4 Powerful Home Surveillance Cameras Perfect for Homeowners

These devices will bring added security and peace of mind to your Main Line, PA home this spring

If you’re a homeowner, you know how important it is to protect your property and family. The demand for smart security systems is growing steadily each year. According to industry forecasts, demand for smart security products in the United States is expected to grow by 10 percent per year through 2025.

If you’re not up-to-date on the latest security innovations, how do you know where to start? And if you’re heading out of town for your spring and summer vacation do you have the latest technology to arm yourself?

Never fear; we’ve put together this guide to help you as a homeowner choose the right security cameras for your needs. Here are four basic camera types that would fit well in your Main Line, PA home.

SEE ALSO: Did You Know Your Home Surveillance System Could Do This?

BULLET CAMERAS

Also known as “lipstick cameras,” bullet cameras get their name from their distinctive skinny, cylindrical shape. Everything is contained within the body of the camera, and many bullet cameras are only a few inches long. This makes bullet cams ideally suited for both indoor and outdoor use, as they can be easily tucked into out-of-the-way places.

The main drawbacks of bullet cameras are their minimal mobility and limited field of view. Because the cameras can’t be adjusted remotely, you can only see what the camera is pointed at. Bullet cameras also have a fairly narrow area that the camera can “see,” so you may need multiple cameras to get adequate coverage of a home.

DOME CAMERAS

Dome cameras also get their name from their characteristic design. The lens, camera and housing are packaged in a dome structure mounted to the ceiling. These cameras are also well-suited for both outdoor and indoor use; if you’re worried about vandalism, you can buy cameras with protective casings.

Because it’s hard to tell from a distance where dome cameras are pointed, they make particularly effective outdoor security deterrents. And with a wider viewing angle than bullet cameras, you can see more of what’s happening from a single device.

PAN-TILT-ZOOM CAMERAS

The distinguishing characteristics of pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) cameras are their wide range of movement and the ability to remotely control the camera’s movements. PTZ cameras let you remotely move the lens horizontally (pan), vertically (tilt) and zoom in or out to for greater detail.

While PTZ cameras are more expensive than other types of surveillance systems, the extra expense confers a slew of additional benefits. Because the cameras aren’t fixed, you can program them to sweep back and forth in pattern to give you better coverage of the area around your home. Many PTZ cameras are equipped with auto focus as well, so they’ll zoom in once someone is detected. You can also set your PTZ camera to send you a notification when it detects someone in its field of view.

WIRELESS IP CAMERAS

If you need a small, discreet camera in a spot where you can’t run a bunch of wires, a wireless IP camera may do the trick. These devices transmit data over your home’s Wi-Fi network, giving you an easy-to-access feed from anywhere. Depending on the specific model, many wireless IP cameras come equipped with tilt and swivel capabilities, motion detection or a night vision mode.

The key thing to remember about wireless IP cameras is that not all of them are actually “wireless.” In this context, “wireless” means the camera transmits data wirelessly, though it may still require a power cord to work. For a truly wireless option, look for IP cameras that are battery operated; that way you don’t even need to have an outlet nearby when you place the camera.

At SoundWaves, we’re fully prepared to bring the latest and most powerful security solutions to you. To find out more, call us at (484) 412-8108 or fill out our online contact sheet. We serve the Upper and Lower Main Line regions and the Greater Philadelphia area.