Find the Best Smart Security Camera for Your Home

A home camera system should be top-of-mind for every homeowner. In addition to measures like having alarms on windows and doors or investing in security doors, security cameras (aka: sec cameras) add an extra layer of protection to your home security system. The best security surveillance cameras offer protection for your home and property.

Smart home security cameras usually connect to the internet and they allow you to record footage, watch live feeds in real time, receive alerts and more. Some video surveillance camera systems record 24/7, depending on its configuration. Others record when triggered by sensing motion.

The peace of mind you get with the best in-house security cameras extends beyond protecting your home. They’re also beneficial when you want to ensure the safety of loved ones. Home security cameras can also keep a watchful eye on kids at home alone or even give you a peek into what your dog or cat is up to.

The number of smart security cameras you need depends on several factors, including the size of your home, the size of your property, the field of coverage and the type of camera you’re using.

You'll need at least two cameras for outdoors -- one to cover each entry point to your home. Ideally, you’ll want to provide coverage for the following areas, if needed: front yard, back yard, side entrance, garage and driveway. You may also want to consider a video doorbell, or doorbell camera as they are commonly known, at the front entrance. With video doorbells, you get an alert whenever someone rings the bell, and you’re able to see and talk directly with them. If you live in an apartment, a video doorbell may be sufficient. If you live on the ground floor, consider an indoor camera directed at any windows which could provide access.

Indoors, the idea is to cover areas that may be vulnerable throughout the home. Install cameras at ground floor doors and windows, in the high-traffic areas (kitchen, living room, family room, etc.), the stairway, main hallway and home office, if needed. It’s not a good idea to put cameras in areas that are private, like bathrooms or bedrooms. Also, never focus your camera on your neighbor’s property. Wherever you put security cameras, avoid obstructions that could block the lens (plants, trees, etc.).

Before purchasing a new smart security camera, there are a few things you should consider.

• Indoors or outdoors. Choose the right camera for the location. If you want a camera for outside, make sure it’s one that’s designed to withstand the elements. Some cameras work both indoors and outdoors.
• Communication. Two-way audio is a great feature to have so that you’re able to communicate with family, the nanny, visitors, etc.
• Field of view. It’s important to view as much of the coverage area as possible. Field of view, or how wide the camera’s footage is, should have at least a 120 degree pan. The wider the field of view, the more area you can see. For the best coverage, look for cameras with a wide pan of up to 180 degrees.
• Video quality. The sharpness of the camera’s video is an important factor to consider. When surveilling a small area, 1080p (also called full HD or FHD) or higher is sufficient. A resolution of 2k (Quad HD or QHD), which is considered the sweet spot in resolution, or 4k or higher both offer a higher image quality. The higher the resolution, the better the video quality.
• Local storage or cloud storage. If you want your video footage stored locally (built into the camera or micro SD card), look for a camera with local storage. Local storage works without an internet connection. Cloud storage acts as a backup to local storage, and it stores video clips securely online. There is usually a charge for cloud service.
• Wired or Wireless. If you’re looking for convenience, flexibility and ease of setting up, choose a wireless camera. If you want something more permanent, a wired camera is for you.
• Privacy zones. Privacy zones let you black out certain areas from the camera’s field of view, like your neighbor’s yard, making those areas non-viewable.
• Facial recognition. Some of the more sophisticated cameras have a facial recognition feature integrated into the camera.

Wired security cameras rely on cables for the internet, power and transmission of video feeds. This is the most reliable option and offers the best stability. With wired security cameras, there’s no need to worry about the network going down or charging batteries. They offer 24/7 monitoring and high-quality footage. The downside to a wired connection is the installation, which includes running wires from the cameras to the central hub, which can be timely and costly. Wired security systems are also vulnerable to power outages.

Wireless security cameras are convenient and easy to set up. They’re more flexible than wired because you can move them to different areas of the home or outside. Wireless security cameras are easy to install and they connect to your WiFi network to transmit video footage. However, wireless security cameras rely on a hard-wired power connection, which means they too are vulnerable to power outages.

Wire-Free security cameras are battery-powered, eliminating the need for wires. They rely on WiFi connectivity. Wire-free cameras are cable-free, easy to install and work even if there’s a power outage. However, because they’re battery-powered, they need to be recharged periodically.

If you’re not yet ready to invest in a smart security camera, consider getting a simulated security camera. To deter intruders, simulated security cameras act as decoys and are designed to look like a working security camera. They’re easy to install, they don’t need wires and some can be used indoors or outdoors. Available features may include blinking LED light and solar- or battery-powered charging. A simulated security camera makes your security system more robust. While they may help deter the criminal element, you should never count on them as your sole security source.

Lowe’s has a wide range of smart security cameras to help keep you, your loved ones and your home safe and protected. Shop online at Lowes.com or shop in-store. Not sure which smart security camera is right for you? Stop by your local Lowe’s and a Red Vest associate will be happy to help you find the best security camera to fit your needs.

If installing your home smart security camera is a task you don’t want to handle, let Lowe’s do the work for you. We’ve got your installation covered.