Do Wireless Security Cameras Work?

This is a difficult question to answer, but it is one that security camera shops get all the time.  The simple answer is yes of course they work, but a better question might be how well do wireless cameras work?  Obviously the appeal of a wireless camera system is high because they seem so simple, but in reality the functionality of most wireless camera systems is questionable at best.  Because of this, I always tell people that if you can run a wire to your camera then don’t go for a wireless camera system.  Although having a camera system with no wires might seem ideal, the truth is that it really isn’t that simple and there are several other factors you should consider before purchasing one. 

Firstly, every wireless camera still needs a power source.  So unless you want to be changing batteries very often, possibly every day, then you are actually looking at running a wire from the camera to a power source anyways.  Often, by the time you do this, you may as well have run the cable all the way back to your video recorder or DVR.

Next, consider that wireless security cameras can be intercepted by other people.  This means that if you put a wireless camera system into your workshop or garage to view in your house then possibility other people, would be thieves, or nosy neighbors could be watching  your cameras as well.  If the camera has audio then perhaps they are listening in also, not an ideal situation for a security camera is it.

Also, remember that if you spend say $150 on a wireless outdoor security camera system then you are actually paying for a transmitter, a receiver and a camera.  If that same amount were spent on a wired outdoor security camera then you would be getting a much higher quality camera since you wouldn’t be paying for an unneeded transmitter and receiver set.  If you want to view at night or make out details on a face, then this difference in camera quality could be critical.

Another very important factor to consider with a wireless camera system is that wireless video transmitters are very sensitive devices.  They are especially sensitive to voltage variations and power surges.  This means that if the wrong power adapter were plugged into it, or if a power surge occurred, or under a variety of different conditions the transmitter could fry and permanently fail.  Camera manufactures are aware of this and as a result typically a wired camera system will come with a minimum 1 year warranty, where as many wireless camera systems have a much shorter warranty period, possibly 90 days.  Basically, they know that a wired camera system will last much longer.

Lastly, unlike a wired CCTV system, most wireless camera systems are susceptible to interference.  This means that although the system might work great in the store, it may not work at all in your home.  Every environment has varying RF signals present, and unfortunately many of those signals are out of your control and will interfere with or overwhelm your wireless camera system.  You may experience lines on the screen, fuzzy images, or no signal at all.  This does not happen with a wired security camera system.

So although the idea of a wireless camera system seems great, in reality they are not always what they are cut out to be.  I always suggest that you choose a wired security camera system whenever possible.  Although a wired security camera system will take longer to set up, it will work better, last longer and ensure that there are no unwanted viewers monitoring your cameras or camera system.  We at Spy Inc Store Canada say that you should only go wireless if you absolutely need to or if you are planning to move the camera around a lot.