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Having a pet camera allows you to check in on your furry friends whenever you want while you’re away from home. Pet cameras have exploded in popularity in recent years thanks to advancements in Wi-Fi connectivity and video quality. With so many options on the market, it can get overwhelming deciding which pet camera is right for you. Here’s an overview of the most important features to consider when shopping for a best pet cam.
Video Quality
The most vital feature in a pet cam is the video quality. You want a camera that streams high-def video in at least 1080p resolution so you can see clear, sharp footage of your pets. The video should have good contrast and color accuracy so you can easily spot details. Cameras that capture 720p resolution or lower often have blurry, pixelated video that makes it hard to discern what’s happening. So opt for the best video resolution within your budget.
Field of View
Look for a pet cam with a wide, 120-140 degree field of view. This allows you to see more of the room to keep an eye on exactly what your sneakier pets are getting into. You want the camera angled so you can observe as much activity as possible without needing to remotely pan and tilt it. Models with narrower views under 100 degrees miss a lot of action occurring outside the camera frame.
Night Vision
One of the most useful features in pet cams is night vision using infrared (IR) LEDs. This allows the camera to deliver clear black and white video without any ambient light. So you can tune in anytime late at night to see your pets snoozing in their favorite nap spot. Make sure the night vision video range is at least 15-20 feet so you can observe pets in medium to large rooms. The more infrared LEDs, the better the night vision quality.
Two-Way Audio
While watching real-time video of your pets is helpful, it’s even better if you can also talk to them! Look for a pet cam with a built-in microphone and speaker that enables two-way audio communication. This allows you to get your pet’s attention, praise them, or even scold them to discourage unwanted behaviors like chewing furniture or going potty indoors. Models without two-way audio prevent you from verbally interacting.
Smart Alerts
You likely can’t watch your pet cam all day but would still like to know important happenings at home. Opt for a wifi pet camera with smart motion-triggered alerts that push notifications to your smartphone when motion or sounds are detected. Common alerts include barking dogs or cats jumping on counters. This allows you to stay updated on key activities without needing to continuously view the live video feed.
Smartphone Access
Wifi connectivity is an absolute necessity in pet cameras today. It allows you to view the live HD video feed and access features like two-way audio from your smartphone, either on home wifi or remotely over mobile data. This enables checking in on beloved pets from anywhere - down the street or halfway around the world. Apps for iOS and Android should be user-friendly.
Final Words
Keep these top factors in mind while comparing different models. Choosing a pet cam with these specifications will help provide reliable monitoring and peace of mind about your pets when you can’t be there, even if just for a few hours. With the ideal pet camera, you’ll never miss another cute or concerning moment at home.
