Doorbell with Camera - Analysis and Buying Guide - 2023
Ring first entered the home security market with the Ring Doorbell, but has since branched out with a series of alarms and cameras designed to help keep your home safe and your mind at ease. Ring cameras stand out for their excellent image quality, streaming video on demand, and built-in alarms.
There are many factors to consider when choosing a Ring camera, including your budget, required features, and aesthetic concerns. You also have to think about where and how you intend to use the camera. The well-known Ring cameras are great, but they are not ideal for all situations. You may need a combination of multiple cameras to better protect your home.
We at Real Indian have put together this buying guide to help you evaluate your options so you can determine which Ring camera is the best option for your home.
What Can you Expect from a Ring camera?
- Ring camera models differ, but here are some features that are common to all.
- HD Wide-angle video (most are 1080HD; earlier models are 720HD)
- Built-in Microphone and speakers for two-way Communication
- Motion activated video with Custom Motion Zones
- Infrared Night Vision
- Mobile app for on-demand Viewing (compatible with iOS, Android and Windows 10)
- Weather Resistant
- One year Warranty on Parts and Theft Protection
Ring Camera Features to Consider
- Doorbell vs Security Camera
Your first consideration is how you intend to use the camera. A doorbell camera replaces your current doorbell, allowing you to see and communicate with anyone at your door. However, this camera does not cover as large an area as a security camera, so it is not ideal for complete surveillance of your property. If you want to monitor the interior or perimeter of your home, a standard security camera will do the trick. You can mount it high on the wall to get a full view of the surrounding area.
- Power
Ring cameras are powered by one of four sources: battery, plug, hardwired, or solar.
- Battery
Ring battery-powered cameras come with a rechargeable battery pack that you can easily insert and remove without disassembling the camera. You can also purchase additional battery packs and exchange them if you don't want to be without the camera while recharging the battery.
- Plug
These cameras have an electrical cable. The advantage is that you don't have to worry about the camera dying. The downside is that the cameras can only be placed near a socket and the cable hangs from the wall, which some people may not like.
- Wired
These cameras mount flush to the wall and are one of the safest options because they cannot be disabled by cutting a wire or removing a battery. However, installation is more difficult and might be too difficult for some people.
- Solar
Solar powered cameras come with a solar panel and battery backup. This is your best option if you're worried about the extra electricity your security cameras use, but it's important to make sure you get enough sunlight to make it a viable power source.
- Facility
Ring claims that most of its security cameras can be installed without professional help in less than half an hour, and some in as little as five minutes. Of course, this is an estimate and the actual amount of time will depend on your technical skills. As a general rule of thumb, plug-in and battery-powered cameras are the easiest to install, while cord- and solar-powered cameras will take a bit longer. The cameras come with a simple installation guide that walks you through the process. You can also view these guides on the Ring website.
- Advanced Features
Some Ring cameras have advanced features that you may like, depending on your needs.
- Advanced Motion Detection
This allows you to customize motion zones for the camera to monitor specific areas of your yard. It also has a person detection setting that will only alert you if a person enters the camera's field of view, so it won't alert you to innocuous things like pets.
- Light
Many Ring cameras have built-in motion-activated LED spotlights or floodlights. These immediately illuminate the area when someone enters the camera's field of view. Spotlights tend to be small, so if you're looking for a big, bright light, you're better off going with a spotlight camera. These lights will last a long time before needing to be replaced.
- Alarm
Ring security cameras come with a 110 decibel alarm that can be remotely activated from the Ring mobile app. It's a great way to scare off would-be intruders that you catch on camera.
- Colors
This is a minor concern compared to the features listed above, but Ring cameras do come in a choice of colors. Security cameras come in black or white, and video doorbells come in four finishes, including black, white, satin nickel, and Venetian bronze.
Tips
Ring cameras require a wireless internet connection to stream video to the mobile app.
The Ring app will notify you when your battery-powered cameras need to be recharged. You can also subscribe to low battery email alerts.
Be sure to periodically check that your cameras are working properly even if you don't receive any alerts.
Once the cameras are installed, test all the features, including motion detection lights and alarms to make sure everything is working as it should.
For an extra fee, you can have your Ring cameras professionally monitored so authorities are automatically alerted if someone breaks into your home.
When you set up your cameras, give each one a unique name so it's easy to quickly find the right one when viewing camera shots.
Periodically trim trees or bushes that could obstruct the view of exterior cameras or could receive false alarms.
FAQ
Que. Do I have to subscribe to use Ring cameras?
Ans. No, you can watch live video on demand at any time without a subscription. However, if you want to review video from earlier in the day or if you want to record a live event to watch later, you'll need to sign up for a subscription. You can find more details about these subscriptions on the Ring website.
Que. Do I need a professional to install my Ring cameras?
Ans. In most cases, you should be able to install the cameras yourself using the installation guide and resources on the Ring website. If you need help, you can contact the company's customer support team 24/7.
Que. How long do the rechargeable battery packs take to charge?
Ans. Depending on the type of charger, it may take four to ten hours to fully charge the battery pack.
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