Looking for a security camera to secure your home or business in Houston?
Here we are with a quick guide on how to select the best cameras to optimize security in Houston. We will also share some excellent products and explain how you can install them. Moreover, we will highlight the regulations and privacy considerations for installing security cameras in Houston.
Why Does Houston Need Security Cameras?
The overall crime rate in Houston is 57 per 1,000. Its violent crime and property crime rates are higher than the national average. It means Houston is more prone to crimes compared to other cities in the USA.
Thus, to ensure the security of your house and business, it is essential to install security cameras. You can cover every corner of the property to keep your loved ones and investments safe.
Benefits of Using Security Cameras in Houston
Improved Crime Prevention and Deterrence
When you install security cameras on your property, thieves and criminals don’t dare to come close to your house. They know that everything is being recorded and will be caught red-handed if they do anything illegal. Security cameras prevent crimes and deter intruders.
Enhanced Surveillance and Monitoring Capabilities
With the help of security cameras, you can keep an eye on the property from any location. You can check the live preview through your smartphone or tablet.
If there is any movement in the vicinity, you get instant alerts on your device. Thus, you can take action instantly. Moreover, if anything happens, you can check the recordings and use them as evidence.
Types of Security Cameras Houston
Security cameras can be broadly categorized into two types: Wired and Wireless. If there are multiple cameras connected to an NVR, it is called a security camera system. Let’s check out some excellent products.
Wired Security Camera Houston - Duo 3 PoE
Duo 3 is a powerful PoE for indoor and outdoor surveillance. It contains dual lenses that offer a 180⁰ field of view, which means it covers a vast area with exceptional video quality. Its motion tracking feature records every movement and sends instant alerts on devices.
It contains powerful flashlights that offer true colors even at night through the color night vision mode. For preventing crimes in Houston, it could be an excellent option as it offers smart detection, siren & flashlight warning, two-way audio, time-lapse, etc.
Groundbreaking 16MP Dual-Lens PoE Camera
16MP UHD, Dual-Lens, Motion Track, 180° Wide Viewing Angle, Power over Ethernet, Color Night Vision.
Wireless Security Camera Houston - Argus 3 Ultra
Argus 3 Ultra is a battery-powered Wi-Fi camera that can also be powered through a solar panel. It offers 4K resolution for crisp and clear videos. It uses dual bands to transmit data, ensuring a stable connection and offering incredible speed.
It is a weatherproof camera that works in all weather conditions. It offers instant alerts on your device to take quick action. You can also use the siren and flashlights to deter intruders from your Houston property. It also offers two-way talk to facilitate communication, flexible storage, time-lapse, and tons of features.
4K 8MP Standalone Wire-Free Camera
4K 8MP; Smart Detection; 5/2.4GHz Dual-Band WiFi; Battery/Solar Powered; Color Night Vision; Alerts Without Subscription.
Security Camera Systems Houston - RLK12-800WB4
This is a complete camera system to cover your whole property in Houston with its four cameras. All these are Wi-Fi 6 dual-band cameras that offer a stable wireless connection and seamless visual experience. The 4K resolution captures intricate details, and you can enjoy true colors even at night.
It has an NVR to connect all cameras and manage them without any hassle. It can connect up to 12 security cameras. The internal storage is 2TB, which can be expanded up to 16TB. Most importantly, it has WPA3 encryption to protect your data.
4K Security Kit with Next-Gen WiFi 6
4 pcs 4K Ultra HD Security Cameras; Dual-Band WiFi 6; 2TB HDD 12-Channel NVR for 24/7 Recording; Peron/Vehicle/Animal Detection; IP67 Weatherproof.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Security Cameras in Houston
Features to Consider
The camera should offer excellent video resolution. You can go with a 4K camera to get intricate details and crisp and clear video quality. The next important thing is night vision. It helps in getting clear visuals at night. Color night vision is an excellent option.
Make sure the camera has motion detection. It will help in detecting persons and vehicles. In the case of any movement, you will get instant alerts on your devices. Moreover, the camera should offer remote access via the app and without any subscription. With this, you can view the live preview from any location.
Area to Consider
You should consider whether you live in urban or suburban areas. Consider the crime rate, and then install security cameras accordingly. If the crime rate is too high, install cameras in multiple locations to cover all sides of the property. If the crime rate is low, you can go with fewer and simple cameras at specific locations.
Weatherproofing to Consider
The camera should have good housing to withstand Houston's harsh weather. It should prevent water and dust from entering. Houston is humid, which is why normal cameras can’t last for a long time. Make sure the camera is weatherproof. It would be great if it offered an IP67 rating.
Budget Considerations
You can find hundreds of cameras with different features, qualities, and price tags. If you are on a tight budget, you can go with a mid-range Wi-Fi camera. It does not require an Ethernet cable. But if you have a good budget and want incredible performance, go with a PoE camera.
Legal Considerations of Security Camera Houston
Laws and Regulations of Security Camera Houston
There are no specific laws and regulations related to cameras in residential areas. However, there are rules for business.
Not all businesses can install security cameras; there is a list of applicable businesses, such as convenience stores, bars, nightclubs, gasoline businesses, etc.
Moreover, the businesses should keep the recording for at least 30 days. The camera should be 2MP to ensure better quality. Moreover, it is a must to have clear signage on the place to notify visitors and workers.
Privacy Concerns
Ensuring others’ privacy is essential. If you have installed cameras in your residential property, respect neighbors’ privacy. Do not cover their property in recordings. Moreover, in offices, the employees should know about the cameras. The cameras should be visible and with proper signage. Keep in mind that general privacy laws are also applicable.
Security Camera Installation Houston
You can either install security cameras on your own or hire a professional.
Professional Installation
If you can’t drill holes in the wall and run Ethernet cables, it is better to hire a professional to get the job done. Otherwise, you will end up damaging existing wiring or hurting yourself.
Moreover, it also depends on the camera you have bought. If it requires difficult configuration and setup, hiring a professional would be the best option.
DIY Installation
If you have bought Reolink cameras, you can install them on your own. These are extremely simple, and you only need to drill a couple of holes. Let’s see how to install Reolink cameras.
- Select a suitable position where you want to install the camera. Drill the holes and install the camera on the wall. Make sure not to damage any wiring behind the wall.
- If you have bought a Wi-Fi camera, power it through the given adapter. Let the device turn on. If you have a PoE camera, you have to connect it to a PoE switch or router using an Ethernet cable. For this, you might need to run a long Ethernet cable behind the wall.
- Install the Reolink app on your smartphone. Open the app and tap the “+” button. Scan the QR code at the back of the camera. You can also enter IP/UID.
- Create a password for your computer. Enter the name of the camera and complete the initialization.
Your camera is ready to work. You will see the live preview on your mobile devices.
FAQs
1. Is there a security camera without a monthly fee?
Reolink cameras do not need any subscription. They offer remote viewing experience, two-way talk, and other features through your device without any monthly fee.
2. Is it better to have wired or wireless security cameras?
Wired cameras are a bit difficult to install, and the Ethernet cost makes the installation expensive. However, they are more reliable. On the other hand, Wi-Fi cameras are extremely easy to install and have all the features you need, but sometimes, their reliability is compromised because of the Wi-Fi range, speed, etc.
Conclusion
If you want to ensure the security of your house or business in Houston, it is a must to install security cameras. They deter criminals and prevent crimes. And even if something happens, you can check the recordings and take appropriate actions. We have shared some of the best cameras you can use in Houston. These offer incredible performance and are quite easy to install in all weather conditions.