Tried and tested: Tech expert’s pick of security cameras
News Corp’s national technology editor Jennifer Dudley-Nicholson has tried out the best security cameras and gives her verdict on the top ones out there.
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We’ve tried out the best security cameras on the market, and here’s our top picks on the best devices out there.
Here News Corp’s national technology editor Jennifer Dudley-Nicholson gives her verdict on the top security cameras out there.
ARLO ESSENTIAL INDOOR CAMERA, ARLO, $159
A connected camera to keep an eye inside the home.
PROS
Clear video, even at night
Automatic privacy shield
Works with Amazon and Google commands
CONS
No local storage
Noticeable cable
No support for Apple HomeKit
The straightforward security camera can be plugged into a wall, connected to Wi-Fi and will send alerts when it detects motion and stream video to your phone, even at night. In a useful privacy feature, the Arlo gadget can also be shut down in the app, which lowers a small curtain over its camera and shuts down its mic.
3.5 stars
GOOGLE NEST CAM, HARVEY NORMAN, $329
This camera can tell if there’s a cat or a parcel outside your door.
PROS
Can identify parcels or people
Indoor or outdoor use
Rechargeable battery
CONS
Some features require subscription
Some accessories cost extra
Quite heavy
It’s no surprise Google’s take on smart home security involves artificial intelligence. Its Nest Cam security cameras can be used outside or inside, can be fixed to a wall with a magnetic plate or stood on an optional stand, and will work out what’s in front of them, from a package, to a person or vehicle. Users can also set up an activity zone to monitor and make announcements through the cameras. Each camera will let you see what happened in the last three hours.
4.5 stars
PROS
Powerful, motion-
activated lights
110 decibel siren
Bird’s Eye View feature
CONS
Some features require subscription
Lights can’t be replaced
Requires pro installation
Ring pioneered connected home security gadgets and this floodlight shows how far the market has come. The newest model not only flashes a light and pings your phone when it senses motion, but uses a radar to detect movement, comes with a more reliable Wi-Fi connection, improved audio, offers colour night vision footage, and will sound a louder siren than the previous model. It also comes with a feature called Bird’s Eye View that maps where visitors walked around your property, though recordings and personalised alerts are only for Ring Protect subscribers.
4 stars
THE SWANNBUDDY VIDEO DOORBELL, EBAY, $199
A thoroughly modern way to keep your online shopping safe.
PROS
Save videos without a subscription
Heat and motion detection
Six chimes from a separate speaker
CONS
Basic, boxy design
Black and white night vision
Doesn’t work with Apple HomeKit
This Australian-made smart doorbell promises to “outsmart porch pirates”. It has a wide-angle lens that records vertically so you can monitor parcels in front of your door, sensors to monitor heat and motion, and a microphone and a speaker so you can talk to unexpected visitors.
3.5 stars
THE SAMSUNG A30 SMART LOCK, AMAZON AUSTRALIA, $569
This smart lock can provide keyless home entry for you and guests.
PROS
PIN, fingerprint and app unlocking
One-time PINs for visitors
Automatic locking after 10 seconds
CONS
Won’t work with Apple’s Siri
Uses AA batteries
Pro installation recommended
Streaming video from your front door is becoming common but this gadget takes smart security further. The SDS A30 Smart Lock is a connected deadbolt that can be controlled by an app so you can let people in remotely or issue a temporary PIN for a one-time visitor. Those numbers also move around to prevent any guessing games.
4 stars
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