Overview of Neighborhood Security Cameras: Features and Benefits

For the safety and security of people living around, neighborhood security cameras are essential. These can prevent illegal activities and record every incident for investigation.

In this article, we will explain the need for having neighborhood security cameras. We will explain their types, where to install them, and how you can choose the best one. We will also share some excellent recommendations.

Why to Use Neighborhood Security Cameras?

Crime Prevention and Deterrence

The primary reason for installing neighborhood security cameras is crime prevention. When criminals see security cameras, they do not dare to enter the property or do anything illegal. It keeps intruders and trespassers away and protects your property.

Remote Monitoring and Surveillance

Using neighborhood security cameras, you can monitor everything from any location. You can see the live preview and receive real-time alerts to take action at the right time. It’s the best option for surveillance and keeping an eye on the area.

Evidence for Investigations

When everything is recorded, you have video evidence you can give to the police and produce in the courtroom. It helps authorities investigate and find those intruders, trespassers, and criminals. You may be able to recover if you lose anything.

Types of Neighborhood Security Cameras

Here are some common types of neighborhood security cameras.

Dome Cameras

Dome cameras are preferred for neighborhoods that have a historical record of vandalism. They look like a hemisphere. They are less likely to be noticed, and some of them are vandalism-proof. They offer a wide field of view and are installed on the ceiling.

Bullet Cameras

Bullet cameras are extremely common. They have a cylindrical shape, which is why they are called bullet cameras. They are excellent for outdoor use and also offer zoom-in features for rich details.

PTZ Cameras

PTZ cameras are the best neighborhood security cameras for several reasons. Firstly, they cover a massive area through pan and tilt motion. They can even track the motion of persons, vehicles, and pets. Another special feature is the zoom-in capability, which allows you to see intricate details.

LPR Cameras

LPR cameras are specifically designed to capture the license plates of vehicles. Governments and state authorities usually use them to monitor traffic violations and find criminals. They are also installed in parking lots.

How to Choose Neighborhood Security Cameras?

Here are some must-have features for excellent neighborhood security cameras.

Resolution and Image Quality

The resolution of the security camera should be at least 2K, and 4K is a better option. It is necessary if you want clear videos with rich details. Along with high resolution, you need clear night vision. If the camera offers both colored and black-and-white night vision, it is better.

Field of View and Coverage

A wide field of view allows you to capture a massive area. If it is a stationary camera, checking the field of view is necessary to understand what it will cover. PTZ cameras also have a limited range of motion, and you can check whether they cover 360 degrees or not.

Smart Detection

Neighborhood security cameras should have a smart detection feature. It should detect the movement of persons, vehicles, and pets. It should be able to distinguish between the objects and send accurate alerts.

Remote Viewing and Alerts

Make sure the camera offers the remote viewing feature to monitor the live preview from any location. There should not be any subscriptions. Secondly, it should send real-time alerts on the connected devices after detecting any motion.

24/7 Continuous Recording

For neighborhood security and surveillance, continuous recording is a must-have. It offers more details and evidence about the event. You can check footage of every event and see what happened before and after.

Best Neighborhood Security Cameras Recommendation

Reolink Duo 3 Wi-Fi

Duo 3 Wi-Fi is an incredible security camera that offers optimal reliability and robust performance. It’s a dual-lens security camera that captures a 180⁰ panoramic view. It is an ideal option for outdoor surveillance as it offers 16MP resolution with exceptional clarity.

It can detect the motion of objects instantly. It also tracks their motion and sends real-time alerts to the connected devices. At night, it uses its colored or black-and-white night vision to record extremely clear videos. It also facilitates communication through two-way audio. Most importantly, it’s IP67-rated and can work in all weather conditions.

RLC-811A

RLC-811A is a PoE security camera with unmatched reliability and powerful performance. It records videos in 4K resolution, which offers incredible clarity and rich details. You can also use its 5X optical zoom to see a close-up view.

It smartly detects the person and vehicles around and sends instant alerts. You can even control it hands-free through Alexa and Google Assistant. Its night vision captures true colors and excellent details. It is made for harsh weather conditions and can work in rain and snow.

Reolink TrackMix Wi-Fi

TrackMix Wi-Fi is a PTZ camera equipped with dual lenses. One is the wide-angle lens to capture a wider area, and the other is the telephoto lens to record the zoomed view. You get to see both videos at the same time. Plus, you can use the 6X hybrid zoom for more details.

It’s a Wi-Fi 6 security camera, saving you from the hassle of Ethernet wiring and offering stable and fast connectivity. It offers dual night vision, and you can use any of them for clear videos a night. It can detect persons, pets, and vehicles smartly and send alerts to the devices. Besides that, it offers flexible storage, smart home compatibility, dual warnings, and much more.

Where to Place Neighborhood Security Cameras?

Entrances and Exits

The best place for neighborhood security cameras is the entrances and exits. This way, the camera records who entered or left the property.

Common Areas and Pathways

The common areas and pathways in the neighborhood should be covered with security cameras. It captures what’s going on in these areas. If anything happens, finding the person and authorities can take action is easier.

Streetlights or Utility Poles

If cameras are placed on the street lights and utility poles, it can cover a very wide area. These are ideal to cover the neighborhood, and fewer cameras will be needed for the area.

Driveways

Residents can make their driveways secure by installing security cameras at different locations. The cameras will detect if there is any person or vehicle in the driveway. You get the notification on your smartphone.

Parking Areas

Neighborhood security cameras are necessary in the parking areas to monitor the activities. These can prevent robberies, burglaries, and vandalism. Secondly, these record the evidence needed to take strict actions.

Potential Concerns with Neighborhood Security Cameras Systems

Privacy

The biggest concern with neighborhood security cameras is privacy. Residents might feel that they are being recorded all the time and their privacy is being invaded. Secondly, they aren’t sure how the recorded videos will be used, and whether the data is safe.

Legal Compliance

It is essential to comply with local or state laws if you want to install neighborhood security cameras. Make sure you are not invading someone’s privacy. Do not record other properties by placing security cameras at the right locations.

Management and Maintenance

Neighborhood security cameras are placed outdoors. They require proper management and maintenance at regular intervals. It is necessary to keep their lenses and housing clean and make sure they are performing as they should.

FAQs

1. What's the cost of neighborhood security cameras?

Depending on the features and quality, a neighborhood security camera can cost anywhere between $50 to $500 or even more.

2. What's the HOA community security cameras?

HOA community security cameras are installed by HOA (Homeowner’s Association). The purpose is to deter crimes, investigate incidents, ensure the safety of the residents, etc.

3. Is it legal for my neighbor's security camera to record my yard?

No, people expect privacy in their own property, be it their yard or patio. Your neighbor cannot record you in that area or face the camera towards the yard.

4.  What is the best security camera for HOA?

HOA can choose different types of neighborhood security cameras. However, PTZ, bullet, and LPR cameras are quite common. Depending on the requirement, they can select a suitable one.

Conclusion

Neighborhood security cameras are needed at homes, societies, communities, parking lots, etc. These help in recording every moment, which could be helpful in deterring crimes and getting details for the incidents. We explained different types of neighborhood security cameras and how you can select them. You can also go with the recommendations we have shared to save time.