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Doorbell cameras, also known as video doorbells or smart doorbells, have become a common part of every smart house. They have revolutionized home security and how people interact with visitors at their homes without having to come to the door. It has increased not only the convenience for people but also the security. These doorbell cameras are connected to Wi-Fi and allow you to access your door view through an app on your smartphones, iPads, or laptops. You not only get a view of your door, but you also get a two-way communication system so you can hear or speak to the visitors, as the cameras allow audio options too. The doorbell camera keeps you connected to your door security even when you are away from your home.
Over the years, doorbell cameras have gained popularity as a smart home device. According to Park Associates Market Research, about 28 million households in the US have installed the doorbell cameras, and many more households intend to purchase and install them in the future.
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Worth It or Not?
With an increase in the trend for getting doorbell cameras, the question arises whether they are worth the popularity or not. The answer depends on your personal preferences as well as the area that you reside in.
If you are someone who likes to integrate technology into your home, you will definitely consider a doorbell camera as a good investment. Moreover, if you are overly concerned about the safety of your house and like to keep monitoring your house and its premises, a doorbell camera can be a great help. If you look for convenient options to make your life easier, like not going to your door for every doorbell, again, a doorbell camera will be your favorite pick.
The utility of your doorbell camera is also highly dependent on the area where you live. If your area is not safe enough, there is a higher chance of theft, porch theft, and strangers coming; a doorbell camera can be useful. If there is a greater footfall of random salespeople, etc., ringing your doorbell every day that you would not like to entertain, you can quickly just converse over the app of your doorbell camera again, making it useful for you.
Now let’s have a look at the pros and cons of doorbell cameras.
Pros
Here are some of its advantages:
Deterrence
Having a doorbell camera can provide deterrence to any potential burglars. It shows that the house has security mechanisms in place, and they have a greater chance of getting caught.
Security
You can avoid casually opening the door to strangers and talking to them. You get to have a look at who is at the door before opening it. In case you are suspicious about the person at the door, you can simply ask who it is and the purpose of them coming. This avoids any risk of you opening a door to a stranger who could be a potential harm to you or your house.Â
Monitoring
You can monitor your door at all times. Even if you are not at home, you can access the app to monitor it remotely. It allows you to stay carefree as you are able to see who comes to your door.
Two way communication
The doorbell cameras not only allow you to see but also talk to someone who is at your door. It helps you know the purpose of strangers who come to your home; you can avoid them from inside. If someone you know comes to your door and you are not home, you can easily inform them. So it makes things easier and more convenient.
Evidence Collection
The most useful benefit of the doorbell camera is that you can find evidence in case you need it on your door and its premises. The data gets uploaded to the cloud or your app, which you can access depending on your service feature. In case of any investigation on someone trying to break into your house or stealing something from your porch, you can use the doorbell camera’s video for your help.
Motion Detection Alerts
The doorbell sends motion alerts when it detects movement at your doorstep. Even if no one rings the bell, you can still see if someone is acting suspiciously or hanging around your door. This feature can also reduce the amount of package thefts from your door/porch.Â
Integration With Other Appliances
You can integrate the doorbell camera with other security appliances like security alarms and locks on your door, giving you more control over the security of your house based on need. Incorporating technology in your house is always a good idea, and doorbell cameras are a good technology for your doorstep. It can make your home smarter and more convenient for you.
Cons
Now that we have looked at the pros of doorbell cameras, there are some disadvantages to them too. It is important to know the cons as well so that you can make a more informed decision in case you are looking to install one at your home.
Costs Associated With Doorbell Cameras
The initial cost of installing doorbell cameras varies from product to product, but it is not too much; however, there are other costs, like getting access to some features or services can add up.
For example, the app has a subscription fee. Some useful features, like motion alerts, may also come with extra charges.
Gaining access to videos from cloud storage might also need paid access. So, it’s not just a one-time cost for installation. To use all the features, you’ll need to pay some additional fees.
Crime Fighting Tool
Even though doorbell cameras are considered a safety device, they do not directly help as a means to stop any theft or as a crime-fighting tool. In case you see someone at your door, you will have to call the police and report it. So the security purpose of the doorbell camera needs action along with it to make it useful in that aspect.
Invasion Of Privacy
Doorbell cameras constantly record who is at your door. It also records your in and outs, so in that case the video also has access to whether you are at home or not. It is a constant invasion of your privacy as these videos get uploaded on the application and the company server.
In order to mitigate the risk of this information being used against you instead of for you, you have to make sure of the reliability of the company whose product you are using. It needs to be reputable and known for encrypting your data and making sure it is not being misused.
Can Get Hacked
Like any other technology, doorbell cameras can also get hacked by hackers. They can use your Wi-Fi connectivity to hack more than just the doorbell camera of your home but also other devices connected to your Wi-Fi. So you need to be careful while setting up passwords and setting up verifications.
Can Make You Anxious
Where technology can be a bliss, it can also make you anxious. When you know you have a doorbell camera, you are likely to monitor it multiple times a day. Certain false notifications of unimportant events might send you alerts, and you can get anxious over nothing. For example, for a cat at your doorstep, the motion detection alert can make you worried for some time.
Buyer Tips
If you are looking to buy a doorbell camera, you should look into a few things to make sure that you make a good purchase that optimizes the usage of doorbell cameras for you.
Evaluate Video Quality
Ensure that the video resolution of the camera is good so that you can see things properly; it can be used to verify people’s faces clearly.
Consider Field of View
Make sure it gives you a wider coverage so that you can have more pictures of the surroundings of your door.
Check Night Vision Capability
Ensure that it allows night vision so you get 24-hour monitoring.
Assess Audio Quality
Make sure the sound is audible for you to hear the visitor and the visitor to hear you properly.
Compare Storage Options
This is really important for you to see: the more the storage capacity, the better, as you might need a relatively older video for some evidence later on.
Check App Usability and Alerts
Having a nice application backed by the doorbell camera is really important. The app is where you access all the features of it.
Review Subscription Costs
Knowing the costs before you invest in the camera is important; it will help you compare different brands and make the right choice that fits your budget.
Weather Resistance
It is important for your doorbell camera to be durable in different weather conditions, as you would not want to invest over and over again in a doorbell camera.
Read Reviews and Brand Reputation
Know the brand that you are opting for in order to make a more informed decision. Check whether the brand is trustworthy and is recommended by users or not. It is for your own security to ensure you choose the right brand.
To Conclude!
Doorbell cameras have become an essential part of modern home security, offering convenience, peace of mind, and an extra layer of protection. By understanding the features, evaluating your home setup, and comparing your options carefully, you can choose a doorbell camera that keeps your home smarter and safer.
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FAQs
- What is a doorbell camera?
A doorbell camera is a smart device that combines a traditional doorbell with a video camera, allowing you to see and communicate with visitors at your door via a smartphone, tablet, or smart display.
- How do doorbell cameras work?
They connect to your Wi-Fi network and use a mobile app to stream live video, send motion alerts, and store recordings either locally or in the cloud.
- Do doorbell cameras work at night?
Yes, most models come with infrared night vision or low-light capabilities to capture clear footage in the dark.
- Can I view footage remotely?
Yes, doorbell cameras typically allow remote viewing through a companion app, giving you access from anywhere with internet.
- Do I need a subscription to use a doorbell camera?
Basic features like live viewing and notifications are usually free, but subscriptions may be needed for video recording, cloud storage, and advanced motion detection.
- Is the footage from a doorbell camera private?
Footage is generally encrypted, and reputable brands take privacy seriously, but it’s important to choose models with strong security features and regularly update passwords and firmware.
- Can doorbell cameras be hacked?
Any internet-connected device carries some risk, but using strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and keeping software updated greatly reduces this risk.
