Home Security Camera 101: All You Need to Know

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March 25, 2025
Smonet

If you’re looking for a smart, budget-friendly way to get started with home security, security cameras are a great choice. They offer a clear view of what’s happening around your home without the hefty cost of full security monitoring services. Our beginner’s guide walks you through the key specs and features found in top-tier home security cameras, so you can make an informed decision.

1. How wireless security cameras work

Wireless security cameras are designed to offer a seamless experience in monitoring your home without the hassle of cables. These cameras transmit video and audio signals using radio waves (Wi-Fi signals), capturing data and sending it to a receiver—whether that’s an NVR/DVR, computer, or an app on your smart device. Thanks to Wi-Fi connectivity, you can access this data anytime, anywhere, as long as you have an internet connection.

A wireless security camera connects to your home Wi-Fi network, eliminating the need for physical cables. Key components like the lens, image sensor, processor, memory card, and Wi-Fi antenna work together to ensure high-quality video capture and transmission. The lens focuses light onto the image sensor, which captures video similar to how a digital camera works. CMOS and CCD sensors are commonly used, with millions of light-sensitive pixels that convert light into electronic signals.

The onboard chipset processes the captured video, encoding it into a compressed format such as H.264 or H.265. This helps conserve both bandwidth and storage space without compromising quality. Image processing features like motion sensing, facial recognition, digital zoom, and night vision are managed through the camera’s integrated circuit board.

Video footage is stored on a removable microSD card within the camera before being sent through your home Wi-Fi network. This local storage serves as a backup in case of internet outages. Many cameras can support up to 512GB microSD cards, providing weeks of 24/7 recording.

2. Types of security cameras

Security cameras come in a variety of types, each with its own unique features. While many of these cameras can be used interchangeably—outdoor cameras can perform just as well indoors—it’s helpful to understand the main purpose and specific names of each type. To guide you in your selection, we’ve included links to our camera reviews, offering a closer look at what you can expect from each camera type.

1) Wireless camera (IP camera)

When it comes to wireless cameras, the term refers to the Wi-Fi connection they use to sync with a mobile app. While most IP cameras come in wired and battery-powered versions, a true wireless security camera goes one step further—eliminating cords entirely for a completely cable-free experience.

2) Outdoor camera

Outdoor cameras are built with weatherproofing, making them more resistant to moisture and extreme temperatures—two factors that can damage unprotected security cameras. To help you make an informed choice, we’ve outlined the key differences between indoor and outdoor cameras.

3) Solar-powered camera

Solar-powered wireless security cameras are typically the same as most wireless outdoor cameras, with the added benefit of an optional solar panel accessory that helps charge the battery. This feature offers a sustainable way to keep your camera running without the need for constant battery replacements.

4) PTZ camera (dome camera)

Pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) cameras, such as the Wyze Cam Pan, come with built-in motors that allow you to adjust the camera’s direction using an app. These indoor cameras are particularly useful for monitoring rooms with subjects on opposite sides, helping to reduce the total number of cameras needed for comprehensive coverage.

5) Floodlight camera

Floodlight cameras, such as the Ring Floodlight Cam, combine the functionality of motion sensor lights with a built-in surveillance camera that captures video footage. Unlike typical USB-powered cameras, these units wire directly into an electrical junction box, making installation more challenging. However, if you’re comfortable with minor electrical work, you should be able to handle the setup with ease.

6) All-in-one camera

All-in-one cameras, such as the Abode Iota, merge a security camera with additional sensors to create a compact security system. Unlike standard home security cameras, most all-in-ones can connect to external security sensors, allowing you to extend detection capabilities beyond a single room.

7) Multi-camera surveillance system (CCTV system)

Multi-camera surveillance systems link multiple wired cameras to an NVR or DVR, making video recording and management easy. While wire-free models are available for an additional cost, most systems rely on video or Ethernet cables to connect to the DVR, which can increase both installation time and complexity. For this type of setup, you might want to consider professional installation assistance.

8) Video doorbell (doorbell camera)

Video doorbells take the place of your traditional doorbell, offering a wide-angle security camera that allows you to interact with visitors through two-way audio. In addition to providing enhanced communication, they also offer added protection against intruders and porch pirates by monitoring your front porch and yard.

9) Hidden camera

Hidden cameras use compact designs and clever disguises to capture covert video in areas where visible security cameras might be tampered with by burglars. These discreet indoor security cameras are not intended for spying, as doing so would typically violate privacy and wiretapping laws.

10) Baby monitor

Baby monitors are primarily designed for caretakers to watch over young children in different parts of the house using a dedicated video monitor. While these wireless security cameras can serve a home security role, they’re not typically intended for that purpose. For those who prefer not to use a dedicated baby monitor, we recommend opting for a pan-tilt or indoor camera instead. Be sure to check out our nanny cams review for more details.

3. Why video matters in home security

Video plays a crucial role in the “Document” aspect of home security, offering tangible evidence of what’s happening around your home. Whether it’s a thief snatching your Amazon package or an intruder trying to break in through a window, video captures those moments. The quality and quantity of the video are essential for a security camera’s effectiveness.

1) Video quality

Security cameras rely on HD video to deliver enough detail to identify people clearly. A camera’s resolution, night vision capabilities, and field of view are the primary factors influencing the overall video quality.

2) Resolution

Most security cameras provide at least 1080p video, which should be the minimum standard you accept. If your budget allows, you can upgrade to a 4K (2160p) camera, but keep in mind this will use up storage and wireless bandwidth much faster. A balanced option is 2K (1440p), which offers enhanced detail without rapidly consuming storage and bandwidth.

3) Night vision

Infrared night vision is standard on most home security cameras, though the quality varies depending on the camera’s image sensor. While infrared video tends to have less detail and lacks color, cameras with color infrared or built-in spotlights now offer more vibrant and detailed nighttime footage.

4) Video quantity

Effective monitoring requires storage, as a security camera without enough storage is essentially just a webcam. The quantity of video captured is just as important as its quality.

5) Local storage

Gone are the days of VHS tapes for storing footage. Now, microSD cards handle the task, offering an affordable way to store loads of video clips or continuous footage. Local storage can also save on internet bandwidth if you have a data cap. Footage is stored until the card is full, at which point you can choose whether to delete old videos or stop recording. Some systems use a hard drive on a CCTV camera system DVR (or NVR) or a USB stick for wireless cameras connected to a base station (like Arlo Ultra 2).

6) Cloud storage

Not all camera brands support local storage, as companies often prefer to sell you a subscription for cloud storage. Cloud storage offers the advantage of retaining your video even if the camera is stolen and often includes extra features like enhanced notifications and emergency response services. Most cloud plans cost less than a Netflix subscription, with the best deals providing unlimited cameras for about $10 per month. Keep in mind that videos typically expire after 14 to 60 days, so download anything you want to keep permanently.

4. Important home security camera features

Home security cameras offer a range of features that enhance the overall video experience, beyond just capturing footage.

1) Mobile apps

Nearly all modern home security cameras come with a free mobile app. This app is used for setting up the camera, viewing live video, and using two-way audio to communicate with guests. The app also connects the camera to other smart home devices. While the app is free, features like cloud storage, smart notifications, and advanced detection may require a subscription.

2) Two-way audio

A built-in speaker turns a security camera into an intercom that pairs with your mobile device, enabling you to speak to people on the other end. Most cameras offer two-way audio, but video doorbells flip the script, letting visitors grab your attention when they press the button. (Typical security camera systems using a DVR usually don’t include two-way audio.)

3) Motion detection

To save on storage, many wireless security cameras opt for short video clips triggered by motion detection rather than recording continuously. This helps you focus on the highlights of the camera’s day without sorting through long, empty footage. Many cameras let you adjust motion detection sensitivity and create motion zones, while others provide notifications for specific events like detecting people, animals, vehicles, sounds, or packages.

5. Security camera installation

The type of camera you choose will influence where you can place it, so it’s important to plan your installation spots beforehand. While many security cameras are DIY-friendly, professional installation is available for around $50–$100 per camera or as part of a full security system setup.

1) Indoor placement

A typical indoor camera works well mounted above a power outlet or on a high shelf. If you don’t want visible power cables, you can easily hide them behind tall furniture or wall decorations. For a wide field of view, place fixed-view cameras in a corner or on a narrow side of the room, avoiding obstructions. PTZ cameras are ideal for larger rooms where they can have a clear line of sight to subjects.

2) Battery-powered cameras

Battery-powered wireless security cameras are simpler to install since they don’t require a power cord. When choosing a spot, ensure it’s easy to reach for battery changes or recharging. Avoid placing cameras too low, as it could impact the field of view and make them more accessible to intruders.

3) Outdoor placement

For outdoor home security cameras, consider the location of the nearest power outlet, both inside and outside. Cameras with wide fields of view are great for capturing footage from the front and back of your home, but be mindful of capturing too much of neighboring properties. There’s more flexibility when recording public streets next to your house. Even though outdoor cameras are weather-resistant, it’s best to place them under an overhang or eave to keep them free from dirt and water droplets caused by rain or snow. To avoid overheating or glare, it’s best to position outdoor cameras in areas without direct sunlight.