Doorbell cameras are a common point of entry for people just getting into home security or smart home automation. Also known as video doorbells, doorbell cameras are fairly easy to install and less intrusive than some other security and automation devices. You might consider one as the first device to get your feet wet in the home security and automation pool.
The fundamental principle behind a doorbell camera is to combine the convenience of a traditional doorbell with the added security enhancements of an embedded security camera. The most basic models offer only those two functions: a working doorbell and a static camera. But you can buy more advanced models with tons of interesting features.
Before investing in that first doorbell camera, there are some key considerations:
1. Power Supply
A doorbell camera needs power to operate. As you might expect, you have two options in this regard: wired and wireless models. Whether or not your home already has a doorbell could influence your decision in this regard.
Wired Doorbell Cameras
A wired doorbell camera is so named because it is hard wired to your home's existing electrical system. A standard wired doorbell is a low voltage device that tends to have its own dedicated connection to the system. This is the best possible scenario if you are thinking about a wired doorbell camera.
You can simply remove the screws to pull out your existing doorbell, then connect your new doorbell to the same wires and mount it to the wall with screws. It is one of the easiest home upgrades around. The benefits of going with a wired model include increased reliability and not having to worry about checking and replacing batteries.
Wireless Doorbell Cameras
Your home might not already be equipped with a traditional doorbell. If that is the case, installing a wired doorbell camera means at least a minimum amount of construction work. You might be better off going with a wireless model. Wireless doorbell cameras are powered by batteries.
You are going to get basically the same functions with a wireless model. You will get a door chime along with a video camera that lets you see exactly who is at the front door before you ever open it. However, the downside is reliability. Forgetting to check and replace batteries could mean the device stops working without warning.
2. Device Connectivity
Your next consideration is device connectivity. Do you want your doorbell camera to integrate with a larger home security or automation system? Perhaps you are content with the device being a standalone device. That is entirely up to you.
If connectivity is important to you, you have one of two choices. Your first choice is to buy your doorbell camera as a single device to which you will add other devices in the future. Stick with a brand you can be reasonably assured will still be around in a few years.
Your second option is to purchase your doorbell camera as part of an entry level home automation or security system. Brands like Vivint Smart Home can customize your first package to help stay within your budget. Everything you add in the future should seamlessly integrate as long as you stick with the Vivint brand.
3. Device Installation
Device installation concerns address both power sources and connectivity. In terms of power source, installing a wired doorbell camera could mean cutting into walls, running new power lines, and even installing a transformer. But that is only if your home doesn't have a traditional doorbell already installed.
Installation of a wireless model is less complicated on one hand but potentially more complicated than the other. Physical installation will be a piece of cake. A typical wireless doorbell camera is installable with two screws. Although I would not recommend it, some models also come with an adhesive backing. You just peel off a protective layer and stick the doorbell to the wall.
A hard part could be connecting the device to your local Wi-Fi network. If you are not skilled with Wi-Fi, you may have trouble here. Nonetheless, you will have to connect the device in order to benefit from its security camera features. You will access those features through your phone.
4. Device Features
If you don't know much about doorbell cameras, you might find deciding on your preferred features the most challenging task of all. The simplest of models offer nothing more than a door chime and a standard video camera. But you can get additional features including:
● Motion detection.
● Night vision capabilities.
● AI-driven object detection.
● Cloud based video storage.
● On-born audio capabilities.
For my money the bare minimum would be a model that includes on-board audio. This particular feature allows a homeowner to communicate with a visitor without ever opening the door. Homeowners can even communicate from clear across the country. A guest standing at the door would have no clue as to whether the homeowner is actually home.
5. Smart Home Integration
Still another consideration is how easily a doorbell camera integrates into a larger home automation system. This is only a concern if you intend to expand your home automation device inventory. But here is the thing: provided you have a good experience with a doorbell camera, the chances are pretty good you will start investing in other smart devices.
That being the case, it pays to invest in a doorbell camera with built-in integration capabilities. A good example would be the ability to integrate the device into a security system being monitored remotely. That way. monitoring personnel can be alerted should an unauthorized person attempt to make entry through the front door.
In closing, your final consideration is budget. As with all things related to home security and smart home automation, it's a good idea to set a budget and then stick to it. Otherwise, it is too easy to spend a lot more than you can reasonably afford on new home automation devices. You don't want your first purchase to be your last.
