Whether you are traveling or working, it is sometimes important to know that everything is fine at home. Some solutions like the surveillance camera Nest Cam (formerly known as Dropcam) make things easier for you, but there are more ways to mount a monitoring system in your home.
In this post we are going to explain what options you have to be able to create a home video surveillance system, but without focusing on the complete security systems that bring alarms and other advanced features, but only on the common cameras that will allow you to do live streaming or make video recordings remotely.
Plug-and-play video surveillance cameras
Many manufacturers are trying to make things easier for users and have started offering "plug-and-play”Linked to certain web services and smartphone applications. To make use of these cameras you won't have to connect it to a computer or any other service. The only thing you will need is the camera itself and an internet connection.
La Nest Cam Google works this way. To use it you just have to connect it, link it to an account and then you can access live images from the web or from your smartphone, in addition to being able to configure an automatic recording.
Google Nest Cam
However, keeping such recordings will cost you at least 10 euros per month, But storing data in the cloud remains an important advantage because if someone breaks in to steal your gear, you'll still have access to the recordings from the cloud. Click here to buy the Nest Cam at the best price from Amazon.
Other products similar to the Nest Cam include the Home Monitor, Belkin Netcam HD or the SimpliCam.
IP cameras
The devices above are more convenient and easier to use, but if you don't want to store the recordings on a remote server and want access to some more advanced settings already a further customization, you can always go for an "IP camera".
The IP camera is a digital video camera that can send data over the internet protocol of a network. You will have to perform several advanced settings if you want to remotely access the video stream over the internet or simply have the camera save the videos on another device in your home.
IP Camera Amcrest IP2M-841B
Some IP cameras require a video recorder for the network, while others record their videos directly to a device NAS (network attached storage) or on a PC that you configured to function as a server. Other IP cameras even have a slot for microSD cards so they can record directly to that physical drive.
If you are going to create your own server, you must buy an IP camera that brings special software that gives you this possibility. Typically, this software will even allow you network multiple cameras to have a more complete view of your home.
The good news is that IP cameras are typically cheaper than plug-and-play solutions like the Nest Cam, although you may also have to pay an additional fee to use the software of your choice.
Webcams
Instead of using an IP camera, you could resort to a simple webcam to connect to a computer and use recording software.
Unlike IP cameras, the webcam must be connected directly to the computer via USBWhile the IP camera can be anywhere in the house and work via Wi-Fi.
Logitech C920Pro
In order to configure the webcam correctly, you will need to purchase a video capture and recording software designed to work with webcams and not just IP cameras. Further, you should have your PC on constantly so that the webcam can work in surveillance mode.
If you have thought about riding a video surveillance system for your home, our best recommendation is that you investigate long before you buy the cameras and software. If you are going to buy a plug-and-play camera, you should bear in mind that you will be asked to pay a monthly fee. If you are going to buy an IP camera or a webcam, find out if it has all the features you need, since for example not all cameras have night vision or HD quality recording.