Smart Home Security Buying Guide

Most cameras these days are not only easy to install, but also designed to be as pain-free as possible. Here are the basic steps to install your security camera.

Ready to install your home security camera? Here’s how:

1. Plan placement - Map out your priority areas and the angles where you want to place your cameras. Each location should have a clear line of sight and, ideally, some protection from the elements. If you’re installing a wired camera, it also needs access to a power source, so you may need to drill a hole in the wall.

2. Prep camera mount - Many cameras come with drill templates to help you place holes correctly. Using the template, drill holes at the indicator for the mounting screws, and install any mounting pins by tapping lightly with a hammer. Then, you’ll be ready to screw the camera mount into your wall securely.

3. Install your camera - Secure the camera onto the mount and adjust it to the desired angle. If you have a wireless camera that requires batteries, install them first. However, if the camera is part of a hardwired security system, connect the cable extending from the wall to the camera before securing the camera in the mount.

4. Download the app - We often scroll through social media, but now, we scroll through different livestreams of our home! Most smart security cameras have apps that enable you to control the device remotely or to get livestreams of footage if you are out of town. Simply download the app and install it onto your mobile device.

5. Add your device to Wi-Fi - Once you’ve downloaded the software and app, follow the instructions to add the camera as a device on your Wi-Fi network, if it’s Wi-Fi-connected.

6. Test it out - Be sure to check out your video feeds and make any required changes to the positioning – you want it to capture the most optimal angles!

Yes, most modern cameras come with built-in microphones, which they use to capture audio while recording video footage.

Traditional surveillance camera systems typically don’t have a microphone, so they do not record sound. However, with many of the latest home security cameras not only do you have sound but two-way audio which uses a camera's built-in speaker like an intercom so you can talk with people.

Just like security cameras, video doorbells capture video, day and night, and audio through a speaker and microphone. Here’s how …

A video doorbell offers two primary features: convenience and security. Here’s how they work:

Video doorbells consist of a ringer and an internet-connected camera. This device is either battery-operated or connected to a traditional doorbell’s wiring.

The camera activates when someone pushes the doorbell. If you’re home, you’ll hear the doorbell sound. If not, the camera transmits a signal to your mobile or desktop app that shows you who’s at the door.

Since the device is internet-enabled, you can be miles away from your home, and you’ll still know when someone comes to the door.

The word “smart” gets bandied about a lot in tech circles, but in this context it means interconnected devices, like light bulbs and washing machines that you can control through a smartphone, tablet, or smart hub. Some smart homes use voice assistants, while others just rely on apps and sensors to do the work in the background.

For smaller spaces, a couple of smart cameras and a video doorbell might be just right. If you’ve got a medium-sized home, you might want to add a few extra cameras and perhaps a smart lock or alarm system. For larger homes, go big with a full setup including multiple cameras, video doorbells, and alarms placed in all the right spots. Just make sure to consider your home’s layout, budget, and security needs to create the perfect system for keeping your place safe and sound.

The best home security camera is the one that suits your home, coverage needs and budget. Compare video resolution (1080p to 4K), field of view, night vision range, power source (battery, solar or wired) and storage (local or cloud). Popular brands in Australia include Eufy, Ring, TP-Link Tapo and Arlo.

Yes. A barking dog alarm uses motion detection to play a realistic barking sound when someone approaches, making it seem like there’s a dog inside. It works best alongside visible security cameras and motion-activated lighting to deter intruders before they reach your door.

Yes, most smart security cameras are designed for easy DIY installation. Battery and solar-powered cameras need no wiring and can be mounted almost anywhere, while wired and PoE cameras need cabling but provide continuous power. For larger wired systems, a professional installer can help.

Indoor security cameras are compact and designed to monitor rooms, pets and family, while outdoor cameras have weather-resistant housings built to handle rain, dust and heat. Outdoor models often add night vision, spotlights and sirens to monitor and protect your home’s perimeter.

No, you don’t always need a subscription for a security camera. Cameras with local storage, such as a microSD card or home hub, record footage with no ongoing fees. A cloud subscription stores footage off-site, so it stays safe even if your camera is stolen or damaged.

Most homes are well covered by a 2K security camera, while 1080p suits indoor rooms and 4K suits large yards or driveways where you need to zoom in on detail. Higher resolution makes faces and number plates easier to identify, but uses more storage.

Choose Wi-Fi security cameras for easy, cable-free installation in an existing home, or wired cameras for the most reliable connection and continuous power. Wired PoE cameras carry power and data through a single cable, making them ideal for new builds or renovations.

A few changes to check:

• Removed the $30 entry price: it had no source, and prices date quickly.

• Removed the 6MP to 8MP NVR line: it’s aimed at wired NVR systems, which don’t match the range we sell.

• Reworked the barking dog answer: it now explains what the product does. If we don’t stock barking dog alarms, I’d swap this question for “Are smart home security systems worth it?”, which is in your research pack’s question set.

• Brand list in the first answer: check it against current stock. I based it on the brands in the content audit.