Details: Written by: Antony Joey; Category: Home Improvement; Published: 27 May 2023; Hits: 8322

Deal of the day

Certified Refurbished Blink Outdoor Wireless 2-Cam Kit

Recently, shifted our house from an old neighborhood to a condominium. As this is an old apartment, we did a major renovation. Looked around for all kinds of things. Since we made changes to everything, so why not go for an interesting security system.

Things to consider

Storage options

Storing video on a memory card is convenient and free. But for security’s sake, we prefer models that save footage in the cloud.
Video quality

Look for models that capture video at 1080p resolution or greater; 2K provides even more detail.
Power source

Wired doorbells are lower-maintenance, since battery-operated models need to be recharged every few weeks or months.
Specific alerts

All cameras respond to movement, but some can distinguish among people, pets, passing vehicles, and package deliveries.

Who this is for

Smart doorbell cameras are for people who want to be able to screen their visitors the way they do phone calls using caller ID. They allow you to monitor who is at the door and decide whether you want to answer it—if you’re busy cooking, have mobility issues, want to continue social distancing, or just aren’t home. These cameras also serve a valuable security function by recording video of whoever (or whatever) comes to your door or crosses your walkway, whether it’s FedEx or UPS dropping off packages or the types of miscreants who like to pilfer them.

These devices replace your existing doorbell with one that bundles a ringer button, a camera, a microphone, a speaker, and several sensors. When a smart doorbell camera is triggered by motion or the push of a button, it notifies you via an audible chime and a smartphone notification. And it streams live audio and video to your phone or tablet so you can hear and see your visitors in real time. You can even talk with those visitors or, in the case of solicitors, send them on their way.

In most homes with a powered doorbell, you can simply swap out your old doorbell button for a smart one and use the existing wiring; a few models can also run on rechargeable batteries. One practical issue some homeowners face is not having an adequate power transformer (a device that reduces your home’s 120-volt electrical service to a lower, and safer, voltage), as required by many smart doorbells. Though the majority of smart doorbells claim to work with the standard 16-volt transformer found in most homes with a wired doorbell, some are rated for 16 to 24 volts and may require installation of a power transformer to work properly. If you install a smart doorbell and hear humming, or if the doorbell chime doesn’t sound right, your existing transformer is likely the issue. If you’re not comfortable with or knowledgeable about home wiring, it’s best to hire an electrician.

Installing an all-seeing eye on your front door necessarily raises issues of privacy—both yours and that of your unwitting neighbors. Many people assume that the companies that make these cameras have free access to your recordings, though that shouldn’t be the case. We provide a few scenarios and suggestions in How to Keep Unwanted Eyes From Spying on Your Security Cameras. But it’s incumbent upon you to take a few minutes to understand companies’ terms of service and privacy policies. We also consider these issues when making recommendations (see Security, privacy, and smart doorbell cameras). Also, keep in mind that some neighbors, postal workers, pizza-delivery drivers, and other guests may not appreciate being recorded—and may be protected by local or state laws. For more about these issues, see our post Security Cameras, Ethics, and the Law.