Security cameras quickly become the go-to devices for home security. From video doorbells to hidden nanny cams, you can get a security camera to fit virtually any need that you have to protect your home and family.
Individuals that are not tech savvy are often afraid of the idea of installing what they may view as a complicated technical piece of equipment. We are here to show you there are some amazing cameras on the market that not only provide you with the video options you want and need but are super easy to install, set-up, and use.
Is there a security camera that is easily installed? Ease of installation is often a primary focus for security camera manufacturers. This means they work tirelessly to bring the best technology in easy to install and use cameras. Here are just a few of the cameras you can find that are simple to install.
- Ring Stick Up HD Security Camera
- iSmartAlarm iCamera KEEP 720p HD Security Camera
- Piper NV Smart Home Video Camera
- Arlo – Wireless Home Security Camera
- Canary All-in-One Indoor 1080p HD Security Camera
We know that a list does not do you much good if you know nothing about the camera. No worries, read on for a quick overview of these top 5 easy to install security cameras.
Ring Stick Up HD Security Camera
Ring is one of the biggest leaders in video security, continuing to provide consumers with the best video capture cameras. This stick up security camera can be used indoors or outdoors and comes with a mounting base that allows you to place the camera on any shelf or table. You can also use the mount and a couple of screws to place the camera anywhere you want to use it inside or out.
One of the coolest points about this security camera is that you can both monitor whoever is at your entrance and hear the live audio and be able to respond and warn them in case they try to enter. In addition to that, this sophisticated camera features an accurate motion detector that sends notifications as soon as it registers movement in front of your house. Talking about the convenience of the Ring Stick Up Camera, we want to highlight the compatibility with Alexa devices. Judging by our experience, it is simple to adjust the settings with voice control.
Another cool feature is the Ring protect subscription, which is perfect for those of you with a more flexible budget. This allows all members to save video and audio files recorded by the camera for up to 2 months. It is a perfect solution for those who are always on the go but don’t want to miss out on what is happening while you are out of town.
This camera is wireless and sets up in just moments. Link to the Ring App to be able to monitor your camera from anywhere. The rechargeable battery pack can be accessed using the quick-release, and extra batteries can be purchased so you never have to worry about waiting for a charge. Unfortunately, it can’t be connected with an Apple Home Kit.
Pros
- Comes with a reliable two way audio technology
- Highlighted by a quick release design for easy access
- Beginner-friendly with a few minutes setup
- Affordable price
- Easily adjusted with voice and zone control
Cons
- Can’t be connected with an Apple Home Kit
iSmartAlarm iCamera KEEP Pro 1080p HD Security Camera
The iSmartAlarm iCamera Keep Pro is not only a great security camera, but it also provides other security features, like smoke and carbon monoxide alarm detectors, built-in motion tracking, and customizable activity zones.
You get a 4-megapixel camera with 1080p quality video, two-way audio, and 8x zoom. In addition to fantastic resolution, you are also looking at 32GB of storage, which should be more than enough to save numerous video and audio files recorded by this camera. Not only that, but it also allows you to create time-lapse custom videos if you quickly want to cover a longer period. Most importantly, the motion and sound detection that this camera features results in notifications being sent to the suitable iSmartAlarm app in a matter of seconds. Talking about the convenience of this product, we want to highlight the custom activity zone and night vision that it excels at. Thus, you will be getting the same precision and resolution during both the daytime and nighttime.
As for the connectivity, it works with 2.4 GHz and 5.0 GHz networks. Keep in mind that this product is made for users in Canada and the United States, which means that you should look for an alternative product if you are residing in Europe or any other continent. You can connect to hundreds of smart devices and can even use Alexa through the iSmartAlarm app.
Pros
- 32GB of storage for video/audio files
- Accurate detecting motion, fire, CO2
- Offers an intuitive app for adjusting settings/monitoring activity
- Set custom zones and night vision
- Can be connected with multiple devices
Cons
- Not for people outside of the US and Canada
Piper NV Smart Home Video Camera
The Piper NV Smart Home Video Camera is a camera that you can plug into any standard outlet.
Considering that this is a battery-powered product, we would say that it offers a good run time. One of the coolest points about this product is that it supports 180-degree daytime and nighttime vision, making it one of the most convenient security systems for monitoring activity at your entrance while you are away. One of its highlighting points is that the Piper cameras don’t have any fees or subscriptions related to them. Thus, it is a perfect choice for all of you who are on a tighter budget. In addition to that, it offers real-time activity and allows you to check on the recorded videos (stores files for up to 5 days).
Similar to the aforementioned products, the setup of this product is beginner-friendly. Aside from mounting it in front of your house, you can also connect the camera with a Vera, iOS, or Android app. The reviewed software is intuitive and will alert you to ongoing motion. You can set email or text notifications depending on which suits you better.
This camera is an all-in-one security system that includes motion and sound detection, built-in temperature and light sensors, as well as two-way audio and a 105-decibel alarm. Unfortunately, the microphone isn’t as clear. Other than that, not much to say against it. This camera is compatible with Z-Wave smart devices. Set up is super easy and you can control the Piper NV from any iOS or Android device.
Pros
- Offers a great runtime
- Stores videos for free up to 5 days
- Works with an accurate 180 degree motion sensors at night and day
- Can be connected with Vera, iOS, Android devices
- Instant text/email alerts
Cons
- Microphone quality not great
Blink XT2 Outdoor/Indoor Smart Security Camera
Blink offers a wide range of DIY home security equipment and their cameras are amazing little smart devices that come with some great features. This indoor/outdoor camera has two-way audio, custom motion sensor technology that allows you to pick what you want to be alerted for, all with 1080p HD video.
One of its highlighting points is the fact that this security camera offers double the run time of the standard XT model. This product requires two AA lithium batteries that will support continuous performance for up to two years, including real-time video, motion detection, as well as recording, sharing real-time activity, and storing on free cloud storage. In addition to the reliability, Blink offers an intuitive app that you can use for two-way audio, as well as to receive notifications of anything that is detected inside or outside of your house. Most importantly, it will allow you to customize the direction in which you want the camera to point.
The simple setup is wireless and requires no tools. This camera can also be set in a vertical position on the side of a desk or a bookshelf to monitor indoor activity. It also offers infrared recording, meaning that the motion detection and resolution will still be high-quality during the nighttime. Use with any Alexa-enabled device and free cloud storage. Unfortunately, we had some issues connecting multiple devices at the same time.
Pros
- Comes with an accurate motion detection technology
- Intuitive infrared recording during nighttime
- Offers a long continuous run time
- Free cloud storage no hidden fees
- Customize the target zone
Cons
- Issues with simultaneous connecting
Canary All-in-One Indoor 1080p HD Security Camera
The Canary All-in-One Indoor Camera is a budget-friendly option that can still pack a punch. This camera is designed with Ai-powered intelligent detection. One of the highlights of this service is the premium subscription that gives you 1 year for free and that allows you to save recorded video and audio files for up to 30 days. Not only that, but you can also enjoy maximum data protection through 256-AES encryption and SSL coding. The setup is impressively simple and comes down to plugging the camera in and connecting it to a Wi-fi network.
The free app allows you to set up one-touch emergency services, and the camera features a powerful wide-angle lens that captures 1080p HD video, two-way talk, and live streaming. Thus, you should have an easy time reaching the police if you detect unfamiliar motion at your entrance. In addition to that, the camera is supported by intuitive iOS and Android apps, making it much easier to receive alerts on what is happening in front of your house, as well as respond with two-way audio. Unfortunately, it can’t connect with popular smart home kits.
Other than that, set up is a breeze, and the Canary requires no smart hub.
Pros
- Comes with a 1 year free subscription
- Highlighted by an intuitive iOS Android app
- Simple to install without a smart hub
- Offers 256 AES encryption for enhanced security
- Instant alerts through the mobile/tablet app
Cons
- Can’t connect with popular smart home kits
What to Look for in a Security Camera?
Home security cameras literally come in almost every size, shape, and even color imaginable. Each one having their very own unique set of features; including how easy they are to install.
Since cameras come in so many varieties, we thought we would give you a quick rundown of the features that you may come across when you are looking at home security cameras. This will give you the ability to know ahead of time what your unique needs are; making it easier to find the perfect security camera for you and your family.
Quality and Resolution
Security cameras come in all qualities and resolutions. The quality of the camera that you need is going to be based on what you are using the camera to monitor. If you are wanting to catch criminals in the act, then you’re going to want to have a camera with a higher resolution; this will help keep the images or videos from being grainy or pixelated. Common high definition cameras are 1080p.
If you need to save a little bit of money you can go with a 720p, but you are going to have a little bit of a delay in videos or pixelated images if they need to be blown up.
Field of View
A camera’s field of view simply refers to the angle that a camera is able to view from one side to the other. If the camera is stationary a field of view of a minimum of 120 degrees should capture most anything that you need. However, the best stationary cameras will have a field of view of closer to 180 degrees. Cameras with a tilt and rotate capacity may have a field of view of up to 355 degrees or almost a complete circle of view.
Movement Features (Tilt/Pan)
The ability for a camera to tilt, that is up and down, or pan, moving left and right, is directly related to the cameras field of view. Some cameras can be remotely accessed and moved, while others will automatically move based on, either a schedule or when it detects movement in its field of view. When detection occurs, it can focus on that area. Some cameras even have zoom features that allow the camera to zoom in on a specific event.
Recording Capacity
You are obviously going to want to be able to record the footage that your camera detects. That recording can be done a couple of different ways. Some cameras have memory card slots, that allow you to insert an SD memory card limiting your storage capacity to the size of the SD card. Other security cameras can record and send the footage to the cloud which depending on the camera manufacturer could be unlimited storage.
Outdoor vs Indoor
Another feature to look for in a security camera is whether it is designed to be used indoors or outdoors. If you are lucky, your camera can be used in either. Outdoor cameras feature special protections against weather, dust, insects, and other environmental factors that may damage or reduce the camera’s capacity to work.
Wired vs Wireless
Security cameras can be found in wireless or wired applications; although the most common these days are wireless cameras. These cameras are wirelessly connected to other smart home devices including voice-enabled smart speakers, motion detectors, and lights to name a few. Wireless cameras often feature remote control capabilities as well, allowing you to monitor or control the camera from anywhere.
Power Source
Separate from the connectivity cameras can be powered by electricity or battery. Most wireless cameras feature rechargeable batteries. You may want to consider purchasing additional batteries, so you never have to worry about being without your security camera waiting for a battery to charge.
Another option for some security cameras is the combination of electrical power with battery backup. These cameras plug into a standard outlet or are hardwired into your homes electrical system, but also have a built-in battery that automatically kicks in anytime there is a loss of power. In general, battery backups are designed to last for 12 to 24-hours.
Alerts
Often one of the most important features for a security camera to have is the capacity to alert you when something is detected. Whenever somebody enters the camera’s field of view or other sensor detection, many cameras have the ability to alert you and give you the option whether or not to record.
Alerts are typically sent through a linked mobile app to your smartphone or tablet. In some cases, alerts can even be sent to an Alexa enabled device allowing you to give verbal commands to the camera.
Security Features
A security camera is only as good as the security features that it has. After all, a security camera does not do you any good if someone can easily access the footage, delete it, alter it, or disconnect your camera altogether. There have been several instances of security cameras being used to spy on the very people they were supposed to be protecting. Most quality home security cameras will have encrypted transmissions using the latest security protocols. This is definitely something you will want to compare when you are shopping for a security camera.
Scheduling Options
Not everybody needs, or wants, a security camera to be on and recording all the time. Having scheduling options gives you the opportunity to decide when the camera is on and when it is turned off. Additional scheduling options, available on some cameras, give access to motion detection scheduling options, as well, like night vision, pet detection and can automatically shut down if it senses specific weather conditions.
Final Thoughts
As you can see home security cameras come in a variety of technical features, sizes, shapes, and really all of them… or most of them can be installed in only a matter of minutes. The reality is with wireless technology we are no longer limited to home security equipment that has to be installed by trained professionals. The wide range of home security devices, including cameras, that are available and can be easily installed by almost anyone continues to grow day by day.
We hope that you have found this article helpful; giving you the information that you need to find an easy to install home security camera that will fit your unique home security needs. Since no two homes are alike, neither are camera needs. We sincerely wish you the best of luck in protecting your home and family.
