Indoor Security Camera

Video surveillance is now very common, whether it's for protecting public spaces, private homes or business premises. Installing surveillance cameras can help to prevent damage or theft. They help users to keep an eye on a given location and, when paired with an alarm system or a smartphone app in the case of a connected camera, can sound the alarm if there's an intrusion. Outdoor surveillance cameras can be used to protect the surroundings of a property, while indoor cameras detect intrusions in a given location.

Why install a security camera in your home?

Your home is your personal space: it's the place where you build your family life and where everyone should feel comfortable, so it's essential for you to feel safe there. However, official figures on burglaries are alarming: more than 250,000 burglaries are recorded in France every year, an average of 650 per day. This highlights the benefit of protecting your home with an effective security system, notably indoor cameras that allow you to monitor your living space.

There are several reasons for installing an indoor security camera. It can be used to identify burglars after a theft, or at least their method, to understand what happened and if necessary to prove to your insurer that a break-in and theft actually took place.

What's more, if an indoor camera is connected, i.e. it can be controlled using a smartphone app, you'll receive a notification on your smartphone or tablet as soon as the camera's motion detection system identifies a suspicious presence. This allows you to react quickly so you can scare off an intruder or call the police. If you're notified remotely you can also take action yourself if you're not far from home. As soon as you receive the alert you can view the footage on your smartphone and respond accordingly.

If an indoor camera is connected to an alarm system, the motion sensor can also trigger an audible alarm. This may be enough to cause the burglars to flee and to alert the home's occupants to the danger, or the neighbours if the occupants are away.

The different types of indoor video surveillance camera

• The different types of indoor camera

There are many different types of indoor security cameras and security accessories on the market for video surveillance products. You'll need to choose between an analogue indoor camera or an IP camera. The first type works with a recording device, while the second type connects to the internet, allowing you to view the footage on any computer or smartphone.
Wireless cameras are easier to fit than wired video surveillance cameras, as they don't require any installation work and no cables are needed. The footage is transmitted via radio waves or the home's Wi-Fi.

• Connected video surveillance cameras

Connected indoor cameras are also available. These are increasingly common and offer very practical features for securing your home. A connected camera allows you to watch the footage remotely, wherever you are, and view your video history on your computer or using a dedicated app on your smartphone via a standard Wi-Fi connection. An indoor connected camera alerts you in real time by sending a notification to your smartphone if the motion detection system identifies an intrusion. You can then alert the police or try to scare off the burglars if you're on the premises.

The most sophisticated indoor connected cameras even have a facial recognition system that recognises familiar faces and only starts filming if there are intruders. This means you don't get any unnecessary notifications and can avoid taking video footage inside your home for no reason. This saves on your storage space and protects your family's privacy. A connected camera can also feature other options, such as compatibility with smart home voice assistants or automatically sending a notification to an app if the camera detects the sound of a security alarm, for example a burglar alarm or a smoke or gas alarm.

If the camera has a zoom system or is motorised to allow you to change its direction, you can even remotely control it to obtain a complete view of the room or focus your attention on a specific area. Discover all our products

How to choose an indoor camera

To make the right choice when buying an indoor camera, you'll need to consider your requirements and choose options and accessories that improve the camera's effectiveness and therefore your security.

• Indoor cameras and night vision

Night vision is essential for achieving sharp footage at night and recording clear videos that enable intruders to be identified. It's best to choose a model with infrared LED lights, which provide high-quality night vision. These need to have sufficient range to cover the entire room.

• Indoor cameras and image quality

A security camera won't do its job unless it provides quality viewing and recordings, by day or night. As well as night vision, consider the image definition, indicated in pixels, and the image resolution. A good-quality sensor and full HD 1080p video will allow you to zoom in without compromising on the clarity of the footage.

• Indoor cameras and viewing angle

It's best to choose a security camera with a wide-angle lens. A motorised camera can also be useful for monitoring more areas of a room or focusing the camera on a specific area. It's best to get a motorised camera if the room being monitored is particularly large or contains angles that are difficult to capture.

• Security cameras and audio quality

Some products also have a microphone, which allows you to add audio to your recording and capture not only footage of intruders but also their voices. This can increase the chances of identification and give the police more evidence to identify burglars.

• Indoor cameras and motion sensor

If a security camera is fitted with a motion sensor, the system that records footage and sends notifications via the app is only activated if a presence is detected. This saves you from continuously filming and recording hours of video where nothing happens, thus saving on your storage space and making it easier to identify key events when watching archived videos. If the motion sensor is paired with a facial recognition system, the camera recognises known faces and even pets, meaning you'll only be alerted if an unknown person is detected.

• Indoor camera accessories

There are multiple accessories and add-ons for indoor security cameras. It's up to you to judge how useful they are depending on how you'll be using your camera and the layout of the location you want to monitor. For example, there are protective caps and vandal-resistant domes to prevent your security camera from being damaged or disabled. You can also opt for an external microphone, add a Wi-Fi antenna, a memory card, a wireless remote control or brackets to allow you to fasten the camera to a wall, the ceiling, on a corner, beam or post, etc. One of the most popular options is to combine the motion sensor with an audible alarm, which can act as a powerful deterrent.

Installing a security camera indoors

• Where should I install an indoor camera?

You'll need to do more than just buy a sophisticated security camera: you'll also need to position it carefully to ensure optimal intrusion detection and effective protection. To do so, you need to point the camera at the entry points to the room: the door or windows are the most common ones. The camera's position is determined by the layout of the room, as well as by the angle your camera allows and its rotation capabilities if it's motorised (rotation angle, horizontal or vertical rotation, etc.). A central position is best for a wide view.

However, make sure you don't position your security camera in a way that makes it too visible, to prevent it from being disabled. Install it at a height, ideally out of reach and slightly offset from the entrance to the room. If you can, conceal it among other objects (e.g. among the books on a bookshelf), making sure that you don't obstruct its rotation or viewing angle.

• Indoor cameras are easy to install

The easiest security cameras to install are the wireless versions, which communicate via radio waves or the Wi-Fi network. This means there's no need for installation work or to call out a professional. You just need to connect your camera to a power source, except if you're buying a battery-powered product. If you're purchasing a connected camera, you'll only need an internet connection and Wi-Fi: no connecting cable is required.