Choosing a Wireless Security Camera Kit

A wireless security camera kit is a good way to see if video surveillance is right for you. DIY security camera kits usually include a wireless video security camera and a base unit. The base unit receives the signal from the camera, and outputs it to your TV or monitor. Some camera kits also include a small monitor for viewing your images, which can be a big help during set-up.

Small, single-camera systems like this are great for viewing activity in a focused area.

Good indoor spots include:

• Front entryway
• Kids' play area
• Baby's room
• Kitchen
• Family room
  

Outdoor home security cameras let you observe:

• Front door
• Pool
• Patio
• Driveway
• Workshop

Increasingly, wireless cameras are being designed to connect to your home Wi-Fi network, rather than transmitting to a dedicated receiver. Nest offers the Nest Hello doorbell, and Ring offers the Ring Video Doorbell. Both companies offer several other Wi-Fi-connected cameras, with various features.

These cameras allow you to view images right on your smartphone or other device, so you can see what's going on at home from anywhere.

Wireless cameras are also available in covert, or spy versions. These are best for quick, temporary installations. For permanent installations, I recommend hardwired spy cameras.

Click here to learn more about Choosing a Smoke Detector Spy Camera

 

Need to see more than just one area? Check out a Video Security Camera System with 4 Channels.

If you need still more cameras, here's a DVR Security Camera System with 8 Channels.

Having problems with vandalism or theft? A wireless security camera kit can be installed quickly and used to see what’s going on. By combining a motion sensitive camera with a digital video recorder, you can check on activity even when you’re not home.

If you're thinking about getting a DVR (Digital Video Recorder), find out what to look for when shopping. Check out these helpful tips on Choosing DVR Camera Systems.

Typical Wireless Security Camera Kit

The wireless security camera system shown here is an example of a very basic unit. It transmits audio and color video, and has only a single channel. If you need more than one camera (or think you might, someday) look for a 2- or 4-camera system.

The camera in this kit is powered by a plug-in transformer power supply, or through a 9-volt battery connector. The power supply and connector are included, while the battery itself is not.

By the way, powering any camera with batteries is not going to give much useful viewing time, since even the smallest wireless cameras drain power quickly. For permanent installations, a power supply is definitely the way to go.

The base unit of this wireless security camera system also runs on an included power supply. Use the supplied RCA cables to connect the audio and video outputs from the base unit to your television’s A/V input jacks. Set the TV to the chosen input, and you’re in business!

As it turns out, the battery option for the camera does have one very good use. It’s perfect for testing the view from various locations during initial setup. First, set up the base unit with its power supply, and connect it to your TV or monitor. Then, connect the wireless camera, adapter, and battery together.

You should now be able to see the live video image from the camera displayed on the monitor. This makes it easy to try different mounting locations and viewing angles to get the exact picture you’re looking for.

For viewing any area outdoors, it’s a good idea to check different viewing angles at different times of the day. Morning or afternoon sun can cause glare, and render the camera worthless as the lighting changes. Aiming a camera from inside a home toward the outside can cause too much backlighting, and will make the person or subject appear in silhouette.

Range on wireless security cameras for home use can vary. This system is advertised as having an operating range of 150 feet, and reviews seem to indicate between 100 and 200 feet. Your mileage may vary, depending on your home’s construction and any obstacles between the camera and the base receiver.

Choosing a Wireless Video Surveillance System

If you like the results from this wireless security camera kit, you’ll probably think of other places in your home you’d want to monitor. In all the years I’ve installed camera systems, I don’t remember a single customer who ever bought cameras and then had them removed. On the other hand, I can think of plenty who have added more units!

If you do decide to go for a bit larger multi-camera or DVR security camera system, you may end up going with hardwired equipment. In that case, this wireless security camera kit could be used for choosing locations for your wired cameras. Try out different camera positions with the wireless system until you find one you like. Then, run camera cables to those locations to connect the wired units.

When choosing any wireless video surveillance system, try to get all the equipment from one supplier. A complete package or kit will contain the right cables, adapters, and power supplies for each component. This can save you a lot of trouble searching for small parts and accessories.

Also, complete kits have components chosen to be compatible with each other. This means it will all work together, once it’s installed.

See this Mini Wireless Color Camera with Microphone at Amazon.com

Are you wondering what a camera system would cost?

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