STACK #241 November 2024

SMART SECURITY SOLUTIONS continued

TECH FEATURE

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WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR

• Image resolution When it comes to image quality, opt for the highest resolution that you can afford. Full HD 1080p is fine for general surveillance, while 2K delivers better clarity overall and when zooming in. But if you need crystal clear footage to identify a licence plate number or an intruder’s face, 4K resolution can capture fine details at a distance, and is also best for monitoring large areas. • Motion detection This is generally a standard feature of security cameras and video doorbells, triggering recording and alert notifications to your phone. High-end cameras can offer greater customisation options for things like range and sensitivity to motion, as well as setting up specific activity zones and identifying the type of motion detected (person, animal, or vehicle). • Field of View (FOV)

Solar charging

Subject recognition

and spotlight intensity and duration can significantly affect battery life.

• Colour night vision and spotlights A camera with colour night vision can deliver more detailed image quality in low light, using ambient light sources like streetlights or an inbuilt spotlight/floodlight to boost clarity. Some models can also include an inbuilt siren as a further alert and deterrent to intruders. • Intelligent recognition Many cameras and doorbells can now alert you to the type of motion that’s been detected – a person, an animal, or a vehicle. However, this function often requires a monthly fee to unlock it. Then there are cameras equipped with AI powered facial recognition learning to cleverly differentiate between household members, frequent visitors and strangers, thus minimising unwanted alerts. • Battery life Wireless cameras and doorbells generally have a long battery life and some can keep watch for up to six months on a full charge, depending on how often the camera is activated. Factors like high resolution capture, continuous recording,

Solar charging is the best way to extend your camera’s battery life – look for models that have an integrated solar panel or can be connected to a compatible stand-alone panel. • Weather resistance Quality outdoor cams and doorbells are generally fully weatherproof, but it pays to first check the IP rating for resistance against water and dust – the higher the number, the more durable. • Storage options Check if the camera supports cloud storage, local storage (like microSD cards), or both. Subscription fees may be required for cloud services, however some brands can include a hard drive or hub for local storage as part of the package. • Smart home connection If you have an existing smart home ecosystem – Alexa, Apple Home, or Google – ensure that your camera or doorbell is compatible and can be easily integrated, or look for devices that support the Matter connectivity standard.

FOV is simply the extent of the area or activity zone that is captured by the camera. A wide FOV provides greater coverage and reduces blind spots, while a narrower one can reveal greater detail in smaller areas and when zooming in. Indoor cameras can have a 360-degree FOV to cover an entire room, along with pan and tilt functions to follow a subject. • Two-way audio Many security cameras and doorbells have an inbuilt microphone to enable two-way chat, whether you’re at home or away. Listen for suspicious activity, tell delivery drivers where to leave parcels, converse with visitors, and warn off intruders.

32 NOVEMBER 2024

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