Nowadays, there are so many ways to install and utilise surveillance systems in a residential setting, whether you're hoping to prevent a burglary or are just wanting to keep the local critters from messing up your garden or landscaping. Of course, to get the best view of your property's exterior, you'll need a variety of suitable outdoor cameras that can withstand the elements. With that said, here are 7 types of cameras to consider when putting together your own home surveillance setup:
1. Hardwired
As the name implies, these outdoor security cameras from a reputable company like Stanley Security are hardwired to the surveillance system. While the installation for these will be a bit of a hassle compared to their wireless counterparts, they do provide the primary benefit of enhanced reliability when wireless networks are down.
2. Wireless
Wireless cameras are typically more popular because they have an easier installation and they interface with Wi-Fi networks with minimal effort. Plus, there are no cables that someone can cut to disable the camera because it runs on batteries and sends the footage to the receiver wirelessly.
3. Wide Angle Lens
Another relatively self-explanatory type, wide angle lens cameras provide a wider field of view than conventional cams. These are ideal for covering a lot of ground economically because you can keep watch over a larger area with fewer cameras.
4. Bullet
Bullet cameras are the old-fashioned approach to surveillance – standard, straightforward mounted cams that point in one direction. They often have a bullet-like shape, hence their name, but they can also be rectangular or other shapes.
5. Dome
Dome cameras, which are obviously dome-shaped, typically have zoom and lens moving features that allow you to control where the camera is pointing. It can also be difficult for intruders to determine which direction these cameras are facing, and their relatively compact size means they can be mounted just about anywhere.
6. Discreet
Discreet cameras, also sometimes called hidden cameras, are usually disguised within some sort of object like a birdhouse, clock, plant, or other fixture. These are ideal when you don't want anyone to know that your property is being recorded, which can help you catch a thief or intruder in the act. They also ensure that nobody can circumvent your surveillance system because they won't know the location or viewing direction of your cameras.
7. Night Vision
Night vision cameras typically use infrared (IR) technology to create useful imagery in low light conditions. These are best for situations when night surveillance is a must, as a standard non-IR camera won't do much good in those kinds of environments. Night vision cameras can be any of the aforementioned types of cams as well.
Which Cameras are Ideal For Your Setup?
Ultimately, it's always best to incorporate a variety of camera types or use cameras that fall under several categories simultaneously (i.e.– a wireless hidden camera that can also capture night vision footage from wide angles).
