Latest news with #homeSecurity
Gizmodo
an hour ago
- Business
- Gizmodo
This Wireless Solar 360° Outdoor Camera Costs Peanuts, Amazon Is Clearing Stock Before Prime Day
This is the best outdoor camera on the market, offering stunning 3K resolution and a solar charging system. If you've been thinking about boosting your home security before summer vacation, now is the perfect time to act. Amazon is offering the eufy Security SoloCam S340 which is a wireless solar-powered outdoor camera at its lowest price ever—just $159, down 20% from its usual $199. This all-time low price is a great excuse to lock up your house before flying off on vacation. See at Amazon Best Outdoor Solar Camera The eufy SoloCam S340 offers great features and ease of use: One of its greatest strengths is the solar panel that comes integrated so you do not need to worry about replacing batteries or stringing up wires. The camera charges itself once installed as it harnesses sunlight so you can really set and forget. This is also useful during the summer when you're likely to be away for more extended periods: Your camera will keep working, keeping your property under surveillance without any further effort from you. Quality is yet another area where the SoloCam S340 delivers. The camera shoots at ultra-crisp 3K resolution so that you can see every detail inside and outside your home, both during the day and at night. Regardless of whether you must check on who is at the front door, guard the backyard, or see your driveway, the 360° pan and tilt feature of the camera assures there is no blind spot. You can adjust the camera from your phone and pivot its point in any direction, allowing it to be easy to oversee each region of your home remotely. The 8× zoom enables you to get a close-up glimpse of anything unusual, and two-camera functionality enables you to see wide angles and close-up at the same time. The one feature that makes this camera stand out from the rest is its smart AI tracking: The SoloCam S340 uses artificial intelligence to automatically track people or cars moving across your lawn. That is, you don't get static video, you get smart monitoring that focuses on what matters most and alerts you if anything unusual happens. Even when using AI tracking or dual-view mode, you still get crisp 2K video quality which is much more than adequate to capture faces and license plates with clearness. Installation is fast and simple, thanks to the camera's compact and wire-free design: It only takes a few minutes to install without tools or technical knowledge. Flexible mounting points mean you can position it wherever you like—on a wall, under an eave, or on a fence post. And with solar power, you don't have to search for an outlet or deal with unsightly wiring. For a mere $159 on Amazon, it's a bargain you won't regret. See offer
CNET
2 days ago
- General
- CNET
Should You Get a New Home Security System? Here's My Advice
Your home security system is like many other big investments in your home: Eventually, it reaches a point where it's too old or outdated to function well and needs to be replaced. I saw this many years ago when old wired-in security systems were replaced en masse by smart wireless hubs. Security systems continued to advance quickly, too: If your system is 10 to 15 years old or lacks critical features, it's time to look at what new kits can do. The good news is that updating a security system is far more affordable than, say, buying a new fridge or heat pump. Cheap systems with the latest features start at only $200 to $300. I've tested all the latest -- here's when I think owners should think about buying a significant upgrade. 1. Your system can't recognize people, packages or animals Nest's cam comes with free AI alerts and recognition. Chris Monroe/CNET A little AI in home security devices does wonders, especially cameras. Today, most major brands include algorithms that can identify people versus animals, and more advanced versions can recognize vehicles and packages, too. Settings allow you to only get notifications about the objects you care about (usually people and packages). That's a huge quality of life improvement, even if the object recognition is sometimes locked behind paywalls -- Google Nest, Eufy and Lorex are some of the brands that offer it for free. If your video doorbell or outdoor cameras (or devices like pet cams) are missing this technology, it's probably time for an upgrade. 2. You don't have any video storage Nest's free cloud storage is nice, but few cameras have it. Tyler Lacoma/CNET Years ago, security cameras were primarily live-view unless you wanted to invest in an expensive DVR setup. Video storage came slowly but surely, allowing you to automatically save footage when security cameras are triggered, then view it or share it with others. Today, you have options to upload video straight to the cloud -- usually via a monthly subscription -- or find a camera that offers local storage with a USB-compatible hub or a microSD card slot. If you don't have any video storage options at all, or you don't like your current video storage choices, think about changing to a camera that supports storage you like. You can find local storage without subscriptions, or jump to cloud storage for greater convenience as well. Video storage is very useful when you can't get to alerts right away or want to share footage with neighbors or police. And speaking of alerts… 3. You don't get smart alerts on your phone Tapo's app showing the ability to enable or disable notifications. Tyler Lacoma/CNET Today's home security systems are smartphone-friendly. That means you can arm or disarm them with an app from wherever you are, or remotely give people smart lock access on demand. You can also get immediate object detection alerts so you can switch to live-view while using two-way audio to check up on things at home. Some security companies require a subscription to unlock even smarter alerts, but they all have this basic phone functionality. If you can't control devices from your phone and get alerts, your security devices are several steps behind at least. It's time to find newer, smart models that can give you the updates you want. And don't worry, it's easy to customize these alerts so you only get the ones that are really important. A smart video doorbell that can send customized alerts is a major upgrade for any security system. Arlo/Amazon 4. Your wireless devices have frequent battery problems Battery packs are convenient, but watch out if they start struggling with battery life. Arlo Wireless security devices like cams or sensors should last at least a few months before needing a recharge. Some can even last for years with the right batteries. But if your batteries are only lasting a few weeks at the most, then something is wrong. Your settings may be leading to rapid triggers that burn down battery life, but in many cases the batteries are just getting old. That's especially true if they're starting to intermittently cut out power altogether. Hot and freezing temperatures can make these problems worse, too. Problems like these mean it may be time to pick out a new wireless model. 5. Your security system doesn't work with any other smart devices Simplisafe, Abode and many other brands offer easy add-ons for expansion. Simplisafe/CNET Many modern home security systems can support a plethora of third-party devices, working with smart locks from other brands, showing live views on Alexa-powered Echo Shows and many other tricks. Some even work with Google Home or Apple Home apps. Brands like ADT integrate well with Google Nest devices, while Abode and Vivint offer excellent third-party support for dozens of brands. With so many choices, you deserve a security system that works with the smart home devices you already have and the voice assistants or app platforms that you prefer to use. If you're juggling multiple apps to manage different parts of your smart home, look for a home security system that integrates with what you already have. 6. You can't expand on your current system Abode's starter kit is super affordable and works with many third-party products. Abode Most home security kits start you off slow, with a hub and a couple of sensors. But they leave plenty of room for future upgrades and purchasing individual new devices when you want more add-ons. The best security systems offer multiple types of access sensors, motion sensors, glass break sensors, leak detectors, security cams, smart bulbs, air monitoring -- it's a long list! But if you can't expand your security system with the add-ons you want or any third-party integrations, it's time to find a system that offers the products you need all under one hub. Take a look at the best DIY systems to learn more. Bonus future prep: Watch for Matter compatibility Matter and the related Thread protocols represent the most advanced standard in smart home tech, combining security and broad compatibility with platforms from Apple, Google, Amazon and plenty more. There's just one caveat: It's rolling out very slowly, and not all smart home devices work with it yet. That includes almost all home security cameras (video protocols are in progress but will take time to release) and similar devices. As Matter support keeps growing in home security, the lack of Matter is going to start becoming a warning bell for old security systems. We aren't quite there yet, but it's rapidly approaching. We'll keep you updated on the most Matter-friendly devices. For more on finding the latest home security devices, check out the best outdoor cams, the top video doorbells and review the worst places to put video cameras.
CNET
4 days ago
- General
- CNET
4 Ways to Ditch Your Home Security Devices' Reliance on Wi-Fi
With all the security breaches and hacking going on nowadays, privacy and protection are most people's main priorities when it comes to their well-being and property. Home security systems grew over the past year, with 94 million US households adopting some form of camera, doorbell, alarms and other security devices, according to the SafeHome report. But most of these smart home security gadgets rely heavily on Wi-Fi, which can be a problem when your network goes offline and/or is compromised. If you don't want your home security system to rely solely on Wi-Fi to stay connected, you've come to the right place. Here, you'll be given a guide on the products and protocols necessary to have a security system without Wi-Fi. But first, let's break down the basics to set the right foundation. Can home security systems work without Wi-Fi? Yes. Many home security systems don't need Wi-Fi to work. However, you may be giving up certain features in return for this flexibility. In other cases, add-ons help normally router-dependent home security function even if your Wi-Fi dies, like in a power blackout. Google Are home security systems more vulnerable on Wi-Fi? Hacking home security systems is very rare and is typically only done by acquaintances who already had access to the system. But with poor security habits your wireless network can be vulnerable to hacking. Always enable the highest level of encryption your home devices can support, and create a robust password for your Wi-Fi login. You'll also have to decide whether you want your home security devices online at all. Connecting to the internet in any form can increase certain risks, like getting your info stolen in a large-scale database theft. But it also brings many benefits, including remote monitoring and cloud video storage. How do I know if my security devices can work without a wireless network? Below, we'll cover the best options for security system without Wi-Fi . But looking for cellular, PoE (power over Ethernet) and offline features is the best way to ensure your system doesn't need Wi-Fi, or can keep going if your router goes down. Do home security systems without Wi-Fi cost more? Sometimes, but they can also cost less -- it depends on the type of system you get. An offline camera system is likely to cost less. Cellular backup support will usually cost more. The best home security without Wi-Fi Quit relying on Wi-Fi for your home security management with several effective answers... Option 1: Cellular backup for security systems Arlo's new Security Tag and keypad. Arlo If you want (or already have) a traditional home security system with important features like app alerts and remote live views or controls, your best option is to equip your system with a cellular backup. These backups can replace Wi-Fi with a cell signal, and work in tandem with built-in hub batteries (another common inclusion in modern systems) to keep systems running even when the power is out. The trick is that cellular backups aren't free. In some cases, you'll need to purchase an extra device, like this cellular and battery backup from Arlo ($80). In other cases, your security hub already has the capability. But you'll always have to pay a subscription fee for the service, and cellular support isn't always cheap. Arlo, for example, requires a professional monitoring subscription to get cell and battery backup, which only kicks in at the Premium plan, currently around $20 per month. Ring Alarm starts cellular backup at its Standard plan for compatible systems, which costs $10 per month. Expect similar fees like these to enable cellular backup for essentially any security system. Option 2: PoE (power over Ethernet) devices Reolink's affordable PoE cam is a great budget pick if you have cable options. Reolink PoE systems use a single cable connection to supply both power and an internet connection to a device such as a security camera. That makes them ideal for outdoor cams that are far away from Wi-Fi or that need more reliability. It won't help solve blackout problems, but otherwise it's a hands-off cam that doesn't require battery charging and still provides all the online benefits you want. Reolink stands above most home security brands as one of the best choices for PoE cameras. It offers many options, but one of our favorites is the Reolink 4K RLC-810A outdoor camera. It's a high-res cam that's affordable; has object recognition and long-distance night vision; some smart home support; and is entirely subscription-free when you add a microSD card. Option 3: Closed network NVR system Lorex is an excellent choice for NVR systems that avoid Wi-Fi or stay offline altogether for your privacy. Lorex/CNET Homeowners also have the option to ditch the internet completely with an offline NVR or network video recorder, a favorite option for people who want to keep their home security away from the web, the cloud and any wireless signals entirely. The NVR is connected to a display where it can show multiple feeds at the same time, just like how a security guard monitors cameras in a store. Brands like Lorex or Swann sell a variety of Ethernet cables and shielding to security buyers, and security kits will often come with cables for these kinds of NVR systems. You may also be able to choose an analog setup with a BNC cable, or a wireless setup that skips the router and connects to a compatible home hub (Lorex offers both these options, as well as the ability to turn its more advanced Home Security Center offline). However, an offline NVR setup like this will put your security system back decades. You'll miss out on the most advanced features, including checking live views from a distance on your phone. We recommend staying online if possible: Consider a wired connection that still connects the NVR to the internet for the best of both worlds. Option 4: A noncellular trail cam Trail cams are a rough and ready option if you want to keep watch on a spot without relying on the internet. Founissa/CNET Does managing cables annoy you? You have a final security option that ignores Wi-Fi and can work anywhere, wire-free. These are the same trail cams that capture inquisitive wildlife out in remote areas where cell connections aren't reliable. Trail cams like this model for $80 have far-reaching night vision and lots of battery life so they can last for many months at a time even with 4K resolution and audio. The catch is that if you want to see what the camera picked up, you'll need to manually view it like a digital camera, or take out the SD card for a more lengthy inspection. Still, as a weatherproof set-and-forget option, trail cams have their place. Read more: Top Home Security Tips When You're Renting with Roommates Get a more complete look at your options with our guides to the top DIY home security systems, wireless home security, and security systems that can easily move with you if you're frequently on the go.
CNET
5 days ago
- General
- CNET
We Use These 11 Home Security Tips and Checks for a Worry-Free Vacation
If you have a vacation coming up, having your home security system dialed in to keep intruders at bay is ideal. The combination of the right security devices with key adjustments to the alarm system does a lot to protect your home when you're away. We consulted Batten home security expert Kirk MacDowell about vacation security tips for times like spring break. "Try to make it look like someone is home. Have a neighbor grab your mail, water your plants and take out the trash while you're gone. Simple things like that can make a big difference," he said. That's an excellent way to get started (if you have kind neighbors), but using smart tech effectively can make things even easier and give you more control. Here are our top recommendations. Set up Away or Vacation modes Many smart devices have vacation or away modes you can set up to simulate a lived-in house. CNET Today's smart home and home security settings don't just have Away modes, they also frequently have a Vacation mode. That's a routine you can set up to work while you're away for several days or more (if your home app doesn't have a vacation mode, you can tweak your Away or Eco mode, or set a whole new routine). Devices like Philips Hue lights and platforms like IFTTT make it easy to create full routines that cover multiple devices. CNET Vacation routines can switch smart lights on and off, indoors and out, to make it look like someone is still home. They can also operate other compatible devices, such as managing smart irrigation systems, arming smart cameras and more. Set a routine like this once, and you can use it over and over for trips. Check the motion detection settings for your video doorbell A key tool for keeping watch on your house: video doorbells. Ring/CNET Video doorbells excel at keeping an eye on the action, and their algorithms are getting consistently better at detecting humans and other objects. Companies like Eufy are even working on motion detection that can identify suspicious behavior like dodging main pathways and can look for poor security. However, the motion detection that works best in your daily life isn't always the kind of detection that works when you're on vacation. We suggest visiting the doorbell and home camera apps to look at your motion detection settings. Consider steps like: Turning up motion detection sensitivity Set object detection to only humans to cut down on alerts Set detection zones to close-up spots at your house and windows where people may try to get access Turn up beeps or light indicators that show a camera is on and watching Set notification to push to your phone screen instead of staying only within the app Look for web app options, like Nest's support for online viewing and controls, which is ideal for overseas vacations Additionally, if you pay for a subscription plan, check if it supports 24/7 emergency assistance contact so you can immediately call the police or fire department from an alert. It may be worth upgrading to that type of plan if you'll be gone for a month or two. Finally, Batten security expert Kirk MacDowell also mentioned checking that the lenses on all your home security cameras are clean. If it's been a long, dirty winter you should gently clean off video doorbells and cams so they have the clearest view when you're away. Keep your curtains open or automated To keep your home looking lived in, it's a good idea to have your curtains open during vacations (and it lets the sun in to keep things from getting musty). Or if you have smart curtains or smart shades -- which are also available as a retrofit for existing curtains -- you can program them. Create a schedule for them to open during the day and close at night for best effect. Smart blinds like these don't have to be expensive: Even Ikea has an affordable version. Manage remote entry with a smart lock Aqara's smart lock deadbolt replacement looks and feels great. CNET/Tyler Lacoma Smart locks don't just let you know if you forget to lock the door. They also autolock for you under certain conditions and support a variety of scheduling options. Most useful smart locks, like the Aqara U100 or the Schlage Smart Lever, allow you to create passes or temporary codes to give to visitors. That lets you arrange checkups for pet sitters, plant waterers, helpful neighbors and others you might want to let inside, but only at certain times. Smart locks combine especially well with video doorbells -- just make sure you're in an area with a reliable Wi-Fi connection to use them remotely. Adjust your heating and cooling Ecobee offers a dedicated vacation mode for its smart thermostat. Ecobee/CNET Smart thermostats from Nest, Ecobee and others also have Eco and Away modes you can use to set up separate vacation schedules. Ecobee also has a dedicated Vacation mode in its thermostat settings you can use just for this. The best temperature range varies by season but should be less than you schedule while you're home. For summer, that would mean setting the thermostat 5 to 10 degrees higher in the day, but with a hard cap around 80 to 85 degrees to protect indoor plants and so on. For winter, aim for the reverse with a hard cap around 50 degrees for the daytime. That temperature calculus changes if you have pets in a hot climate. You'll want to keep the home more comfortable by limiting the temperature ranges somewhere in the mid to upper 70s for cooling and around 60 for heating. Set up a "listening" service like Alexa Emergency Assist Alexa's emergency assistant is an affordable listening and contact service. Amazon Listening features use simple algorithms to identify "uh-oh" noises like breaking glass, smoke detector alarms and even dogs barking loudly. Home security systems like Abode or Ring offer listening options, but you don't always need a home security device to enable it. Amazon's Alexa smart speakers and smart displays, for example, have the Alexa Emergency Assist service, the successor to Alexa Guard. It costs around $6 monthly, and gives you access to sound detection as well as 24/7 emergency response services and emergency contacts for family. That's a nice deal to enable for a few months if you're going on plenty of vacations for a season, and the two-way audio on all Alexa speakers means you can talk through them live whenever you want. Keep watch with an armed security system If your home doesn't have a whole house security system that can monitor multiple access points like windows and doors, this is a fine time to consider one. Today's home security systems don't need professional installation, or even a monthly subscription, to guard your home -- and many work with third-party smart devices, too. Take a look at our guides on the best DIY home security systems, the best cheap security systems and the best systems overall for your home to learn a whole lot more about your choices. Add a leak detector to vulnerable home spots Kangaroo includes a climate sensor, aka leak detector, in its expanded eight-piece home monitoring kit. Kangaroo A leak detector is a clever little device with an open circuit lying against the floor. When water completes that circuit, it sets off all sorts of alarm bells and app notifications letting you know there's a leak present. That makes them valuable when you're away from home for extended periods of time. Stick them by the toilet, under the kitchen sink, next to the water heater or under pipes that may be in danger of freezing during a winter vacation. Leak detectors are available as an add-on for most home security systems, but you can also find standalone versions like Eufy's $35 model (requires a HomeBase) or the Alexa-compatible Kidde Leak Detector starting at $45. We suggest these models because they work with apps, which is important when you'll be away from home entirely. Tell your home monitoring center you'll be gone If you do splurge for professional home monitoring, look up their website and find a contact email or phone number to let them know that you'll be on vacation. Many home monitoring centers will adjust their official responses when they know that everyone is going to be away from home. Give your mail service a call (optional) Calling the post office used to be a go-to step when leaving for vacation. And if your vacay is going to be longer than a week or so, we still highly recommend messaging your local mail service and requesting to hold your mail. It's really easy to do and you can complete the steps online in a couple of minutes. However, we aren't getting as much mail these days as we once did, and it's harder than ever for strangers to notice when someone's mail is piling up. If you're only going to be gone for several business days or say, you can probably skip this step safely. Stay cautious about what you post online Vacations are awesome, but be wary about posting too much info on social media. mihailomilovanovic via Getty We know it's tempting to post about your vacation plans on social media, but this can also be an invitation for burglars or trespassers to make a visit. Unfortunately, it's difficult to know and trust everyone on your friends list, or friends of their friends who may see status updates as well. To stay safe, avoid posting info and pics about your trips until they are finished. Then you can cut loose and unleash all those perfect shots on Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook. Bonus tip: If you're renting, look at your lease Some leases require tenants to let landlords know if they'll be going on vacation for a certain amount of time, like longer than a week. Others don't mention it at all. Check your lease for details. Even if you don't have to alert anyone, you may find additional requests like shutting off water mains, setting the temperature to a certain level, arranging pet sitter access and so on. Finally, now is the perfect time to stop by our guide on how to deter burglars from every trying your house in the first place, information on if thieves are actually using Wi-Fi jammers on smart homes, and the all-around security cheat sheet for setting up different parts of home security.
CNET
5 days ago
- General
- CNET
Protect Your Home by Installing Security Cameras Here
Securing your home is more than just picking among the best home security cameras. After you've chosen a camera to keep track of everything going on in your home, it's time to work out the best place to install it. For an outdoor camera, make sure it isn't blocked by plants or decorations, and that it's in a spot that has a clear view without being affected by glare. With indoor cameras, you'll want a clear view of the entire room, and in a place that isn't likely to be blocked by people going about their day. Picking the right location to install your security camera ensures that you'll always have an idea of what's going on at home, even when you're traveling. CNET Fortunately, today's security cameras have wide fields of view and easy-angle mounts. But you still need to start with the right placement for the best results. After years of testing dozens of various home cams, we know exactly where to put them; follow these guidelines, and you won't have any trouble. For more home security tips, check out how to prevent your home security cameras from being hacked and the best cheap home security systems you can buy. Where should you install a home security camera 1. Exterior: Front door You might assume that intruders always sneak into side entrances, but statistics from the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors show that 34% of burglars use the front door. It's also where package thieves are likely to strike. A camera at your main entrance keeps tabs on everybody going in and out of your home, from family members and babysitters to maintenance people, delivery people and more. Pro tip: Video doorbells are great picks for the front door. You can use them as the primary camera or in conjunction with another outdoor camera aimed at the yard or garage. Blink's Outdoor 4 cam is easy to mount and reliable for watching an outdoor space. CNET/Tyler Lacoma 2. Exterior: Back and side doors Doors that are out of sight allow visitors to enter undetected, whether they're invited or not. NACHI statistics show 22% of break-ins happen through the back door. To ensure full knowledge of everyone who enters and exits, add cameras to your secondary doors, especially if one of them is used as often or more often than your front door, or if one (like a basement door) seems particularly enticing or accessible to a potential intruder. 3. Exterior: Garage and driveway Garages are a common target of burglars because they're one of the weakest entry points. A camera pointed at your garage and/or driveway keeps a watchful eye on bikes, tools, grills, sports equipment, cars and everyone that handles them. If your garage is detached, the camera helps you stay connected. If the garage is attached, the extra layer of security monitors another possible entryway into your home. If there's a gate at the end of your driveway, you may want a camera there to spot anyone attempting to get in. 4. Exterior: Wide yard views Monitoring the yard will help you keep tabs on anyone scoping out your house. It's also handy for capturing the activities of kids, animals and trespassers. As with garages, look for cams that have a wide field of view to capture lots of action, at least 130 degrees and preferably more. If you have a yard entrance, like a fence gate or a shed doorway, make sure the camera can see it. Blink offers a cheap option for a smart floodlight cam. Blink 5. Interior: Common areas Placing cameras in gathering points like the kitchen or living room is a great way to see if the kids are doing what they're supposed to do, if the babysitter is attentive, what the pets are getting into, or to check on household help like cleaners and repairmen. Consider prioritizing any rooms that have large ground-floor windows — that way you can see if anyone tampers with them or uses one as a break-in point. If there's a key point of interest like a sofa, pet bed or living room play area, make sure the camera can see it. 6. Interior: Main stairway or hallway Place a camera in the main thoroughfares inside your home to make it difficult for someone to move about undetected. If someone breaks in through a bathroom, bedroom or another unmonitored area, they'll still be captured on camera if they move about the house. Indoor security cameras are useful, but finding ones with privacy shields are worthwhile to help minimize the risks of hackers gaining access to sensitive footage. Arlo Here's where you should never install a security camera Places that violate your neighbor's privacy. Cameras are great for your safety, but you need to be mindful of the privacy of others in your neighborhood. In general, homeowners are allowed to have outdoor security cameras that cover a broad area, and it's usually OK to capture your neighbor's public-facing property in the background of your footage. Learn more with our full guide. Cameras are great for your safety, but you need to be mindful of the privacy of others in your neighborhood. In general, homeowners are allowed to have outdoor security cameras that cover a broad area, and it's usually OK to capture your neighbor's public-facing property in the background of your footage. Learn more with our full guide. Bedrooms and bathrooms. The urge to keep a watchful eye on kids or elderly folks in your household is understandable. However, some areas have a warranted expectation of privacy. Plus, if you use a monitoring service, you run the risk of a hacker tapping into a camera that has access to your private spaces. Luckily, there are plenty of alternatives. Baby monitors are a smart choice for very young kids' rooms. Motion detectors and glass break sensors, as part of a connected home security system, can be added to doors and windows. Personal medical alert systems are strong choices for seniors. Arlo's compact cams also make a great bundled discount. Arlo Tips for outdoor security cam placement Once you decide which locations to monitor, you also need to plan your mounting decisions. These tips make easy work of this step: Install cameras 8 to 10 feet from the ground. This height is low enough to capture fine details but high enough to be out of easy reach of thieves and vandals. This height is low enough to capture fine details but high enough to be out of easy reach of thieves and vandals. Don't point cameras directly at the sun. Bright light causes glare and high contrast in your footage, which makes it hard to tell what's going on. Consider the movement of the sun and angle your cameras for indirect light. Bright light causes glare and high contrast in your footage, which makes it hard to tell what's going on. Consider the movement of the sun and angle your cameras for indirect light. Protect the camera from the elements. Top outdoor security cameras have ample weather- and waterproofing, but they are not all equal. Choose a camera that's appropriately rated for your climate, and place it under eaves or in another semi-protected area if you can. Top outdoor security cameras have ample weather- and waterproofing, but they are not all equal. Choose a camera that's appropriately rated for your climate, and place it under eaves or in another semi-protected area if you can. Avoid places too close to branches or bushes . Plants grow over time and can block your security camera. . Plants grow over time and can block your security camera. Let cameras be visible. Visible cameras can act as a deterrent against theft, and that's one of the best uses of your security system. Battery powered outdoor cameras allow more flexibility for placement, while wired ones will need to be close to a power source. Chris Monroe/CNET Tips for indoor security cam placement Corners are your friends. Hanging an indoor camera in the corner of a room usually gives you the largest possible vantage point. Hanging an indoor camera in the corner of a room usually gives you the largest possible vantage point. Choose a shelf for versatility . If you don't have to mount your cam, placing it on a shelf allows you to make adjustments later or even move it to another room. . If you don't have to mount your cam, placing it on a shelf allows you to make adjustments later or even move it to another room. Windows can cause reflection issues. Pointing a camera at the window might degrade its image quality. Many security cameras have infrared light technology, which aids in motion detection and enables the cameras to function in low light. IR light can reflect off windows and other glass objects and obscure your footage, especially in the dark. If your footage looks washed out or whited out, there is likely a reflection problem. Pointing a camera at the window might degrade its image quality. Many security cameras have infrared light technology, which aids in motion detection and enables the cameras to function in low light. IR light can reflect off windows and other glass objects and obscure your footage, especially in the dark. If your footage looks washed out or whited out, there is likely a reflection problem. Angle for indirect light. Again, direct light will wash out your footage. With indoor cameras, be mindful of lamps, light fixtures and bright windows. Avoid facing your camera directly toward these light sources. Ring's battery cam is on the higher-end but offers a versatile, weather resistant option to watch kids, wherever they are. CNET/Tyler Lacoma Do video doorbells have special installation rules? Position video doorbells so they have a good view of your porch or entryway. These cameras are angled a bit differently than other security cameras, so follow the manual instructions carefully. Usually, they need to be placed around 4 feet up from the base of the front door. In tighter spaces, video doorbells should be angled outward to capture as much activity as possible. Fortunately, many video doorbells come with a special wedge just for this purpose. Otherwise, put it where people would naturally press a doorbell. Are there super-portable security cams? In some cases, you may want a security camera that you can move around all the time. That makes it easy to put down wherever the kids are playing, indoors or outside, or to focus on a problem spot where things keep going missing (avoid workplace refrigerators, please). In these cases, we recommend battery-powered indoor/outdoor cams that you can move anywhere and that are weather-resistant in case they're left out in the rain. One candidate is Ring's Stick-Up Cam Pro ($180), which has an excellent collection of watchful features. Another option is the Google Nest Indoor/Outdoor Cam battery model ($176), which is often shown mounted but can also come with a tabletop mount. To learn more, check out our picks for the best outdoor security cameras or explore our comprehensive guide to the best home security systems.
