What To Ask About When Purchasing A New Home Security Camera In State College

Many home security systems use at least one home security camera in State College. However, with all the different models and features for cameras, it's tough to know what camera features are really important. Do you get one from a hardware store and set it up yourself? Or should you to get your cameras installed by a pro? Should you look for one that streams in HD? Is it better to have an outdoor camera affixed to the overhang or a doorbell camera?

To answer these questions and other common concerns, here is what you should look for in a State College home security camera.

Types Of Home Security Cameras in State College

Here are the three most common types of home security cameras in State College. Each one has a special type of use and should easily integrate with your home security system:

• Outdoor home security camera: These kinds of cameras are installed on the outside of your house and give you a view of your yard and common doors.

• Indoor home security cameras: Indoor cameras hang from a wall or sit on a flat surface, and typically record a single room within your house.

• 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 State College?

Take a quick look down the security camera section in a popular big-box store, and you’ll learn that there’s a wide range of camera quality and capabilities. Here’s a list 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 area as possible. Without a wide-angle lens, you have a higher chance of blind spots and spaces for intruders to hide. Try to get cameras with at least a 140° to 180° field of vision.

• Low-light capabilities: It doesn’t do you any good if your security cameras can’t display what’s happening in the dark. Look for a camera that includes infrared LEDs that provide nighttime light.

• HD resolution: The days of digitized shapes should be behind you. Only look at cameras that record and stream in 720 HD or more.

• Durable construction: Your exterior security cameras need to be able to stand against bad weather like thunderstorms, high heat, or cold temperatures (some even have a built-in heater). Your indoor cameras should still work if they’re bumped or lightly fall to the floor.

• Motion detection: Even though you can program your cameras for a continual record, that takes a lot of recording space and power. Instead, look for a security camera with motion detectors that begins to automatically record when it recognizes movement.

• Two-way communication: Doorbell cameras should come with an intercom system, making it easy to speak with guests or delivery people without opening the door. You can also find the same 2-way audio feature with indoor or outdoor cameras as well.

• Wireless install: A wireless camera can go almost anywhere outside or inside your home, and can be moved if necessary. This approach is often more popular than wiring your camera directly into a power line.

• An easy to use mobile app: What good is a security camera if it’s hard to see your feeds? Get cameras that come with a mobile app that lets you view live feeds in high-definition, record and store clips, and receive notifications when your cameras sense movement. It helps when your mobile app also controls your overall security and home automation system.       

Should You Have Your Home Security Cameras Professionally Installed?

Once you understand what you’re looking for in a residential security camera, you have to decide if you should get your cameras [[professionally installed|installed by a pro|installed by a professional. If you’re comfortable with tools, you may try to DIY your install. But if you are unsure the best places for your cameras, or can’t figure out the equipment, it’s better to get professional installation. Specialists, like Secure24 Alarm Systems, will place your cameras for maximum security and show you how to use the mobile app. You may also look into professional installation if your security cameras pair to a complete home security system.

Get The Best Home Security Cameras in State College With Secure24 Alarm Systems

The best home security cameras with quality installation in State College come from Secure24 Alarm Systems. Simply call (814) 212-8021 or send in the form for your no-cost quote. We’ll talk through your best options and how your cameras can become an important part of your home security system.