Video Doorbell vs Security Camera
By: Md Abdul Hafiz
Tags: Doorbell Vs Camera, Video Doorbell, Security Camera, Video Doorbell Wireless, Security Camera System

Both video doorbells and security cameras are made to protect your home. Some smart video doorbells do have an advantage over security cameras because they provide live visualization and facilitate two-way audio communication of the most used entry point to your home. But, is it an alternative to a security camera or a supporting system only?

Because video doorbells are typically mounted lower than security cameras they are also for better identifying people on video.

But video doorbell will secure only the entry point of your home. It is not an alternative to the indoor or outdoor monitoring system.

Not only an alternative option, but there are also lots of differences between the two security systems. Here we discuss all the differences side by side.

Visibility and Set up: Video Doorbell vs Security Camera

A video doorbell is usually installed at the front door to get a view of people coming. The video doorbell acts as an active deterrent that can scare away anyone planning to get in through the front door. The doorbell is very much visible to act as a ‘repellant’ for them.

Assume that you go inside and outside of your house a lot, or you are forgetful enough to keep the door unlocked a lot, or you are gardening at your backyard, the target is always your front door. Because instead of breaking a window or going through the back door, breaking in through the front door is the easiest and first option. When an unknown person comes very close to the door, he will react to the camera and stop moving further to get in through the door, and, within this time, your camera will detect his movement.

A security camera is another option to make your house secure. There are no-subscription security cameras and the ones that need a subscription. Multiple cameras are needed to get a complete view of the front and backside of the house. If you live in a neighborhood where you think you should keep your eyes open, and only the front porch view is not reliable, then a security camera will help you.

Since it is small in size and will be installed at a corner or on the top side of the wall, it will be less visible for intruders and is less likely to act as an active deterrent. Here, there is less chance that the intruder will see the security camera and run away.

Facial Recognition: Video Doorbell vs Security Camera

Why do you really have a camera in the first place? The answer is, so that you can see who is there at your house. So the primary purpose is to see the person, his face vividly, what does he have in this hand, etc. since the camera doorbell is set in such a height that will capture the person very clearly. When any someone comes, it will take a crystal clear picture of him from top to bottom, so recognizing him will not be difficult.

The security camera will show you clean and clear pictures too. If more than one is installed, you can see what a person is doing, whether he is trying to break into your car, or break the window lock, etc. However, with a security camera, a clear picture of the person’s face may not always be captured. The person can intentionally wear a cap in such a way that he hides his face.

Night Vision: Video Doorbell vs Security Camera

Security is needed day and night, but at night, it is more important. Some doorbell has Starlight True color, which captures images as if it is daylight. Usually, the doorbells can take images up to 16ft approximately.

On the other hand, the security cameras can see even more. Some can give crystal clear images up to a distance of 50ft; others can go up to 200ft.

View-Angle: Video Doorbell vs Security Camera

The doorbell cameras usually have a view angle from 150 to 180°. You can choose any one of them because the camera with 160 view angle will be quite enough for you to show you a large part of your front door. The camera with 180° will show an ultra-tall picture from the top of the person to the doorstep so you can see any parcel on it.

In a security camera, the field of view ranges from 60 to 180°. Superwide-angle, a camera with a 180° view will show you a broader area, but it leads to picture distortion. Wide-angle ranges from 60–110° are the best angle to choose because they are capable of getting your front yard entirely into the lens.

Customization: Video Doorbell vs Security Camera

Doorbell cameras allow users to customize features as per their need, for instance, selecting a preferred zone, sensitivity level, etc. Users can take their picture to make sure the alarm doesn’t turn on when it is the owner itself instead of an intruder.

However, security cameras seem to have more features. Some cameras allow you to zoom in to see the person closely, with most of the cameras you can integrate voice assistant. You can tell your camera that you are now home, so you don’t need any notification or alerts.

Storage: Video Doorbell vs Security Camera

Many doorbells offer users the freedom and flexibility to choose between local and cloud. This acts as a significant advantage. Because at the end of the day, the device you select is associated with money. With doorbells, users can choose any bell without a subscription.

Security cameras without a subscription are challenging to find. Some of them allow users to choose between local or cloud, but it is rare to find both. Many of them only have a cloud service that requires subscription.

You may love to read: Top 10 Video Doorbell Without Subscription

Here we discuss the difference between two most popular video doorbells.

dbell vs. ring

The following section highlights some essential factors to show a comparison between ring doorbells vs. dbel HD Live doorbell.

Connection

The ring doorbell camera has a dual connection option; you can either use battery or wire it up to connect it. There is no option to connect it with an angle. The ring wireless doorbell camera works with both 2.4 and 5 GHz WI-Fi. It can give a clear picture/video even during nighttime.

The dBell HD Live doorbell comes with an ac adapter or can work with an existing bell. It can be mounted at an angle of 30° and works with 2.4GHz Wi-Fi and Ethernet connection. This bell will give crystal clear images at night that can work up to 15ft.

Motion detection:

The ring bell will record video with 1920×1080 resolution and a view angle of 166° video. It can detect motion up to 30 ft. There are two types of detection methods, standard and advanced. The former uses the PIR method to distinguish between living and non-living things. The latter uses the PIR method and allows users to draw up to 3 zones. The camera will avoid anything outside those zones.

The dbell has a facial recognition feature with ZoneMinder. With this, it can detect any known face, such as family members and friends, and alert users when there is an unknown person. This feature is handy to recognize your known ones. It records video with 1280×720 resolution and 160° view angle.

Notification

In the ring bell, the notifications will be given in mobile and pc. However, it doesn’t send email notifications to users. Consumers receive alerts as soon as motion is detected to inform them about any intruders. The Ring allows sharing any unusual captured video with the neighborhood using the same app and device so that they will also be warned.

The dbell alerts users with HD video and a picture of the front door. It also supports email notification. The dbell app can be used on mobile or PC.

Storage option

The ring doorbell doesn’t give any opportunity for users to choose between an SD card or a cloud. There are no ring doorbells without cloud service. They only have cloud services available. Users can view the live stream, and they will get a 30 day free trial for cloud service. After that, they have to pay monthly fees to see previous videos.

The case is precisely the opposite for dbell. They don’t have any SD card option and don’t need any monthly fees. Their cloud service can be used free of cost.

Compatibility with devices:

The Ring doorbell can work with several smart home products, including smart lights, smart locks, etc. Some of the integrations are:

Schlage

Kwikset

Yale

GE

Leviton

First Alert

Ecolink

Amazon Alexa

Google Assistant

The dbell has some excellent integration. Along with supporting IOT devices like dbell smart relay, home automation like Domoticz. , Home Assistant. These integrations are rare to find in a doorbell. Configurations are available on their website. These home automation allow the user to customize some events like, switch on door light when the doorbell is pushed with Home Assistant.

Dbell can also work with Creston and ONVIF® compatible security products such as NVR, IP

Does ring doorbell require subscription?

Yes, the Ring doorbells need a monthly subscription fee.

Is there any video doorbell without a subscription?

Yes, here is a list of some popular video doorbells without subscription fees:

eufy Security

Owlet Home

Amcrest Video Doorbell Camera Pro

Doorbell Camera Wi-Fi, AWOW J1

Wi-Fi Video Doorbell, MECO 1080P

Final Thought:

A video doorbell is not a complete security system but it ensures security to the most important part of your home. Also, establish two-way communication with your guest, no matter if you are at home or abroad.

If you want a complete security system to monitor your home from inside and outside then you need several security cameras. Also, remember that some security cameras are best for indoor monitoring and some are good at outdoor monitoring.

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