If you want to improve the security of your home, a CCTV camera is a good option. It can give you visibility into who is coming to your home or has designs on it by offering 24/7 surveillance that covers the outside and every angle of ingress. If you want, it can also provide coverage to the interior of your home as you deem fit. The problem with home security cameras is the different types of options available on the market and with various features. So, how do you pick top-tier cameras that deliver immense value and have the kind of surveillance capabilities that will enhance home security? The answer lies in this article, which dives into the various features you must look for in cameras and the different CCTV manufacturers in India whose cameras you can choose from.
Indoor or Outdoor Cameras: The Purpose Helps Choose the Right Camera
If you live in an independent home, you can choose an outdoor camera or both an indoor and outdoor camera, but if you live in an apartment, then indoor CCTV cameras for home will suffice. The difference lies in their pricing and compatibility with their usage. Indoor cameras are typically less costly than their outdoor counterparts, while outdoor cameras are designed to be used outdoors under different weather conditions. They are also expensive because they have different feature sets that can offer better coverage and resolution to serve the purpose even with bad visibility.
Camera Range or Field of Vision: There Shouldn’t be Visibility Gaps
You would expect cameras to capture everything a human can see, but it has its limitations with respect to the field of view. The idea is to choose a camera that offers a broader field of view, which means their coverage includes a wider area. However, ensuring this wide range doesn’t mean distorted images at the edge. If you want your CCTV camera to cover more ground and still deliver sharp images, the camera will be priced at the higher end of the scale. Therefore, it is essential to understand the area you want to capture, which helps you zero in on the number of cameras you want to install.
Camera Resolution: Quality Footage is the Key to Good Surveillance
Great coverage, small coverage, etc., are all good, but the camera resolution determines picture quality. So, the higher the resolution of the home security cameras, the better their image quality. Depending on your needs, you can choose from cameras offering 1080p resolution, or if you want to save on costs, you can opt for a lesser image quality.
Night Vision: Most Burglaries are Committed in the Dark
While this is not a rule of thumb regarding unauthorized ingress into homes, most burglars burgle homes at night or in low-light conditions. Your wireless home CCTV cameras should have night vision to deliver clear picture quality even in the dark. You can choose from cameras that have an in-built infrared LED or that harness an infrared light that throws light on the darkened area.
Storage: Make Sure that the Camera Has an Appropriate Storage Size
Imagine a scenario wherein you want a recording of something that happened five nights ago, but you realize that the CCTV doesn’t have enough storage and only has three days old recordings. If you don’t want to put yourself in such a scenario, buy a CCTV camera with either external storage like cloud storage, which has enough recording space, or a camera with a built-in SD card slot with good enough storage, like 128GB or more.
Power Source: You Want Uninterrupted Coverage All the Time
Choose the power source wisely. If your area doesn’t suffer from power cuts, then a camera with a power cord will not be a problem, but ideally, you need a combination of a battery and a power cord. You can even choose a purely battery-powered camera and get the flexibility advantage because you can install it anywhere without worrying about a power outlet. But you must recharge the battery periodically, which requires some maintenance.
The Various Options on Offer
- TP-Link Tapo Home Security Camera
This 3600 smart wireless CCTV camera offers 1080p video recording, up to 30 ft night vision, and motion-detection-triggered notifications. It also has sound and alarm features that keep unauthorized visitors away. It can be managed and controlled with Alexa and Google Assistant, and the two-way audio helps you communicate with visitors through the built-in microphone and speaker. Indoor wireless home security cameras will be available for Rs 1400, while outdoor cameras can be priced slightly higher.
- Philips Wi-Fi HSP3800 Smart 3600 Outdoor Security Camera
This CCTV camera is configured for external use and delivers 1080p, 3600 video capture, supported by intelligent motion tracking with zoom, tilt, and pan. The comprehensive feature set means it can provide the coverage you need and capture all movements. It also has AI integration, driving its motion and sound detection and triggering intelligent alerts. This camera also has color night vision, a spotlight feature, and two-way communication, making it a good choice if you are looking for robust outdoor CCTV systems. The CCTV pricing in India for this model is around Rs 4000+.
- Xiaomi Mi Home Security Camera 1080P C300 Full HD Picture
The features are in the name, offering users a full HD picture quality. Other features include infrared night vision (can capture video even when pitch dark, courtesy of infrared LEDs integrated with the camera), 3600 panorama view, and 2-way audio. This indoor camera is compatible with your laptop and has an extendable micro-SD card for storage.
Conclusion
There are many options for wireless and wired home security cameras. The key is identifying the right camera that balances your budget, requirements, and features.
FAQs
- If I buy a CCTV camera online, what about installation?
CCTV camera installation is sometimes offered as a bundled package when you buy a CCTV. Still, you need the help of CCTV camera professionals to set up the camera and derive the maximum value from your installation.
- What is the warranty of CCTV camera systems?
CCTV manufacturers in India offer a 2-year warranty, but it differs from manufacturer to manufacturer. Please go through the specifications in detail and ask the salesperson before you make a choice.
- What is the cost of a standard CCTV camera for indoor and outdoor usage?
The cost varies, but a rule of thumb is that the more comprehensive the array of features, the higher the camera price. Also, external or outdoor cameras are generally priced higher than indoor cameras.
- Should I choose a wired or wireless CCTV camera?
The choice is yours, but wireless cameras are more flexible and can be installed without worrying about their placement. However, they need a good Wi-Fi connection and can be tampered with that is hacked into. On the other hand, wireless cameras are limited by their wiring and will require installation expertise.
- Are CCTV cameras easy to operate?
The short answer is yes. You will have no problems using CCTV cameras, and even if you need to learn some of their features, the learning curve isn’t steep.
