A doorbell camera is like every other regular doorbell, but this time it comes with an inbuilt camera that helps you view who is at the door. You never know who could be knocking at the door. It could be a thief or even a serial killer. Anyone can camouflage their voice, but with a doorbell camera, you get to see their face before opening the door. Doorbell cameras are ideal for building a smart security system for your home.
So you’re wondering,
“Should I buy a doorbell camera?”
“Are doorbell cameras worth it?”
Tag along with me, let’s find out.
The Benefits of a Doorbell Camera
Doorbell cameras are also called video doorbells. They can be quite useful in your home especially if you live alone on the crazy side of town. Here are some benefits of using a doorbell camera.
1. Digital Screening
With a doorbell camera, you don’t have to walk to the door to see who is knocking through the peephole. You don’t have to run out leaving your food on the gas just to get the door. You can just pick up your phone to see who’s there through the WiFi signal. Right there on your couch, you can choose if it’s someone you want to let into your house or not. What an easy way to screen your visitors. But, that’s not all.
Even when you’re away from home you can get a notification that someone came looking for you. You can use the speaker on the doorbell to communicate with the person by using the push-to-talk button. If it’s someone you’re expecting, you can tell them that you’re on your way home. You won’t have to miss your deliveries either. If it’s the delivery man, you can tell him where you drop your package. Now, that’s amazeballs.
2. Surveillance and Security Purposes
Doorbell cameras can also serve as security devices. They are a great way to catch intruders and keep your home safe. Doorbell cameras eliminate the risk of opening your door to a potentially dangerous visitor. With the inbuilt sensor, the camera starts recording immediately when someone walks up to your front door. This way no one can sneak up on you or enter your house in disguise because you’re watching them without them knowing.
3. Reduces Insurance Bills
Doorbell cameras are a good investment that helps reduce insurance expenses in the case of burglary or break-in. Insurance companies offer discounts to people who use smart security systems in their homes. You can also use video footage from the camera to provide evidence to the police and speed up the process of getting your insurance claim.
4. Excellent Visual Deterrent
When an intruder or thief walks up to your front door and sees that you installed a doorbell camera, he will have second thoughts about breaking into your home. No burglar in his right senses will walk into a house equipped with high-tech security systems. They would rather go to a house they can enter and exit without a scratch.
5. Wide Compatibility
These devices are compatible with other smart home devices that can be found on Google Home, Alexa, and Amazon. Some variety of doorbell cameras can be used together with other smart locks in your home. They have a web portal that helps you connect to your viewing device like your phone. It also comes with app features for Mac OS, Windows, IOS, and Android mobile devices.
The Cons of Using Doorbell Cameras
1. Doorbell Cameras Are Not Cheap
Yes, I said it! While doorbell cameras are essential security devices for your home, they are not the cheapest thing on the market. You may want to check your account balance before running off to buy one. Like most smart house devices, the cost of purchasing a doorbell camera is quite on the high side. Typical examples are the Ring Doorbell and the SkyBell HD which are valued at a cost of $200. With the hard-wired models, you will have to consider the additional expenses of installation.
Take a look at the cost of some of the wireless models on Amazon. Not what you were expecting, right? But considering the purpose it will serve you, it’s a good investment unless you are not the type to entertain guests in your house. If you can’t afford it, you can opt for standalone security cameras that do not come with a doorbell like the Nest Outdoor Cam.
2. They Are Difficult to Install
Aside from the cost, doorbell cameras are pretty hard to install. Wireless devices may be easier to install because they are powered by batteries. You just have to screw in a mounting plate and stick the bell on it. But then, you will have to buy a chime system to receive audio notifications. And remember you’ll have to charge and replace the batteries frequently.
For hard-wired cameras, you will need the assistance of a handyman or electrician to install them as the process can be quite tricky.
3. They are Extra Large
Okay, I’m just kidding. Doorbell cameras are not that large, but they are bigger than your regular doorbells, and as such will take up extra space on your door. I know they say good things come in small packs, but this is an exception to the rule. Doorbell cameras are great surveillance gadgets for your home. And if you want a secured home, you won’t mind giving up that extra space.
4. Additional Cost for Cloud Storage
Not all doorbell cameras come with a cloud storage feature. Sure, you can watch a live view of your front door with your mobile phone, receive motion-triggered alerts and even go back to watch yesterday’s footage. But if you want to gain access to the video footage for a longer period, it will come with some extra cost. You will need to subscribe to a cloud storage plan which allows you to playback and record videos.
So, having read the pros and cons, are doorbell cameras worth it? Should you still get one?
Absolutely!
It’s worth every penny. Aside from the fact that it keeps you safe, it pretty much makes your life a little easier.