- How Do Video Doorbell Cameras Work?
- Benefits of a Video Doorbell Camera
- Factors to Consider When Choosing a Video Doorbell
- Popular Video Doorbell Cameras in Australia
- Video Doorbell Laws and Regulations in Australia
- Installation Tips
- Final Considerations
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Thoughts on Choosing a Video Doorbell Camera in Australia
A video doorbell camera allows you to see and speak to visitors at your front door directly from your smartphone, even when you’re not home. This smart home device is growing in popularity among Australian households looking to enhance convenience. In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about video doorbell cameras and how they work.
How Do Video Doorbell Cameras Work?
A video doorbell camera replaces your existing wired or wireless doorbell and connects to your home WiFi network. When someone rings the doorbell or triggers the camera’s motion sensors, you receive a mobile alert on your smartphone. Using the doorbell camera’s app, you can view live video, have a two-way conversation with the visitor, and record video clips.
Advanced video doorbells use computer vision technology to distinguish between people, vehicles, animals, and packages. This smart detection only alerts you to relevant activity instead of all motion at your door.
Footage from the doorbell camera can be stored locally on the device or in the cloud. Local storage keeps your data off the internet without any fees. With cloud storage, you can access and share clips online from anywhere when you’re away from home. Most brands offer free cloud storage plans with options to upgrade for more recorded video.
Key Features
- High-definition video – See visitors clearly in 1080p or higher resolution.
- Night vision – Infrared LEDs enable night time recording.
- Two-way audio – Speak to guests from your phone.
- Smart motion detection – Receive intelligent alerts that filter out unwanted motion.
- Mobile notifications – Get instant alerts when your doorbell detects activity.
- Cloud and local storage – Save, view, and share video clips.
- Wireless options – Flexibility to install video doorbell anywhere.
Benefits of a Video Doorbell Camera
Here are some of the main benefits that a video doorbell camera provides:
Home Security
A video doorbell enhances home security by letting you identify visitors and screen suspicious activity at your front door. High-definition video provides clear facial details, and two-way audio allows you to communicate with visitors to determine their intent. Upon detecting an intruder, you can sound an alarm siren or contact the authorities.
Real-Time Monitoring
Receive mobile notifications the moment your doorbell detects activity. View live video on your phone to see who is at the door without needing to go and check. This allows you to monitor home deliveries, keep an eye on pets or children outside, and screen unwelcome visitors.
Convenience
A video doorbell camera enables convenience by allowing you to answer your door remotely. Speak to visitors, courier deliveries, and guests through your phone when you’re busy with household chores or away from home. Some doorbells even have pre-recorded quick response messages when you can’t chat.
Video Evidence
The recorded video clips from your smart doorbell can provide useful evidence in case of criminal activity like burglary or vandalism. High-definition footage showing faces and actions at your front door can help identify suspects and aid police investigations.
Home Automation
A video doorbell camera integrates with your other smart devices for automated control. For instance, you can create an automation to turn on front lights when the doorbell detects motion at night. Video doorbells are also compatible with Google Home, Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, and more.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Video Doorbell
With many options on the Australian market, keep the following factors in mind when choosing a video doorbell camera:
Wired or Wireless Installation
- Wired – Powered by existing doorbell wires. Offers continuous charging and more reliable connectivity. Requires professional installation if you don’t have wires already.
- Wireless – Powered by rechargeable battery or solar panel. Entirely DIY installation. Position anywhere with WiFi signal. Batteries must be recharged every 1-6 months.
Dual-mode video doorbells support both power options for flexibility.
Power Source
For wireless video doorbells, pay attention to the battery life. Batteries that last 3-6 months per charge are ideal so you’re not constantly topping up. Solar panels can supplement battery charging.
Video Quality
Look for 1080p resolution or higher for sharp image quality. A wider field of view above 150° enables you to see more of the doorway, front porch and yard.
Night Vision
Infrared night vision allows clear video recording after dark up to around 5 metres from the camera. Models with adjustable IR LED brightness settings perform best.
Smart Detection
Advanced computer vision detects people, vehicles, animals, packages etc. This prevents hundreds of unnecessary motion alerts from things like passing cars. Person detection is essential, and package detection is useful if you get frequent deliveries.
Storage Options
Ideally, your video doorbell should offer both local storage and cloud storage options:
- Local storage – Video is stored on the device itself and not shared online. This is the most secure method but you can only access videos at home. Local storage usually includes microSD card support.
- Cloud storage – Video is uploaded to the cloud and accessible anywhere with an internet connection. This enables sharing footage with others remotely. Cloud storage plans involve monthly fees.
Smart Home Compatibility
Choose a video doorbell that’s compatible with voice assistants and smart home platforms you already use, such as Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, Samsung SmartThings etc. This allows for easy smart home integration and automation.
Subscription Fees
Many video doorbell brands offer free basic features with options to pay for a subscription plan to unlock premium capabilities and more cloud storage. Compare monthly fees carefully as prices can range from $3 to $10.
Popular Video Doorbell Cameras in Australia
Here is an overview of some of the most popular video doorbell camera models available in the Australian market:
Eufy Dual Camera Doorbell
The Eufy Dual Camera Doorbell features dual cameras – one facing visitors and one facing downwards to monitor packages. It captures 2K resolution video with a 160° field of view. The doorbell offers 16GB of local storage to store up to 180 days of video without fees or the cloud. It also includes human and face detection. The Eufy doorbell works wired or wirelessly.
Arlo Essential Wired
The Arlo Essential Wired video doorbell captures a 180° view in 1:1 aspect ratio. It has colour night vision, 12x digital zoom and only works with existing wired doorbells. Video can be stored on the cloud starting at $2.79 per month. The Arlo integrates well with other Arlo smart security devices.
Ring Video Doorbell 4
Ring’s battery-powered Video Doorbell 4 uses radar technology and PIR motion sensing for improved detection. It captures 1080p video with a 155° field of view. The quick-release battery pack is easily removable for charging. Cloud storage starts at $4 per month.
Google Nest Doorbell (Battery)
The Nest Doorbell (Battery) stands out for its intelligent motion detection that can identify people, animals, vehicles and packages. It provides 3 hours of free video clip storage or up to 60 days for a fee. The camera has a 145° diagonal field of view. It can be installed wired or wirelessly.
Ring Video Doorbell Wired
Ring’s wired video doorbell is an affordable 1080p option with 155° field of view and advanced motion detection. It connects to existing doorbell wiring for continuous power. Lack of batteries limits placement flexibility. A cloud subscription is required to store video footage.
Video Doorbell Laws and Regulations in Australia
There are certain laws and regulations surrounding the use of security cameras like video doorbells in Australia:
- For organisations, guidance is provided by the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC).
- For residential use, state and territory laws apply regarding privacy and surveillance. Laws differ across jurisdictions regarding consent requirements for recording audio/video.
- Strata by-laws may prohibit or restrict security cameras in strata-controlled properties. Check with your strata before installing a video doorbell.
- For houses, avoid directly capturing your neighbour’s home within the camera’s field of view to respect privacy. Focus the camera on your own entryway.
- Sharing footage containing identifiable people without consent may breach Australian privacy laws, even if recording was lawful.
- Check with your local council regarding any planning permissions or local laws that may apply to video doorbell installation.
Overall, it is advisable to record only visual footage without audio when pointing security cameras externally. This is more likely to be compliant with state and territory surveillance and privacy legislation. Seek legal advice regarding video doorbell use and recordings for your specific situation.
Installation Tips
Installing a video doorbell camera is a straightforward DIY project in most cases. Here are some tips for smooth installation:
- For wired doorbells, shut off power at the breaker before connecting wires to avoid electric shock. Refer to the user manual for wiring instructions.
- Make sure your WiFi router is within range of the doorbell camera location to maintain a strong wireless signal.
- The ideal installation height is around 1.5m from ground level. This provides an eye-level view of visitors.
- Point the camera where you want to monitor. Adjust the angle and field of view to capture important areas like the doorstep.
- Use the doorbell app and test all motion detection zones to ensure it records video when you want it to. Make adjustments if needed.
Seeking the help of a professional electrician is recommended if you don’t have existing doorbell wiring. They can install new low-voltage wires to connect and power your video doorbell.
Final Considerations
Installing a video doorbell camera is a straightforward way to upgrade home security and convenience. With options at a range of budget-friendly price points, you can find a smart video doorbell to suit your needs. Check your existing doorbell setup and wi-fi coverage when choosing between wired, wireless or dual-power models.
Focus on video resolution, field of view, smart detection capabilities and storage options that fit your requirements. Also factor in potential monthly subscription fees for premium features. With the right video doorbell camera, Australians can enjoy enhanced safety and security monitoring their front door anytime.
Be mindful of privacy, surveillance and strata laws that may apply to recording video and audio externally. Seek guidance to ensure your doorbell camera usage is compliant and avoids disputes with neighbours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do video doorbells require a monthly fee in Australia?
Some video doorbells offer free local storage without needing a monthly fee. However, most brands provide premium capabilities and extended cloud storage for a monthly subscription cost. Check if fees apply for the features you want.
Why do I need recorded video clips?
Having recordings of visitors can provide evidence in case of theft, vandalism or attempted break-ins at your home. The footage helps identify perpetrators and lets you review activity if you missed a notification.
How much visibility do doorbell cameras have at night?
Most doorbell cameras offer night vision ranging from 3 to 5 metres visibility. Some higher-end models may reach up to 7 metres at night depending on the camera resolution and infrared LED strength.
Which smart devices can I integrate with a video doorbell?
Most doorbell cameras are compatible with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. Some work with Apple HomeKit, Samsung SmartThings, IFTTT among other platforms. Choose a doorbell that fits your smart home ecosystem.
What are the laws around recording video and audio?
Laws differ by state/territory in Australia. Recording only visual footage externally is generally more acceptable than capturing audio. Avoid directly filming neighbours’ homes. Seek legal advice regarding recording and sharing footage containing identifiable people.
Final Thoughts on Choosing a Video Doorbell Camera in Australia
With a wide range of options to suit different needs and budgets, video doorbell cameras make it easier than ever to monitor your entryway for enhanced home security. Consider the key factors like installation method, video quality, smart detection capabilities, and storage options when choosing the optimal video doorbell for your Australian home.
Be sure to check relevant laws and regulations around recording video and audio externally, and focus the camera’s field of view on your own entry area. With the right solution, you can enjoy greater home awareness and protection with video doorbell technology.
This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Seek professional assistance regarding security and smart home technology for your situation. Pricing and availability subject to change.
