Submitted by Will Hennegan & TMCC Security Committee

A security camera is one of the best pieces of home security equipment for peace of mind. If you’re wondering what’s going on around your home, whether you’re in your bedroom or traveling abroad, opening an app and seeing your property can bring instant closure.

Figuring out where to begin can be a daunting task. There are hundreds of models and systems and features out there, and none of them are one-size-fits-all solutions. For those of you who have yet to dive into this space, this information may get you off the starting block.

For the Newbie

“Plug & Play” systems are as simple as they get and require minimal existing infrastructure beyond a good home wireless network. Many offer free online [cloud] storage tiers for storing video clips, which may be sufficient for some customers. Most companies also offer (or require) a monthly fee ($5 per month or more) that covers additional online storage and multiple devices. While there are well-founded privacy concerns about online cloud services in extreme cases, they have a great track record of reliability and security (as long as your login credentials are secured). 

Doorbell cameras are a great start in the $100-200 range, with models from known companies like [Amazon] Ring, [Google] Nest, Wyze, Amcrest, August, Arlo, and SkyBell. Ring also offers flood lights that can replace your existing exterior lighting and provide more camera coverage at the same time. Ring cameras also work fluently with Alexa (e.g. “Alexa, show me the front door”). Similarly, Google Nest devices are easily accessed from Google smart home devices. August has a smart deadbolt lock module that works well with their doorbell camera so you can facilitate access to your home, as needed, from the same app. These single-camera options are all devices that you can install with minimal tools, and with instructions made as simple as possible.

Models that utilize existing doorbell or lighting wiring require almost no maintenance; I generally recommend avoiding battery-operated models whenever possible. I’m already annoyed by changing our door lock batteries monthly and can’t imagine how frustrated I would be if I needed to do the same for all of our cameras.

For the Tech-Savvy

The next level up requires a bit more effort for setup, but with that comes more features and the ability to customize each component to fit your camera coverage needs. If you lean towards the tech-savvy side with tasks like configuring home routers for gaming and kid controls, and feel restricted by “plug & play” systems, this type of setup is only a few more steps and may be preferred. In short, this involves installing a network of wired or wireless cameras that are connected back to an NVR (network video recorder for network/IP cameras) or DVR (digital video recorder for coax analog cameras). Most original Timbergrove houses are great candidates for these installs since they are usually single story and relatively easy to wire. 

Companies like Lorex, Swann, ReoLink, and Night Owl offer mostly complete kits with an NVR and 4, 8, or 16 cameras. The higher the camera resolution, the more detail is captured. For example, an old “standard definition” camera may help identify the type of vehicle (e.g. white sedan), while a modern higher definition camera, if conditions were optimal, could capture the make & model, a license plate, or other specific trim detail to narrow down a police search. The megapixel marketing lingo can get distracting, but here’s a helpful range to remember: 1080p video is roughly 2 megapixels while a 4k video is over 8 megapixels. The more detail you want to record, the higher the megapixel you will want and the more storage and processing power your system will need. Depending on quality settings, a one-terabyte hard drive could hold a week of video from one 2MP camera, but less than 2 days of video from one 8MP camera.

Coax is an older yet resilient analog technology; the same kind of wire used for your TV antenna or cable box. Ethernet is newer and what I am betting on as the “future-proofing” option. Ethernet/IP cameras use a standard network cable (AKA: CAT5e/CAT6) between the camera and its NVR to carry power, audio/video streams, and controls. Ethernet is lighter, easier to manage, and 60% of the cost of coax.  While ethernet does not have the range of coax, it will support a camera up to 100 yards away—well within the needs of a Timbergrove house footprint.

If you are looking for the most flexibility, consider something like a personal computer running a software package like Blue Iris. With the right computer system this type of setup allows up to 64 different cameras of varying make, model, performance, etc. to meet many different video needs.

And If All Else Fails

If you don’t want to deal with any installation or setup, there are still options. If you have a TV/internet subscription or monitored home alarm system (e.g. AT&T/Comcast-Xfinity or SimplySafe/Vivint/ADT), those companies usually have packages available and technicians that will install and set them up for you for a reasonable fee.

And finally, you could still install “dummy” cameras for as little as $5-10 each. Just the perceived risk of being caught on camera may be enough for casing burglars to move on to an easier target.

Safety in Numbers

The more residents we have with personal surveillance, the less likely criminals will target your home and our neighborhood and the more peace of mind we all have. While the options can seem overwhelming, they don’t have to be. Start small, go big or call an expert depending on your comfort level.

Do you have a specific question about cameras or any other topic security related? Do you have a topic that you would like for us to write about in a future article? We want to hear from you. Please reach out to us at security@timbergrove.org or on Facebook @TimbergroveManorCivicClub. 

About the Author

Will Hennegan has been a resident of Timbergrove since 2012. In addition to his own home and a few neighbors, he has implemented various camera technology projects in the oil & gas industry over the last decade, including global cross-platform HD video conferencing and pipeline leak/intrusion detection systems.