Which Security Camera Is The Most Effective For Outdoor Use?
If you want to protect your property and prevent crime, one of the most effective methods is to install an outdoor security camera. Outdoor cameras let you see what is going on outside your home in real time and can be recorded if the need arises. As we have seen, there are many outdoor security cameras available in the market and choosing the right one can sometimes be overwhelming. In this article, we will look at the most important features that you should consider when searching for the best outdoor security camera, such as image quality, smart features, night vision, weather resistance and more.
Image resolution and video quality However, the most crucial aspect of any security camera is the video quality and resolution of the footage captured. Cameras with p or 4K image sensors will record better quality videos than those with lower resolution. This helps you to find out the people and objects in front of the camera lens in a much easier manner. Other outdoor cameras at the entry level record in standard definition which gives reasonable image quality. You should, however, search for models that support, at the very least, 1080p high definition recording quality for sharpness.
Smart Features Most of the modern outdoor security cameras come with a companion app that offers various smart features and controls. Some of the features include motion detection alert, two way intercom, zoom, setting of motion detection areas, and compatibility with smart devices like Amazon Alexa and Google Home. This will enable you to keep an eye on the activities outside your home through your smartphone and you can also use voice commands to see what is being captured by the camera. This should help you in determining what specific smart features would be most beneficial to you when looking at outdoor cameras.
Night Vision Capability This is particularly important for outdoor cameras as they have to work 24/7, and it is very dark at night. Infrared LEDs enable the camera to record quality video with no light at all, including the blackest of nights. The best outdoor security cameras are those that can see in the dark with night vision range of 100 feet or more. They should also be able to record in infrared at night and then switch to color mode during the day without much intervention. Therefore be sure to confirm that the camera of your choice has a good night vision that covers your compound.
Weather Resistance The outdoor security cameras should be able to function adequately under conditions of rain, snow, light, wind, and changes in temperature among others. Ensure that the cameras you intend to use have an IP weatherproof rating of IP65 and above. It makes sure that the camera housing is dust proof and can withstand water jets from any angle. Also ensure that cameras can work in cold and hot conditions such as those during the winter and summer seasons. Other parts such as the lens, motion sensor, and the internal hardware should also be protected from the weather.
Power Source In terms of power, outdoor security cameras have battery power, AC power, and PoE. Battery cameras are convenient for installation since they do not need to be wired. However, battery life is limited, often lasts less than 6 months, so constant power is not provided. AC and PoE wired cameras offer uninterrupted performance due to their wired nature. However, they are more complicated to set up because cables and wires must be connected to an outlet or PoE switch. In this choice, installation and location near outlets or switches are more important than convenience and limited battery life.
Field of View The Field of View is used to define the total amount of area that a camera is able to capture in its vicinity. Outdoor cameras available with wide angle, ultrawide angle, and even panoramic 180 or 360 degree field of view. The best outdoor cameras have a field of view that is wide enough to capture the entire range of an area your want to keep an eye on including the driveway, entry area, the yard etc. However, ensure to check cameras once they are mounted to ensure there is no blind areas or blind spots to the camera. Most of the cameras also help in digital panning, tilting and zooming within the viewable field.
It’s time to compare local storage and cloud storage to see which offers more advantages to users. There are two options to consider: the camera records footage on a microSD card that has to be purchased separately or it is connected to the cloud over wifi and stores recordings there. Recording to a memory card locally makes it possible to have the videos even in cases where the WiFi connection is lost. However there are some risks which include being denied video evidence in case the burglar takes the camera. Cloud storage ensures video is stored offsite as a form of backup to ensure that in case of an eventuality, the information is retrievable. But then again most of the cloud plans do come with a monthly fee. In this case, you should shop for cameras that support local storage and cloud storage to enhance flexibility and have a backup.
Mobile App There is no sense in having a good outdoor security camera if the camera does not come with a great and packed mobile application. The app enables you to watch the live stream, monitor recorded clips, adjust settings, turn on alerts, and schedule recordings and use smart features. In the area of versatility, it is a good idea to select a camera with an app that offers highly customizable viewing and operating parameters. The app should provide users with personal accounts and a password login with additional methods of protection against unauthorized access.
Install Requirements In the case of the outdoor security camera, factors such as the position, surface on which the camera can be mounted, and the field of view are important considerations. Cameras need to be mounted at a high enough position to get an unhindered view of the area but at the same time pointed slightly downwards to ensure that the area right under the camera is not obscured. Many of the outdoor cameras can be mounted on walls, eaves and ceiling using appropriate mounts and screws. You will also have to pull any necessary Ethernet or power cables back to your home wiring and network if not using wireless battery cameras. When it comes to camera requirements, it is imperative to think about what is necessary for a professional installation compared to what is necessary for a selfinstallation.
Reputable Brand Since your home’s security is at risk, only buying outdoor cameras from reputable brands in surveillance systems guarantees that homeowners are investing in safe and quality products that do not infringe on privacy rights. The best examples are Arlo, Ring, Nest, Logitech, Swann, Zosi, Amcrest, and many others that provide weatherproof cameras equipped with numerous essential features at reasonable prices. It is also advisable to look at customer reviews and expert Best Of recommendations when it comes to the cameras too when making the comparisons.
As you can imagine, there are more factors that have to be considered when choosing the best outdoor security camera. The capabilities and features like high definition recording, smart notifications, night vision technology, weather sealing, and reputable mobile apps coupled with warranties will take you to the right product. The exterior of a home needs the best protection and monitoring, which comes with quality outdoor cameras from reputable manufacturers.
