How to Choose the Right Security Camera for Your Home or Business Security Monitoring

December 21st, 2023



You wouldn't want to leave anything to chance when picking a security camera for your property in Chico, CA since any misjudgment can expose you to many security lapses. Now that intruders are perfecting the art of bypassing security cameras, your camera pick should stay ahead regarding its ability to monitor as well as deter thefts. Thanks to the ever expanding options of video surveillance, you can never find it hard to find a camera that can suit you, however, the catch is that not all security cameras are high-quality enough as homeowners in Chico, CA would expect. Still, you can settle for a good bargain if you consider the following tips on how to purchase the right security camera for your residential or business property.

Consider the lighting aspect of the premise you want to monitor

The overall lighting intensity in a property in Chico, CA has an impact on the quality of video filming you can get with a security camera. Too much light often leads to blurred images which can't prove useful when there is a need to clearly identify images or persons that may appear in a security camera footage. On the hand, lighting that is too dim makes it possible for a security camera not to record images that can be simple to interpret. To take care of the light factor, you can opt for a camera that has a light sensitivity rating in the range of 1 Lux and below. Such cameras can capture a reasonably good day and night images that can enable you to monitor your property space consistently.

Where do you intend to install a security camera - indoor or outdoor?

Indoor and outdoor conditions in Chico, CA tend to differ in their lighting conditions and that aspect affects the quality of images you can get with a security camera. Though indoor environments tend to have controlled humidity, lighting, heating and air conditioning; outdoor environments tend to be different. Indoor cameras can easily be downgraded by UV light, rain and other contaminants and that means it is not good to install indoor cameras in places where outdoor cameras may work the best. Outdoor cameras are made to withstand the harsh conditions that can be expected in outdoor environments without compromising the quality of images they capture. Therefore, only opt for a security camera that can deliver optimal performance if you intend to have indoor or outdoor security surveillance.

Wired or wireless security camera?

Though wired cameras send high-quality and solid video signals via cable connection, their downside is that they cost a lot of money to install because of the need to have wire connections. With wireless security cameras, video signals are transmitted wirelessly and that mode of signal transmission isn't safe because of hacking threats. Still, wireless cameras can be placed at virtually any possible place and that advantage can't be enjoyed with wired security cameras. Though wireless cameras are more susceptible to potential security threats than the wired ones, recent improvements in encryption protocols can guarantee robust security protection against possible hacks in Chico, CA.

Fixed at one point or PTZ

Would you prefer your camera to be fixed only to one point or have the capacity to monitor different sections at a go? If you specifically need monitor just a certain sections such as the parking lot or a room, then a fixed camera will serve that purpose right. However, for outdoor sections, you can score a lot of points if you opt for a camera that can pan, tilt and zoom (PTZ). PTZ security cameras are designed to move their lenses vertically or horizontally so that they can capture more points of view.

Remote viewing vs. fixed viewing

Many security cameras come with digital video recorder where all the recorded images and videos can end up. If you have a CCTV monitor at your home or business in Chico, CA, you can closely follow what is going on by just having your eyes glued to the monitor. However, what if you are away and still find it necessary to monitor what is happening in your home or business premise? In that situation, a security camera that allows for remote viewing can best serve your security interests.

What Our Customers Say

"I had the Alibi system installed several years ago. It has functioned flawlessly. The image quality is exellent both night and day and in all weather conditions. I particularly like the replay (which can be set at various speeds) and zoom functions of the system. Tech support from Crimefreeliving has been excellent. I have received quick responses to questions, and timely home visits — as when I changed IP carriers and my Alibi system needed to be reset. I have recommended Crimefreeliving to several friends."

Rich

"As a small business owner here in Chico we definitely saw the need for video surveillance. After expressing our needs and concerns Tim did an excellent job getting us set up with the set up with the appropriate equipment. He really took the time to address our concerns in a very friendly, professional and knowledgeable manner. I highly recommend Tim for all of your business and residential video surveillance needs."

Ron H., Owner/Auto Doctor

"I have to say I love having my security cameras at my home. Tim Truby did a wonderful job of installing the five cameras. He is very neat and cleaned everything up after the installation. He explained to me how to operate the monitor, my phone and IPad. However, I have had to call Tim because I'm not tech savvy and forget what he has told me. He usually just helps me over the phone and then all is well. I'm 80 years old and enjoy the comfort of knowing I have these security cameras."

Gloria

"Tim Truby designed and installed a 32 camera system for us here at the Butte County Mosquito and Vector Control District. We had received several other quotes from security system vendors, but Tim’s quote was the least expensive. Tim also installed the system quickly and has always been available when we needed him. We are very happy with our security camera system and we can highly recommend Tim Truby for all of your surveillance system needs."

D. Weseman, Butte County Mosquito and Vector Control District

Crime Free Living updated our old video system with a new 16 Channel HD Alibi Video Security System. The old system had been added onto by different installers which resulted in a cabling mess. There were cables that worked and cables that went nowhere. It was a mess. Tim sorted it all out and installed cameras that are very clear. He also installed a monitor for our cashiers to watch hidden areas, a monitor to watch the entry door, and a monitor that allows employees to watch the outside parking and gas pump area. All work was done on time and very professional! Will always recommend Tim and Crime Free Living.

S. AM PM Chico Arco Station

"I had Tim install an Alibi Video Security System at my residence and a couple business locations. The remote view option is invaluable to absentee owners or anyone who travels a lot. The clarity and quality of the cameras have allowed for viewing employee theft. The evidence provided from the HD video cameras was fantastic! Tim was professional and provided extra value from his law enforcement background."

J. Folsom Arco Station

"Tim, I want to thank you again for doing such a fantastic job on installing a wireless IP security camera system at our dream home. The extra time that you took to hide wires, and install a clean, professional system is much appreciated. I still can’t believe the clarity, quality, and ease of use of this new system. I wished that I would have met you before our original inferior system was installed by another company. Now, whether I am at home, or monitoring the system from around the world, I know that my home and family are safe and sound."

John M.

"In April of 2017, my husband and I made a phone call to Crime Free Living that turned out to be a smart and wise decision. Amazingly, in just a few hours, Tim installed four Dome Security Cameras, weatherproof enclosures, and hooked up into our home a 23" Full HD Widescreen Security Monitor. Even more than his professional expertise was the time spent with us in making sure that this system was working correctly and properly installed on our phones so that anywhere in our travels we can monitor our new home in Magalia."

Tieka and Don S.

"I have been using Crime Free Living for the last couple years ar work and at home and I really recommend this product. Tim is a very good service provider. If he can't figure it out, he's got good tech support with the system that he offers."

Gary D.

"I have known Tim for over 10 years. To date, Time with Crime Free Living has installed two separate surveillance systems for my company. With each system, Tim has listened to my needs and custom dsigned surveillance systems for my specific needs and within my budget. The equipment used is always state of the art, the workmanship is top notch, and Tim is the example of trustworthy. I would recommend him for any job."

Steve D., Down Range Indoor Training Center

images Certifications & Training

With 16 years of experience in law enforcement, Tim Truby, CEO, is fully certified in video surveillance and training.

  • Certified Advanced Crime Prevention Specialist
  • Academy Instructor Certification
  • California POST Certification in Specialized Surveillance Equipment
  • California POST Certification in Basic Crime Prevention
    • Advanced Crime Prevention through Environmental Design
    • Certified Alibi Security Dealer
    • Enhanced Risk and Threat Assessment (FEMA)
    • Incident Command System (100 & 200)
    • Certified Cognitech Video Forensic Investigator
    • Neighborhood Watch Toolkit Trainer
    • Computer Crimes/Investigations
    • Domestic Crisis for Crisis Negotiators
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