have to worry about them being plugged in.

However, wireless security cameras are more likely to experience signal issues, and the video quality is not always as good as a wired connection. Another downside is that battery-powered cameras can be a bit more expensive, and solar-powered cameras will need to be placed in an area that gets plenty of sunlight.

3. Indoor or Outdoor?

Security Camera

Another important consideration is whether you need an indoor or outdoor camera. If you only need to monitor activity inside your home, then an indoor camera will suffice. However, if you want to see what's happening outside your home, you'll need an outdoor camera.

Outdoor cameras are designed to withstand the elements, so they're typically weatherproof and can be placed almost anywhere. However, they can be a bit more expensive than indoor cameras.

4. Storage Options

When it comes to storage, you have two main options: cloud storage or local storage.

Cloud Storage

Cloud storage is an excellent option if you want to be able to access your footage from anywhere. Most cloud storage plans are subscription-based, so you'll need to pay a monthly fee.

However, cloud storage is typically more secure because it's off-site. So even if your camera is stolen, your footage will be safe.

Local Storage

Local storage is a good option if you want to be able to access your footage without an internet connection. Most local storage options use a microSD card, which you can insert into the camera.

The downside of local storage is that you won't be able to access your footage if the camera is damaged or stolen. And if the memory card fills up, you'll need to delete some of your older footage to make room for new footage unless it has overwrite capabilities.

5. Compatibility

Smart home security

Another thing to keep in mind is compatibility. You'll need to make sure that the security camera you choose is compatible with your home's security system if you already have one.

Most security cameras will work with a standard home security system, but it's always best to double-check to be sure. You'll also need to ensure that the camera is compatible with your smart devices. This way, you can view the footage from your camera on your phone or tablet.

You can build your own security system if you're handy with technology.

What About Smart Home Compatibility?

If you have a smart home, then you'll need to make sure that the security camera you choose is compatible with your smart home devices. This way, you can use your smart devices to control the camera and view the footage.

For example, you might be able to view the footage from your security camera on your TV if it's connected to your smart home system. You might also be able to use your voice to control the camera if it's compatible with a smart speaker like the Amazon Echo.

This can be a great way to keep an eye on your home while you're away.

6. Other Considerations

You'll need to keep in mind a few other things when you're choosing a security camera.

Man holding a security camera near a wall

Night Vision

If you want to be able to see what's happening outside your home at night, then you'll need a camera with night vision. Night vision cameras use infrared technology to provide a clear image in low-light conditions.

Field of View

When you're choosing a security camera, you need to pay attention to the field of view. The field of view is the area that the camera can see. The larger the field of view, the more area the camera will be able to cover.

Most security cameras have a field of view between 60 and 110 degrees. However, you can find some cameras with a wider field of view, such as 180 degrees or even 360 degrees.

Video Quality

The video quality of a security camera is important, but it's not always the most critical factor. For example, if you're just using the camera to see who's at your door, then you don't need 4K resolution.

However, if you want to see details, such as facial features or license plates, you'll need a camera with a higher resolution.

Audio Recording

Some security cameras come with audio recording capabilities, which can be a great way to deter criminals. Audio recording can also be helpful if you need to identify someone in the footage.

Not all security cameras come with audio recording, so it's something you'll need to keep in mind when you're choosing a camera.

Facial Recognition

Facial recognition is a newer technology that's starting to appear in security cameras. This can be a great way to identify criminals, as well as keep an eye on your kids or pets.

If you're considering a Google Home security system, Google Nest Cams offers a familiar face recognition feature that can alert you when it sees a person it doesn't recognize.

However, facial recognition is still not perfect, so it's something you'll need to weigh when you're choosing a camera.

A Safer Home

A security camera can be a great way to deter criminals and keep your home safe. Just make sure you keep these considerations in mind when you're choosing one.

If you do, then you'll be sure to find the perfect security camera for your home.