Video doorbells have changed the home security game. Even if you can’t afford a full security system, one of these devices can watch over your house at all times.
You can use your doorbell security camera to capture package thieves, unexpected visitors, and your family’s arrivals and departures. But recording activity isn’t the only thing your device can do. Many video doorbell cameras offer a range of features designed for greater security and convenience.
Before purchasing your device, decide which capabilities you want from it. You can use this list to evaluate the different options and find the perfect doorbell camera.
What should I look for in a doorbell camera?
1. Video specs
Capturing video is your doorbell camera’s primary job. Should someone steal a package or vandalize your home, you need footage that clearly captures the perpetrator’s face. Look for a camera that offers 1080p resolution. This is the best resolution offered by these devices and will give you the clearest picture.
Night vision is another important feature, even if you have a porch light. If you get a visitor or capture a crime after dark, this capability will make sure you capture all of the important details.
Next, consider the camera’s field of vision. You want to choose a device that will cover as much of your stoop, porch, and/or yard as possible. In particular, you should pay attention to the device’s vertical range. It should allow you to see both the faces of visitors and anything at the bottom of the door, such as a package.
Zoom capabilities are less important but still nice to have. Keep an eye out for cameras with optical or digital zoom capabilities. If you need to read a license plate or see if you recognize someone in the yard, this option will come in handy.
2. Intelligent analytics
In the early days of video doorbells, any movement could trigger the camera’s motion sensor, giving users numerous false alarms. Now, many devices use intelligent analytics to identify the source of the movement. Along with minimizing false alarms, this feature gives you more control over the type of alerts you receive.
Typically, your video doorbell’s software will be able to recognize and ignore movement caused by nature, such as branches or bushes moving with the wind.
Your camera should also be able to differentiate between people, animals, and vehicles. If you don’t want to get an alert whenever a dog runs across the yard, you can turn off the notifications for any movement caused by animals.
Some high-end video doorbells can identify packages as well. You’ll know as soon as the delivery driver drops your purchase off. Plus, you’ll get an alert if someone tries to take the package before you can grab it.
Custom activity zones are another great feature. In the app, you can outline the areas you want the camera to watch. Any movement outside of these zones will be ignored. This capability is crucial for homes near high-traffic roads or walking routes. Easily minimize your false alarms without sacrificing any security.
3. Smart home automation
Smart home automation is the latest and greatest option for home security technology. An internet-connected video doorbell can integrate with your other smart devices, making your life easier and more comfortable.
Doorbells that integrate with Amazon Alexa and the Google Assistant, for instance, enable voice commands. You can ask your smart assistant to show your doorbell camera’s live feed on your smart TV or tablet. Even if you don’t have your phone nearby, you can still see who’s visiting without having to go to the door.
Additionally, you can automate recordings based on a specific schedule or trigger. To make sure your kids arrived home after school, have your doorbell camera record a video when they are supposed to get home or after they disarm your security system. If you have a smart door lock, capture a video whenever it is unlocked.
Automations give you more control over your home’s security without demanding more of your time or attention.
4. Power options
There are two types of video doorbell cameras, wired and wireless.
Wireless doorbell cameras run off of battery power. You will have to replace or recharge the batteries periodically to keep them running. Since these devices don’t need to be wired into your home for power, they are much easier to install. Typically, you will use a peel-and-stick adhesive to attach the device to the front door or to the wall beside it.
Wired video doorbells often replace the current doorbell. After removing the current device, you will connect the camera to your home’s doorbell wiring. You won’t have to worry about any batteries, but you will lose access to the video feed if the power goes out.
If you live in an apartment or type of housing that doesn’t have a doorbell, a wireless device is the best option. They’re also ideal for rentals and other types of temporary housing.
5. Two-way communication
You won’t just use your video doorbell to capture video. It will also connect you to anyone at the front door, even when you’re miles away from home.
While two-way communication is a standard feature, the quality can vary. As you consider different doorbell cameras, pay attention to what reviews say about the audio quality. Make sure your visitors will hear you clearly. Watch for complaints about lags or broken audio.
Some devices offer additional communication features as well. The Google Nest Doorbell Cam, for example, allows users to play pre-recorded messages for visitors. Tell door-to-door salespeople that you’re not interested or ask visitors to give you a minute. If you’re on a call or otherwise unable to talk, you can use this option to handle the interaction with just the press of a button.
A video doorbell camera is one of the best ways to protect your home, especially if you don’t have a full home security system. For more tips for home protection and safety, visit our blog.
