Networked security cameras are the  latest buzz in home security. They are offered in many styles and sizes, and they offer a an ever-growing list of features that simply makes choosing one very difficult. We breakdown some the more common security camera features that you should consider before purchasing.



Motion Detection

Motion detection is one of those key features that is a must in your security cameras. Motion detection allows you to record any and all suspicious activity when the camera is running. instead of recording 24hrs a day, which quickly fills up your local hard drive or cloud storage, with motion detection sensing, you only record video when something moves within the cameras view. Newer security cameras even offer push alerts on your computer or phone when movement is detected.


Two-way audio

Many Network IP cameras offer built in speakers that enable two-way communication between the individual monitoring the video footage and the individual in front of the video camera . Using this , you can communicate with an individual knocking on the front door while you're home alone or even away , or perhaps you can also notify an intruder that law enforcement is on the way and that they have already been captured on camera.




Lens field of view

The lens viewing angle or better known as the Field of view is very important when considering home security cameras. The cameras viewing angle determines the placement of your camera and what exactly the camera can see.

Cameras with a narrower lens installed offer a narrower field of view that essentially capture less, but does offer more detail, as objects appear closer to the camera. Using a lens with wider viewing angle makes the security camera appear to be further away while allowing you to see more (wider angle) without having move the camera closer to specific area.




Video quality

Video quality should be on the top of list of features to look for. For a long time , surveillance camera functionalities lagged significantly behind recording resolutions available on typical video security cameras , often times producing choppy , pixelated videos with sluggish refresh rates . Most recent surveillance cameras deliver at minimum, 720p resolution , several actually provide as much as 1080p for recording and streaming . 

Whilst high definition surveillance video seems like the ideal solution to always keep keep an eye on on your home , it presents a challenge of its own : streaming a number of 1080p video feeds will eat up your home Internet bandwidth . Before you decide to shell out extra for HD , ensure your Internet connection is able to handle the payload .

Camera Power 

A lot of Home Security Cameras can plug into a standard outlet, meaning simply that they can be installed virtually anywhere. Many of the latest home security cameras now offer battery operated options. While this may drastically expand the installation location possibilities around your home, there is a huge drawback to this. Consumers will constantly be replacing or recharging batteries. This leads to a bigger inconvenience that simply ends up being too much trouble. 



Night Vision or infrared mode

Many of todays home security cameras use low-light image intensifiers to enhance very small amounts of ambient or visible light to produce a brighter picture with noticeable details. This really is the similar technology utilized in night-vision goggles, however it comes with disadvantages. Specifically, if you have no visible light around, a light boosting video camera will not see anything. A lot of cameras that use this technology can produce near-infrared energy to try and increase the performance of the camera in the dark without attracting a lot attention to itself. 

Thermal imaging , alternatively , functions in a totally different manner. It needs absolutely no visible light to function, merely heat. Thermal imaging sensors identify small variations in thermal or infrared energy ( heat ) and show those variations via numerous amounts of gray. Even though thermal imaging will work in total darkness, this also has a limitation of its very own : an obvious absence in finer details as well as color. 

The best solution is to use a home security camera with a built in ICR filter that converts the camera to black and white at night. This filter allows infrared light to enter the camera sensor and produce a crisp and clear night picture.  This filter is mechanical and automatically turns on when low light is detected. This usually add to the cost of the camera but the extra cost is well worth the investment.




Compatibility

The one key aspect of most home security network ip cameras is the fact that they only work with the manufacturers software. This limitation holds you hostage to using their software or services. This means you cannot use or even purchase other security camera products if it is not offered by the brand. This is why purchasing a security camera with an IP standard is important. ONVIF supported cameras allow you to use the ip camera with any system on the market that also supports the ONVIF standard, This simply means you can use your IP camera with another manufacturers digital video recorder or even cloud service without being locked into one brand.