What camera options should you consider for a home security system?

Security cameras can provide views of your home's back door, show you who's ringing the bell, or what your kids are up to in the backyard. Find the best security camera for your home by considering the following.

• Are you planning on using your security camera only in well-lit areas? Bright light is optimum for viewing, so you can choose practically any camera.
• If you also want to view night scenes and dark areas, look for the light-sensitivity rating on the cam.
• A rating of 1 lux or below, such as on day/night or low-light cameras, means the device can cope with the lack of brightness and still produce clear pictures.

• Most cameras work properly when they're indoors where they're protected. However, if you put the device outside, it has to contend with the elements, wildlife, and the possible tampering.
• A good camera has a case, lens, and internal electronics that can survive environmental extremes.
• You must also have an external source of power, which may mean running a cable from the cam into your home or to an outdoor outlet.

• A fixed camera points itself at one specific view, such as your front entrance or backyard, and it has no moving parts, making it less likely to break down.
• A more expensive Point Tilt Zoom (PTZ) camera has internal mechanisms to control the direction and focus of the lens.
• You control what you're seeing through a remote, your computer, or even a smartphone. Some also automatically adjust when they detect movement.

• A wired camera transmits video through a cable. The picture is often more stable because it does not depend on aerial conditions. However, wiring the device correctly can involve considerable effort and expense.
• Typically, a wireless camera is less expensive because it does not have to deal with a cable. In addition, you can place the camera anywhere because you don't have to worry about connecting it to anything.
• A wireless camera can potentially be hacked but encryption protocols, such as Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) make that less likely.

Home security cameras don't just protect your family and possessions, they go a long way in deterring break-ins. Get started creating an effective system today by thoroughly checking out your camera options.