In today’s world, you can never be too safe. There are many ways to secure your property, from locking your doors to keeping hackers out with antivirus software.
Take outdoor security cameras, for example. This popular technology helps you protect your home and loved ones from whatever may go bump in the night.
So if you are concerned about the safety of your home and want to ensure you get the right product, we’ve got you covered. Here are five features to look for if you shop for an outdoor security camera.
1. It’s motion-activated
A stationary camera has little to no flexibility. It only films what is directly in front of it. However, motion-activated cameras will turn on and record when they detect movement within the perimeter.
Some cameras will notify you when they detect movement so you can look at the footage. This way, you can feel relieved once you see it was just the neighbor’s cat.
2. The camera is HD
What good is a security camera if you can’t see what’s happening in the footage? You’ll want to find something that is HD, and ideally 1080p, so you can tell who and what is disturbing you.
This is particularly important if something illegal occurs, like theft. You’ll need to hand the footage over to the authorities. The better the quality, the more likely you’ll locate the responsible person.
3. You can access it from your mobile device
While security cameras provide peace of mind when you are at home, they also help you regain sanity when you are away. What if you are on vacation and want to be sure nobody is trying to take advantage of your absence?
If you buy a camera that connects to your smartphone, you can get automatic alerts whenever the motion detector is tripped. That way, you can view what’s happening no matter where you are. Even if you’re hundreds of miles away, you can see what’s going on in your backyard.
4. It connects to a bigger security system
If your home is big enough to need more than one outdoor camera, you’ll want to ensure they work together as part of a more extensive system. Otherwise, you’ll have to set up each camera individually. That would be frustrating and time-consuming.
Be sure to check that you can connect them all to one program. You want a flexible system you can add to if you need to buy more cameras in the future.
5. Night vision
While many thefts occur during the day, security cameras are typically there for nighttime. That’s when all the creepy crawlies are out. We want to sleep peacefully without fear of someone breaking in.
So if your outdoor security camera doesn’t have night vision, you’ve got a problem. Ensure that your outdoor camera can film adequately after dark, or you may have wasted money.
Bonus: These HD outdoor cameras are your best bet
Shopping for home security cameras can suck up a ton of time. Save yourself the research and start with our sponsor SimpliSafe, the security company Kim trusts. This award-winning home security system is engineered with the latest technology you want to keep your family safe.
Case in point: Its outdoor camera is designed specifically to monitor the perimeter. Its wide 140-degree field of view comes with practically no blindspots. You get alerts when someone approaches, and you can see details and faces up to 15 feet away.
Even the night can’t deter it: A motion-activated spotlight illuminates any burglar sneaking around in the dark. You can see them in color, even in the dead of night.
That’s just the tip of the iceberg. These outdoor cameras come with a host of specialized security features to protect you in ways you didn’t even know you needed. Tap or click here to see what makes this outdoor camera shine.
Of course, SimpliSafe offers many different gadgets to keep your family safe. You can get indoor cameras, video doorbells, smart locks and more. For a limited time, get a free security camera, 20% off + a free month of monitoring.