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How to Choose a Suitable Home Security Camera

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Home security systems in Toronto and video surveillance equipment has become more affordable in recent years, leading to many homeowners considering purchasing home security cameras to protect their home, their property and, most importantly, their family.  When choosing a security camera for your home, there are several key factors to keep in mind.

Outdoor v. Indoor

The first is placement.  What are you most concerned about, from a security point of view?  High-quality outdoor home surveillance cameras are built to withstand even the most extreme Canadian weather, and are primarily meant to deter or catch home intruders.  A noticeable but aesthetically pleasing security camera placed near the front door and driveway can scare off burglars before they even attempt a break-in.  Indoor home surveillance cameras, on the other hand, are primarily used for observing people you let inside your home while you are away, including babysitters, house sitters and construction workers.  They won’t serve as a deterrent for people outside the home breaking in, but gives you a clearer picture of what’s going on inside your home when you’re not there.

Indoor security cameras also are a great help when and if your alarm system is triggered.  When your alarms go off and your monitoring company contacts you, asking if they should call the police, you’ll be able to check the feed from your cameras and determine if someone has broken in or not.

Individual Cameras v. Multi-Room Setups

You also have to determine the size of your security camera system, based on your budget and need.  You can get individual cameras to monitor a single area—usually your front door and/or driveway.   Whole-house systems help you cover a wider area, both indoors and outdoors.  You also have to decide if you want visible indoor security cameras, be they the classic bullet style (which are generally not recommended for residential use) or a more inconspicuous dome style, or hidden or “spy” cameras—hidden cameras allow you to discretely film and record, say, a nanny to ensure that they’re on their best behavior even when not being watched.

There are many different features your security system can have, including the maximum length of recording time, the possibility of motion-activated recording, and so forth.  Again, which specific ones you select will depend on your precise needs.

Wireless v. Wired Cameras

Wireless cameras are generally more flexible than their wired counterparts, as you can install them wherever they are needed without worrying about having a wired connection to your box.  The only requirement is that they have access to an outlet for power.  However, interruptions in your internet service can disrupt your wireless camera feed, especially if the storage unit is not built-in the camera. This could lose hours of valuable recording time.  Wired cameras generally require more expertise to be installed, but give you a clearer picture and more reliable service without slowing down your home WiFi or requiring a strong WiFi connection

There are IP cameras, which offer more feature than any other cameras.  They’re very reliable, use CAT5/6 wires, and generally have the best technology to use in a clean installation.  There are TVI and AHD cameras which are compatible with older, analog cameras—they’re great for upgrading existing analog cameras, as they use the same sort of coaxial cables for wiring.  These are the top three types of camera available; you should steer clear from CVI or SDI cameras; they tend to be more expensive and worse, technologically speaking.

Varifocal v. Fixed-Lens

There are a wide variety of lenses to choose from, as well.  Varifocal cameras tend to be more expensive, but are more versatile, as you can adjust the focus and angle of the lens from narrow to wide angles.  This allows you to adjust the area where your camera is focusing.  You can also get fixed lens cameras; these are more economic options, but don’t give you the flexibility to adjust them once they are installed.  It should be noted that a properly selected fixed lens camera, set up perfectly for the surveillance area, functions just as well as a more expensive varifocal lens.

You might also want to consider low-light vision or infrared technology to give you that clearer picture even in the dark.  Most modern cameras offer one or both of these features.  You’ll need to take into consideration the distance your cameras will need to cover to select the model that’s right for you; different cameras have different infrared ranges.

Finally, there’s the issue of resolution.  Security cameras can have great high-definition pictures, including 4K, but it comes with an extra price tag attached.  For most home owners, a 720P or 1080P camera will provide enough resolution to have a clear image, even after zooming in, for residential use.

There are many different options to be analyzed when you’re searching for the best security camera system for your home.  Therefore, we advise you to talk with a professional security company when making your selection.  They’ll help walk you through all the myriad options, looking for the best system for your specific circumstance and budget.

Our security cameras are perfect for monitoring your home or business. Our security camera types include motion pan and tilt, intelligent video analytics, and thermal security cameras. Call us (416) 697-7329 today!

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What People Say

My experience with Engineered Alarm Solutions was truly a 5 star experience! Gabriel provided a customized needs assessment and maintained contact during the installation. Daniel responded promptly to all requests. Don performed the installation impeccably. Regarding paperwork, Silvana was so pleasant to deal with. The teamwork the company provides is impressive! They are punctual and professional to the highest degree. If you value your family security and your time, this is the ideal choice...

Loana D

I needed to upgrade my security cameras and through a recommendation was introduced to Gabriel. Was provided with an overview of systems and the process of installation; received quick turnaround on the quote. Great Service during the installation process. Would highly recommend reaching out to Gabriel and team!

Chet P

A Great Job! to the team at Engineered Alarm Solutions for the work performed at my home. From top management to the installers, the team delivered an efficient and professional service. The installers were on time, left the grounds spotless and provided all the support necessary to operate the system. Management provided recommendations that were spot on, and I very much appreciated the honesty and knowledge provided, can't get much better than that.

Louie G

We are religious sisters and about two years ago we needed to protect our home because our neighbourhood is not very safe. We leave in a big house with too many windows and doors. The Priest from our Church recommended us to call Engineered Alarm Solutions Inc. (EAS) because they have done the security systems at the Church. We called EAS for an estimate. They came to check our home and explained to us all the options we had and provided an estimate. We also had other estimate from a different...

JOHN PAUL THEGREAT

After moving into a new home, we needed a reliable security system to keep our family safe. We contacted Gabriel for a full alarm system, home automation, and security cameras. He met with us in person to ensure we understood the services and how everything worked. As an engineer by trade, Gabriel gave us comfort in his expertise and superior knowledge in the field. No sales pitch, just honest work and guidance on how to best protect our home. We now have a top of the line system, apps installed...

JENNIFER A.

From initial contact until completed installation Engineered Alarm Solutions Incorporated were outstanding. I was provided with several options to choose from. A professional technician installed a new system in my home within 2 days of making the decision to upgrade my home security system. The service was prompt and the installation went ahead without issue. The price was very reasonable. I would highly recommend this company to anyone looking to install a security system. Art Davis Toronto

ARTHUR DAVIS

I would like to thank the whole team at Engineered Alarm Solutions for giving us such a great experience! Everyone was very helpful throughout the whole process. I would highly recommend them to everyone.

LEILEI FONG

Amazing job, knowledgeable and professional the whole way through. I'm happy with my security camera setup.

STEVEN RINALDI

5 star review We used Gabriel and his team at Engineered Alarm Solutions to install the security cameras, access control, and smoke detectors at our new business location. His team was fast, professional and they delivered on everything that they promised in addition to providing good advice. We recommended him to another business a few units down from us who required an even more complex security system and have heard only good things since then. Would definitely recommend using their...

KEVIN LUCKMAN

5 star review I would highly recommend Engineered Alarm Solutions Inc. if you are in need of a security system to protect what’s important to you. We recently installed an alarm system and security cameras on our property. From the initial meeting to the complete installation we were provided professional, expert advice based on our needs. Gabriel and his staff are very knowledgeable, professional, and provide exceptional customer service. I felt like family and not another client when I...

ROCCO M

5 star review About 3 year ago we needed to install Security Cameras to protect out Church located at Jane and Finch area. We called Engineered Alarm Solutions Inc. to propose a design and a quote. We had proposals from other companies, but we chose Engineered Alarm Solutions because Gabriel was very professional, heard our needs, and based on that he proposed the most cost-effective solution to protect our premises. The technicians were very professional and made a clean and neat installation....

JOSE SIGNORELLI

5 star review Upon the purchase of our house and being on a corner lot it was important that our home was secure especially with the traffic on the adjacent street. When searching for home security companies on the HomeStars site, we came across Engineered Alarm Solutions. Based on their stellar reviews, we called and spoke with Gabriel. Gabriel provided me a complete solution for my home. He provided me the essentials to secure my home without upselling to more expensive cameras. His staff...

TOM VLACHOS

5 star review Highly recommend Engineered Alarm Solutions for anyone wanting a clean, professional, and hassle free job. The team was great to work with before the sale, during the install, and after.

MITESH PATEL

5 star review Several years ago, I hired Engineered Alarm Solutions Inc. (EAS) to install a Monitored Alarm System, Security Cameras, and Home Automation (Deadbolts, Thermostat, Lighting Control, etc.) in our new home. When we purchased the home, it came with a pre-existing security system that was frustrating to use, had recurrent false alarm issues, and we needed to find a new company to install a reliable and better quality system. Our experience with EAS was extremely positive and we have...

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