Your ultimate guide to home security cameras

Amanda Morgan
Internet Provider Comparisons

Outdoor home security cameras play a critical role in protecting your home and family. They can provide peace of mind by monitoring activity around your home, deterring crime, and capturing evidence if a break-in does occur. But with so many different types and brands of home security cameras on the market, it can be difficult to know which system is right for you.

In this blog post, we will explore the different types of outdoor home security cameras available, what to look for when choosing a system, and some of the best providers of outdoor home security cameras.

What to look for when buying an outdoor camera security system

The best home security cameras nowadays do more than just record videos. Modern surveillance cameras offer so much more to protect your home; some are designed for outdoor use. They can be used to monitor activity around your home, deter crime, and capture evidence if a break-in does occur. There are many different types of home security cameras on the market, but not all of them are created equal. Here are some things to look for when choosing an outdoor home security camera system:

Wireless

A wireless home security camera system is perfect for those who want to install their cameras themselves. Wireless systems are also easier to expand and add additional cameras too, so you can easily increase your home’s coverage as needed.

Resolution

The resolution of your home security cameras is important because it will determine how clear the images and videos captured by your cameras will be. Higher-resolution cameras will provide better-quality images, but they will also require more storage space.

Night vision

If you want to be able to monitor activity around your home at night, then you will need a home security camera system with night vision. Many home security cameras come with infrared LEDs that allow them to see in low-light conditions, but not all of them have this feature.

Motion detection

Motion detection is a great way to conserve storage space and battery life on your home security cameras. With motion detection, your cameras will only record when there is movement in front of them, so you won’t have to worry about storing hours of footage of an empty room.

Storage

Home security cameras typically store footage on a local SD card or in the cloud. Cloud storage is more convenient because you can access your footage anywhere, but it is typically more expensive. Local storage is less expensive, but you must have a way to back up your footage in case of a home disaster.

Price

The price of home security cameras can vary widely, so it’s important to set a budget before you start shopping. Keep in mind that you may need to purchase additional equipment, such as an SD card or cloud storage subscription, so factor those costs into your budget as well.

Motion sensor

This home security camera system has an outdoor motion sensor to detect any movement outside your home. This is great for deterring and catching burglars in the act, as the alarm will sound and the cameras will start recording.

Two-way audio

This home security camera system comes with two-way audio, so you can hear what’s going on around your home and respond if necessary. This is a great feature to have if you want to be able to talk to someone at your front door or deter a burglar with your voice.

Best home security cameras for 2023:

Now you know what to look for in a security camera for your home, let’s take a look at some of the best providers of outdoor home security cameras.

Nest Cam Outdoor

The Nest Cam Outdoor is a great choice for those who want high-quality images and videos. The camera has a resolution of 1080p and can capture video at 30 frames per second. It also has night vision and motion detection, so you can monitor your home 24/7. The Nest Cam Outdoor typically retails for around $200.

Ring Stick Up Cam

The Ring Stick Up Cam is another great option for those looking for high-quality images and videos. The camera has a resolution of 1080p and can capture video at 30 frames per second. It also has night vision, two-way audio, and motion detection. The Ring Stick Up Cam typically retails for around $180.

Arlo Pro 2

The Arlo Pro 2 is a great choice for those who want a home security camera system that is easy to install and expand. The cameras are wire-free and can be placed anywhere in your home. They also have night vision, two-way audio, and motion detection. The Arlo Pro 2 typically retails for around $250.

Blink XT2

The Blink XT2 is a great choice for those who want an affordable home security camera system. The cameras are wireless and can be placed anywhere in your home. They also have motion detection but not night vision or two-way audio. The Blink XT2 typically retails for around $100.

Netgear Arlo Pro

The Netgear Arlo Pro is a great choice for those who want a home security camera system that is easy to install and expand. The cameras are wire-free and can be placed anywhere in your home. They also have night vision, two-way audio, and motion detection. The Netgear Arlo Pro typically retails for around $280.

As you can see, there are a lot of great options when it comes to home security cameras. It’s important to choose the system that best meets your needs and budget. We hope this guide has helped you narrow down your choices and find the perfect home security camera system for your home.

The difference between indoor security and outdoor security cameras

The main difference between indoor and outdoor home security cameras is that outdoor cameras are designed to withstand the elements. Outdoor cameras are typically weatherproof and can be placed anywhere in your yard or on your home’s exterior. On the other hand, indoor cameras are not designed to withstand the elements and should only be used inside your home.

Another difference between indoor and outdoor home security cameras is that outdoor cameras typically have better features than indoor cameras. For example, most outdoor cameras have night vision, while not all indoor cameras do. Outdoor cameras also tend to have higher-quality images and videos than indoor cameras. This is because outdoor cameras are typically designed to capture images and videos at a distance, while indoor cameras are designed for close-up shots.

If you’re looking for a home security camera system, it’s important to choose one that best meets your needs. If you need a home security camera system that can be used both indoors and outdoors, we recommend the Arlo Pro 2. If you only need an indoor home security camera system, we recommend the Blink XT2. And if you need an outdoor home security camera system with better features than an indoor one, we recommend the Nest Cam Outdoor.

No matter which home security camera system you choose, set a budget before you start shopping. Keep in mind that you may need to purchase additional equipment, such as an SD card or cloud storage subscription, so factor those costs into your budget as well.

Wired outdoor surveillance cameras vs. wireless outdoor security cameras

Another important consideration when choosing an outdoor home security camera system is whether you want a wired camera system or a wireless one.

Wired systems are typically more reliable than wireless systems because they aren’t subject to interference from things like WiFi signals or power outages. However, wired systems can be more difficult to install than wireless systems because you’ll need to run the wiring through your home. Wireless systems are easier to install because they don’t require any wiring, but they can be less reliable than wired systems.

If you’re looking for a home security camera system that is easy to install, we recommend choosing a wireless system. If you’re looking for a home security camera system that is more reliable, we recommend choosing a wired system.

Connecting an outdoor surveillance camera to your home automation system

If you have a smart home automation system, such as Amazon’s Echo, Amazon Alexa or Google’s Nest, you can connect your outdoor home security camera to it. This will allow you to view your camera’s feed on your home automation system’s display, such as a tablet or smartphone. You can also use your home automation system to control your camera, such as turning it on and off or changing the settings.

To connect your outdoor home security camera to your home automation system, you’ll need to purchase a home automation hub, such as the Amazon Echo Plus or the Google Nest Hub. Once you have a home automation hub, follow the instructions that came with your hub to connect it to your outdoor home security camera.

Tips for using outdoor home security cameras

Here are some tips for using outdoor home security cameras:

- Place your camera in a location with a clear view of the area you want to monitor.

- If you have a wireless system, make sure the camera is within range of the home automation hub.

- Make sure the camera points in the direction you want to monitor.

- If you’re using an indoor camera outdoors, place it in a weatherproof enclosure.

- If you’re using an outdoor camera indoors, turn off the night vision feature to avoid blinding yourself with the infrared LEDs.

Find the best security and surveillance cameras with HomeLinkd

From doorbell cameras to smart security options and wireless security cameras, HomeLinkd is your first stop when shopping for a home security system. Our articles open up the world of home security cameras so you don't have to waste time reaching the different types of cameras around. We're here to help keep your home safe and increase your security so you sleep peacefully knowing you're protected. Visit our website to read more.

Written by:
Amanda Morgan

Hey, I’m Amanda! A big fan of sunny days, good coffee, and making life easier for you. When I’m not exploring how technology can improve our everyday lives, I’m all about finding simple ways to explain those benefits to you. I love chatting about how a smart home setup can make your mornings smoother or how the right internet plan can change your streaming experience. Life’s complicated enough—your tech shouldn’t be!

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