The Differences Between Connected Security Cameras and Local Storage Security Cameras

By Mitchell Carlson

Years ago, home security systems required expensive equipment and were often run by third parties. Security cameras today offer more features than the complex systems of yesterday, and cost much less, too!

The personal security camera market has exploded in popularity, and there are many options on the market. It is important to consider the features and benefits of each camera to see which one fits your needs.

Most home security cameras today fall into two major categories:

Cloud cameras

Local storage cameras

Cloud Cameras

These devices are the easiest to set up and maintain, requiring only a power cord and an internet connection. Cloud cameras record and upload footage to a third-party server. You can then view the live or recorded video feed from a web browser or smart phone app anywhere in the world. This is ideal for checking in on the house at work or on vacation.

These cameras often feature motion detection. When the device detects movement, it flags the recording and notifies you. This allows you to skip the sections of video where nothing happens and get right to the important parts of interest.

Cloud cameras are great because they save the content online for you. This makes your camera accessible from anywhere, but there are some drawbacks. Some cloud camera services require you to pay subscription fees for the online video storage. There may be limits on how long the video is stored. If you wait too long, it could be lost forever.

Cloud cameras can also create privacy issues. Some people are understandably uncomfortable with video of their home being uploaded to the internet. While cases of abuse are far and in between, it is possible for a rogue employee to view your camera. It is also possible for a person with malicious intent to hack your camera and intercept the video. Because of this, it is recommended not to place cloud cameras in private spaces.

Local Storage Cameras

If the thought of cloud cameras puts you off, perhaps a camera with local storage would be better. These cameras store the video on a physical hard drive or flash drive in your home. Nothing is uploaded to the internet unless you choose to do so.

The advantage to local storage cameras is control and privacy; however, the footage will be less accessible. You may have to connect to your home network or actually plug into the camera or hard drive itself to view the recordings.

If you're looking for a challenge, you can have the best of both worlds by building your own connected camera! If you run your own camera and web server, you can create a website for your device. Then you can view the camera from a web browser anywhere you choose. In this situation, you retain the recordings locally, so no third parties should have access. Of course, this takes more work and still opens you up to the potential threat of camera hackers.

Regardless of the option you choose, home security is better and more affordable than ever before. Consider adding a camera to your home to protect from theft and damages.

Mitchell Carlson - Founder of The SmartHome Experts

Website:    https://www5.cob.ilstu.edu/mscarls/

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