Today, home security camera systems are supremely simple to install and use. You don't have to be a advanced techie to access camera feeds on a personal computer or smartphone.
Easy-to-install and simple-to-view security systems let you breathe a sigh of relief, knowing your house, apartment or storefront is safe and sound. On some systems, you can even receive real-time alerts when unexpected visitors are at the door.
We've rounded up a few of the best home security resources which you can learn about in the gallery above.
1. Logitech Security Cameras
Logitech's customizable home security systems are easy to personalize and create. All you have to do is scroll through a few screens here and build your custom system, depending on your home security preferences. Home owners have the option of building an indoor or outdoor camera network with night vision or without. Prices for cameras, accessories and premium services are clearly listed on the website. As you click through the quiz-like module, you'll see your total rung upon the side, so you don't go over your budget.
Making your system's feed web- or mobile- accessible costs $79.99. Consider how relaxing it will be knowing your humble abode is just as you left it. With the Web and Mobile Commander, you'll be able to manage your system remotely, pan, zoom and change alert settings.
Ideal for: Interiors and exteriors of homes and stores
Price: Starts at $300 for base system
Features: 720p HD Video, connects to your home's powerlines, motion detection, email/cellphone alerts
Image courtesy of Flickr, Michelle Gow
2. Dropcam HD Wi-Fi Monitoring Camera
Whether you're basking in the warm sunshine on a beachfront terrace or a walking the dog, you can see what's happening at home with Dropcam HD. The thin Wi-Fi video monitoring camera picks up footage from whatever you point it. With audio or motion detection, you'll be alerted when someone's home. Two-way audio will allow you to chat with your son or daughter when he or she gets home from school, for example. The company estimates set-up takes just 60 seconds. The Wi-Fi camera will keep rolling despite possible interruptions in Wi-Fi connection. The video stream is encrypted and secure on Dropcam servers.
Ideal for: Interiors of homes
Price: Camera starts at $149; Free iOS and Android apps
Features: 720p HD Video, connects by Wi-Fi, motion detection, email/cellphone alerts, two-way audio.
Photo by Bianca Consunji
3. VueZone
VueZone is recommended for home owners who want peace of mind without the messy cables and complicated software installations. Each wireless VueZone video camera can be strategically placed and focused to watch over important parts of the house. Check up on your kids in the living room with the babysitter or your pet while you're away at work. The compact camera can be attached to a wall mount and aimed at anything. Conveniently, homeowners can tune into live streams via smartphone or computer.
Ideal for: Home interiors
Price: Camera starts at $199.99; Free iOS and Android apps
Features: 640p, motion detection, email/cellphone alerts, digital zooms and pans, photo capture capabilities.
Image courtesy of Flickr, allie pasquier
4. Foscam
Foscam offers a range of wireless IP (internet protocol) cameras for indoor and outdoor surveillance. Digital feeds can be accessed from any web-enabled device with a password. Each network can support up to nine cameras.
Ideal for: Home interiors
Price: Camera starts at $199.99; Free iOS and Android apps
Features: Motion detection, email/cellphone alerts, digital zooms and pans, photo capture capabilities
Image courtesy of Flickr, Maga Soto
5. Archerfish
Archerfish is a sophisticated video monitoring system for homes and businesses. Customers have a choice between the Archerfish Solo package that comes with one "thinking" camera or the Archerfish Quattro, which includes four cameras, for larger residences. The cameras rely on Archerfish's Intelligent Surveillance Technology, which analyzes footage before sending out alerts and notifications. You can customize what you want alerts for -- people on the front porch from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on week days, for example. Archerfish will email short clips of footage to your smartphone, so you can examine the situation yourself.
Ideal for: Indoor and outdoor situations
Price: The Archerfish Solo starts at $349.99
Features: The Archerfish SmartPortal is available on any computer, iPhone and iPod touch. The Android portal is coming soon. Features include a video search engine, 24/7 DVR video saved onto a MicroSD card, tamper detection and HD video.
Image courtesy of Flickr, BK.BROWN
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