Security cameras are becoming increasingly popular and have a range of features to suit everyone's needs. Whether you are looking for a security camera for your home or business, there is no doubt that these advanced systems can provide invaluable protection. But with so many different types and models available, it can be difficult to know which features you should focus on. 

A good security camera should have:

Night vision

Just like human beings, security cameras come with varying degrees of night vision. Some can see in total darkness, while others rely on artificial light sources to see anything at all.

If you're looking for a security camera that can see in the dark, you'll want to pay special attention to the night vision capabilities. Most cameras will list the maximum distance they can see in complete darkness, as well as what kind of light source is required for optimal performance.

For example, some cameras may require an infrared (IR) light source to see in the dark, while others may be able to use visible light sources like streetlights or porch lights. If you're not sure what you need, it's always best to consult with a professional before making your purchase.

Two-way audio

Two-way audio allows you to communicate with someone through the camera, which can be useful in a variety of situations.

For example, if you see someone trying to break into your home, you can warn them off with two-way audio. Or, if you're not home and your child is home alone, you can check in on them and make sure they're okay. Two-way audio can also be used to deter crime before it happens; if your camera is set up and someone sees it, they may think twice about breaking into your home knowing that they could be caught on camera and talking to you.

Motion detection

Passive motion detection is when the camera is constantly recording footage and saves it to a storage device, like a hard drive. If you go back and look at the footage, you can see if there was any movement in the frame. This is how most security cameras work. 

Active motion detection is when the camera only records when it detects movement. This usually happens with a sensor, like infrared (PIR) or ultrasonic. The sensor detects changes in the environment and triggers the camera to start recording.

Both have their pros and cons. Passive motion detection is more reliable because it's always recording, so you're less likely to miss something important. But it requires more storage space and can lead to false positives (recording something that's not actually movement). Active motion detection is more efficient because it only records when there's something to record, but it's more likely to miss something important since it's not constantly recording.

Cloud storage

When it comes to security cameras, cloud storage is one of the most important features to look for. Cloud storage allows you to store your footage off-site, so even if your camera is destroyed or stolen, your footage will be safe. Many cloud storage providers also offer additional features, such as motion detection and event-based recording, which can further improve the security of your footage.

Easy setup

You should be able to set up the camera easily, without having to hire a professional. The camera should come with clear instructions and everything you need to get it up and running.

Wide field of view

A security camera with a wide field of view is ideal for monitoring large areas. This type of camera can be mounted on a wall or ceiling, and provides a panoramic view of the area being monitored.

Weatherproof

When choosing a security camera, one of the most important features to look for is weatherproofing. A weatherproof camera will be able to withstand all types of weather conditions, whether it’s rain, snow, or sunshine. This is vital for ensuring that your camera will be able to continue working no matter what the weather is like.

Another reason why weatherproofing is so important is because it can help to prevent damage to your camera. If your camera isn’t weatherproofed, then it could be susceptible to damage from the elements. This means that you would need to replace your camera more often, which can end up being quite expensive.

Local storage

There are many features to consider when choosing a security camera, but one of the most important is local storage. Cameras that only store footage in the cloud can be vulnerable to hackers and internet outages, so it's important to choose a camera that has local storage options. Look for a camera that supports microSD cards or USB sticks for easy storage.

Smart home compatibility

A home security camera should be compatible with other smart home devices so that you can create a complete security system. This way, you can monitor your home even when you're away and receive alerts if there's any suspicious activity.

Video Quality

The image quality of a security camera is one of its most important features. Slow refresh rates and choppy, pixelated video were the result of security camera capabilities that lacked recording resolution for years. The majority of contemporary security cameras offer a resolution of at least 720 pixels, and some even go as high as 1080 pixels for streaming and recording.