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Outdoor camera in San Antonio
August 27, 2020

What To Look For When Getting A New Home Security Camera In San Antonio

It's easy to understand why most home security systems include at least one home security camera in San Antonio. But with all the different brands and features for cameras, it's tough to know what camera features are really important. Do you buy one from a retail store and install it yourself? Or is it better to have your cameras professionally installed? Should you insist on a camera that live streams in HD? How do you decide between an outside camera attached to the overhang or a doorbell camera?

To discuss these questions and other common concerns, here is what you should look for in a San Antonio home security camera.

Three types of security cameras in San Antonio

Types Of Home Security Cameras in San Antonio

Here are the three most common kinds of home security cameras in San Antonio. Each has a unique type of use and should easily integrate with your residential security system:

  • Outdoor home security camera: These kinds of cameras hang on the outside of your house to offer a view of your yard and main entrances.

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

  • Doorbell cameras: A doorbell camera replaces your old doorbell and shows you if visitors or packages have arrived.

What Makes A “Good” Security Camera In San Antonio?

Visit the security camera row in your local retail store, and you’ll quickly see that there’s a wide range of camera quality and capabilities. Here’s a rundown of what you should look for in your home security camera:

  • Wide field of vision: In most cases, you will want your camera to scan as much space as it can. Without a wide-angle lens, there will be more blind spots and spots for people to hide. Try to find cameras with at least a 140° to 180° wide angle.

  • Low-light capabilities: Your camera should be able to see what’s happening during the night. Get a camera that uses infrared LEDs that give nighttime illumination.

  • HD resolution: The days of grainy shapes are in the past. Only research cameras that record and broadcast in 720 HD or higher.

  • Durable construction: Your outside security cameras need to be able to function when there’s poor weather like storms, heat waves, or frigid temperatures (some even have a built-in heater). Your interior cameras should survive if they’re bumped or knocked to the floor.

  • Motion detection: Although you can program your cameras for a continuous record, that takes a lot of power. We recommend looking for a security camera with motion sensors that starts to automatically record when it perceives motion.

  • Two-way talk: The best doorbell cameras come with an intercom system, making it easy to communicate with visitors without coming to the door. You can also find similar 2-way audio feature with indoor or outdoor cameras as well.

  • Wireless install: A wireless camera can be added anywhere outside or inside your home, and is easy to move if you’d like it somewhere else. This approach is often more common than wiring your camera directly into a power line.

  • A user-friendly mobile app: How good is a security camera if it’s a pain to see your feeds? Try to find cameras with a mobile app so you can view live streaming in HD, record and email clips, and receive notifications when your cameras sense movement. It helps when your security app also controls your comprehensive home security and home automation system.       

Should You Have Your Home Security Cameras Installed By A Pro?

Once you understand what’s important for you in a residential security camera, it’s time to decide how you’re going to install your cameras. If you’re handy, you may see if you can install your cameras yourself. But if you’re unsure the best places for your cameras, or can’t figure out the components, it’s better to get professional installation. Experts, such as Secure24 Alarm Systems, can place your cameras for complete security and show you how to use the mobile app. You may also explore professional installation if your security cameras pair to a complete residential security system.

Find The Best Home Security Cameras in San Antonio With Secure24 Alarm Systems

The best home security cameras with quality installation in San Antonio come from Secure24 Alarm Systems. Just call (210) 794-6382 or fill out the form for your complimentary quote. We’ll go over your your ideal options and how your cameras can become an important part of your home security system.