What Features Should You Consider When Choosing Home Security Cameras?

January 16th, 2023



Home security technologies have advanced significantly in recent years. As a result, security cameras offer a wide range of features that any Chico homeowner can utilize to protect their home. If you are buying a surveillance camera for the first time or simply looking to upgrade your current system, here are the key features to consider when purchasing a security camera.

  1. Resolution:

Resolution on security cameras works the exact same way it does on photographic cameras and monitors. The higher the resolution, the higher the quality of the footage captured and the more detail you can see. Nowadays high definition (HD) surveillance cameras are extremely affordable and offer resolutions of 1080p or higher for a comparable price to older cameras.

  1. Range of View

The range of view is how far the camera can see. This is an important feature to consider when installing cameras outdoors. If your Chico home has a large yard you will want a camera with a larger range of view, so you can monitor your whole property. Otherwise, you will have to install more cameras with a smaller range of views at different intervals.

  1. Field Of View

The field of view is a measurement of the area you can see from a single lens. Many cameras have variable fields of view, especially when they offer features like pan, tilt, and zoom. The field of view is an important consideration when you want to view a large area while also capturing fine details.

  1. Damage Resistance

Security cameras come in a variety of different housing. Most of these housings are relatively damage resistant. However, when you are selecting security cameras for outdoors, you want to make sure that you get a camera with weather-resistant housing that can sustain damage from heavy rains, winds, and debris. 

  1. Wifi Enabled

Wifi-enabled cameras record and store footage in real-time across an internet connection. These cameras are a great option for homeowners because it reduces the need for storage hardware. Both indoor and outdoor security cameras are available with wifi capability.

  1. Motion Detection

Another modern feature to consider is motion detection. Motion-activated cameras can help you capture footage only when there is activity. This can save energy and reduce the amount of footage you have to sort through to find evidence of an incident. Motion detectors have a variety of sensors and features of their own like smartphone alerts and live streaming, but they are a great option to consider.

Understanding these key features will help you make an informed choice to protect your Chico home. However, in order to ensure that you select the most effective security camera system for your needs, you need to speak with a security professional. Security professionals know the ins and outs of surveillance cameras and will not only help you select the right ones, but they’ll also make sure they are installed so they work the best for you. To learn more, speak to your local security professional today!

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