wifi cctv camera

The best security cameras for home 2017

Home security cameras let you keep a watchful eye on your pets, kids, cars and more, day and at night. We test the best security cameras for home use.

Everyone likes to know that their home is secure and that everything and everyone inside is safe while we’re gone. In years past, that meant using a CCTV system to record, but few had remote access or alerts. Now you can buy a Wi-Fi-connected camera you can view from your phone.

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Modern home security cameras are very easy to set up. Some use cloud storage, so any evidence is saved online and safe from thieves who might steal your camera.

How to choose a home security camera

Most home security cameras perform the same basic functions – they detect an event, record the event and send you an alert – but they don’t all do it in the same way.

Certain cameras go beyond those basics and some can be mounted outdoors. Don’t forget to read our reviews to find out how well each camera works in practice and whether its day and night video quality is any good: don’t rely on a manufacturer's specifications or claims.

Alerts

You should get notifications on your phone when the camera detects an event. Without watching the live feed constantly, this is the only way to keep tabs on your home in relative real time.

Some can send alerts to multiple people; others will send emails in addition to textmessages.

Cloud recording

Many manufacturers now offer cloud-storage plans with their camera. They record video to a server in the cloud and store it for anything from 24 hours to a couple of  weeks. Sometimes offered free, these cloud plans typically require a monthly subscription, but may be worth buying for their convenience and 24/7 recording.

Facial recognition

Netatmo is the only manufacturer we know of to offer facial recognition. It does work, but not as well as you might hope. It can take a long while before the camera can accurately identify people, though when it works it can cut down on unnecessary alerts.

Local storage

Some cameras include memory card slots so you can store video on the device. We like this option as it can eliminate the cost of monthly storage fees - but if a thief steals your camera they take the evidence with them.

Apps

All the latest cameras can be accessed (some even set up) via a smartphone or tablet app. In addition to offering a way to view the camera’s live feed, apps often let you adjust settings and turn on and off recording, motion detection and more.

Often you'll only be able to customise notifications, adjust motion and sound detection sensitivity, and set detection areas via the web portal, but it's great if you can do this in the app.

Motion detection

Motion detection is one of the most desirable features in a security camera. Built-in sensors pick up movement within the camera’s field of view and trigger video recording. Because these sensors are sensitive to any movement, it’s important the system also offers the ability to narrow the range of detection, adjust the sensor’s sensitivity or otherwise customise this feature to cut down on false alerts.

Night vision

Most burglaries happen after dark, so this feature is nearly as important as motion detection. Some camera’s will switch to night vision automatically in low-light conditions, while others allow you to customise when and how it should be activated. This won't work through windows, where you'll see a reflection of the LEDs.

Pan, Tilt & Swivel

Most security cameras can be manually tilted and swivelled to focus on a certain viewing area. A true pan/tilt camera is equipped with a motor so that you can move its lens using its app or browser-based app. 

Resolution

No amount of security video will help you if it’s blurry, jittery or otherwise distorted. Look for a camera that offers the highest possible resolution. Most currently offer 720p (HD), but newer cameras are coming out with 1080p (full HD).

Scheduling

Scheduling features allow you to tell the camera to turn on and off, detect motion, and/or send alerts at specified times. This is useful when you want to be notified only when your children get home from school, or when you’re away. It can reduces the number of false alerts.

Two-way audio

While the idea of a security camera implies eyes-on monitoring, the ability to also hear what’s going on gives you a more complete picture of what’s happening at home. This feature can also allow you to speak through the camera.

Viewing angle

The camera’s field of view determines how much it can see. As you’re probably monitoring a single room, you want a wide viewing angle. Most cameras fall in the 130-degree range.

 

Reference: http://www.techadvisor.co.uk/test-centre/digital-home/best-security-cameras-for-home-2017-3631664/