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Outdoor camera in Sioux City
August 27, 2020

What To Look For When Buying A New Home Security Camera In Sioux City

Many home security systems have at least one home security camera in Sioux City. However, with many different brands and features for cameras, it's tricky to know what’s actually important in a camera. Do you purchase one from a big-box store and install it yourself? Or should you to have your cameras professionally installed? Should you try to find one that records in HD? How do you decide between an outdoor camera affixed to the overhang or a doorbell camera?

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

Three types of security cameras in Sioux City

Types Of Home Security Cameras in Sioux City

There are mostly three different kinds of home security cameras in Sioux City. Each has a unique purpose and should easily be included with your home security system:

  • Outdoor home security camera: These types of cameras are installed on the exterior of your home and offer a view of your property, driveway, and main entryways.

  • Indoor home security cameras: Indoor cameras are fixed to a wall or rest on a level surface, and primarily show a single room within your home.

  • Doorbell cameras: A doorbell camera replaces your old doorbell and lets you know who’s visiting.

How Do You Know It’s A “Great” Security Camera In Sioux City?

Visit the security camera row in a hardware store, and you’ll learn that there’s a wide range of camera durability and specs. Here’s a short list of what you should look for in your home security camera:

  • Wide field of vision: You'll probably want your camera to scan as much terrain as it can. Without a wide-angle lens, you’ll likely have blind spots and places for people to hide. Try to find cameras with at least a 140° to 180° wide angle.

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

  • HD resolution: The days of grainy shapes should be history. Only consider cameras that record and livestream in 720 HD or higher.

  • Exceptional construction: Your outdoor security cameras should be able to withstand poor weather conditions like rain, heat, or freezing 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 set your cameras for a continuous record, that requires a lot of recording space and power. Instead, try to find a security camera with motion sensors that begins to automatically record when it detects movement.

  • Two-way talk: Doorbell cameras should include an intercom system, making it easy to talk with visitors without coming to the door. You can also find the same 2-way audio functionality with indoor or outdoor cameras as well.

  • Wireless install: A wireless camera can be added anywhere outside or inside your house, and can be moved if you’d like it somewhere else. Wireless install is typically more common than wiring your camera directly into your electric wiring.

  • A user-friendly mobile app: What good is a security camera if it’s a pain to use? You should look for cameras that include a mobile app that lets you watch live streaming in high-definition, record and store clips, and get notifications when your cameras detect movement. It’s nice when your camera app also manages your overall security and home automation system.       

Is It Better To Have Your Home Security Cameras Professionally Installed?

Once you have learned what you want in a residential security camera, you need to choose how you’re going to install your cameras. If you’re good with tools, you may see if you can DIY your install. But if you are unsure the best places for your cameras, or don’t understand the equipment, explore professional installation. Professionals, such as Secure24 Alarm Systems, will place your cameras for complete security and walk you through the mobile app. You may also look into professional installation if your security cameras sync with a complete residential security system.

Get The Best Home Security Cameras in Sioux City With Secure24 Alarm Systems

The best home security cameras with expert installation in Sioux City come from Secure24 Alarm Systems. Simply call (712) 796-2024 or fill out the form below to get your complimentary quote. We’ll discuss your options and how your cameras can integrate with your residential security system.