Having an outdoor wireless security Camera is one of the best ways to ensure that you are monitoring your home from the outside and also discourage any form of criminal activity. Wireless cameras do not necessarily need to be wired hence they can be fixed anywhere outside your house. But with so many products available today, how does one make the right choice? This buying guide categorizes the most important factors to consider when choosing an outdoor wireless security camera.
Image Quality
The most crucial consideration for a wireless outdoor security camera is the quality of the image. You will need a device that records High-definition videos and quality pictures, especially during the night when visibility is low. Search for models with full high definition 1080p, wide dynamic range to address the brightness, and low light and infrared night vision with long-range vision so that the camera can see up to 30 feet at night. While 720p cameras or those with no night vision at all are subpar and image quality will be significantly impacted.
Wireless Range
As these cameras work through WiFi, transmission range becomes a very important factor. Some basic models of the cameras can cover a range of up to 100 feet only while the better models offer ranges of 300 feet and above. Try to get the longest range as can be afforded within the given budget. Long range makes certain that your camera will have a clear path to your router for a strong connection. It also has a greater scope of where it could be mounted, which is beneficial. If the camera will be monitoring a detached garage, a long wireless range gives the ability to install it anywhere outdoors.
Field of View
The field of view of the camera defines the breadth of space that can be observed in its line of sight. More preferably, choose models that have a FOV of at least 140 degrees or more to allow for more visibility with minimal blind spots. This means that the wider the area of view, the more area on the ground a camera can survey with one lens. Only ensure that image quality does not deteriorate as much on the outer fringes with the path widest FOVs.
Two-Way Talk
Although not quite essential, the feature of two-way talk through the camera opens an additional useful option. Outdoor cameras which come with an option for microphones and speakers enable you not only to hear but also respond through your phone application. This can be helpful in welcoming guests or warning off trespassers in real time as things unfold. Those without two-way audio allow for live viewing and even recording but without any form of interaction through voice.
Smart Home Connectivity
Features like smart home compatibility are now more common in many of the newer outdoor wireless cameras. If you have smart displays such as the Amazon Echo Show or Google Home Hub, seek out cameras that offer connectivity. Then, with your voice, you can easily request to raise the live camera feed on the big screen. Smart lighting and thermostats can also be integrated with it with the ability to perform certain actions based on the camera-detecting motion. For example, security cameras can be set to switch on exterior lights or your porch light at night upon detecting any motion.
Weatherproofing
Weather conditions are inevitable and it is for this reason that, when placing cameras outside, their construction must be weatherproof. For outdoor use, consider an IP65 or above which means the device is protected against the ingress of dust, and water projected in any direction. The internal parts will still be well protected against infiltration of different elements. Other models that lack weatherproofing will most likely not withstand the outdoor conditions of different seasons and therefore will fail. And make sure it can work in low temperatures below freezing and high temperatures above 100 F degrees.
Local Storage vs Cloud Plans
To save and preview the video clips captured by your wireless cameras, you can either go for local storage or a monthly subscription to a cloud plan. Locally recorded footage is usually on an SD card in the camera itself or in a connected digital video recorder. This eliminates the monthly fees but SD capacity is restricted and there is no backup if the camera gets destroyed. Cloud plans have a monthly charge but include nearly all the cloud storage you can access from anywhere. It is also worth noting that most plans offer intelligent features such as facial recognition. It is also important to consider the costs vs the features to determine what fits best.
Battery Life
As for wireless cameras, these require their batteries to function without the wires. Average battery life lasts for 6 months and may vary depending on the settings and frequency of usage. The recording that occurs at intervals rather than continuously is preferred due to its effectiveness in saving battery power compared to 24/7 recording. Short battery life always requires the use of new batteries or recharging so longer battery life is preferred to minimize the use of batteries. Some of the high-end cameras have interchangeable rechargeable battery packs meaning that one is charged in the dock while the other is in use for extended use.
Ease of Installation
When installing a wireless outdoor security camera, one would need it done in the shortest time and with minimal wiring and other procedures. Search for the ‘the air over-the-air airing’ option that instantly connects the camera to WiFi in less than 3 minutes. Further, the use of magnetic or adhesive mounting plates that attach to any surface makes mounting easy as well. The more doable installation of your cameras is, the quicker it will be to have your security system in place.
In conclusion
The following should be considered while purchasing wireless security cameras for home outdoor surveillance; Considering essential factors such as video transmission quality, wireless range, weather resistance, and compatibility with smart home reduces the likelihood of purchasing subpar outdoor cameras that exceed your financial capacity. Placing wireless cameras outside your house offers an easily scalable system ideal for boosting exterior security and deterring criminals.
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