Happy Monday everyone!
We’ve been in touch with plenty of security experts around the internet and we asked them a couple of questions about security cameras.
Given everything that’s happening in the world, we could all do better in terms of security, and keeping our homes and business safe through surveillance. We hope that these answers could help you make the best purchase when it comes to security cameras!
For today, we have these experts weighing in on the following questions:
We have three specialists with us answering our questions: Billie McInerney, a specialist for Central Screens & Locks AU, Louis Thorp from Castle Security, and lastly we have Anthony Macklin from Home Security Check AU.
Today, they’ll be assisting us in answering these questions, which will be sure to help you make the decision when you’re out buying security cameras.
Our first question:
What security camera features do you look for?
Billie McInerney (BI): I look for security cameras that have a wireless monitor an IR wireless outdoor camera with a PIR motion sensor. This allows you to transmit video and audio signals wirelessly over medium to large distances and display them on a monitor easily. This is an advantage where cables cannot be laid.
Louis Thorp (LI): I always look for quality first and foremost. We also want to make sure our cameras will last the harsh Australian conditions. The features on security cameras are always changing, but two main features I personally look for are:
- AI, so the camera is not sending false alerts for every event and so it knows the difference between a pet and a human.
- The other feature we look for and try to educate our clients on is cloud storage. This is becoming increasingly popular due to on-site systems being targeted and stolen.
Anthony Macklin: The features have to match the needs of the user. But assuming the camera is required for use at home. I look for cameras and camera systems that allow for additional cameras to be added with minimal expense and implementation costs. I personally look for cameras and systems that have the capability to operate UHD cameras, have night vision capability that extends beyond 25 metres, and records audio. For home security, I prefer bullet cameras due to their reduced cost and generally better image quality at longer ranges.
They are a bit more visible so they add a deterrent to opportunistic offenders. I prefer an IP system that is hard-wired using a single Power over Ethernet cable which can be reviewed remotely. A warning though, ensure that your system is properly protected from data breaches, remote access without proper safety measures can leave your system exposed to hackers whereby they can see what you see. This is especially important if you have cameras inside the home.
2. What features do you think security cameras should have?
Billie:
- Wireless Monitor
- Encrypted data (audio and video)
- Infrared night vision function
- 400 TVL resolution
- User-friendly interface
Louis: I believe that all camera systems should come with at least the most basic AI in this day and age as well as the option for cloud storage. In particular, in regards to the AI feature, I would like to see camera systems start to be able to pick up abnormal behaviours, such as if an elderly person is in their home and they take a fall - the camera system will pick up on this and automatically alert the family. With AI now the big driving force behind future CCTV technology, the future of security as a whole is extremely exciting.
Anthony: The features a security camera should have as a minimum is Super HD with at least a 4-megapixel resolution but the higher the better, and a night vision capability. The system rather than the cameras should have enough capacity to store data for a month and support enough cameras to leave no blind spots around your home. The cameras should also be rated for exterior use.
3. What makes a security camera a must-buy?
Billie: Security cameras are a must because they can catch criminal behavior and help police to identify the culprits. They are also a preventive measure that may deter thieves or vandals from entering or causing damage to your home. On top of added security, they can also reduce your home insurance premium which is a great bonus!
Louis: Security cameras are one of the best devices to deter would-be thieves, however, there are many more benefits to having a security camera. For example, they can give you the ability to keep an eye on when children are coming and going, when a parcel is delivered (or worse, not delivered or stolen), keep an eye on a pet, and as a recent client did, pull the last month of footage from their camera system to recover and immortalise precious moments with their pet after losing them
Anthony: Whilst some will opt for heat and motion detection cameras I prefer not to use them. In general, I have found these are more expensive and often less reliable in capturing all actions of an offender. Such cameras tend to miss movement at a distance such as vehicles and offenders observing the location, which becomes vital when trying to produce evidence at court.
Otherwise, the things that make a security camera a must-buy for the home is what meets your needs best, but I suggest a system that provides UHD, with 8 megapixels or better that also provides night vision beyond 30 metres and audio recording. This is generally available in a bullet camera that is easily replaceable at a low cost, will offer a better resolution for objects in the distance, and can be locked off so the camera can not have its position easily changed.
The reason for this preference is offenders will often do reconnaissance prior to any offence, the greater the distance you can see at night and day the better the evidence will be as well as the intelligence you can gain. The audio recording is a must-have for me since it can help identify voices, gain evidence of any threats made by assailants, and will lead to better evidence all around.
Also, should you be in your house and able to hear the conversation of offenders outside even if they have moved the cameras you still have forewarning of their plans and hence can better protect yourself? A word of caution, however, if you utilize a camera with audio recording capabilities remember it can at times pick up what is said and done inside the house.
There you have it folks - some key points for picking a security camera. If you’re looking for some great ones, do visit us today at our security camera category here at Elinz.
