What To Ask For When Buying A Home Security Camera In Chicago

Many home security systems have at least one home security camera in Chicago. However, with so many different brands and options for cameras, it's tough to know what camera features are really important. Do you get one from a retail store and do a DIY install? Or should you to get your cameras installed by a professional? Should you try to find a camera that streams in full HD? And what's better, an outdoor camera right under the overhang or a doorbell camera?

To answer these questions and more, here is what you should look for in a Chicago home security camera.

3 Types Of Home Security Cameras in Chicago

There are mostly three different kinds of home security cameras in Chicago. Each has a unique purpose and can easily fit within your residential security system:

• Outdoor home security camera: These cameras attach to the exterior of your house and provide a view of your yard and main doors.

• Indoor home security cameras: Indoor cameras hang from a wall or rest on a level surface, and primarily view one room in your home.

• Doorbell cameras: A doorbell camera replaces your current doorbell and lets you see who’s on your front porch.

How Do You Know It’s A “Good” Security Camera In Chicago?

Take a quick look down the security camera section in your local hardware store, and you’ll discover that there’s a lot of discrepancy in camera durability and specs. Here’s a rundown of what you should look for in your home security camera:

• Wide field of vision: You'll probably want your camera to view as much terrain as possible. If you don’t have a wide-angle lens, you have a higher chance of blind spots and spots for people to hide. Try to get cameras with at least a 140° to 180° wide view.

• Low-light clarity: A camera’s not much good if it can’t record what’s going on at night. Get a camera that has built-in infrared LEDs that give nighttime illumination.

• HD resolution: The days of pixelated shapes should be history. Limit your search to cameras that record and livestream in 720 high-definition or more.

• Exceptional construction: Your outside security cameras need to be able to function when there’s poor weather like rain, high heat, or cold temperatures (some even come with a built-in heater). Your interior cameras should still work if they’re bumped or knocked to the floor.

• Motion detection: Although you can set your cameras for a continuous record, that requires a lot of power. Instead, try to find a security camera with motion detectors that starts to automatically record when it senses movement.

• Two-way talk: The top doorbell cameras come with an intercom system, making it easy to talk with guests or delivery people without opening the door. However, similar 2-way audio capability is nice functionality with interior or exterior cameras as well.

• Wireless install: A wireless camera can go anywhere outside or inside your house, and is easy to move if if you’d like to position it elsewhere. Wireless install is often more popular than wiring your camera directly into your home’s wiring.

• A user-friendly mobile app: What good is a security camera if it’s a complicated mess to manage? You should look for cameras with a mobile app that allows you to view live feeds in HD, record and email clips, and receive alerts when your cameras perceive motion. It’s nice when your camera app also controls your overall security and home automation system.       

Is It Better To Have Your Home Security Cameras Installed By A Pro?

Once you have learned what you’re looking for in a home security camera, you need to choose who’s going to install your cameras. If you’re good with tools, you may try to DIY your install. But if you are unsure where to put your cameras, or can’t figure out the tech, it’s better to get professional installation. Specialists, like Secure24 Alarm Systems, know the best spots to place your cameras for complete security and show you how to use the mobile app. You may also want professional installation if your security cameras pair to a comprehensive home security system.

Buy The Best Home Security Cameras in Chicago With Secure24 Alarm Systems

The best home security cameras with professional installation in Chicago come from Secure24 Alarm Systems. Simply contact us at (312) 319-8662 or fill out the form for your complimentary quote. We’ll show you your best options and how your cameras are an important piece of your residential security system.