Home Security Cameras

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Adding security cameras outside your home is a relatively easy way to improve your overall home security, and can help deter thieves from stealing your car when at home. Cameras from brands like Ring and Blink can also alert you of someone’s presence outside your home, potentially giving you an early warning for a car thief (this does require a subscription). While they are a deterrent for some, it is important to note that many thieves are not intimidated by cameras, so it is important not to forget the rest of your anti-theft measures (as discussed here). But, even though they will not deter many thieves, cameras are still a worthwhile investment since they can still deter some, give you an early warning, and potentially aid in recovery and apprehension of suspect if your vehicle is stolen.

Where to Place Cameras

This certainly depends on how many cameras you want to buy. For general home security, you would want to prioritize points of entry (doors) and preferably all sides of your house and a view of the driveway. For the protection of your vehicle, you need to have a camera very close to where you park. Ideally you should have your camera positioned no more than about 10 feet from the car, pointed directly at it. It is important to make it close because video quality and the ability to see details and facial features drops very quickly with increased distance, and thieves do know this.

Different Cameras to Choose From:

Ring Brand Cameras

The brand Ring is a very popular choice for home security cameras. Their products—from indoor plug-in models to doorbell cameras and weather-resistant outdoor cameras—feature HD video, motion detection, two-way talk, and integration with their mobile app. Ring cameras are DIY-friendly (they do a great job of walking you through installation) and can be integrated with their alarm and other smart home technology. A subscription plan is required for some features like reviewing, saving and sharing video footage. These cameras do rely on Wi-Fi (except power over ethernet (PoE+) models) but they are a great choice in regards to theft prevention at home because they serve not only as a camera, but also an early warning system with motion alerts on your phone and other connected devices. There are are too many options to list here as each model has multiple options for power sources (battery, solar, plug-in, hardwired, and PoE+), so here we will list some of our top picks for vehicle security at home.

Floodlight Camera– Ideal option for your driveway, these cameras do a great job of illuminating large areas, and some of the newest models feature Retinal 4K video.

  • Floodlight Cam Pro, Wired (4K)(Best Option)- View on Amazon
  • Floodlight Cam Plus, Wired (1080p) (Cheaper Option)- View on Amazon
  • Floodlight Cam Pro, Plug In (4K) (Easier Installation, Can Be Plugged Into Outlet)- View on Amazon

Spotlight Camera– Another good option for outside your home that also has a built in light. It does not illuminate as large of an area as the floodlight, but is typically less expensive and comes with more power source options.

  • Spotlight Cam Pro (Choose Battery, Plug-In, Solar, Wired) (2K)- View on Amazon
  • Spotlight Cam Plus (Choose Battery, Plug-In, Solar, Wired) (1080p)- View on Amazon

Outdoor Camera– A more affordable option for a quality camera, but does not have built in lights (still has night vision).

  • Outdoor Cam Plus (Choose Battery, Plug-In, PoE+, Solar, Wired) (2K)- View on Amazon
  • Outdoor Cam Pro (Choose Plug-In, PoE+, Wired) (4K)- View on Amazon

Doorbell Camera– Ring’s original product, the doorbell camera, now comes in a wide variety of models at many different price points, but they are all meant to replace your existing doorbell, and can be great for home security as well as oftentimes have a good view of where you park your vehicle). Accessories may be required to get full features of doorbell.

  • Wired Doorbell Elite (PoE+) (4K) (High-End Model)- View on Amazon
  • Wired Doorbell (Uses Existing Doorbell Wires) (1080p) (Very Affordable Model)- View on Amazon
  • Battery Doorbell (1080p) (Easier Installation)- View on Amazon

Blink Brand Cameras

Blink cameras are known for their affordability, long battery life, and easy wireless setup, making them ideal for simple, budget-friendly home security. Battery powered models run off AA Batteries and Blink claims batteries can last up to two years. Subscriptions are needed to save video footage on the cloud, but live-view and motion notifications are included for no extra charge. A Blink Sync Module is required to use the cameras, If you get the Sync Module XR instead of Sync Module Core, you will be able to save footage locally without paying for a subscription. Overall, theses cameras are a more budget-friendly than Ring, but don’t have some of the premium features or as extensive of a product line.

Floodlight Camera– Built in floodlights , good for illuminating Driveway and other outdoor areas.

  • Wired Floodlight Camera (1080p) (Sync Module Not Included) (Better Option, Harder Install)- View on Amazon
  • Outdoor 4 Floodlight Camera (1080p) — Wireless (Sync Module Core Included) (Easier Install Option)- View on Amazon

Outdoor 2K+– Simple, compact, battery-powered camera for outdoor use, does not have built-in lights but does still have night vision. 2K+ resolution.

  • Outdoor 2K+ Single Camera System (Sync Module Core Included) (Multi-Packs and Camera-Only Options Available)- View on Amazon 

Doorbell Cameras– Cost-effective cameras to use at your front door. Battery-powered only.

Sync Modules- You need to buy one of these if it’s not included with the Blink camera(s) you purchase. You only need one module unless you have more than 10 cameras.

  • Sync Module XR (Best Option, Extended Range & Local Video Backup Capability)- View on Amazon
  • Sync Module 2 (Slightly Cheaper, Local Backup Capability with Flash Drive)- View on Amazon

CCTV Security Cameras

CCTV cameras are a more complicated option than those listed above, these are going to typically require more extensive wiring. These are the types of cameras you will usually see used in businesses because they offer the benefit of constant recording (unlike Ring and Blink which record when motion is detected or when you are viewing it live) as well as local storage on the DVR device. However, most will not send you motion alerts, which is a major drawback if you are concerned about theft happening at your home.

ONWOTE PoE Security Camera System (4K) (Top CCTV Pick)- View on Amazon

ZOSI 3K Lite Security Camera System (1080p) (Basic, More Affordable Option)- View on Amazon