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What Types of Security Cameras Do I Need for My Home?

Published 02/17/2021 by General Security

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When it comes to safeguarding your family, home and property from theft and vandalism, knowing your loved ones are safe and healthy is critical to peace of mind. 

How can you ensure total protection when you’re away from home?

Adding security cameras to your home can serve as your eyes and ears when you can’t be there.

Whether you’re looking to deter so-called porch pirates, or want to monitor your elderly loved ones through Wellcam and Wellness, it’s important to know and understand the best products to secure your home and property.

Learn more about security cameras’ benefits, features, types, uses, smart integrations, and more. 

 

Benefits & Features

Even when leaving for just a few hours, it’s important to have reassurances our loved ones, home, and property are protected and safe. 

Implementing home security cameras provides added safety measures through 24/7 monitoring and real-time mobile app alerts.

Other features include smart technology integrations, such as video analytics, motion detection, two-way audio and video communications, and more. 

Security cameras can also aid law enforcement in identifying and possibly apprehending burglars, vandals and thieves, and providing added validation when filing police reports and insurance claims.

Implementing home security cameras provides added safety measures through 24/7 monitoring and real-time mobile app alerts.

According to a September 2020 survey conducted by insurance rate comparison company The Zebra, approximately 32 percent of respondents noted outdoor security cameras as one of the most pertinent theft-deterrent measures. 

Some insurance companies also offer yearly premium discounts to homeowners with alarm systems, security cameras, and other safety technologies. 

 

Types

Consider factors such as monitoring and surveillance requirements, connectivity, budget, property size, usage, and features. 

General Security supplies the following indoor, outdoor, and doorbell cameras—all of which can be installed professionally or as a do-it-yourself project.

Note the following options and best uses: 

 

Bullet

Mounted indoors on walls and ceilings, and above or near garage doors, these can also be placed on outdoor soffits, above front and back porch doors, and throughout yard areas. 

They also effectively monitor and deter so-called porch pirates from package thefts.

This camera’s internal heaters, cooling fans, and aluminum casing can combat harsh, outdoor weather conditions. 

BEST USES

  • Front & Back Doors
  • Front Porch Areas
  • Garages
  • Driveways
  • Yards & Pool Areas

Dome

Dome cameras can be stationed discreetly around your home’s exterior and interior to effectively blend with aesthetics and design.

Its circular dome-like appearance provides added protection from tampering and theft, and harsh environments. 

360-degree rotation facilitates a view field suitable for larger properties. 

BEST USES

  • Hallways
  • Living Room/Den Areas
  • In-Home Offices
  • Garage/Storage Areas
  • Kids’ or Babies’ Rooms
  • Some Outdoor Areas

Doorbell

With more and more homeowners preferring contactless front-porch communications due to current novel coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions, many are installing wired or wireless doorbell cameras. 

Providing similar features and benefits to their front-door counterparts, these also facilitate two-way audio and video communication, motion detection, night vision, and video surveillance. 

Similar to bullet cameras, these can also deter front-porch package thieves. Others can remotely answer your front door and enable you to communicate with delivery persons and other individuals—all from the safety and comfort of your home. 

General Security offers doorbell cameras with additional smart integration, such as automatic porch lights for nighttime detection.

BEST USES

  • Front & Back Doors & Porch Areas

High Definition (HD)

Capturing the highest image and video quality, this camera’s zoom-in features facilitate optimal viewing from any mobile device.

HD cameras are also utilized by General Security’s Alarm.com-branded Wellcam. Designated as a smart solution for independent living, it can be placed anywhere throughout the home, such as the living room, bedroom, or kitchen area. 

Its 180-degree view field, 1080p resolution and 6mp zoom can easily monitor the entire space, while also providing two-way audio and video communication.

Wellcam easily integrates with other wellness devices, such as Qolsys Personal Emergency Response wristbands for additional monitoring and fall detection alerts, even if the panic button isn’t within reach.

BEST USES

  • Living Room/Den
  • Kitchens
  • Bedrooms (Babies, Children & Elderly Loved Ones)
  • Wellness Check-Ins
  • Outdoor Areas Requiring Extra Monitoring 

Whether you’re looking to deter so-called porch pirates, or want to monitor your elderly loved ones through Wellcam and Wellness, it’s important to know and understand the best products to secure your home and property.

 

Placement & Location

Front door and front porch camera placement should be between eight and 10 feet from the ground. This is an added deterrent to both theft and vandalism, while also providing optimal field view and visibility. 

Cameras should never be placed directly toward sun glare or other sources of brightness—either could lead to blurred images and footage.

While many consumers select wireless cameras, wired models are also appropriate in certain situations. With the latter, it’s recommended to choose locations concealed from thieves or vandals looking to cut wires or other damages. 

Running outdoor camera wires inside soffits and ceilings is a proven best practice, as well as behind baseboards, or through plastic tubing for indoor use. 

 

How Many Cameras?

Deciding how many security cameras you’ll need is a personal choice dependent on several factors, such as budget, property size, and additional smart integrations. 

A four-bedroom home with a backyard, driveway, and pool would require more cameras, for example, compared to a smaller home or apartment with minimal or no outdoor space. 

Learn more about cost structures and security packages offered through General Security to get started.  

Smart Integration

As aforementioned, one of the most advanced smart technologies combined with home security cameras is motion detection with video analytics. Able to differentiate between animals, humans and vehicles, this reduces false notifications and alarms. 

This also includes video surveillance for remote monitoring from any laptop, smartphone or tablet. 

Adding tripwires and activity zones provide real-time monitoring and notifications triggering indoor/outdoor lights and other household functions, prior to an intruder entering the property.

 

Making the Right Choice

Consult a reputable specialist, such as General Security, for guidance on the best home security cameras for your family and home.

 

General Security provides residential security cameras, video surveillance, and smart technology solutions to protect your home and loved ones. Request a free, contactless quote from us today.


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