Whether you are worried about theft, just want to feel safe, or want to check-out the good-looking guy who delivers your parcels, home security cameras are a great investment.
Once you start looking around, it can be pretty overwhelming to work out how to install, what to look for, and what is going to suit your home. Before we get into some of the best home security cameras, here are some tips of what to look for:
Do You Need an Indoor or Outdoor System – Or Both:
Some security camera systems are designed for both either indoor or outdoor, often ones that specialize in both can be more expensive. Outdoor cameras you need to consider direct sunlight as it will cause glare on the image but most outdoor cameras do supply some wort of lens shield to reduce direct sunlight. Indoor cameras you need to think about the field of view, you have walls for example to can obfuscate the cameras vision of recording. Outdoor cameras are a lot easier to place in a position to cover a larger field of view than indoor in which you’re in a confined area. Placing an indoor security cameras outdoors is likely to cause weather or moisture based internal damage to possible unsealed housing.
Wired vs Wired Security Cameras
Wireless Security Cameras:
Wireless security cameras are often way easier to install. You won’t need to hire someone to install the cameras if you aren’t tech-savvy, or have wire cables running everywhere. Wireless security cameras run off your wifi, so they need to be within wifi range and if your internet goes down, so do your cameras. This can also affect the quality of the image and can sometimes make choppy videos. They are really easy to move around, especially if a spot doesn’t quite work for you. It’s also easy to hide them, so they aren’t in plain sight and seen by others. You need to be aware that Wireless Security cameras will often be battery-powered, so you need to keep an eye on them so they don’t go flat.
Wired Security Camera Systems:
Wired security systems will be often more expensive, but an investment in the long term. It does mean you will need wires to be installed, and most wired security camera systems will come with a generous amount of cable to set up your cameras around your home, it does mean getting up in your roof to fit the wiring, power is normally via a power points, so you may need an electrician if you want them powered from in the roof cavity. When installed correctly, they are secure and stable with minimal recording interruptions. You aren’t restricted to just being within wifi range, so you often find you have a smoother video with faster streaming and less lag time.
One or Many Security Cameras?
Single Cameras:
A single-camera can be great if you are on a budget, or just want one or two for specific areas. You can get single cameras in both wired and wireless.
Security Camera Kits:
These kits are will cost more, but you will have more coverage of your home. These kits can be both wired and wireless. If you purchase a wired kit, often you will be able to store recorded footage on a DVR. Sometimes these security camera systems are expandable for more cameras in the future.
Security Camera Features, what to look for?
Camera Night Vision:
Most of the time, it’s what goes on at night time that’s the most important. So look for cameras with good infrared LEDs to make it better to view at night time.
Remote Viewing Access:
If you want to check in on what’s going on around your place when you aren’t at home, remote access is really handy. You can just log on, and see in real-time what your cameras are recording.
The shape of the Security Camera:
Dome Security Cameras:
Dome cameras are really popular. You can’t quite tell what way the camera is pointed and that is good for warding away intruders, it also acts to protect the unit from light flares and helps to weather/dust proof the camera lens if outside. They are often also used indoors and can be mounted onto walls with brackets.
Bullet Security Cameras:
If you want to send a message that you have surveillance in your home. A bullet camera will get that message across. They are typically waterproof and long-lasting and will warn anyone that you’re watching. Most however don’t allow for panning (left, right, up and down) the camera. Kinda like big brother?
Best Indoor Security Cameras
360 Wireless Home Security Camera w/ Motion Detection
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- Indoor / Outdoor: Indoor
- Wired / Wireless: Wireless
- Night Vision: Yes up to 7 meters
- Remote Viewing: Yes
- Price: $49.00
- View More Specs & documentation
This single security camera has amazing customer reviews! If you are looking for just one camera to place in a particular spot, and not an entire set, these are great and for a wicked price too! Being wireless, the night vision range isn’t as long as wired but it will still give you enough coverage to check what’s going on around your home. This camera has motion detection so it will record video if it detected any movement and send you a notification to your mobile.
Best Outdoor Security Cameras
Swann CCTV Security Cameras
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- Indoor / Outdoor: Indoors & Outdoors
- Wired / Wireless: Wired
- Night Vision: Yes up to 30 meters
- Remote Viewing: Yes, via the HomeSafe View App
- Price: $390.85
- View More Specs & documentation
The Swann CCTV Security Cameras are 4 FULL HD cameras. Swann is a well-known security company that produces a variety of products to help protect your home. These cameras are wired, so it’s well suited for outdoor installation with strong and sturdy cables. This security camera kit will actually record up to 28 days’ worth. They have True Detect thermal sensing motion detection. The video quality is really good at 1080p resolution, with remote viewing via the HomeSafe View App which you can access via your phone or tablet.
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- Indoor / Outdoor: Both Indoor & Outdoor
- Wired / Wireless: Wireless
- Night Vision: Yes
- Remote Viewing: Yes by subscription service
- Price: $269.00
- View More Specs & documentation
The Ring Security Cameras are suitable for either indoor or outdoor use. These weatherproof security cameras are wireless and battery-powered. So, you can really place these cameras anywhere as long as they are within wifi range. If you enjoy having an Alexa in your house, these security cameras are actually compatible with her. Do we call Alexa her? I’m not too sure. They are easy to install with screws and wall anchors included to help secure them to a wall anywhere inside or outside of your home.
Uniden 4 Cam 500GB Full HD Compact CCTV System
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- Indoor / Outdoor: Both Indoor & Outdoor
- Wired / Wireless: Wired
- Night Vision: Yes Up to 20 meters
- Remote Viewing: Yes via the Guardian 365 App
- Price: $233.00
- View More Specs & documentation
You will have 24/7 surveillance with the Uniden Security System. It comes with 4 weatherproof cameras and a DVR. It covers a wide area with a 90-degree camera angle to help you keep an eye on things. The cameras are easily mountable on the wall and have night vision for up to 20 meters. What’s cool about this security system is it will actually email you alerts, making you feel more safe and secure in your own home.
Buy Online >
- Indoor / Outdoor: Outdoor
- Wired / Wireless: Wireless
- Night Vision: Yes up to 20 metres
- Remote Access: Yes
- Price: $224.00
- View More Specs & documentation
An outdoor twin pack of cameras made by Swann, these cameras are wireless and even have a siren to scare off any intruders. It includes everything to mount the cameras onto the wall and these cameras are compatiable with google chromecast, home hub and also alexa. The motion sensors will detect people and cars, anythings that’s a warm object. You can also dismantle the siren via the app if needed.
Best Indoor Security Cameras
Arlo Pro 2 Wi-Fi Camera
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- Indoor / Outdoor: Indoor
- Wired / Wireless: Wireless
- Night Vision: Yes just under a metre
- Remote Viewing: Yes with Arlo Smart App
- Price: $198.00
- View More Specs & documentation
Arlo Pro 2 is a high quality wireless secruity camera designed for indoor use. It’s simple and easy to use. It comes with a rechargable battery but you can also choose to plug it into a powerpoint if that’s easier for you. The Arlo Pro 2 motion sensors will detect any movment from up to 15 metres away. This camera records will full colour high quality resolution, it’s a good choise for a long lasting stand alone camera. While it’s more expensive, the quality of the recordings will be worth it.
Uniden Indoor WiFi Camera
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- Indoor / Outdoor: Indoor
- Wired / Wireless: Wireless
- Night Vision: Yes
- Remote Access: Yes via App Cam 26
- Price: $79.99
- View More Specs & documentation
Feel safe and secure with the Uniden Indoor Wifi camera. You can have complete control via your mobile phone or tablet, even controlling the pan and tilt angles. You will be able to watch back any recordings or even check in whenever you feel the need to. The cameras also contain a Micro SD slot for recording. If you are after just one camera, thats perfect for keeping an eye on the inside of your home while you are at work, have a look at the Uniden Indoor Wifi Cameras.
360 Wireless Home Security Camera w/ Motion Detection
Buy Online >
- Indoor / Outdoor: Indoor
- Wired / Wireless: Wireless
- Night Vision: Yes up to 7 meters
- Remote Viewing: Yes
- Price: $49.00
- View More Specs & documentation
This single security camera has amazing customer reviews! If you are looking for just one camera to place in a particular spot, and not an entire set, these are great and for a wicked price too! Being wireless, the night vision range isn’t as long as wired but it will still give you enough coverage to check what’s going on around your home. This camera has motion detection so it will record video if it detected any movement and send you a notification to your mobile.
Home Guards Wireless Security Camera
Buy Online >
- Indoor / Outdoor: Indoor & Outdoor
- Wired / Wireless: Wireless
- Night Vision: Yes
- Remote Vision: Yes
- Price: $349.00
- View More Specs & documentation
Home Guards Wireless Security Cameras are suited to either indoor or outdoor use. With 1080HP resolution and 130 degree angle, you will be able to keep a close eye on what’s going on.
It has a two – way speaker system so you could even give instructions to the Australia post guy on where to hide your parcel from your husband! The batteries can last up to 4 months after being fully charged! It’s motion detection will sense people and cars and alert you instantly.