Sensors vs. Cameras
These days you almost have to have some sort of home security system. The question then becomes which kind of system should you use? The main choices are between sensors and cameras. They both offer advantages and disadvantages and the right choice is largely going to come down to your needs. In some cases a camera will be the better option in other sensors will be. It is important to assess your security situation to make the right choice for you.
The main advantage that sensors offer when it comes to home security is that they are very good at deterring crime. Usually motion sensors are attached to an alarm that will go off when they are triggered. When this happens it usually discourages the criminals from continuing with the crime. The disadvantage that sensors have is that if a crime actually does occur they are virtually useless when it comes to catching the criminals. Sensors will also do nothing to help you provide evidence against the criminals in the event that they are caught. The other disadvantage that sensors have is that they are quite expensive since they will need some fairly extensive wiring to get them set up.
The advantages and disadvantages of a security camera are pretty much the opposite of that for a sensor. While the presence of a security camera can certainly have a deterrent effect on crime it is nowhere near as effective as sensors are. On the other hand if a crime actually does occur having the video evidence that cameras can provide will not only make it much more likely that the criminals are caught it also allows you to show the evidence in court. This greatly increases the likelihood of the criminals being convicted. The other advantage of security cameras is that they can be cheaper than sensors to install. That is of course if you get a low cost wireless camera that can be installed without needing to extensive wiring. Of course you can get security cameras that are much more expensive to install if you go for the very top of the line ones.
The question then becomes which are better sensors or cameras when it comes to home security. Ideally you would install both and there would be no debate. However the cost makes this impossible for a lot of people who will have to decide on one or the other. In most cases it makes more sense to go with the sensors. Deterring crime is almost always a better option than trying to catch the criminals after the fact. Using a camera makes more sense in situations where you suspect that somebody is stealing from you, lime a business owner who suspects an employee is stealing and needs evidence of it. Since this doesn’t really apply to most homeowners it is usually a better idea in their case to go with motion sensors rather than a security camera in order to prevent crime.