Choosing the Right System: Picking a home security camera system can feel overwhelming – there are so many options on the market. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. In this guide, written in a friendly Aussie tone, we’ll break down how to choose the best home security camera system for your needs. By “system,” we mean a set of cameras (and possibly recording devices or monitors) working together, usually covering multiple areas of your home. We’ll look at important factors like your home’s layout, your security goals, budget, and key features to consider. Let’s dive in and find your perfect security setup!
The first step is to take a good look at your home and figure out what you want from a security camera system. Ask yourself:
Make a quick sketch of your floor plan and mark where you’d ideally place cameras. This will help determine how many cameras you need in a system – common home setups are 2, 4, or 6 cameras.
Home camera systems come in two main flavors: wired CCTV systems and wireless camera systems. Each has pros and cons for home use:
For many Aussie homes, wireless systems are appealing for ease, but if you want maximum reliability and don’t mind the install work, a wired system could be “set and forget.”
When evaluating different systems, pay attention to these features and how they match your needs:
Make a checklist of features that matter most to you, and use it to compare systems. For instance, you might decide: “I need 4 outdoor cams, no subscription fees, and Google Home integration” – that narrows down the options significantly.
While cameras are fantastic, it’s worth mentioning their role as part of a broader home security system. The best home security setup often combines cameras and sensors/alarms. Here’s why you might consider a hybrid system:
If you’re not ready for a full alarm system, cameras alone still do a great job. But keep in mind for the future – many start with a camera system and later add some sensors to bolster it. Some camera hubs (like the Eufy HomeBase or Ring Alarm) even allow adding contact sensors relatively easily.
We all have a budget to consider. The good news: you can get a decent home security camera system without breaking the bank, but you want to avoid false economy (too-cheap systems that fail when needed). Here’s how to approach budgeting:
. Over five years, that’s $900 in subscriptions, actually costing more than the hardware itself! If you dislike subscriptions, opt for systems with local storage or free cloud options. Some brands (Eufy, Reolink) offer devices that don’t require monthly fees – an attractive point for budget-conscious buyers.
Before pulling the trigger on a purchase, do a little homework:
After doing the above, you should have a clearer picture of what you need. Here’s a simplified example of a thought process to choose the best system:
Example: Jane lives in a 3-bedroom single-story home in Melbourne. She wants to monitor the front door, back patio, and driveway. She’s not very techy, so she prefers something easy to use. She doesn’t want to pay monthly fees. Jane decides on a 4-camera wireless system from Swann that comes with an NVR (so it records locally to a box in her living room). It’s within her $800 budget and has a user-friendly app. She liked that Swann is an Aussie brand with local support. She’ll place two cams out front (door and driveway), one on the back patio, and one spare she might put inside pointing at the hallway. She considered an alarm system too, but for now, cameras meet her needs and she can add Swann’s alarm sensors later which integrate with the same NVR. She checked reviews and saw mostly positive feedback about the camera quality and ease of playback. Feeling confident, Jane makes the purchase and plans a weekend to set it all up with the help of a handy friend.
onsidering the pros and cons, let’s talk about scenarios where wireless cameras are particularly “worth it”:
