Do-It-Yourself Home Security Cameras: The Basics
While inside your home, the people and creatures lurking around your residence are unknown to you unless you have someone or something monitoring the exterior of your property at all times. Today, a growing amount of people is discovering what home security cameras can do for their sense of protection. A new trend of do-it-yourselfers are also emerging where setting up a security system for their home becomes a fascinating hobby that allows individuals to explore their skill in electronics and technical setups.
When it comes to setting up a security camera system for the home, it isn’t as easy as mounting a camera and flipping the switch. There are many different components that go into creating a complete system. One may also choose to settle for a basic set-up or pursue a more extensive installation that includes backups, remote Internet viewing, motion recording, remote controls, and electronic gadgets that allow users to pan, tilt, and zoom in.
To become familiar with the various possibilities of home security cameras, the typical pieces of equipment used in an installation are listed below:
Standard Home Security Cameras
When choosing a standard camera for home security, you will first need to decide whether you'd like your surveillance to show as black and white images or in color. On the average, color security cameras are slightly more expensive, but do provide certain advantages. For example, if you were able to capture the image of a man who has vandalized your car – a color camera can pinpoint his exact hair color, clothing, and other identifying characteristics. Additional features to consider with cameras include adjustable lens, wide-angle lens, weatherproof night and day capabilities, size, and infrared abilities.
Some home security cameras cost about $50 for a small black and white model. Others can reach prices beyond $500. A 1/3” color Sony CCD Sensor Weatherproof Varifocal Day/Night Camera with 100-feet infrared costs about $239, while a 1/3" IT CCD Sensor Weatherproof Varifocal Box Camera with 6 to 60mm adjustable lens costs nearly $400.
Dome Cameras
A dome camera is a small surveillance unit often found on the ceiling of department stores. Some dome cameras are created only for indoor use, while others handle day and night visibility outside of homes. The majority of these cameras will deliver a color output. The average cost ranges from $50 to $200.
Spy Cameras
Home security cameras that come in some of the most creative units have become a popular product with parents entrusting the care of their child to a babysitter or a married individual riddled with suspicion. These cameras sometimes arrive in unsuspecting items, such as a teddy bear, book, plant, smoke detectors, or picture frame. Some people enjoy purchasing a small camera unit that is easy to install inside any hidden device of their choosing. A couple of choices include a weatherproof bullet camera, mini-pinhole, submersible model, and a screw head color camera that appears as a tiny screw.
Additional Accessories
In order to enjoy the comfort of a home security system, other accessories are needed to complete your package. Monitors come in all shapes, sizes, and quality. The most common selection is the box-like monitors that offer either black and white or color imagery. These are the kinds of models typically seen in gas stations and corner stores. LCD monitors are more expensive, but deliver a higher quality image. A 20" Color LCD CCTV Monitor with XGA Inputs can run nearly $800.
DVR's and recorders also become important in the installation of a home security camera, as this is where all information is collected for later viewing. Different costs are found with this accessory, as a state-of-the-art VCT Security DVR with built-in CD burner can cost up to $2,500, while a four-channel model with the ability to deliver 120 images per second of viewing and recording sells for about $280.
Home Security Related Article
Increase Security with Specialized Door Locks
|