Surveillance is not just for television cops on a stakeout. Security is actually a big deal now as it has been since the beginning of time. The once popular traditional methods of securing life and property such as security patrolling and guarding now only applies to large corporations, government establishments, estate homes and ranches, where guards armed with AK-47 and AR-10 rifles can be spotted. Security cameras can also help people keep their businesses and homes secure and safe. One of the first things you need to do is pick up some cameras if you want to keep an eye on your property, family or precious belongings if you are on your work or out on vacation.

You can add an in-video doorbell to cover your front lawn, as well as a floodlight camera to keep an eye on the back of your property. Now you can see what is going on in your house, not just the inside, but also the outside, no matter where you are or what time of the day. You can have peace of mind, even beyond what you will get from watching your pets or your family sleep at night or play in the backyard.

Getting started

Homes are businesses that have been using surveillance or security devices to keep watch for many years. And people no longer have to rely on a VCR or a video cassette recorder for footage to do it, since VCR is very grainy and sometimes have limited capabilities.

If you want to upgrade your home or business with a modern security system, there are websites like https://athena-security.com that are willing to give you a helping hand. If you prefer to do your own research and plan the surveillance system by yourself, you need to keep on reading this article.

Because now it is a lot easier compared before, to create or design your own Do-It-Yourself surveillance camera system for your small business or home. Whatever your needs are, this article will give you the necessary knowledge to help you know what kind of surveillance device is needed to protect your business or your home.

Kinds of cameras

Bullet type – these types of security device are very recognizable because of its cylindrical shape that accompanies its wired system. These devices are useful if you know where are the areas that you want to cover. It can be mounted on different parts of the property to do their work.

Dome type – these types of surveillance device are ceiling-mounted and is known as the eye-in-the-sky kind of security camera. Some of them are fixed in place, and they can be controlled remotely to zoom in, zoom out, tilt or move 360 degrees to take a closer look at something or someone.

Wireless type – these are plug-and-play Wi-Fi devices that are starting to become very popular. Some of them are battery-powered, but they still need to be connected to a corded power source.

Specifications and features

Once you have decided what kind or style of camera you want or suit your needs, you need to know which features are crucial for your application

Application control

First things first – how is the application? The reason most of the people need these surveillance devices is to keep an eye on your business or your home when you are away on vacation or you are at work. So, you need to make sure that the devices’ application is full of features and they are very easy to use. Here are some of the features you need to look for in a security device.

Two-way talk – This is feature is considered as the favorite among security camera users. Most people like to talk to their loved ones through security cameras, but it can also help deter any crimes in the future.

Live view – This feature will let the users view the live feed through the camera. Some devices allow you to turn off these settings to help preserve battery life. But having the live view feature is worth the cost in battery life because you can be able to see what is happening in your property, real-time.

Alerts – Most of the applications can notify the users when something is moving. Sometimes even a slight sound can trigger the alarm. It can usually be adjusted using the application. Everyone wants to get notified when something is going on in their property.

Shared access – Some applications make it a lot easier to add another user, which is very handy if you are installing a doorbell camera to your property.

Geofencing – Most people, got tired of turning their cameras on when they leave their property and turn it off when they get home. Geofencing can do that based on the user’s phone location. To find out more about geofencing, visit this site.

Image quality – Most surveillance devices now can record a clear 1080P full high definition resolution. Some records at a lower 720P resolution and some devices can even record video in 4K resolution. Ultra-high-quality video looks excellent, but you need to keep in mind that it will also need a bigger storage unit and bandwidth.

HDR or High Dynamic Range – Cameras with High Dynamic Range or HDR can compensate for the bright background so that you will get a clear image in scenes with different contrast. Usually, it has a sizeable eight-megapixel sensor for sharp imaging. Some doorbell video cameras also have this option, but the problem is, it can reduce battery life.

Night vision – Most surveillance devices have night vision features. This specification has lusted in feet and sometimes it has a distinction for ambient light versus total darkness. Most Do-It-Yourself Wi-Fi cameras have specifications around ten to fifteen feet for their night vision features, while some can reach up to 25 to 30 feet.