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Cameras: Among cameras, watch for image resolution to improve. For example, the Nest Cam IQ with a 4K video sensor will give you more of a highdefinition view — rather than true 4K quality — but it will also allow you to zoom in to see what’s in the picture, says Daniel Wroclawski of Consumer Reports. Footage: When assessing what you get from a camera’s video, don’t forget to find out if footage is captured 24/7 or in 30-second clips. Once you assess that, it’s also important to know how long that footage is stored.

Video storage: When considering the cost of cameras, don’t forget to factor in the cost of video storage, whether it’s on a server or in a cloud. A camera with a memory card may be more affordable, but your access to it will be limited. Paying for server/cloud storage allows you to see it from a smartphone no matter where you are.

Night vision: If you can, compare the quality of night vision in cameras. After all, burglars don’t only work during the daytime. Make sure you can see activity clearly in the dark. Monitoring zones: Watch for this — literally what is in the frame of your camera’s view — to improve, Wroclawski said. Advances should include the ability to block out the street so you don’t get an alert every time a big car drives by your home. Also, you should be able to highlight areas such as your front door so you have better control over alerts.

Facial recognition: This feature naturally comes with discussions of privacy, but improvements should be able to tell the difference between general motion and an actual person. “In terms of facial recognition, they are identifying and matching faces with the Nest Cam IQ. You can basically teach it faces so you can get an alert that Bobby came home from school and it will recognize that Bobby has come home based on his face. There are privacy concerns about that; it’s a feature you don’t have to use,” Wroclawski said.