What Features Do You Need In A Security Camera

September 24th, 2020



Home and business owners in Chico, CA are coping with much dramatic work and lifestyle changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic that is a global phenomenon. For some, this has raised significant security concerns.

While it doesn’t apply to most people living in Chico, CA there are some in other parts of the country that have had to deal with the possibility of looting due to riots. It’s brought the need for surveillance to the forefront. Security cameras are great assistance for crime prevention, but what features should you be looking for in your security camera? Here are a few factors to consider.

Night Vision

For outdoor cameras, especially in areas with no outdoor lighting that are prone to activity after sundown, this is an essential feature for an outdoor security camera. Without night vision, either in the form of infra-red light or passive light amplification, surveillance footage would be useless.

The use of night vision cameras does mean that color details can’t be captured. Still, on the other hand, clear, crisp details of actions can be recorded and preserved.

Color

This is often important for indoor situations, especially for recording criminal activity. While early security cameras saved money by providing only black and white images, this often impacted the camera’s ability to provide useful details for investigation.

A color camera, on the other hand, can record many essential aspects of criminal activity. Skin color, clothing color, and further memorable details are accurately captured with a color camera, meaning less reliance on eye-witness accounts.

High Resolution

The early video cameras recorded all images in “standard definition,” which made for blurry images, especially of distant subjects. Today, however, home and business owners have their pick of high definition or even ultra-high-definition cameras at 1080p and 4K resolutions, respectively.

Higher resolution on cameras is generally useful in all situations. It means a higher level of detail, so it’s possible to pick out even more identifying characteristics like prominent scars, tattoos, or even words on tattoos. High-resolution cameras in dashboard cameras, for example, make it possible for investigators to pick out the license plate number of a car more easily.

Wireless Access & Power

Traditional security cameras are wired. This means that both the image and the power required to work the camera are transmitted through cabling. However, modern security cameras can do away with this if you’re willing to pay for it.

Today’s cameras can operate on batteries that require periodic replacement or recharging, eliminating the need for a connection to an electrical outlet. However, they can also have their images wirelessly recorded and accessed. So if you want to see what your camera sees and it has this feature, you can use a computer, laptop, or even smartphone with the right software to view the footage.

If you live in Chico, CA and you’d like to know more about which security camera features make the most sense for your residential or business needs, we can help. Contact us and let us know what your property situation is. We can assess the area and find the security configuration that works for 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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