Three Affordable Network Security Cameras to Safeguard Your Home
When most people think of home surveillance systems, they think of the high cost involved. Contrary to popular belief, there are many high-performance, affordable surveillance cameras on the market that won’t break your wallet. By selecting home security cameras with the right features, you’ll be able to defend your home, protect your family, and keep a watchful eye on the neighborhood.
What features matter most in video surveillance cameras for the home? It all depends on what you want to spend and what areas of the home need surveillance. However, on a budget, many cameras on the market today boast top-tier features such as low-light visibility, high-quality images, and Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) technology. When powered over Ethernet, cameras can be properly installed with just one cable. As a result, you don’t have to worry about the mounds of ponderous, enmeshed cables that are often required to install sophisticated gadgets and devices.
Network (IP) security cameras can be accessed remotely online so you can check in on your camera system any time of the day, even out while shopping or on vacation. There are also several Smartphone applications that make it incredibly easy to view your live camera feed on an iPhone. Below, I’ve recommended three network surveillance cameras that not only provide first-rate surveillance protection, but also align with most budgets.
Axis M1011 Network Camera: For under $200, the Axis M1011 network camera is a rather small, inconspicuous security camera that doesn’t conflict with your home décor. Easy to set up, the Axis M1011 can be mounted on ceilings, walls, and placed atop book cases. Not to be overlooked, the M1011 network camera can be viewed online for modern-day convenience. High video quality combined with impressive image detail makes this a must-have for anyone on a budget. As a wireless camera, this model connects to an existing wireless network so it requires no wires to install and can be placed anywhere inside the house. Incidentally, the M1011 can be used to monitor family pets as well!
Vivotek Wireless Network Camera: The Vivotek IP8133W cube-shaped camera is inexpensively priced (less than $300 retail), but powerful in the features it offers. Perfect for home environments, the Vivotek IP8133W includes a PIR sensor for human detection along with a megapixel sensor, motion detection, and two-way audio so you can hear everything your camera sees. In layman’s terms, this low-cost security camera is able to alert your Smartphone or send you an email when it detects suspicious motion around your home and provides clear, megapixel image quality for detailed, easy-to-scrutinize images.
Optica D282 Mini Dome Network Camera: If you’re looking for a discreet security camera that can be used as a “nanny cam,” then the Optica D282 is an excellent choice. Small, compact, and sleek in appearance, this premium network camera offers high-definition image quality (1080 pixels), wide dynamic range to balance difficult lighting (think: sun coming through windows), and comes with free recording software to manage, view, and record your video. This camera is priced just under $330, so it’s still a bargain for any home setting.
The aforementioned camera recommendations are surprisingly simple to install, and less cumbersome to maneuver than one would expect. It’s a veritable solution to securing your home against break-ins and vandalism. On top of it, these three camera choices can be used to monitor service professionals like house cleaners, nannies, contractors, and house sitters. Start protecting your home today, and discover the benefits of peace of mind while away on vacation or at work.
Ellen brings a wealth of experience in research, writing, and outreach to her role as Communications Manager for VideoSurveillance.com. She is the lead writer of the VideoSurveillance.com blog.
