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Outdoor camera in Oakland
August 27, 2020

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

Many home security systems include at least one home security camera in Oakland. However, with all the different brands and options for cameras, it's tricky to know what you actually need. Do you purchase one from a retail shop and set it up yourself? Or should you to get your cameras installed by a specialist? Should you try to find one that live streams in HD? How do you decide between an exterior camera right under the overhang or a doorbell camera?

To explore these questions and other common concerns, here is what you should look for in an Oakland home security camera.

Three types of security cameras in Oakland

3 Types Of Home Security Cameras in Oakland

There are three common types of home security cameras in Oakland. Each has a unique type of use and can easily be included with your residential security system:

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

  • Indoor home security cameras: Indoor cameras attach to a wall or rest on a flat surface, and primarily record a single room in your home.

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

How Do You Know It’s A “Good” Security Camera In Oakland?

Stroll through the security camera row in a popular hardware store, and you’ll quickly see that there’s a wide range of camera durability and features. Here’s a list of things to look for in your home security camera:

  • Wide field of vision: You’ll likely want your camera to view as much area as possible. If you don’t have a wide-angle lens, you have a higher chance of blind spots and spaces for people to hide. Look for cameras with at least a 140° to 180° wide view.

  • Low-light clarity: A camera’s not much good if it can’t show you what’s going on in the dark. Look for a camera that comes with infrared LEDs that give nighttime illumination.

  • HD resolution: The days of digitized shapes are history. Only research cameras that record and livestream in 720 HD or higher.

  • Durable construction: Your exterior security cameras need to be able to function when there’s poor weather like thunderstorms, heat waves, or frigid temperatures (some even include a built-in heater). Your indoor cameras should still work if they’re bumped or lightly fall to the floor.

  • Motion sensors: Even though you can program your cameras for a continuous record, that takes a lot of power and recording space. Instead, try to find a security camera with motion detectors that starts to automatically record when it perceives motion.

  • Two-way communication: The top doorbell cameras include an intercom system, making it easy to speak with visitors without opening the door. However, similar 2-way audio feature is handy feature with indoor or outdoor cameras, too.

  • Wireless install: A wireless camera can be added anywhere outside or inside your house, and can be moved if if you’d like to position it elsewhere. Wireless install is typically more popular than wiring your camera to your electric wiring.

  • A user-friendly mobile app: How helpful is a security camera if it’s a complicated mess to see your feeds? Get cameras that come with a mobile app that lets you see live feeds in HD, record and email clips, and receive notifications when your cameras sense movement. It’s convenient when your camera app also controls your complete home security and home automation system.       

Should You Have Your Home Security Cameras Professionally Installed?

Once you figure out what you’re looking for in a residential security camera, you need to choose if you should get your cameras [[professionally installed|installed by a pro|installed by a professional. If you’re handy, you may be able to DIY a solution. However, if you’re not sure the best places for your cameras, or can’t figure out the components, explore professional installation. Specialists, such as Secure24 Alarm Systems, will hang your cameras for complete security and walk you through the mobile app. You may also think about professional installation if your security cameras pair to a full residential security system.

Buy The Best Home Security Cameras in Oakland With Secure24 Alarm Systems

The best home security cameras with quality installation in Oakland come from Secure24 Alarm Systems. Simply call (510) 295-0552 or send in the form below to receive your free quote. We’ll discuss your your ideal options and how your cameras can integrate with your home security system.