Pros and Cons of Security Camera Systems

The need for security for our homes and offices increases day by day. With the increase in crime rate all over the world, we need to keep up with the changing world by protecting ourselves from expected and unexpected threats.

Technology keeps giving us things we think are impossible… Among the wonders of modern technology is the security camera. It can now be used at home and also at the offices, and has been recognized popularly as a strong and effective security measure as a result of the immense benefits it offers.

Just like other technological inventions, security cameras have a few drawbacks. However, the benefits outnumber the cons, and this revolutionary gadget keeps getting popular with people with the mind of keeping their loved ones and properties secure and safe.

If you’re considering setting up security cameras in your homes or offices, then you should know some pros and cons of using them. Use these to guide your decision whether they are right for you, your family, your home, and your office.

The following are the pros and cons of using security cameras in your homes and offices.

Pros

Deters Crime

One of the most significant and most obvious advantages of installing security cameras is that they deter crime. As soon as you mount them, you will almost immediately see their effects on people. Even if they’re mounted discretely, there is a sense of security you feel yourself.

The mere presence of even a single security camera placed in a prominent position is enough to make a would-be criminal think twice. Criminals don’t like being under surveillance when they’re at work. If they believe there’s a chance they are being watched, they are less likely to break in.

If you’re experiencing problems related to theft, vandalism, and break-ins at your home or workplace, your security camera can offer a posstible solution to your problem.

Security cameras are mounted so high up so that every passerby can see them clearly from the street. It’d be hard for a would-be criminal to climb up and disconnect the wires, especially if it’s professionally installed within conduit.

Constantly Monitors Activities

Security cameras are all-seeing because they monitor everything happening around your house. Installing security cameras at every vulnerable area and corners of your home and workplace will ensure maximum coverage and surveillance. Any suspicious move will be easily detected when you mount your cameras in sensitive areas.

Security cameras help in foiling any attempt of burglary or intrusion by criminals, or at minimum catch those dumb enough to execute the heist despite cameras being in plain view.

There are times when you have to leave your baby in the custody of a babysitter. You may feel uncomfortable at that moment, but you are left with no other choice. Here’s where a camera system comes in. A security camera can help you watch the activities and behavior of the babysitter, or even use advanced analytics to notify you if the noise in the house goes over a certain level.

You can check on your activities of your grown-up kids any any time, because your smartphone allows you to see live footage of the events. You can even watch your pets wherever you are while you’re away!

Installing a security camera inside your office can help increase productivity, but we don’t recommend this application. Workers tend to feel that management distrusts them when cameras are used in this way.

However, there are other effective uses for cameras in work environments, such as gates in parking garages, or even used with advanced analytics to flag when shelves need to be stocked.

Most home and small business users really just want to be able to record what’s happening around their home, and review it in the event of an issue. They want it to be available for live view from their phone when they’re away, and some users are interested in getting notifications when motion is detected where there should be none.

A security camera can also help you monitor the punctuality of your staff, though! Gone could be the days of the check in with today’s AI cameras! You can approach an employee that is often late and motivate them to be more punctual with footage in hand!

Gather Evidence

In the event of a burglary, robbery, or any other unwanted event, security cameras can be used to identify and apprehend criminals.

Security cameras are meant to prevent these unwanted events from happening in the first place, but if they do take place, the cameras make it easy for the authorities to bring the culprit to book. Technological improvement in the last decade can also be seen in facial recognition software. The police department can quickly identify and catch criminals caught on camera.

The security cameras are so advanced that they can provide both audio and video evidence of burglaries, thefts, vandalism, and other crimes. With this evidence, you can go ahead and pursue legal action as a result of the incident. The evidence will help in court when dealing with the police and insurance companies.

It is, however, essential to position your security cameras in strategic places such that you’re able to capture a license plate or a clear image of someone’s face.

Enhanced Functionality

Modern security cameras manufactured in recent years have advanced functionalities you may have never heard of before. For instance, a two-way audio security camera has a built-in speaker and microphone, which makes it possible to listen and talk to family and friends, or potential intruders.

The following is a partial list of the advances in modern security camera systems in terms of functionalities:

• Two-way Audio
• Night Vision
• Battery backup
• Cloud data recording
• MicroSD Card
• Built-in Sirens, Speakers or Alarm Relays
• Motion sensors
• Alexa and Google Assistant compatibility
• Cloud data recording versus local storage capability
• Email/Text Alerts
• Remote controlled camera direction and zooming
• Portable and Movable cameras
• Sound and Motion recording
• High video and audio quality

Make Right Decisions

Security camera footage can help you in making the right decisions when resolving disputes both at home and at your workplace. With the help of your camera, you can rightly settle disagreements within your family, among your employees, or between your staff and a customer. Any fabricated or untrue claims by the customer or your staff can be revealed with the assistance of your security cameras.

Cons

Privacy invasion

A crucial subject that must be put into consideration when mounting security cameras at home and workplace is privacy. People feel unpleasant and uncomfortable when they know they’re being watched. In the same vein, guests may not feel too comfortable if they think their activities are being recorded even when it’s not.

The presence of security cameras may create unnecessary tensions around the home, even if t hey’re not active.

Every occupant of your house should be informed about what is being recorded and when, especially when audio is involved. Whenever the camera is not in use, the lens should be placed out of sight.

In a professional setup such as the workplace, employees may not be comfortable with being watched. Some may think of it as an invasion of their privacy while it may also imply that they are not doing their job properly. This can lead to distrust between the employees and the employer and thereby damaging the working environment in the process.

They don’t avert crime

Although security cameras may be used in deterring crime, they definitely won’t stop it from happening. A security camera may capture footage of theft or break-in to use as evidence after the fact, but won’t do anything to actually stop it from happening.

You may even get an alert from the camera that one is in progress. However, its practically impossible for a camera to stop a break-in from happening. Some vandals may even go to the extent of destroying the cameras before committing the crime to avoid being recorded while perpetrating the act.

Cost can be prohibitive

If you’re looking to purchase high-quality security cameras, they may be quite expensive… You may spend hundreds or even thousands of dollars to get quality ones. The cost of the cameras also depends on the number of cameras you want to buy and their video quality.

Installation of these security cameras is not an easy task either. You will likely need the help of an expert unless you have adequate knowledge of low voltage cabling and networking.

Hiring an expert certainly isn’t free either, and this will add to the base expense of the system quite a lot.You might end up spending a significant amount of money on getting a good security camera system just on the installation alone, so make sure you install good cameras.

There are few high-quality cameras you can actually get at a low price. Wyze cameras are very cheap, and they have excellent features you can find in modern security cameras. Keep in mind though, these are CHEAP cameras! If you’re doing something in an office, these are NOT the right solution for you.

They can be vulnerable

Just as technology evolves, criminals do too. Hackers can access security cameras that work through the internet given enough time, then they can use it to spy on you and even blackmail you.

Also, criminals that have practical knowledge about wiring may succeed in disabling or disconnecting your cameras from their power source. Once criminals spot your cameras, they devise different strategies to ensure it stops working. If they can’t stop them from working, then they try to avoid them cleverly.

Conclusion

While security cameras aren’t the only option for anyone’s security needs, they’re an excellent addition to any security camera system. The peace of mind they give homeowners and business owners are priceless.

During the event of a burglary or theft, the footage provided by the cameras can be used to find the criminals as well as your valuables. Security cameras reduce your risk and make your home and workplace environment safer.

Before you make the crucial decision to install security camera systems, you need to have adequate and complete knowledge about them. Thus, you will be able to make an informed decision that will assist you in choosing a camera that suits your needs and expectations.

After reading through these pros and cons, you can now make a decision whether to invest in security camera systems or not.