You may decide to install home security cameras for a variety of reasons. You can conceal them and use them to monitor what happens in your home during your absence; of example, if you want to know what your kids or babysitter are up to while you're away. Or you can have them in plain view on the exterior of your home, to serve as a deterrent to potential intruders.

Whatever your intent when installing home security cameras, however, you need to make certain they will provide clear images even after dark; they will be of little use if you are unable to tell whether that rustling noise outside the living room window is a clumsy raccoon, or a home invader waiting in the bushes for your family to retire for the night.

If your interest tends toward keeping track of the household help--the nanny or babysitter, for instance--micro spy home security cameras are ideal. Their small size allows you to tuck them away inside floral arrangements or other hiding places from which they will record the interactions between the household staff and your children, pets, refrigerator, valuables, and uninvited guests.

For protection against home intrusion, however, you need more sophisticated home security cameras. You'll want weatherproof home security cameras with night vision capability which can track movements invisible to the human eye. You can complement two or three functional exterior home security cameras with several more fake ones, to discourage home intruders even more. By using phony cameras to bulk up your home security you'll cut down on its costs.

Most home security cameras are linked to a home alarm, which will react to either auditory or visual triggers. These home alarm systems respond to unexpected movement in the areas where they are located, and will both activate a sound alarm to scare off intruders, and provide instant notification to local law enforcement.

With home security cameras working to protect your home, you'll have a filmed record of any intruders should they escape before the police arrive. This record will be invaluable in helping find the intruders and can be used against them if they end up on trial. Not only will home security cameras act as very powerful deterrents and save your home from becoming a target for invasion; they will assist in identifying the culprits if you are invaded, and may even lead to the recovery of your property.

Security cameras are usually integrated with an alarm system. The alarm systems can be activated by either visual or auditory signals. Alarm sensors used in conjunction with security cameras are tripped by unnecessary movement in protected areas. Usually, the alarms are all connected to a security system that provides triggers to the sound alarm and immediate notification to the police headquarters.

If ever the criminals have escaped police arrest, the recorded video will provide lead for the identification of the criminals. The home security cameras not only serve as protection but have been established as reliable evidence in court. That is why home security cameras are usually the first choice of home defense available for a homeowner; they not only give a true picture of what is happening but can also give enough fear to would-be criminals or thieves.