UPDATED SEPTEMBER 1, 2021 This piece has been updated to reflect the emergence of new technology
Christian Mathews Security Writer
Wireless security cameras have seen a huge surge in popularity as of late. More and more people are becoming aware of the ease, versatility, and convenience Wireless security cameras bring to protecting your home. In this article, we will go through all the options and features out there to assist you in identifying what your needs are and what Wireless Security Camera with Monitor will best suit those needs.
We’ll dig into the various wireless security camera systems, analyze their pros and cons and provide you with a comprehensive checklist of things to keep in mind when looking at your next purchase.
1Why Wireless Security Cameras with Monitor?
While conventional security cameras rely on cables to transmit video signals, wireless security cameras use the internet or a wifi network to send security footage to your viewing/recording devices.
A wireless security camera with a monitor gives you the chance to secure your home effectively, monitor the security systems when you are away, and can be a part of your “smart home” plan to create a smart security environment.
Blink Outdoor – Wireless Security Camera
There are two kinds of wi-fi security cameras: one that uses cables for power and one that uses batteries. Each would serve you differently. Below we’ll talk about the wireless/battery-powered ones.
Advantages
- Easy installation: You do not need to be tech-savvy to set up the security cameras. Every wireless security camera comes with step-by-step instructions for easy installation and connection.
- Ideal for renters/ small properties/businesses or where you require temporary security: wireless security cameras are flexible in mounting and easy to set up and relocate, making them a perfect choice for people who want to change out their cameras over time.
- No fear of power outages: this is a huge benefit of battery-powered wireless security cameras. It runs on with no external power, so even when you have a power outage, your cameras will still function.
- Connectivity options with other smart apps or devices are tremendous: this is an essential part of the “smart home” environment.
Disadvantages
- Signal interruptions: be aware that when using wireless security cameras with monitors, there can be connectivity issues because of interference from other devices.
- Signal range limitations: wireless security cameras’ signal range can be limited by the other wireless devices, walls, or objects that prevent the signal from passing.
- Limited size: a wireless security system is limited to 4 cameras only.
- Battery change: You have to keep an eye on the battery and regularly change it out to ensure consistent uninterrupted use.
If you need more guidance on how many cameras you need be sure to read our blog on the topic
2Best Wire-Free Security Camera checklist
We’ve put together a list of factors to consider when making your next Wireless Security Camera and Monitor purchase.
Alerts
The Alert feature allows the Cameras to send a notification to your phone whenever a motion, sound, or unrecognizable face is detected Some wireless security cameras can send alerts to all of the people that use the app connecting to the system; and some can even send an email along with the phone’s alert.
Source of Power
Wireless security cameras can be cable powered, via conventional wall sockets or battery powered. You can base your choice on your own demands such as installing position, time, and budget.
Remember to check what the Battery life is, and make sure to change out the batteries before it runs out.
Visibility
Having visible cameras goes a long way in acting as a deterrent from would-be intruders. In the same breath, when someone knows where the cameras are, they can go out of their way to avoid them. An alternative to visible cameras are hidden cameras for your house. These can be used well in conjunction with conventional cameras.
Storage Plan
Cloud storage
Your video footage is sent to a remote server and stored for a period of time, and you could access these videos via the internet. Each manufacturer has its own cloud storage plan. Some provide short-time storage; some let you store videos of a predetermined length, and some require you to make a monthly subscription.
Local storage
Some wireless security cameras have an SD memory card instead of, or in addition to cloud storage. Although this could potentially save you on subscription fees, memory cards can be tricky. It takes time to extract the footage as it has a limited capacity. Local storage via an SD card also makes it easier to fall prey to theft.
Facial Recognition
Or “Facial Identification”.
While this particular facial recognition is unable to identify who the person is, it can help you to identify a face among other objects (like a balloon or a chair). The effectiveness of this feature is very dependent on your camera’s lens, so if you choose a wireless security camera with this function, make sure to check the video quality.
Motion Detection
When the security camera detects motion, the alarm will be triggered and an alert will be sent to you and any other monitoring devices. You can immediately check the live stream and respond appropriately
The sensors of the security cameras can be quite sensitive to any kind of motion, so the camera should offer options to narrow the range, adjust the sensitivity, or customize to reduce false alerts.
Environmental Monitoring
This can be an exceptional assistant in securing your property. With abilities including monitoring temperature or tracking humidity or air quality, the security cameras can make you aware of any change in the environmental conditions.
Viewing Angle
The field of view is about how wide of an angle the security cameras can see and capture. It measures in degrees and depends on the camera’s lens size. Wide-angle lenses can give you a bigger field of view, but the objects in the captured image can be smaller. In other words, you can use one ultra-wide angle security camera to cover a large area instead of several other cameras.
Night Vision
Just as important as motion detection, is night vision. As the name implies, night vision allows you to see objects and persons when it is dark. A wire-free security camera can help you see what is happening in the dark. The image produced is usually in black and white.
Pan / tilt / swivel
You can tilt and swivel the security cameras manually to change the view of certain areas. A true pan/tilt/swivel security camera has a motor that helps you move its lens or (even) follow an object by using its app or browser-based app.
Resolution
Our advice is that you choose the security camera that has the highest resolution you can afford. A good choice is 1080p or higher. The higher the resolution, the more detail you can zoom in without making the video blurry. For instance, with a high-resolution camera, you can see small details such as a license plate or branding on shirts.
Scheduling
In some cases, you would want to use your security camera at specific times. With this function, you can easily schedule your security cameras to turn on and off, send alerts, or detect motion. It’s a good way to cut off false alerts and also help you to save the camera’s batteries.
Two Way Audio
Two way Audio Security Camera’s allows you to not only hear what’s going on but also speak through the cameras. It’s most useful when you want to remotely command or control things at home. This is similar to two-way cameras for your pets, except they include a two-way camera too.
Anker eufyCam - Wireless Home Security Camera System
$329.63
Wireless Range
The biggest advantage of wire-free security cameras is that you can move them around. But you need to make sure that it’s always in wifi range for it to properly function.
Wire-free security cameras function best when there is no obstacle between them and their receiver. The range differs between indoors and outdoors. Building materials and structures can affect signal strength.
Weather Resistance
Wireless security cameras are designed mostly for indoor use, while others are multipurpose and can be used outside. If you need cameras outdoors, then make sure it is weather resistant.
You can choose the cameras based on their IP rating. For indoors, the rating can be less than 44; for weather resistance, choose one between 44 to 65; waterproof is 66 to 67. The higher the rating, the stronger it can resist under harsh weather conditions.
Smart Connection
- Mobile app: Most wireless security cameras can be accessed through a smart device’s app, on a phone or tablet. It provides you with live streaming and options to customize the camera’s performance. Check the design and function of the app if you need such functionality.
- Web client: Some cameras offer you a web portal to monitor your security cameras, in case you can’t use your smart devices or connect to a wireless network.
- Smart device integration: If you have a “smart home”, you would want to equip wireless security cameras with monitors of the same range as other smart devices in your house. Your security system would be a part of the house’s system and cooperate with all devices.
Hackers
Yes. Your wireless security system is hackable. But you can prevent that by taking all the caution steps, including purchasing cameras from reputable companies, changing names and passwords, running your system on trusted devices and networks, etc.
3Wireless Security Camera Systems for Home – Outdoor Use
When looking for security cameras for outdoor use, there are two important things to consider. The first one is the weather conditions in which it will be placed. The second is the viewing conditions. Indoor cameras do not require as much detail for quality and range of viewing, as it is usually confined to a room. Outdoor cameras are required to capture a lot more and under poorer viewing conditions. A higher resolution with the ability to zoom in would be better suited for such outdoor use. To improve the lighting conditions for the use of a camera, you may want to consider outside lights with motion sensors. That way if there is some movement outside, the area is well lit and visible for any cameras to capture what is happening.
4Key Takeaways
- Make sure you know what you want to use your Wireless Security Camera with Monitor before you purchase.
- Keep all the considerations and functions in mind before you buy.
- Take the environment in which you are going to use it into account to make sure it is the right choice for your situation.
