Are Wireless Outdoor Security Cameras Really Worth It?
Every day we get someone asking us, “do you have wireless security cameras?” There are pros and cons, but the pros are a little more surface level and the cons may be unknown. So, if you’ve been looking into getting wireless security cameras for your home, we’ve written this article for you. Whether you are looking for night vision, cameras with lights, easy to install or professional or just something that connects to your phone. This is what you need to know about indoor and outdoor wireless security cameras.
Are Wireless Video Surveillance Cameras Easy to Install?
Yes, wireless video surveillance is typically easier to install than professional or wired security cameras. That’s the number one reason to go with them. They typically have a monthly cloud storage fee for your video. The wifi can be spotty which can provide you with lackluster coverage from time to time and the they are more susceptible to be hacked. They are however easy to install. It might not take any experience for you to be up and running. It really comes down to what you are looking for.
How Secure Are Wireless Security Camera Systems?
Wireless home security cameras are known to not be bulletproof as far as security goes. One of the big concerns is that a lot of wireless cameras are recording audio and video of your family and friends in your home. Interactions and conversations. That footage is then stored online. So, for a lot of people this is a no-go. Things like easy or default passwords make you more likely to be hacked.
Security Cameras with Lights or Night Vision?
As for security cameras with lights vs night vision it mostly comes down to how close someone is likely to be to your camera if you catch them on video. When a dark night meets a bright light at a close distance you will have a blown out image of a person. Their face could appear completely white and lack the definition to make out who is actually in your yard. At a higher point in which the camera has at least a few feet to shine the light may prove to be perfect.
An infrared camera can prove to be more of a consistent image no matter the distance of the subject to the camera.
Amazon, Best Buy or Local for Security Cameras?
Wired vs Wireless Security Cameras?
One example of security issues arose when a certain brand of cameras were found to be very open to attacks from outside sources. The owners of a certain kind of camera with the CamHi app were urged to unplug devices immediately.
Another issue is keeping your batteries charged in your device. If you are using a dead battery when something happens you aren’t going to have any footage at all. So, you may want to set reminders to install, recharge or replace batteries frequently.
A pro of wired cameras is that they are not prone to the same poor quality wifi signal, hacking or unexpected batteries dying. This is why I believe that as the new car smell wears off on the technology that makes wireless cameras, more people are finding their way back over to wired.
Another reason to be weary of wireless is that while often easy to install, you are much more prone to seeing issues or not having a working system a year or so after you have it installed. Small changes like moving a mirror, refrigerator or other reflective surface may disrupt your signal causing you to lose video. All the way to major changes like taking a wall down or moving things in your room. Another potential issue could be your neighbor getting a wireless security camera and unintentionally meddling with the power or clarity of your signal. Be very wary of changes in your home affecting whether or not you get a proper signal.
