Whether you’re protecting your jewelry collection or checking on your family, the best way to keep an eye on your home when you’re not there is to set up a security camera. Fortunately, there are a myriad of security cameras available to you to choose from so you can find the perfect fit to meet your needs and stay within your budget.
Before we get into the cameras themselves, here are a few things we considered while rating them:
Resolution – This determines how clear the picture is, and can affect how well your camera can zoom into something without that something getting blurry.
Field of View – Depending on how wide of an area you want to see, different cameras offer different fields of view.
Location – Where you want to set or mount your camera will determine what kind you can get, since an outdoor security camera will need to be much more durable than an indoor one.
Connection – If you already have a smart home, you’ll want a security camera that integrates seamlessly with your current setup. Otherwise, you can find one that allows you to access the footage from anywhere.
Storage – Today, most security cameras utilize cloud storage to save your video footage. How long you want to keep your footage for and how much you’re willing to pay for it will help you choose a camera.
Detection – Different security cameras have various levels of detection that may send alerts every time there’s movement or only when it detects a face it doesn’t recognize.
Cost – When choosing a security camera, you not only have to think about the initial cost of the camera itself but also of the ongoing cloud storage fees.
Now, here are our top 5 picks for the best security cameras of 2017:
1. Netgear Arlo Pro
What we don’t like is that it requires a hub although this is included, or that it’s a bit pricey, but we also think the free cloud storage helps balance out initial costs. All of these features and more are what have landed the Netgear Arlo Pro at the top of our list.
2. Icontrol Networks Piper nv
The only things we don’t like about it is that it doesn’t have a web app or local storage options. However, because of its ability to double as a home automation hub and iOS and Android apps, we’ve placed the Icontrol Networks Piper nv in the second place on our list of the best security cameras in 2017.
3. LG Smart Security Wireless Camera LHC5200WI
What we don’t like is that you do need to have a cloud storage subscription to view your videos and a canopy subscription for some features. However, since the LHC5200WI’s subscriptions are contract-free and the camera comes with so many features, we still put it in third place on our list.
4. Nest Cam Outdoor
What we don’t like is that it requires a subscription plan for some of the features, is a bit pricey for what you’re getting, and needs a power supply. But, if you’re looking for a great outdoor security camera, the Nest Cam Outdoor could be the one for you.
5. Canary All-In-One Home Security Device
We don’t like that it requires a high-priced cloud storage subscription to view more than the last 12 hours of footage and has no local storage options. But if you’re looking for a way to monitor humidity, temperature, and air quality while keeping an eye on your home, the Canary may be the security camera for you.
Thank you for reading, Data Wire Solutions is an audio visual company serving customers in Westchester and Fairfield County, if you have any question, comments or would like to schedule a consultation please don’t hesitate to drop us a line or leave us a comment below.