Video doorbells and home CCTV systems have become common in Stone, but choosing the right one requires more than picking a familiar brand name.

Key differences exist in how cameras are powered, where recordings are stored, whether subscriptions are needed, and how easily footage can be saved or shared if something happens outside a home.

Power source: battery or wired

One of the first choices is whether to install a battery-powered device or something permanently wired into the property.

Battery cameras and doorbells make installation easier, particularly where no suitable existing wiring exists, but they need recharging periodically. Wired models remove the need to recharge a battery, although installation can be more involved depending on the property. Some manufacturers offer both options.

Subscription costs and storage

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.

Those wanting to avoid a monthly or annual subscription should check exactly what remains available without one before buying. This includes whether previous recordings can be viewed, clips downloaded and whether the desired alert types are available.

Camera positioning and field of view

Resolution gets plenty of attention, but positioning and field of view can be equally 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 having the highest quoted resolution. For a security camera covering a drive, garden or side access, the area actually needing to be recorded should be considered before deciding where the camera will be positioned.

Night time performance is worth considering too, particularly if the area has limited outside lighting.

Retrieving footage when needed

If one of the reasons for buying a camera is security, check how straightforward it is to retrieve recordings. Can clips be downloaded to a phone or computer? How long are recordings retained? Is downloading footage included without a subscription? Could a clip easily be provided to the police or an insurer if needed?

These specifications are less exciting than image resolution, but potentially much more important when something actually happens.