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Outdoor camera in Portland
August 27, 2020

What To Look For When Buying A Home Security Camera In Portland

Most home security systems include at least one home security camera in Portland. But with all the different models and features for cameras, it's hard to know what camera features really matter. Do you buy one from a retail shop and do a DIY install? Or should you to have your cameras professionally installed? Should you try to find one that records in full HD? How do you decide between an exterior camera affixed to the overhang or a doorbell camera?

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

Three types of security cameras in Portland

3 Types Of Home Security Cameras in Portland

There are mostly three different kinds of home security cameras in Portland. Each has a special type of use and can easily integrate with your home security system:

  • Outdoor home security camera: These cameras attach to the exterior of your house to give you a view of your yard and main doors.

  • Indoor home security cameras: Indoor cameras attach to a wall or sit on a flat surface, and typically show one room within your home.

  • Doorbell cameras: A doorbell camera replaces your old doorbell and provides a view of your porch.

How Do You Know It’s A “Good” Security Camera In Portland?

Take a quick look down the security camera row in your local big-box store, and you’ll discover that there’s a lot of discrepancy in camera durability and features. Here’s a list of things to look for in your home security camera:

  • Wide field of vision: In most cases, you will want your camera to view as much terrain as possible. Without a wide-angle lens, there will be more blind spots and spaces for intruders to hide. Try to get cameras with at least a 140° to 180° field of vision.

  • Low-light capabilities: Your camera should be able to see what’s happening during the night. Look for a camera that comes with infrared LEDs that provide nighttime illumination.

  • HD resolution: The days of digitized blobs should be behind you. Only consider cameras that record and stream in 720 HD or more.

  • Exceptional construction: Your outside security cameras need to be able to withstand poor weather like rain, high heat, or cold temperatures (some even include a built-in heater). Your indoor cameras should survive if they’re bumped or lightly fall to the floor.

  • Motion sensors: Although you can set your cameras for a non-stop record, that takes a lot of power and recording space. We recommend looking for a security camera with motion sensors that starts to automatically record when it recognizes motion.

  • Two-way talk: The top doorbell cameras include an intercom system so you can talk with guests or delivery people without answering the door. You can even find the same 2-way audio capability with indoor or outdoor cameras, also.

  • Wireless functionality: A wireless camera can be placed almost anywhere outside or inside your home, and can be moved if you’d like it somewhere else. Wireless install is often preferable to wiring your camera straight into your home’s wiring.

  • A user-friendly mobile app: How good is a security camera if it’s difficult to see your feeds? You should look for cameras that come with a mobile app so you can watch live feeds in HD, record and store clips, and get notifications when your cameras sense movement. It helps when your mobile app also manages your comprehensive home security and home automation system.       

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

Once you know what you’re looking for in a residential security camera, you have to decide who’s going to install your cameras. If you’re comfortable with tools, you may see if you can DIY a solution. However, if you’re not sure the best spots for your cameras, or don’t understand the equipment, go ahead and get professional installation. Professionals, such as Secure24 Alarm Systems, can place your cameras for ultimate security and connect your cameras to the mobile app. You may also explore professional installation if your security cameras pair to a complete home security system.

Buy The Best Home Security Cameras in Portland With Secure24 Alarm Systems

The best home security cameras with professional installation in Portland come from Secure24 Alarm Systems. Simply call (503) 300-4377 or complete the form below to get your no-cost quote. We’ll discuss your options and how your cameras can become an important part of your residential security system.