With Staffordshire Police encouraging residents to register CCTV and video doorbell cameras on its new countywide registry, some people in Stone may also be considering whether to install a camera of their own.
Video doorbells and home CCTV systems have become a common sight around the town, but choosing one is not always as simple as picking the most familiar brand.
There are differences in how cameras are powered, where recordings are stored, whether an ongoing subscription is needed and how easily footage can be saved or shared if something happens outside your home.
If you are thinking about adding a camera to your property in Stone, here are some of the things worth checking before buying.
Battery or wired
One of the first choices is whether you want a battery powered device or something permanently wired into the property.
Battery cameras and doorbells can make installation easier, particularly where there is no suitable existing wiring, but they need recharging periodically.
Wired models remove the need to recharge a battery, although installation can be more involved depending on your property.
Some manufacturers offer both options, so it is worth deciding how you want the camera powered before comparing individual models.
Think about storage as well as the camera
The price on the box is not necessarily the full cost.
Some cameras are designed around cloud storage services, with additional features or access to recorded video depending on the subscription being used. Others offer local storage through a hub, memory card or other device.
If avoiding a monthly or annual subscription is important to you, check exactly what remains available without one before buying.
That includes whether you can view previous recordings, download clips and receive the types of alerts you want.
Check what the camera can actually see
Resolution gets plenty of attention, but positioning and field of view can be just as important.
For a doorbell, being able to see somebody standing close to the door, or an item left on the ground, may matter more than simply having the highest quoted resolution.
For a security camera covering a drive, garden or side access, think about the area you actually need to record before deciding where it will go.
Night time performance is worth considering too, particularly if the area has limited outside lighting.
Make sure you can get footage off it
If one of the reasons for buying a camera is security, check how straightforward it is to retrieve recordings.
Can clips be downloaded to your phone or computer?
How long are recordings retained?
Is downloading footage included without a subscription?
Could you easily provide a clip to the police or your insurer if you needed to?
These are less exciting specifications than image resolution, but potentially much more important when something actually happens.
Popular systems you are likely to come across
*This article contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, A Little Bit of Stone may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Our editorial choices are not determined by affiliate arrangements.
Ring, Blink, Eufy, Google Nest and Tapo are among the familiar names you are likely to see when looking for a video doorbell or home security camera.
Rather than choosing purely on brand, it is worth comparing how each system handles storage, subscriptions, power and downloading footage.
Ring
Probably one of the most recognisable video doorbell names, with battery and wired options and a wider range of security cameras.
Ring’s current UK range includes battery powered doorbells with features such as live view, two way communication, motion detection and night vision. Some recording and additional functionality is tied to Ring’s subscription services.
Click here to view the Ring camera and doorbell range on Amazon*
Blink
Amazon’s Blink range includes video doorbells and indoor and outdoor security cameras. It is worth checking the storage and subscription arrangements of the particular system you are considering before buying.
Click here to view the Blink doorbell and camera range on Amazon*
Eufy
Eufy is another established smart home security brand, with video doorbells and security cameras including products built around local storage.
That can make it worth considering for households specifically looking at alternatives to systems centred around cloud subscriptions.
Click here to see Amazon’s list of Eufy doorbell and cameras*
Google Nest
Google’s Nest range integrates particularly closely with the Google Home ecosystem and includes doorbell and home security camera options.
It may therefore be of particular interest if you already use Google smart home products.
Explore Amazon’s list of Google Nest home security options*
Tapo
TP Link’s Tapo range includes indoor and outdoor cameras as well as video doorbells and tends to cover a broad range of price points.
Click here for the Tapo range of home security products on Amazon*
Be considerate about where it points
Wherever you live in Stone, it is worth thinking carefully about what your camera captures.
A home security camera does not automatically need to record the pavement, road or neighbouring properties.
If a home CCTV system captures images beyond the boundaries of your property, data protection rules can become relevant, so it is worth checking the ICO’s guidance before installing or repositioning cameras.
Already got a camera in Staffordshire?
Staffordshire Police has recently launched a CCTV Registry covering the county.
Owners can register the location of their cameras so officers know potential footage may exist if an incident happens nearby.
Joining the registry does not give Staffordshire Police remote access to your camera or live feed. If officers believe your camera could contain relevant evidence, they can contact you and ask whether you are willing to provide it.
You can read our separate guide to the new Staffordshire Police CCTV Registry for full details.
Before you buy
The most suitable camera will depend on your property and what you actually want it to do.
Look beyond the headline price and compare how it is powered, whether recordings require a subscription, local and cloud storage options, how easily footage can be downloaded, night time recording and compatibility with any smart home equipment you already use.
A cheaper camera that does everything you need without an ongoing charge may make more sense than a more expensive system packed with features you will never use.
Equally, paying for cloud storage may be worthwhile if convenience and access to recordings matter more to you than avoiding a subscription.
*This article contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, A Little Bit of Stone may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Our editorial choices are not determined by affiliate arrangements.
