How do you choose an IP camera for outside?
Choose an IP camera for outdoors
Outdoor security cameras are available in different types. In this article, we'll help you choose the most suitable one for your usage situation. Ask yourself the following questions:
- Do you want to install the security camera in a flexible way?
- How do you want to store the images?
- Do you want to connect the camera to the internet wirelessly?
- What notifications do you want to receive?
- Which image quality do you need?
- Do you want good vision in the dark?
Do you want to install the security camera in a flexible way?
You need electricity for an IP camera in your garden. This means that you can only place a regular camera near a socket. Do you want to install your camera somewhere without a socket? Choose a security camera with battery. Because you don't have to connect it to the socket, you can install these IP cameras anywhere you like. This allows you to choose the best place in your garden and you can easily move the camera around. A disadvantage of an IP camera with battery is that you have to charge it on a regular basis.
How do you want to store the footage?
You can view the footage of your IP camera for outdoors via an app. You have to store the footage to do so, which can be done in the cloud or locally. To store your footage in the cloud, you need a subscription. You pay a monthly fee to view your footage. With local storage, you don't have to pay a subscription fee. You store the footage on an SD card or on the base station of your security camera
Do you want to connect the camera to the internet wirelessly?
You can provide IP cameras with internet via WiFi or a network cable. A network cable ensures a reliable connection. But, it's less practical in most cases, because you have to pull a cable to your garden. A WiFi camera is connected to the internet or base station wirelessly. You do need a good connection with your base station or router for good vision. A WiFi extender can help.
What notifications do you want to receive?
A surveillance camera in your garden notifies you if something or someone is spotted. That's useful if you don't want to miss out on anything. If you receive too many notifications, it may be distracting. To prevent this, you can choose a smart camera that distinguishes people, animals, and objects. As a result, you won't get a notification if the neighbor's cat is walking through your garden, for example. You can also set up focus areas with smart cameras. That way, you only receive a notification if someone is walking through such an area.
Which image quality do you need?
An IP camera with a high resolution ensures a better image. You can see more details, even if someone is standing further away from the camera. A camera with high resolution allows you to zoom in. That way, you know whether an unexpected visitor is someone you know or an intruder. The viewing angle is important for your image quality too. For a garden, you should choose a viewing angle of more than 120°. That way, your entire garden will be covered.
Do you want good vision in the dark?
All outdoor cameras record in the dark as well. They use infrared lighting for this. The image is less clear and black and white, but you can still see what's going on. Do you want to record in color at night too? Choose an IP camera with a special night sensor. These record in color and with more details. Another option is a surveillance camera with built-in spotlight. This will turn on if someone is detected. That way, the camera has enough light to record in color.
