Wireless vs Wired Security Cameras: Thoughts On Protecting Your Property

Lately I’ve been chatting with a lot of people about my thoughts on camera systems for homes and small businesses.  Our conversation inevitably leads to the “wireless” DIY systems that they’ve seen online or in box stores and they want my feedback. 

I’m going to talk with you today about Wi-Fi based consumer level systems vs. professional wired systems. Not the cellular based, stand-alone systems.  (I like chatting about those too…because I think they’re cool but we can do that later)

Back to my usual conversation: My first question is usually “What do you want to see?  Most box store cameras will show you there’s someone lurking around, but you won’t know whether it’s you, me, or my mom.”  For reference…my mom is a little 5’ nothing, grey haired lady. She’s cute but we don’t look alike.

Aside from detail and resolution of the cameras, there are a few other things to consider when shopping for your home or business. 

·        Ongoing Fees - They can add up

o  Many DIY camera systems have an SD Card slot and offer monthly subscription services so you can view or save your footage.  Over time, these fees can add up. If you want to save your video, you must save it through the app or retrieve the SD card from the camera.

o  Professional systems have storage on the NVR or DVR (Network/Digital Video Recorder) as well as a free app for your phone to view it.  They also have USB slots right on the recorder so you can save footage to a portable drive.

·        Powering the Cameras – They don’t run on love

o  DIY Wireless Systems are usually battery powered or need to be plugged in.  That means you must charge batteries or have a wire running to your closest plug.  It complicates the install, limits mounting locations because of wire lengths, and has exposed cables cluttering up your wall. That means the bad guys can also easily unplug it.

o  Professional systems are wired back to the NVR/DVR and are powered by it.  That gives you more flexibility in mounting options and a cleaner look because wires are concealed and nothing is plugged in at the camera location.  It is a more permanent installation because you can’t easily move the cameras to a different location if your needs change. Tip: You can also pick up a small battery back-up for your NVR, so your system won’t go out during a power failure.

·        Upfront Costs vs. Long-Term Savings

o  DIY systems often have lower upfront costs because the equipment is usually of lower quality, and you install it yourself. You can just drop in the battery and screw it to the wall.

o  Professional systems require a more complex install, some specialized knowledge, and tools. There’s the labour costs associated with doing this. Especially when the wires are all concealed to keep the bad guys away from them.

Are you handy? Northern Security offers their professional systems as a complete DIY kit! Everything you need including cable, crimper, ends, and instructions.

·        Hidden Costs (Repairs, Upgrades, and Maintenance)

o  DIY kits usually work on one platform or app.  It’s not easy to interchange hardware or swap brands.  That means if they become discontinued or obsolete you must replace it all.   

o  Professional systems are more expensive at the outset, but you are laying the foundational infrastructure.  The cables will be installed and useful until the technology drastically changes.  With that infrastructure in place, you can install different cameras, upgrade the storage in your NVR/DVR or easily change components without having to “scrap” your entire investment.

With wireless vs wired security cameras, it really comes down to what you want to see on your system, if you want to invest in the infrastructure or keep things flexible, and what your budget looks like. 

If we’re ever in one of these conversations, I’ll pull out my phone and happily show you what a professional system looks like.  I have installations in four locations that I’m using daily.  My manufacturer of choice brought out a “wireless” line and I put two in each Northern Security storefront.  If you know me, I’m the guy who plays with and breaks things.  After trying them, I won’t sell or recommend them. They’re not up to the standard that I want protecting my customers.  Technology is advancing daily and fueling new products.  I’m always on the lookout and I’ll eventually find a different or better product. Keep asking me my thoughts, I’ll give you my opinions and recommend what I feel is best to help you protect what matters most.    

Mike Pagnutti