In recent years, doorbell cameras have completely changed the landscape of home surveillance. While CCTV cameras used to be the main way homeowners could keep track of comings and goings at their property, doorbell cameras have soared in popularity, largely thanks to how convenient they are.
With more makes, models and methods of home surveillance than ever before, it can be tricky to know what’s right for your property. In this article, the team at Astra Security will be seeing how doorbell cameras and CCTV cameras match up on several major factors.
Doorbell cameras vs CCTV cameras
Installation and set-up
When fitting a doorbell camera, the installation method varies depending on the make and model and whether you’ve chosen a wired or wireless product. Once you’ve chosen an appropriate spot near your front door, you’ll then need to mount a bracket and connect the wires if you’ve opted for a hardwired product. If you’re pretty handy with DIY projects then you might be able to do this yourself, but some users may need the help of a professional. You’ll also need to connect the device to your home WiFi network and set up an account on any associated apps.
CCTV installation can be a little trickier as there are a lot more components to consider. You’ll have to carefully choose the most appropriate spots for the cameras to be positioned, mount and install them, route the cables, connect the cameras and then configure and test them. If you’re thinking that this sounds like a lot of work, you’d be right – this is a task best left to the professionals. Here at Astra Security Systems, we can install your new CCTV systems for you in line with all manufacturer’s guidance.
Coverage area
As the name suggests, doorbell cameras cover the area immediately in front of your doorbell. Although these domestic cameras are great for monitoring comings and goings at your front door and tracking any parcels that arrive, they don’t offer much protection against potential intruders. While many modern doorbell cameras have a wide lens that can capture more of the surrounding area, their field of view is still incredibly limited and other areas of your property will be left vulnerable.
By contrast, CCTV cameras usually have a viewing angle ranging from 60° to 180°, meaning they cover a much larger space. When you install a comprehensive CCTV system, you can enhance security across your entire property, not just the front door, by allowing multiple areas to be monitored simultaneously. This reduces the number of blind spots that would-be intruders can exploit. When you choose Astra Security Systems for your CCTV installation, we can work with you to create a comprehensive security plan and choose optimal positions for each camera.
Price
It isn’t possible to give an estimated price for doorbell cameras or CCTV cameras as costs can vary dramatically depending on the make and model you choose. However, given that doorbell cameras have fewer components and are simpler to install, you can typically expect them to come in at a much lower price point than CCTV cameras.
However, it’s important to consider the benefits of CCTV cameras; they can potentially save you money in the long run by deterring intruders and reducing insurance premiums. For businesses, commercial CCTV cameras can also document any incidents of theft or vandalism and provide evidence for the police.
Video quality
While technology is advancing all the time, many doorbell cameras still won’t provide high-definition footage, especially in poor lighting conditions. Although people standing directly in front of the camera can be clearly identified, these cameras will often struggle to pick up images from a distance, such as someone approaching your door or moving about your garden.
On the other hand, CCTV cameras typically provide superior video quality with a much higher resolution to ensure detailed images in any lighting conditions. Here at Astra Security Systems, we can also provide a range of additional features such as ANPR, thermal imaging and PTZ (Pan-Tilt-Zoom) cameras.
Which is Better?
The choice between doorbell cameras and CCTV cameras all comes down to your personal preferences.
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option and simply want to monitor a single entrance then a doorbell camera will probably fit the bill. However, if you have a larger property or live in an area with a high crime rate, CCTV cameras are undoubtedly the better choice due to the comprehensive range of benefits they offer: they’re more versatile, provide clearer footage and are a visible deterrent for intruders. If you’re looking to protect your business premises, commercial CCTV systems are by far the best choice as they also allow you to cover multiple access points.
If you’re looking to enhance security at your property with domestic or commercial cameras, the team at Astra Security Systems can supply and install the perfect CCTV system for your needs. For more than 40 years, we’ve been helping home and business owners across Maidstone, Medway, Tonbridge and beyond with all their security needs – contact us to find out more.
