Security Camera Buying Guide For Quality-Conscious People

December 28th, 2023



The role of surveillance cameras goes beyond routine use for Chico, CA public security monitoring by cops. Nowadays, families and business organizations have reaped many benefits that come with the latest security technology. From basic camera systems such as nanny cams and baby monitors to live-streaming devices and Wi-Fi powered ones, this advanced technology allows you to watch over your most precious assets as well as capture important evidence.

Security Camera Buying Guide - Which Camera to Choose

Whether you are looking to protect your Chico home, business or you simply want to watch over your kids as you catch up with your day-to-day schedule, there are many different kinds of cameras you can compare and contrast. Bullet cameras for instance, are recommended for wall mounting while dome cameras are best suited for ceiling mounting. Live streaming is best for situations where unmanned monitoring is required. Hidden cameras are ideal for situations where the intruder is not supposed to know that they are being monitored. If looking to integrate your surveillance system with other automation schemes in your home then investing in wireless camera would be an informed decision to make.

What Specs To Look For

Quality of color

Much as it is important to capture and store images or videos, it is even more important to keep files that are of evidentiary value. Black-and-white cameras are generally recommended for monitoring poorly lit areas while colored cameras are suited for well-lit rooms. The goal is to maximize on the quality of images to make it easier for relevant agencies to crack the case.

Maximizing on available storage space

Surveillance cameras, like other devices, don't have an unlimited storage capacity. As such, particularly if you are operating on limited resources, it is recommended to go for a unit that only gets activated when it detects movements. A non-stop running camera would require more storage space and capture too much irrelevant content.

When to choose a low-light sensitive camera

If you live next to a dimly lit street, then perhaps the ideal investment to make is that of a camera with low-light technology. Go for something with advanced light-gathering sensors, with a small number of lumens. The smaller the lumen number, the better the camera can penetrate through the dark. You may also want to consider going for a camera with infrared capacity if you want to detect objects as far as 150 feet away.

Method of storage

Gone are the days when security cameras used to feed content into video cassette recorders, now, massive data can be stored in small spaces. Thanks to modern technology, you can now keep your data on memory cards, hard drives or even in cloud-based storage not located in Chico, CA.

Durability and toughness

If you are considering keeping vigil of your outdoors, then it goes without saying you will need a wall-mounted exterior camera. But even more important, because your camera will be exposed to extreme weather conditions, it is recommended to get a unit that is weather-resistant and rugged.

Image stabilization features

Blurry images may not provide much value to you. For that reason, you want to invest in a camera with built-in image stabilization features to keep slight vibration (such as the ones caused by the wind) from fuzzing up the picture.

Final Word

There are many factors to consider when investing in security cameras. The list provided above, however, captures all the key aspects you need to pay special attention to. If in any case, you feel you still need to get more insights in a comprehensive security camera buying guide, get in touch with a local Chico Security Company such as Crime Free Living.

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