Outdoor Security Camera: How to Choose One to Protect Your Home

One of the best ways to protect your home and family is to install an outdoor security camera system.  A security camera system, even if it’s not the highest quality one on the market, provides a powerful deterrent to any potential thieves, and when coupled with proper security lighting, makes your home a much, much less attractive target.  There are several things that you need to think about when you’re planning on buying a security camera, and several very important differences between indoor and outdoor cameras.  What type of system that you choose will depend on your home, budget, and how much time you’re willing to invest in installing your system.

If you already have experience with indoor camera systems, there are several very important differences between indoor and outdoor security cameras that you need to be aware of. The first is the most obvious. Outdoor cameras need to be able to withstand the elements, while indoor cameras do not. Because of this outdoor cameras all come with a protective housing around them that protects them from the wind, rain, and snow. For your camera, you should always make sure that it has a housing rated IP65 or higher. This will make sure that it is completely dustproof and able to withstand any amount of water short of complete immersion.

This is great, but many times simply protection from wind and rain isn’t enough. If you live in an area that gets extremely hot or cold (or both) you might need a camera housing with a built in heater or fan. Cameras have a wide operating range, but in very hot or very cold temperatures they will still break. Placing a heater or fan in them will make sure your outdoor security camera is working well for years to come.

The second major difference between indoor and outdoor cameras is that outdoor cameras have to deal with changing light conditions while indoor cameras don’t. Throughout the day, the sun’s direction and angle keeps changing, which means your camera will have to keep adjusting. Try to find a camera that works in all light levels during the day.

The biggest test of your camera though will be at night. Most cameras today come with night vision, but the infrared capabilities on some cameras are clearly better than on others. Look for user reviews or try to test out any camera’s night vision before you buy it to make sure that it works up to the level that you want it. Most robberies happen at night, and you don’t want to be blind when thieves strike.

The biggest decision that you’ll have to make when you’re installing your security camera system is whether to opt for a traditional wired system or install an outdoor wireless security camera system. There are pros and cons to going in each direction.

Wireless cameras are much easier to setup than their wired counterparts. There’s no wires to run or hide, which means no holes to drill and walls to snake the cords though. This allows you to put the cameras almost anywhere you want, as long as they are within reach of the receiver. The only restriction that you have is that there has to be a plug nearby to tap into so the camera has some power to run on.

While the wireless does make your camera easy to install, it does make it vulnerable as well. If you don’t properly secure your camera, anyone walking or driving by with a laptop configured appropriately may be able to hijack your signal. Many common household wireless devices also use the same frequency as some wireless cameras, causing a lot of interference. In particular, microwaves, cordless phones, and wireless networks may possibly screw up your camera system.

A wired camera system, on the other hand is much harder to install, but it is much more dependable. You won’t have to worry about winds, microwaves, or phone calls interfering with your camera’s abilities to take crisp, clear images. You will be limited in your choices to place the cameras somewhat and since this is a harder installation, if you aren’t a handyman you may have to call someone to help.

A properly installed security camera system provides a powerful deterrent to thieves and robbers and you should take special care in finding the best ones for your home.  However, you should still use the cameras as part as an overall security plan if you want to be truly safe.  Still make sure to put deadbolts on the doors and windows and install proper security lighting.