STACK #221 March 2023

TECH FEATURE

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SMART SECURITY CAMERAS Once upon a time, not so long ago, if you wanted CCTV cameras installed at home, you’d be ringing professional surveillance companies and having to steady your legs when the quote came back. Surveillance technology is now far more accessible to the consumer with easy step by-step installations that even the staunchest technophobe can master. You can buy cameras as wireless units or wired, which will suit different living conditions. If you rent or are planning to move, then the portability of wireless cameras is recommended; you can take them wherever you go. Wired cameras offer a more permanent solution. The benefit is that a wired camera requires a power supply, so you don’t have to worry about recharging batteries. CCTV cameras can be installed externally and internally. Many security cameras offer two-way audio, face recognition, motion sensing, voice assistant capability, sirens, and night front entrance, rear entrance, hall, lounge, garden, garage vision features, with some external models combining a camera with a spotlight. Our experience is to opt for the highest you can afford when it comes to resolution. A lower resolution camera is better than no camera, but if you want to capture details like number plates, you’ll want 2K resolution and above. Wireless cameras are easy to set up. Generally, once a companion app is downloaded, it’s as simple as scanning a QR code, entering a Wi-Fi password, and the camera is up and running. External cameras require some basic DIY skills to drill a hole and screw a bracket to a wall, but that's it. A wired system will involve tracing cable back through a ceiling space and potentially down the inside of a stud wall to a router. There’s a little more involved, but, as we’ve already mentioned, if the residence is permanent, it could be worth considering a more reliable connection and a constant power source – think set and forget. Finally, let’s talk about subscriptions. Many cameras require a monthly sub to access rolling cloud storage and additional features, while others have either onboard storage via an SD card or directly in a hub that records footage for free. If you’re reluctant to add yet another subscription to your monthly budget, look for a camera with onboard storage.

Top tip: A camera connected to a home Wi-Fi network is only as good as the signal it receives. Consider installing a mesh network if your home has dead spots or a weak signal from a router.

SWANN 2K OUTDOOR CAMERA Wired and weatherproof with night vision and a motion-triggered spotlight. Includes 24 hours of rolling cloud storage that can be increased with a subscription.

SWANN 2K INDOOR WI-FI CAMERA Can detect people, motion and heat, and has a built-in alarm, voice assistant support and expandable SD card storage for recording.

SWANN ALLSECURE650 The complete package, with two-way audio, a siren, a 105° wide-angle lens, and a heat and motion detector. Avoid subs with a massive 1TB of storage in the hub.

EUFYCAM 3 4K CAMERA Maximum resolution in crystal clear 4K, facial recognition tech, colour night vision, a spotlight, 16GB of internal storage, and solar battery charging.

18 MARCH 2023

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