How To Pick The Right Surveillance Camera For Your Home Security

June 5th, 2023



When you begin researching home security cameras, you’ll quickly learn there are thousands of options on the market. Each type of home security camera uses different technology, offers unique features, and requires a specific kind of installation. With so many choices, it’s easy to get overwhelmed when trying to pick the right model for your home. However, if you identify your needs and do enough research, you’ll be able to select the right security cameras to meet your needs.

Assess Your Home Security Needs

Which security camera system you choose depends entirely on your home security requirements. There are a couple of factors to consider, including:

  • The floor plan and layout of your home and property
  • The number of entry points and where they are located
  • The value of your possessions
  • Your budget

Keep all of these things in mind so that while you are shopping, you’ll be able to determine immediately if a system matches your needs.

Understand The Available Options

There are several types of security cameras, and the most common varieties used in residential security include:

  • Bullet Cameras – These are small cameras that can be easily hidden. They work both for indoor and outdoor surveillance.
  • Dome – Dome cameras are ceiling-mounted cameras. They are designed for indoors and covered by tinted glass.
  • Box – Box cameras are large and designed to be visible to criminals. They are in a sturdy housing that is designed to withstand natural elements.

Beyond the different styles of cameras, there are also coax cameras and internet protocol (IP) cameras. Coax cameras are considered hardwired cameras. They are powered by and record along coax lines. IP cameras are considered “wireless” and use IP to record and store footage. There are benefits to each.

Shop For Different Security Camera Features

Next, you’ll want to do a review of the different features available to see what you would want to utilize in your home. Some of the most popular features include:

  • Remote Monitoring – Remote monitoring allows you to live-stream your surveillance camera footage from anywhere with an internet connection.
  • High Resolution – High-resolution cameras offer more visibility, allowing you to more easily identify criminals on your property.
  • Night Vision – Night vision cameras use infrared technology to provide clear images when the lighting is low. They are useful at night and for any dark areas.
  • Weatherproofing – If you live in an area with a lot of inclement weather, you may want to consider a surveillance camera with weatherproofing features.
  • Pan/Tilt/Zoom (PTZ) – PTZ cameras let you move the camera so you can get a good look of a suspicious occurrence on your property.

These are just some of the features you can get. With advanced technology, security cameras have become more feature-rich than ever.

These basics will help you narrow down your choices to help pick the right security camera system for your home. Give us a call, and we’ll review some of the great options available so you can pick the one that best meets your needs.



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
    Call (530) 327-7268