STACK #257 March 2026

SMART HOME SMART SECURITY CAMERAS 10 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU BUY TECH FEATURE

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Smart security cameras are a simple way to beef up your home protection – and peace of mind.This ten-point checklist can help you pick the security camera or system that will work for best you. Words Bec Summer

Installation Wired cameras need to be connected to a power source and may require professional installation. They’re great for a permanent setup, but you’ll need to factor in cabling and placement. Wireless cameras are more DIY-friendly. Most can be installed using basic tools, and indoor models usually come with a stand for placement on a shelf or bench. Wall-mounting? Grab a drill, screwdriver and maybe a ladder, and you’re good to go.

Not keen on another monthly bill? Look for cameras with local storage via microSD cards, or a compatible hub that stores footage to a hard drive at no extra cost. Some brands even bundle a hub or HDD in the box. Image resolution Go for the highest resolution your budget allows. FHD 1080p works well for every day monitoring. Step up to 2K for sharper clarity, especially when zooming in. Need to capture licence delivers ultra-crisp footage and is ideal for covering large areas. Field of View (FOV) FOV is how much area the camera can see. A wider FOV covers more space and reduces blind spots, while a narrower view can capture finer detail in smaller zones. Some cameras offer wide views with pan-tilt zoom functionality, so they can follow motion and monitor an entire area. Colour night vision Colour night vision gives you clearer, more detailed images in low light, using ambient light or built-in spotlights to enhance clarity. Intelligent recognition Smart cameras can tell the difference between plates or clear facial details? 4K resolution

a person, animal or vehicle and send tailored alerts. Just note that advanced recognition features may require a subscription fee. Some models

take it further with AI-powered facial recognition that learns familiar faces, helping reduce unnecessary notifications and keeping alerts relevant. Battery life Some wireless cameras can keep watch for up to six months on a single charge, depending on usage. High-res recording, continuous capture, and frequent spotlight use can drain the battery faster. For outdoor setups, solar charging is a smart move. Look for cameras with built-in solar panels or the option to connect an external one. Weather resistance Outdoor cameras are generally weatherproof, but always check the IP rating. The higher the rating, the better the protection against water and dust. Smart home connection Already using a smart home system like Alexa, Apple Home, or Google? Make sure your camera is compatible so everything works seamlessly together. Devices that support the Matter standard offer even greater flexibility across platforms.

Renting If you’re renting, wireless cameras are the easy win. They’re portable, simple to install, and won’t leave any damage behind. Many indoor cameras can sit neatly on a shelf or cupboard – no drilling required. And when it’s time to move, just pack them up and take them with you. Subscription fees Some cameras require an ongoing subscription to unlock continuous recording, rolling cloud storage, and advanced features like parcel detection, pet recognition or custom activity zones. Many brands offer a free trial, but when it ends you might lose access to recordings and be left with live view only.

18 MARCH 2026

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