5 features you should have in every indoor security camera
May 21, 2023
By Kim Komando
Research the best indoor security cameras and you’ll get many results. One way to cut through the nonsense and hone in on what you want is by asking yourself which indoor security camera features you need.
This way, you can filter out cameras that don’t have everything you need. Once you find your perfect camera, you must consider the best placement and location. Here are three ways to make the most of your video cameras.
Keep reading for five features every indoor security camera should have.
1. Audio
So you want to secure your home. Maybe you want to see how your dogs or kids are doing when you’re away. You might also want to keep an eye on your older relatives so you can act quickly in an emergency.
Indoor security cameras let you see your home when you’re away. Look them up, and you’ll find a few different options:
- Indoor security camera with audio.
- Indoor security camera without audio.
We recommend getting a home security camera with audio recording features. If you get an inside security camera without audio, you won’t be able to hear cries for help. Sure, you could see your home through the video — but you wouldn’t get peace of mind.
2. A shutter is one of the best indoor security camera features
This insider tip is essential for the best indoor security camera with recording features. Make sure you’re shopping for an indoor security camera with a privacy shutter. The best overall option comes from our sponsor, SimpliSafe. (More on that later.)
That’s because the SimpliCam has a privacy shutter made of stainless steel. It slides directly over the lens. It will only open when you explicitly permit it.
This is a great way to protect your privacy since hackers have been known to watch people through their security cameras. A shutter is an extra layer of protection: Even if a cybercriminal breaks in, they won’t be able to see anything since you put the shutter over the camera.
RELATED: 5 signs your security camera was hacked – and five steps to prevent it
3. At least seven days of recording
What’s the point of a security camera that runs out of batteries? Get a long-lasting camera. Not only that, but you should also pick an option that keeps your recordings for at least seven days.
The best wireless indoor security camera comes with robust storage options. You want to keep each video clip for at least seven days so you have time to collect evidence in case of a break-in. If you have a camera that deletes the footage after each day, you might lose critically essential video clips.
Bottom line: The best continuous recording security cameras keep your video clips for at least a week. That way, you can focus on what matters — instead of scrambling to save videos before the day runs out.
4. HD video: One of the most essential indoor security camera features
The best DIY smart security solutions come with high-definition footage. This intuitive enhancement helps you monitor and record footage your wireless security camera collects. Blurry footage will be useless to you; you’ll want video clips you can see.
That’s because HD video can clearly capture a burglar’s face. Police can use that footage to track down the bad guy. Even if he’s wearing a mask, an HD camera can still capture critical details, like body shape, clothes, accessories and more.
An indoor security camera needs to record in full HD to be as helpful as possible.
5. It comes from a reputable organization
Always research the company behind your security cameras. Or you can use what Kim uses to ensure you’re as safe as possible.
SimpliSafe is an award-winning home security system, so you know it’s engineered with the latest technology you want to keep your family safe. But what sets SimpliSafe apart is its people.
When you need them most, SimpliSafe is there 24/7 with experts trained to not only keep you safe but to make you feel safe.
Read more
Home security 101: Where to put cameras
How to hide a security camera from view
How to build a smart home on any budget
https://www.komando.com/news/security/indoor-security-camera-features/