Wired security cameras are hardwired into a home’s electrical system while wireless models connect to a wire-free internet network and can upload video to the cloud. Some require a plug-in power source while others run on rechargeable batteries.
Both options offer reliability and peace of mind but how you select your camera will depend on your needs and goals.
Camera Resolution
The camera resolution dictates how many pixels – tiny dots of color – are contained in a recorded image. A higher resolution allows a camera to produce more detailed images and videos.
When selecting a wireless security camera for your home, make sure the resolution of the camera is high enough to provide clear and crisp video footage. Also, keep in mind that the resolution of a camera can affect the quality of video when transmitted over your Wi-Fi network and stored on your camera’s recorder or storage device.
A lower resolution will result in poor quality video. Also, if you have a high resolution security camera and use it to monitor your property when the sun or any other light source is shining directly on it, the image will be washed out with no details.
Field of View
A camera’s field of view (FOV) determines how much of your home a camera can see. It’s determined by the camera sensor size and lens magnification. It can be displayed as a horizontal or vertical FOV in millimeters, or an angular field of view in degrees.
A high FOV is great for outdoor settings where there are no walls blocking the camera’s view. But a narrower FOV, between 130o and 180o, works well for rooms indoors.
Wired cameras don’t rely on over-the-air connections like Wi-Fi and can be more reliable than wireless options. But they still need a direct plug into a power outlet to work. This means that they aren’t as flexible in placement. Many wired systems also require professional installation, especially for multiple cameras.
Night Vision
Wired security cameras can be more reliable than their wireless counterparts because they don’t rely on WiFi connections. But they can also be more difficult to install. This is particularly true with outdoor models. Some wired options need to be plugged into an electrical outlet, while others use rechargeable batteries and run on their own power.
Many cameras use WiFi connectivity, meaning they connect to your home’s Wi-Fi network using the unique service set identifier (SSID) of your router. Other types of connectivity include Bluetooth and peer-to-peer (P2P) connections. Some camera models offer local storage, which saves footage on a microSD card in the device or on a connected hard drive. Other options include cloud storage, which requires you to pay a monthly fee.
Battery Life
Unlike wired security cameras, which rely on both hardwired internet connections and power sources, wireless cameras connect to your home’s WiFi network. They also use battery-powered technology, though some, like Reolink’s Argus Eco and Argus 2, can be used with both batteries or plug-in power depending on your preference.
Wireless camera setup is less invasive than wired options. They don’t require drilling holes in ceilings or walls, and they’re a great choice for renters. They are also more flexible since they’re not restricted by wires and can be moved to new locations if needed.
Many wireless cameras have two-way talk capabilities, allowing you to communicate with people who might be intruders or deliverers. You can scare off or deter them with your voice and help them avoid getting caught on your camera.
Cost
Wired cameras require a hardwired internet connection and power source. They can also be susceptible to signal interference and hacked. Wired cameras can be more expensive than wireless options.
Homeowners should consider whether they want a system that stores video locally or uploads footage to the cloud. Most systems that record to a local storage device do so without charging for it, but if you’re interested in purchasing a plan with cloud storage, there are several tiers available.
Choosing the best security camera for your needs is a major decision, and consulting with an HTA Certified professional can help you avoid pitfalls. Sketching out a plan for the areas you need to monitor will help narrow down your options. Once you decide on the number of cameras, you can compare packages offered by different companies to find a great value.
