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Outdoor camera in Fort Collins
August 27, 2020

What To Ask About When Buying A Home Security Camera In Fort Collins

It's easy to understand why most home security systems include at least one home security camera in Fort Collins. But with so many different brands and options for cameras, it's hard to know what camera features are really important. Do you purchase one from a hardware store and install it yourself? Or is it better to get your cameras installed by a specialist? Should you ask for a camera that live streams in full HD? And what's better, an outdoor camera right under the overhang or a doorbell camera?

To explore these questions and other common questions, here is what you should look for in a Fort Collins home security camera.

Three types of security cameras in Fort Collins

3 Types Of Home Security Cameras in Fort Collins

Here are the three most common types of home security cameras in Fort Collins. Each type has a special type of use and should easily be included with your home security system:

  • Outdoor home security camera: These types of cameras attach to the outside of your home to give you a wide view of your yard and main entrances.

  • Indoor home security cameras: Indoor cameras hang from a wall or sit on a level surface, and usually view a single room within your house.

  • Doorbell cameras: A doorbell camera replaces your current doorbell and lets you know who’s visiting.

What Makes A “Great” Security Camera In Fort Collins?

Visit the security camera row in your local hardware store, and you’ll discover that there’s a wide range of camera quality and capabilities. Here’s a short list of what you should look for in your home security camera:

  • Wide field of vision: In most cases, you will want your camera to scan as much area as possible. If you don’t have a wide-angle lens, you have a higher chance of blind spots and areas where people can hide. Try to get cameras with at least a 140° to 180° wide view.

  • Low-light capabilities: Your camera should be able to see what’s going on in the dark. You will want a camera that has built-in infrared LEDs that offer nighttime light.

  • HD resolution: The days of grainy shapes should be history. Only research cameras that record and livestream in 720 high-definition or more.

  • Durable construction: Your outside security cameras should be able to withstand bad weather like rain, heat, or freezing temperatures (some even come with a built-in heater). Your interior cameras should absorb shock if they’re bumped or lightly fall to the floor.

  • Motion detection: Although you can set your cameras for a continuous record, that takes a lot of power. We recommend looking for a security camera with motion detectors that starts automatically recording when it perceives movement.

  • Two-way communication: The top doorbell cameras include an intercom system, making it easy to speak with guests or delivery people without coming to the door. You can also find the same 2-way audio feature with indoor or outdoor cameras, too.

  • Wireless functionality: A wireless camera can be placed wherever you’d like outside or inside your house, and can be moved if you’d like it somewhere else. This approach is usually more common than wiring your camera straight into your electric wiring.

  • An easy to use mobile app: How good is a security camera if it’s a pain to manage? Try to find cameras that include a mobile app so you can watch live feeds in HD, record and email clips, and get alerts when your cameras sense motion. It’s convenient when your mobile app also controls your complete security and home automation system.       

Is It Best To Have Your Home Security Cameras Installed By A Pro?

Once you know what you want in a home security camera, it’s time to decide if you should get your cameras [[professionally installed|installed by a pro|installed by a professional. If you’re good with tools, you may see if you can DIY a solution. But if you are unsure the best places for your cameras, or don’t understand the tech, go ahead and get professional installation. Professionals, like Secure24 Alarm Systems, can hang your cameras for complete security and connect your cameras to the mobile app. You may also explore professional installation if your security cameras integrate with a full home security system.

Buy The Best Home Security Cameras in Fort Collins With Secure24 Alarm Systems

The best home security cameras with professional installation in Fort Collins come from Secure24 Alarm Systems. Just contact us at (970) 316-5674 or send in the form to get your free quote. We’ll walk you through your options and how your cameras are an important piece of your residential security system.