4 Factors To Consider When Buying a Home Security Camera

May 18th, 2023



Whether you’re living alone or not in Chico, CA, having a security camera on your property is a practical choice for your safety. Nowadays, more and more CA homeowners are installing security systems, which include cameras, because thousands of homes are still being broken into every year. 

This is a great way to keep your loved ones, property, and possessions protected every day of the year, but how do you choose the right one? Here are a few considerations to take. 



  1. Light Level



When you’re searching for a security camera, one of the most important things you have to consider is the light level of the environment. If you plan on placing video surveillance equipment in well-lit areas, you won’t have a problem looking for the right security camera because bright spaces are easy to capture. 



On the other hand, if you’re going to install the camera in areas where there’s little light, you need to look into one that can handle dim lighting conditions. Find a camera with low-light compatibility to allow you to take clear video coverage even without strong illumination.



  1. Area Of Installation



Where are you looking to install the security camera? If it’s indoors, as mentioned above, you need to consider the lighting condition. 



Meanwhile, there are several additional factors you need to consider when you plan to install the camera outdoors. One of them is the weather because the elements can affect the performance and longevity of your outdoor security camera. Make sure that it can withstand everything from heavy rain to strong winds. That said, you need to get heavy-duty equipment.



  1. Wired Or Wireless



At first, a wireless camera may seem to be more convenient compared with a wired security camera. However, wired cameras tend to have a more robust and secure video signal because they transmit through cable. The downside to this is that they take more effort and money to install because you need to purchase the cable and hire an installer. 



Wireless cameras can be placed anywhere with ease. There are no cables or wires involved, and over the years, the signal security of wireless cameras has significantly improved with encryption protocols such as the Temporal Key Integrity Protocol (TKIP)



  1. Fixed Or Not



If you only need a camera fixated on one area, then you can go for a standard-format fixed camera. However, if you’re looking for a security camera that has a swivel lens, then a Pan-Tilt-Zoom (PTZ) camera is perfect for you. PTZs can move their lenses back and forth and adjust the lens focus. You can also get PTZs you can program automatically to tilt and zoom when movement is detected. 



Those are some of the things you need to remember when purchasing a security camera. The process can be overwhelming, which is why you have to take time to research and consult a security expert to help you get the best equipment for your Chico home. Contact us today to learn more about the high-quality security cameras available to you.

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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