Home camera surveillance system: how to make the smart choice

What type of camera should you choose to monitor your home?

There are several types of surveillance cameras on the market: outdoor cameras, indoor cameras and smart doorbells. Most of these cameras are fitted with remote access technology (analogue or IP), so that you can see what’s going on in your home—live or recorded—from a mobile phone, tablet or computer connected to the Internet by cable or Wi-Fi, no matter where you are … as long as you have access to the Internet.

Whether they’re designed for indoor or outdoor use, IP cameras are connected to a digital recorder equipped with video surveillance software that configures the cameras, records and stores video, and transmits data.

Wired or wireless cameras?

Wired cameras are the most reliable, as they are less subject to interference and connection interruptions than wireless ones. They do, however, require the installation of a network or coaxial cable.

By contrast, wireless (battery-powered) cameras offer greater flexibility but require periodic recharging.

Still not sure which ones to choose? CAA-Quebec’s Residential Advisory Services can help you sort it all out, and even refer you to an Approved Residential Supplier for installation, if need be.

And what about the smart doorbell?

Smart doorbells are installed on the outside of your home and replace traditional doorbells. Just like a camera, it lets you see and hear the person ringing your doorbell (through your smartphone) and even talk to them, as well as record images and alert you about any suspicious activity. Recordings captured by smart doorbells are generally stored in the cloud.

What are the criteria for a good camera surveillance system?

Not all cameras are equal. Make sure yours have:

• Good recording and image quality. Make sure that the camera chosen has at least 1080p video resolution, as the higher the resolution, the clearer the image.

• Wide coverage and good angle. Motorized cameras cover a wider area than fixed cameras that are pointed in a single direction. They can zoom, rotate 360° and be controlled remotely with a remote control.

• Built-in night vision. Infrared cameras operate in total darkness, but record in black and white when infrared is activated. Some models feature automatic illumination for filming in colour. Other types of camera can capture coloured footage, even in low light conditions. It’s up to you to decide which one suits best your needs.

• Good storage space for recordings.

• Different recording modes (continuous or single-shot).

• Good recording duration.

• Live viewing option.

• High-quality audio (microphone and speaker)

• Motion detection.

• The ability to customize parameters such as notifications, motion detection sensitivity, alerts, etc.

• Data privacy. Choose a complex password and never share it with anyone. Don’t forget to regularly update your password.

Is residential camera surveillance legal in Quebec?

The installation of surveillance cameras is legal. However, their use is regulated by law, more specifically by Articles 35 and 3 of the Civil Code, as well as Article 5 of the Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms. In short, you must respect the intimacy and privacy of individuals:

• If you’re intending to film people in your home—babysitters, cleaning staff, relatives in long-term care, etc. — you will need to have a valid reason for doing so, and make them aware of the presence of cameras.

• In the case of outdoor cameras and doorbells in public spaces, there’s no need to warn people that they are being filmed.

• Cameras are not to be used to spy on neighbouring homes, as this could infringe on their privacy.

Does a camera surveillance system lower my home insurance premium?

Just like an alarm system (traditional or linked to a central monitoring station), a camera surveillance system can entitle you to a discount on your home insurance (discover 10 ways to save on your premium), especially if it’s connected to your Internet network. In addition to deterring burglars (particularly during prolonged absences), cameras alert you in the event of a break-in or intrusion. Moreover, video recordings provide indisputable proof of the incident.

Of course, it isn’t just about having a good surveillance system; having good door locks is just as important, as is avoiding mentioning your time away on social media.

Our thanks to the people at Astral Security for their contribution to this article.