With so many options to choose from, it may get a bit overwhelming when it comes to selecting a residential security camera solution for your home. Each camera line comes with its own list of unique benefits, therefore it is imperative that you ask the rights questions and do your research before committing to a solution.
To make this task a little easy for you, we have summarized 5 of the top residential camera solutions, listing their characteristics, as well as outlining what they’re better suited for.
Axis Companion Security Camera Series
Axis offers a user-friendly surveillance at a budget friendly price with great indoor and outdoor IP megapixels cameras. The major pro for this line is the fact that it only requires one-time initial purchase and installation charge. The major benefit with the Companion series is that the recording it stored on the cameras’ SD card, also referred to as the “edge.” Since it records and stores the video footage on the edge of the camera itself, there is no need to pay any monthly costs associated with cloud storage.
Therefore in summary:
- Record on Camera Edge
- No Monthly Cost
- No NVR Required
- View/Playback Remotely
- Relatively High Up-front Cost
- Motion Recording
TruVision NVR IP Megapixel Camera Kit
This is a complete, all in one, IP surveillance solution. It comes with two camera styles: wedge or bullet. It also has the option of either a 4 or 8 channel NVR. Users should go for the 8-channel in case they intend to expand the number of cameras attached in the future or expand the storage to 2TB. The cameras come in either 1.3 or 3 megapixels. They only record when motion is detected, unlike some of the other options. The footage is then recorded and stored on the NVR itself on-site. Users have the option of viewing the live footage via their smart phones, so you can be rest assured that you are always kept in the know.
In summary:
- All-in-One Camera Solution
- NVR On-site
- 1.3 or 3MPx camera resolution options
- Motion Recording
- No Monthly Cost
- View/Playback Remotely
TruVision Camera and Hybrid-DVR
Similar to the above TruVision kit, this option provides a complete, yet budget-friendly, solution for residential surveillance needs when upgrading your existing camera system. It requires coaxial cable to operate and thus may appear to be disadvantageous for some, while advantageous for those who already have access to such wiring. This camera also has the ability to see in low-light conditions providing colour images by day and black-and-white images in night-time applications (in conjunction with IR illumination). Therefore, with this line you can always be sure to capture high-quality footage. In addition, just like the Axis Companion series, this option also has one-time purchase cost with no monthly fees attached.
In summary:
- Recording on-site on the NVR
- Upgraded streaming on coaxial cable
- Higher upfront cost
Secur-i Residential Security Camera
To combat the issues and upfront costs associated with DVRs/NVRs and on-site storage for the security cameras, Secur-i offers cloud streaming that is easily accessible through your smart phone. However, not so surprisingly, this comes with a monthly cost attached to it. Secur-i from Alarm.com flexibly addresses the video monitoring needs of residential properties. With an easy to use mobile app you can check in on your home from anywhere to make sure things are operating smoothly. The security cameras record and monitor 24/7 continuously and the video streaming is stored for 7 days at $24.95 per month based on 1-year term agreement. There is also a 30 days storage option available to those seeking a longer-term storage.
In summary:
- Lower Upfront Cost
- Steaming Video to Cloud
- Monthly Cost
- View/Playback Remotely
Alarm.com Residential Smart Home Security Cameras
For the smart home owners out there, this may be the perfect solution for your residential surveillance needs. Alarm.com offers three types of residential security camera that you can add to your smart home system. Instead of recording continuously, these smart cameras only record and store based on alerts and specific settings. For instance, the cameras may only record when the alarm has been disarmed, triggered, set up on a certain schedule or by motion detection. The monthly package comes with 1000 clips per month and you have the option of adding up to 4 cameras. The main difference between Secur-i and Alarm.com is the fact that Secur-i cameras record continuously, while Alarm.com cameras record based on the settings you set.
In summary:
- Lower Upfront Cost
- Smart Home Add-on
- View/Playback Remotely
- Trigger/Scheduled Recording
- Monthly Cost
Whatever Your Needs, We Can Help
At SecurU, our primary concern is to ensure that our customers are getting exactly what they need. Therefore, if you have any questions or would like to know more about residential security camera solutions, do not hesitate to give us a shout – we love to help! We offer our services to a range of areas covering from Oakville, Burlington, Georgetown to Milton, Missisauga, and other regions.