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Outdoor camera in McAllen
August 27, 2020

What To Look For When Getting A New Home Security Camera In McAllen

Many home security systems include at least one home security camera in McAllen. However, with all the different types and features for cameras, it's difficult to know what’s really important in a camera. Do you purchase one from a hardware store and set it up yourself? Or should you to have your cameras installed by a specialist? Should you insist on a camera that records in full HD? How do you choose between an exterior camera attached to the overhang or a doorbell camera?

To answer these questions and more, here is what you should look for in a McAllen home security camera.

Three types of security cameras in McAllen

3 Types Of Home Security Cameras in McAllen

There are three common kinds of home security cameras in McAllen. Each type has a unique type of use and should easily fit within your home security system:

  • Outdoor home security camera: These kinds of cameras hang on the exterior of your house to provide a view of your yard and main entryways.

  • Indoor home security cameras: Indoor cameras attach to a wall or rest on a flat surface, and usually record a single room in your home.

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

What Makes A “Good” Security Camera In McAllen?

Take a quick look down the security camera section in a popular hardware store, and you’ll learn that there’s a lot of discrepancy in camera quality and capabilities. Here’s a rundown of features to look for in your home security camera:

  • Wide field of vision: In most cases, you will want your camera to see as much terrain as it can. If you don’t have a wide-angle lens, you have a higher chance of blind spots and spaces for intruders to hide. Look for cameras with at least a 140° to 180° wide angle.

  • Low-light vision: It doesn’t do you any good if your security cameras can’t show you what’s going on during the night. Get a camera that comes with infrared LEDs that offer nighttime light.

  • HD resolution: The days of digitized shapes are behind you. Only look at cameras that record and stream in 720 HD or more.

  • Strong construction: Your outside security cameras should be able to stand against bad weather like rain, heat waves, or freezing temperatures (some even come with a built-in heater). Your interior cameras should survive if they’re bumped or knocked to the floor.

  • Motion detection: Even though you can set your cameras for a non-stop record, that takes a lot of recording space and power. Instead, try to find a security camera with motion detectors that starts automatically recording when it senses movement.

  • Two-way communication: The best doorbell cameras come with an intercom system, which makes it easy to communicate with delivery people or visitors without answering the door. However, the same 2-way audio feature can be found functionality with interior or exterior cameras, also.

  • Wireless functionality: A wireless camera can be placed wherever you’d like on or in your house, and can be moved if needed. Wireless placement is usually more common than wiring your camera directly into a power line.

  • A user-friendly mobile app: How good is a security camera if it’s a complicated mess to view its feeds? Explore cameras with a mobile app so you can view live feeds in HD, record and store clips, and get alerts when your cameras sense motion. It’s convenient when your camera app also controls your overall home security and home automation system.       

Is It Best To Have Your Home Security Cameras Installed By A Pro?

Once you have learned what’s important for you in a home security camera, it’s time to decide if you should get your cameras [[professionally installed|installed by a pro|installed by a professional. If you’re good with tools, you may see if you can DIY a solution. But if you are unsure the best spots for your cameras, or don’t understand the tech, it’s better to get professional installation. Specialists, such as Secure24 Alarm Systems, can place your cameras for complete security and connect your cameras to the mobile app. You may also think about professional installation if your security cameras pair to a comprehensive residential security system.

Find The Best Home Security Cameras in McAllen With Secure24 Alarm Systems

The best home security cameras with expert installation in McAllen come from Secure24 Alarm Systems. Simply contact us at (956) 291-4643 or complete the form below to receive your free quote. We’ll talk through your options and how your cameras can become an important part of your home security system.