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Best Rated Security Cameras Brand: Arlo
If you're looking for a great security camera brand, then Arlo is a great choice. It received high scores across the board and was the best rated for value for money.
Security or IP (Internet protocol) cameras can help protect your loved ones, property and belonging. The latest cameras offer modern features that allow you to interact with those on the other end of the camera, receive alerts and store footage in a variety of ways.
Security cameras are commonly used to do the following:
While security cameras can be an effective way to protect your home or business, they aren't foolproof.
Safety and protection are not guaranteed.
They can be disabled, disconnected or hacked.
Privacy laws dictate how you can use video footage and where you can direct a camera.
They can be costly, especially if you need more than one.
What are surveillance cameras
The term surveillance camera or webcam is generally used to refer to cameras that passively observe or record. They offer little to no interaction whereas security cameras can send alerts, set off alarms, pan across a field of view, detect motion and more.
Types of security cameras
Security cameras come in one of two forms: standalone or as part of a monitored system.
Monitored
You will typically purchase monitored security systems directly from a security company that will help you choose the right cameras for your space, install the cameras and monitor them. Pricing for monitored security systems is usually subscription based and depends on the number of cameras, storage capacity, features and the amount of surveillance the security company provides
Standalone
Most people looking for home or workplace security cameras choose standalone cameras. Despite the name, standalone cameras can connect together to form a network. Modern cameras come with a wide range of features to help you easily control the camera, connect to other smart home devices and keep an eye on your home or business.
How to compare security cameras
Security cameras typically cost between $50 and $600 per camera, depending on the brand and the camera’s features. Depending on the camera, video storage may come at an additional fee.
Before you buy a security camera, consider how you will be using it.
Will you keep it in one location or move it around? Do you want to keep an eye on your pets while you’re at work or watch for burglars while on vacation?
Do you need to record footage and if so, how do you want to access it
Do you need high-resolution video?
How much do you want to spend?
Do you want to be able to control the camera from your phone or another smart device?
Once you’ve thought about how you want to use your camera, look for the following features:
Bandwidth
Cameras that stream live footage, especially high-resolution footage, use up a lot of bandwidth on your Wi-Fi network.
Audio
Many cameras allow you to record audio in addition to video. Others offer two-way audio so you can use the camera as an intercom to talk to people (or pets).
Lighting
If you will be using the camera in a dark area, consider buying a model with night vision or motion activated lights.
Facial recognition
Cameras with facial recognition allow you to filter out friends and family so that you aren't receiving constant alerts when visitors come over.
Hardware
Think about where you want to mount your security cameras. While some models come with mounting hardware, many offer hardware at an additional cost. You can install most security cameras on walls, ceilings and other flat surfaces.
Storage options
Security cameras offer two main options for storing video footage: cloud storage or on a local device. Most models only offer one or the other but a few cameras, including the Swann Indoor Security Camera and Foscam C2, offer both options. Cloud storage
Cloud storage uses an Internet connection to store your videos on a server or a network of servers. With cloud storage, you can access your footage from anywhere with an Internet connection, but if your Internet connection is interrupted the footage may not be stored properly. Some cameras include a limited amount of free cloud storage. Cloud storage can be scaled indefinitely and cost typically depends on how much storage you need. Most cloud storage is subscription based.
Local storage
Local storage devices include microSD cards, hard drives, flash drives, PCs and DVRs. These devices hold a limited amount of video and can only be accessed using the physical device. If the storage device is lost or stolen, the footage will also be lost. Many security cameras offer some form of local storage.
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Sarah Brandon is an editor at Finder specialising in technology and reviews. She has a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from New York University and loves learning about why people do what they do. Sarah has researched and written about a wide range of topics, from air purifiers to AirPods. But no matter the subject, her number one priority is figuring out what information our readers need to make the best decisions.
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