More homes have security camera systems than ever before. This is not only because more people are becoming aware of how effective security cameras can be; the equipment is also becoming more affordable than in the past. As a result, many homeowners have allowed you to build your own security camera system.
We think building a camera system is a great idea. Along with being a great way to protect your home, a custom security camera system can also make your home more convenient. For example, you can use it to check the house when you are away or use custom security cameras to protect different areas of the property.
Table of Content
- How to Make Your Own Security Camera System
- Components to Build a Security Camera System
- Types of Security Cameras
- Things to Consider When You Build Your Own Security Camera System
- How Many Cameras Do You Need?
- Do You Need Indoor or Outdoor Cameras?
- Do You Want Wireless Cameras?
- How Much Storage Do You Need?
- How Will You View Footage?
- Do I Want a System That Connects to the Internet?
- Camera System Features to Consider
- Can You Install Your Own Camera Systems?
- Custom Home Security Cameras From Cornerstone Protection
How to Make Your Own Security Camera System
As is true with many things, many homeowners want to try to save money by going with a DIY option. Maybe you want to build your own home surveillance system, but you are not sure if you can. You might consider building security camera features into your home, but you don’t know much about the hardware and other features.
This post will cover some of the basics of home security camera systems. Then, we will talk about some of the equipment you may need and what you will need to consider if you plan to build your own security camera system.
Components to Build a Security Camera System
The first part of building your own security system is knowing the components. It is more than just cameras. It would help if you had different pieces of hardware to support the cameras and facilitate a range of features. The following are some of the standard components of surveillance camera systems:
- Cameras: The cameras are the eyes of the system. Depending on your home, you might need several cameras, and you might need to consider different features and different camera designs.
- System Hub: This refers to the hardware that supports the camera system. All of the cameras would need to connect back to the hub. The hub could then support features like storage, displays, internet connectivity, and more.
- Connections: The cameras are going to need to be connected to the hub in some way. Some camera systems might require physical wires to communicate with the system, but there are options for wireless camera systems.
- Monitors: A security camera system should offer some way to view the video from the feeds. Some systems might have a dedicated monitor for viewing surveillance footage. Still, some designs can connect to the internet so that you can use devices like laptops, phones, or tablets as monitors.
Those are just the essential components of a security camera system. If you want to build security cameras, you could also consider an alarm system supporting security cameras. With these systems, wireless cameras can connect with the control panel. They can also integrate with the plan to offer camera features that work with the rest of the security system.
Types of Security Cameras
When it comes to security, a camera is more than just a camera. You have a variety of different designs and types of cameras that might be appropriate for various applications. Therefore, if you want to build your complete wireless camera system, you will need to know about the different types of cameras.
- Dome Cameras: Dome cameras get their name from the transparent dome casing that goes over the camera.
- Bullet Cameras: This type of camera takes its name from the long housing the camera comes in.
- IP Cameras: This is a type of camera that can send and receive information over the internet.
- PTZ Cameras: Instead of offering a static view, this type of camera provides the ability to pan, tilt and zoom from a control panel.
- Wireless Cameras: Cameras can connect with the central hub using a wireless signal instead of cables.
- Outdoor Cameras: These cameras have weatherproof housing to protect against outdoor conditions.
These are only a few of the different types of cameras you might find when building a security camera system. Depending on the application, location, and needs, different types of cameras might serve you better.
Things to Consider When You Build Your Own Security Camera System
Learning how to build your custom cameras is complex. However, there is also to it than just picking out some cameras, finding the proper hardware to support the cameras, and installing the equipment. For example, if you want to monitor a security camera system that will perform well, you must consider a few points.
1. How Many Cameras Do You Need?
You should perform a survey of the home and property before getting started. Find the different areas that may need coverage. Maybe you want cameras on the entry doors, or there is a window you want to cover. Perhaps you want a camera that covers your garage. If you have any outbuildings, you might want to have cameras covering them. Many homeowners also like the idea of a doorbell camera.
2. Do You Need Indoor or Outdoor Cameras?
Consider how many indoor and outdoor cameras you need. Indoor cameras will not perform well outside, and they will not last long under those conditions. Outdoor cameras will work indoors, but they tend to cost more, so it is a waste of money to use them in the interior of a building.
3. Do You Want Wireless Cameras?
There was a time when wired cameras were the only option. Now you can install wireless cameras for home security. Wireless cameras do tend to be easier for DIY installation. However, you want to make sure you are working with cameras that have strong signal security to avoid the possibility of someone being able to intercept and view the wireless camera feeds.
4. How Much Storage Do You Need?
Your ability to store video is an important consideration. The days of security systems with VHS tapes are long gone. Now you can install systems that come with a DVR for storage. With designs that connect to the internet, you might also have the option of cloud storage.
5. How Will You View Footage?
You will also need a way to view the feeds and footage from the system. You could set up a dedicated monitor if you feel you need one. However, a monitor is not as much of a necessity as it used to be. If your system connects to the internet, you might be able to review footage or watch live feeds from your phone, PC, tablet, or smart TV.
6. Do I Want a System That Connects to the Internet?
Homeowners can also choose between the option for a system entirely contained in the house or one that connects to the internet. Strategies that work over the internet can offer features like remote monitoring and cloud storage. You need to make sure you set strong passwords for accessing the system online.
Camera System Features to Consider
Modern home surveillance systems have come a long way in recent years. Not only are they more affordable than ever, but they also offer a range of features that can help to improve protection. The following are some of the features you might want to consider if you choose to build your home surveillance system:
- Resolution: It is now common for home security cameras to come with Full HD video recording.
- Zoom: Some cameras do offer the ability to zoom in on things far from the camera.
- Night Vision: Consider buying cameras that provide the ability to capture clear images under dark conditions.
- Remote Monitoring: Systems that connect to the internet can allow users to monitor the system from anywhere.
- Motion Sensors: Some cameras can save storage space by only recording when they detect motion.
- Two-way Audio: Cameras can offer two-way audio capabilities, so you can have a conversation with a person you see on the live feed.
Can You Install Your Own Camera Systems?
It is probable to build a surveillance system and install it yourself. Then, if you are good with tools, you can put some cameras up, calibrate them and set the system up. As long as you are satisfied with a basic design and want to go with wireless cameras, most people can do it independently.
With that said, there are advantages to a professional installation. To start, a professional will perform a thorough survey of the property to find all of the places where cameras might be necessary. They can also find the best locations for cameras, and they will also be able to offer the installation of camera systems and features that might be too complex for a non-expert.
While it might cost a little more, professional security installation can also save you from many issues. It will usually look better. Along with that, they can set the system up and troubleshoot it for any problems before they leave the job. Along with that, professional installation usually comes with a warranty. If you have some issues, you can call the installers to come back to fix them.
Custom Home Security Cameras From Cornerstone Protection
Contact Cornerstone Protection before you build your own security camera system. We offer complete camera system installation services. We work with some of the best equipment available today, and our experts can help you design a plan that will provide the best protection possible. Call our security team to learn more about home security camera systems in Kentucky.
