You can never be too safe when it comes to your home. That’s why it’s only logical if you want to install closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras around the periphery or within the premises of your residence. After all, they will definitely help in keeping your property safe from thieves and vandals. It can be tricky to choose CCTV cameras for your home, however, since there are quite a lot of models available in the market, and many of them have various features added.
To help you decide, here are some things to consider before you contact prospective security cameras Perth providers from whom you can get CCTV cameras for your Perth home.
Discreetness
Many homeowners would likely prefer subtle-looking security cameras like dome models so that they won’t clash with their home’s decor. There are also models that are small enough to fit in your palm, which is perfect if you want the cameras to be even more discreet. However, there’s a benefit to installing a larger, more obvious CCTV camera. Box cameras, in particular, catch everyone’s attention, as if to say, “I’m watching you!”
The Area You Want to Cover
The type of CCTV camera you will use is also largely dependent on the amount of space that you need to cover. If you want to cover an expansive area, you might want to invest in PZT or pan tilt zoom cameras. This way, you can cover more ground without installing too many cameras, driving down acquisition and installation costs. For smaller spaces, small cameras may suffice. In fact, you may not even need a camera that can tilt or pan at all. Static cameras are much more affordable, which means more savings for you.
Indoor Or Outdoor?
CCTV cameras are usual targets for vandalism or even theft. That’s why you also need to consider how you’re going to secure CCTV cameras installed outdoors. In any case, outdoor cameras are usually built extra-tough so they can last against harsh weather conditions. There are even cameras that have built-in heaters that can withstand extreme cold. However, this also means that outdoor cameras tend to be more expensive than indoor cameras. Newer CCTV camera models can be installed both indoors and outdoors. However, they might not have the same level of toughness as cameras that are specifically manufactured for outdoor use.
Lighting Conditions
Bright light can result in high-contrast footage. Keep this in mind if you’re installing CCTV cameras outdoors or near windows and other light sources. If you live in a sunny area, try to note the movement of the sun and adjust camera angles accordingly. Of course, you should also install extra lighting as needed. Your footage will be near worthless if you can’t see what’s going on due to insufficient light. There are many technologies that can help you improve video details, like infrared filters, but it’s still best to have enough light in the area of coverage.
Placement
In general, you can install a CCTV camera that captures your neighbour’s property, as long as it’s the part that faces the public. However, if the camera is installed somewhere that can capture footage from areas where privacy is expected, like the bedroom or bathroom, you may have to redo the installation. Check your city’s laws concerning this matter, along with any homeowners’ association regulations, before you mount the cameras.
Do You Want HD Footage and Audio?
If you want to cover a lot of space using just one wide camera, you’ll need a high-resolution camera so that the image quality won’t suffer. For smaller spaces and well-lit areas, cameras with lower resolutions will suffice. Meanwhile, many cameras now have the option to record audio. However, according to Western Australia’s Surveillance Devices Act 1998, it is an offence to monitor or record a private conversation that you are not involved in. Consider this factor if you get a CCTV camera that has an audio recording function.
As the adage goes, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Installing CCTVs at home is one of the ways that you can enhance safety in your property for the benefit of your family. Look into these factors when considering CCTV cameras as a way to optimise security in your place of residence.
