Outdoor Security Cameras: What You Should Know!

You hear a notification ding on your phone, and there’s someone—or perhaps an animal—at your front door. Maybe, a package you were waiting for has just arrived. Unfortunately, you’ve opted for a cheap security camera, and as you check the app, all you see is a blurry image. It’s disappointing, right? You anticipated a sharp, clear picture that would let you identify who’s at your doorstep, but instead, you’re left wondering if you’re looking at a person or just a smudge on the lens. That’s going to be an issue.

Outdoor security cameras can serve as a valuable asset, creating an effective security barrier to help you monitor your surroundings, but important factors must be considered when making your purchase. Well-manufactured, commercial-grade security cameras enable homeowners and business operators to keep an eye on their premises and provide clear visual data on ongoing events. However, if you can’t distinguish the mail carrier from a potential intruder, or worse—experience a break-in without being able to identify the culprit—then it’s all worthless.

When designed, manufactured, installed correctly, and monitored professionally, outdoor security cameras can form a vital part of a complete security setup. At ESI, Emergency Systems Inc. we have over 40 years-experience in the security and fire alarm systems business.

Buying Outdoor Security Cameras

Outdoor security cameras must be specifically designed for their intended purpose to be effective. You can’t simply take an indoor webcam and mount it outside your home or buy an inexpensive non-commercial doorbell camera and expect it to deliver clear images. Sure, such devices can alert you to someone lurking or even breaking in, but they won’t provide a recognizable level of detail needed for prosecution. Additionally, commercial-grade security cameras alone can offer the full view and depth-of-field necessary for security monitoring. Doorbell cameras often have a limited range, which won’t reveal whether an intruder arrived on a bicycle or an identifiable vehicle. Moreover, many outdoor cameras require weatherproofing, as their designs must account for outdoor exposure.

If you’re thinking about installing outdoor security cameras, here’s what you should know.

At Emergency Systems Inc. (ESI), we’ve been supplying outdoor security camera solutions for various residential, commercial, government, and industrial applications for years. Our expertise in delivering security is unmatched, and we understand how different factors—such as size, location, and specific requirements—affect camera functionality.

Choosing the Right Location for Your Cameras

Camera placement is crucial. You should install your cameras in spots that are protected from the elements, like wind and rain. Consideration for the right position is essential to prevent tampering by intruders. The best practice is to mount the camera as high as possible, which eliminates most non-commercial grade cameras due to their limited range. You also want to ensure that the camera isn’t within easy reach for anyone looking to damage or remove it. Many professional-grade options are compact enough to be discreetly installed.

Wireless Solutions Present Unique Challenges

When having a professional install an outdoor security camera, it’s an ideal time to opt for a wireless system. Any exposed wiring connected to power or the internet can attract unwanted attention, making it easy for an intruder to disable the system simply by cutting the cords.

Choosing wireless cameras makes it more difficult for intruders to detect and compromise your security setup.

Enhance Your Protection with ESI

If you take ESI’s advice and go wireless, you’ll need to implement additional security measures. Wireless cameras can be susceptible to hacking; DIY installers often fail to change default settings, leaving their systems exposed to cyber intrusions.

At ESI, we also offer cameras equipped with tamper detection technology. This feature alerts you and our monitoring center if there’s an issue, sending notifications to your smartphone, portal, and monitoring service all at once.

These cameras can identify:

– If the lens has been obstructed by an object or paint

– If the camera has been struck or physically moved

– Loss of power to the camera

– Any obscured focus on the lens

Why Choose ESI as Your Security and Fire Alarm Provider?

The considerations we have presented are essential when choosing an outdoor security camera. With over 40 years of experience as a licensed security alarm company, ESI caters to both residential and commercial needs. We offer a comprehensive selection of security alarm products and have the leading central monitoring station in North Florida, staffed by expertly trained security alarm technicians. Contact us at 904-388-3975 for a free consultation—your most enlightening security discussion awaits.