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August 27, 2020

What To Ask About When Buying A Home Security Camera In St. Petersburg

Many home security systems include at least one home security camera in St. Petersburg. But with so many different models and features for cameras, it's hard to know what you actually need. Do you purchase one from a hardware store and do a DIY install? Or is it better to have your cameras installed by a professional? Should you ask for a camera that streams in full HD? How do you choose between an outdoor camera right under the overhang or a doorbell camera?

To discuss these questions and other common questions, here is what you should look for in a St. Petersburg home security camera.

Three types of security cameras in St. Petersburg

3 Types Of Home Security Cameras in St. Petersburg

There are three common kinds of home security cameras in St. Petersburg. Each has a specific purpose and can easily fit within your residential security system:

  • Outdoor home security camera: These cameras hang on the outside of your house to provide a wide view of your property and common entrances.

  • Indoor home security cameras: Indoor cameras hang from a wall or sit on a level surface, and primarily record one room in your house.

  • Doorbell cameras: A doorbell camera replaces your current doorbell and shows you if visitors or packages have arrived.

How Do You Know It’s A “Great” Security Camera In St. Petersburg?

Take a quick look down the security camera row in your local retail store, and you’ll learn that there’s many differences in camera durability and specs. Here’s a short list of what you should look for in your home security camera:

  • Wide field of vision: You'll probably want your camera to view as much space as it can. If you don’t have a wide-angle lens, you’ll likely have blind spots and places where people can hide. Look for cameras with at least a 140° to 180° wide angle.

  • Low-light vision: It doesn’t do you much good if your security cameras cannot show you what’s going on when it’s dark. You will want a camera that uses infrared LEDs that give nighttime light.

  • HD resolution: The days of digitized blobs are in the past. Limit your search to cameras that record and stream in 720 high-definition or more.

  • Strong construction: Your exterior security cameras should be able to stand against bad weather like storms, high heat, or frigid temperatures (some even come with a built-in heater). Your indoor cameras should still work if they’re bumped or knocked to the floor.

  • Motion detection: Even though you can set your cameras for a non-stop record, that requires a lot of recording space and power. We recommend looking for a security camera with motion detectors that starts automatically recording when it senses motion.

  • Two-way talk: The top doorbell cameras have an intercom system, which makes it easy to speak with delivery people or visitors without opening the door. You can even find similar 2-way audio functionality with indoor or outdoor cameras, also.

  • Wireless functionality: A wireless camera can go almost anywhere on or inside your house, and can be moved if necessary. This approach is typically more common than wiring your camera straight into your electric wiring.

  • A simple mobile app: What good is a security camera if it’s difficult to use? You should look for cameras with a mobile app that lets you see live streaming in HD, record and store clips, and receive alerts when your cameras perceive movement. It’s convenient when your security app also manages your complete security and home automation system.       

Should You Have Your Home Security Cameras Installed By A Professional?

Once you know what’s important for you in a home security camera, you need to choose if you should get your cameras [[professionally installed|installed by a pro|installed by a professional. If you’re handy, you may be able to DIY a solution. But if you don't know the best spots for your cameras, or have questions about the components, go ahead and get professional installation. Specialists, such as Secure24 Alarm Systems, know the best spots to place your cameras for maximum security and connect your cameras to the mobile app. You may also want professional installation if your security cameras integrate with a full home security system.

Get The Best Home Security Cameras in St. Petersburg With Secure24 Alarm Systems

The best home security cameras with professional installation in St. Petersburg come from Secure24 Alarm Systems. Just call (727) 258-2938 or fill out the form below to get your complimentary quote. We’ll show you your options and how your cameras can integrate with your home security system.