Professional Vs. DIY Security Camera System

Professional Security Camera Systems Vs. DIY Camera Systems

When it comes to getting a security camera system for your home there are two paths to go down; either install your own or employ the skills of a professional security installer. When deciding on these two routes you should consider the size of your property and how much you are willing to spend. So, what are the main differences between DIY and professional installation?

Professional Installation

Professional security installers are licensed and trained to install your security system correctly. An upside of using security system installers is they have extensive knowledge of security systems, which allows them to better spot areas of risk around your property and tailor a security system to your home. It is the knowledge and skills of a professional installer that make them more expensive than a DIY install however as the old saying goes you get what you pay and that could be no closer to the truth than with security installers.

Micron Security Products

For this comparison, we will be using Micron Security Products as our professionally installed security camera benchmark. It is one of the largest security camera manufacturers and wholesalers in Australia and is trusted by many security installers Australia-wide. They offer a wide range of camera options including:

• Fixed lens turret Cameras
• Active deterrent turret Cameras
• Vari-Focal Motorised Turrets Cameras
• Vari-Focal Motorised Bullets Cameras
• Moving Pan-Tilt-Zoom Cameras

They also offer an extensive range of network video recorders (NVR) with sizes ranging from 4 to 128 channels allowing for easy scalability of your security camera system. Their NVRs also allow seamless connectivity with the cloud to back up files and allow you to monitor your cameras from your phone or tablet on the go. These systems can be installed along with an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) to protect your system from surges and act as a backup power supply in the event of a blackout keeping your home or property safe. A large number of their cameras also allow for power over ethernet (PoE) minimising the amount of cables and space needed for each system. This allows a professional installer to neatly and discretely install your camera system leaving minimal changes to your home or property while providing you with a complete image of your home or property.

DIY Systems

DIY systems are inherently less expensive than a professionally installed system as you are not paying labour costs. A downside to this is you don't get the skills and expertise that comes with that. However, more and more companies are offering wireless camera systems that operate off a remote server or even your home's wifi modem allowing for full flexibility in where you place cameras. However, these systems do come with additional costs to get the most out of them.

So what options do you have for DIY security cameras?

Google Nest Cameras

Google Nest is slowly growing to be one of the leading DIY security camera companies. Their cameras work with the existing Google Nest and Home ecosystems allowing for ease of set-up and monitoring if you already work with Google's other products. Google however does not offer the same range of styles of cameras that Micron did. They offer,

• Battery Powered Indoor or Outdoor Nest Cams
• Indoor Nest Cam (Wired)

(this list does not include Google’s Nest Cam with Floodlights as this camera requires an electrician to install) 

These two types of cameras have similar form factor and almost identical specs and allow for easy set-up and crisp images. Google Nest cameras use wifi to transfer all images requiring a stable connection to your home internet. This can use up a considerable amount of your home’s internet. Their systems only store a limited backlog of footage (3 hours) to increase this storage space requires the purchase of Google’s subscription service which will provide improved storage (30 or 60 days worth) and intelligent alerts. This is a downside when compared to a professionally installed security system as most DIY kits require an additional subscription to get the most out of the system. Google Nest Cameras are good for small-scale setups monitoring the front door and driveway but any more than that and you would be better off going for a professionally installed security system as they provide a set-and-forget approach with no ongoing costs or need to charge batteries or rely on your home internet. 

Swann Security Cameras

Swann is another of the industry leaders in the DIY security camera space, unlike Google Swann offers a wider variety of camera systems including:

• Wifi Alert Indoor Cameras
• Wifi Spotlight Outdoor Cameras
• DVR Security System Bundles
• NVR Security System Bundles

Swann’s kits offer bullet-style cameras and/or turret-style cameras. Their kits also offer the ability to add more cameras making them a better purchase when it comes to a larger whole home or property DIY camera set-up. However much like Google Nest Swann also requires a subscription service to gain access to smart alerts (packages, pets, and vehicles) and longer cloud backup for all camera recordings (on wifi cameras). Swann gets closer to a professionally installed security service than Google Nest however it is still limited by restrictions on power connections (only using PoE or battery power) and the skills and equipment of the person installing them. 

So which is best for you?

When it comes to deciding between a professionally installed system or a DIY kit there are some key things to think about:

• Does your home have high eaves or ceilings? it may be safer to choose a professionally installed system as they have the equipment to safely install your security cameras at a height.
• Are you only looking to have a camera next to your door or garage to monitor packages and cars? If so it may not be worth it to go for a professionally installed system and choose a wifi battery-powered camera that will be quick to install and will provide a clear image of a smaller area.
• Do you want to have an alarm system that works with your security system? If you are it will be advantageous to choose a professional installer as they can set the system up to work together to streamline the process and better inform you of risks your home may be facing.

If you are still unsure about installing your system we suggest going with a professional installer as they are qualified and trained to correctly and neatly install your system ensuring its longevity. They will also offer repairs and servicing on systems they install but may not offer repairs or servicing for DIY systems.

Professional Security System Installers Brisbane

Alltronic Security and Electrical offers complete security services for the Brisbane region. Our team are qualified security installers and understand the risks of your home. They work closely with you to provide a complete image of what is going on at your home. Contact our team today to get your new security system and help protect your home.