Collection: Argos CCTV Review: Cheap & Easy, But Is It Good Enough?
Argos CCTV: Is It Worth the Hype?
A Big Brother You Can Actually Afford
So, you're thinking about getting some CCTV for your home. Maybe you're tired of the squirrels stealing your birdseed, or maybe you're just a little paranoid about the neighbours' kids using your trampoline without permission. Whatever the reason, you've probably stumbled upon Argos's selection of CCTV cameras. But are they any good? Let's be honest, Argos is known for its bargain basement prices, not its cutting-edge technology. So, is their CCTV just another cheap knock-off, or is it a surprisingly decent option?
The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
The Good
* **Price:** Let's be real, Argos's CCTV cameras are cheap. Like, really cheap. You can get a basic indoor camera for under £30, which is a steal compared to some of the more expensive brands out there.* **Ease of Use:** Argos's cameras are generally pretty easy to set up and use. Even a tech-challenged person like myself could figure it out (with a little help from YouTube, of course).* **Variety:** Argos offers a decent range of cameras, from basic indoor models to more advanced outdoor cameras with night vision. You can even find some with motion detection and two-way audio.
The Bad
* **Quality:** Let's not sugarcoat it, the quality of Argos's CCTV cameras isn't exactly top-notch. The image resolution can be a bit grainy, and the night vision isn't always the best.* **Reliability:** Some users have reported issues with connectivity and app stability. So, while the cameras are cheap, you might end up paying for a replacement sooner than you'd like.* **Features:** Compared to some of the more expensive brands, Argos's cameras lack some of the bells and whistles, like cloud storage and advanced analytics.
The Ugly
* **Privacy Concerns:** Let's be honest, the idea of having a camera constantly watching your home can be a little unsettling. And if you're not careful, you could end up accidentally broadcasting your private life to the world.
Alternatives to Argos CCTV
If you're looking for a more reliable and feature-rich CCTV system, you might want to consider some of the other options out there. * **Screwfix Security Cameras:** Screwfix offers a wide range of CCTV cameras, from basic models to more advanced systems.* **Currys Security Cameras:** Currys also has a good selection of CCTV cameras, with a focus on smart home integration.* **Toolstation CCTV:** Toolstation offers a more limited selection of CCTV cameras, but they are generally well-priced.
The Verdict
So, is Argos CCTV worth it? It depends. If you're on a tight budget and just need a basic camera to keep an eye on your home, then Argos might be a good option. But if you're looking for a more reliable and feature-rich system, you might want to consider one of the other brands mentioned above.And remember, no matter what type of CCTV system you choose, it's important to be aware of the privacy implications. Make sure you're only recording what you need to, and that you're following all the relevant laws and regulations.
Bonus Tip: Wildlife Watching
If you're looking for a fun way to use a CCTV camera, consider setting one up to watch wildlife in your garden. You can get a cheap outdoor camera with night vision and use it to capture amazing footage of foxes, badgers, and other nocturnal creatures. Just make sure you're not disturbing them!Check out some great outdoor night vision cameras for wildlife on Amazon!