Home safety made easy: A guide to picking the perfect CCTV camera

Modern security cameras are cheaper, better, and are also more flexible.

A security camera mounted onto a ceiling (Image credit: Pixabay/WebTechExperts)

No matter if one is living in a remote area or an urban setup, having a security camera, commonly known as CCTV, is important for safety. Its presence, that is, the fear of leaving behind proof, deters many criminal activities.

Security cameras come in two formats: hard-wired and wireless. Usually, both types require external power, but some models are powered by solar energy or battery. Accessing the live feed generally requires an internet connection, either wired or via Wi-Fi. Some modern cameras even support 4G SIM cards.

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TP Link (left), Godrej (centre) and Mi (right) security cameras

Before buying one, the key features to consider include camera resolution, night vision, and motion detection. In this day and age, a security camera with at least 2.1 MP resolution is recommended to capture 1080p footage. For remote monitoring, choose a camera with app support and live-streaming capability. Storage options vary, with some cameras needing external storage and others having a microSD card slot, which automatically overwrites data. Depending on the storage space, security cameras can store footage from anywhere between one week to over a month.

Some cameras are DIY installations, while others require professional help. Motorised cameras can pivot to capture footage from all angles. For outdoor installations, choose a camera with ingress protection.

Based on this information, here are five affordable security cameras worth considering in 2024:

IMOU 360° 1080P Full HD Security Camera

At Rs 1,499, this is one of the most affordable smart security cameras. Despite its affordable price tag, it offers 1080p recording, motion tracking, human detection, night vision, and is also compatible with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa.

CP PLUS 3MP Smart Wi-Fi CCTV Camera

Priced at Rs 1,499, this affordable camera records monochrome footage during nighttime. During the day, it can shoot colour videos, and when mounted, it can record videos from all angles. It also supports advanced motion tracking along with two-way talk support.

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Tapo TP-Link C200 Home Security Wi-Fi Smart Camera

For Rs 1,799, this camera offers 1080p recording and can pan and tilt to record 360-degree footage. An indoor CCTV camera, this supports up to 128 GB microSD card, which can store up to 16 days of footage, and can be controlled via smartphone remotely when connected to a Wi-Fi network.

Trueview Bullet CCTV Security Camera

At Rs 2,369, this is one of the most affordable CCTV security cameras with 4G SIM support. With a 3 MP sensor, it can shoot at 1296p, and is also IP66 rated, and can be used indoors and outdoors. This one is perfect for those who don’t have a broadband connection and still need remote access to the live feed.

Maizic Smart Home Camera

For Rs 5,999, this security camera supports 4G SIM, and is solar-powered. It does not require any wiring and will work independently. It is also IP66 rated, and has a microSD card slot, which can store data natively on the camera. It supports live-streaming too. Since it comes with an integrated battery, even if there is no sunlight, the camera can power itself for hours.

These are some of the most affordable and unique security cameras that are worth considering, and with most of these cameras, the companies also cover installation.