How do you choose an IP camera?
Choose an IP camera
When choosing an IP camera, you have to take all different kinds of properties into account. Because there are many options, it’s good to ask yourself the following questions:
- Are you going to place the camera indoors or outdoors?
- How do you want to store your camera footage?
- Do you want to connect the camera wirelessly?
- How large is the space you want the IP camera to secure?
- Do you also want to record in the dark?
Are you going to place the camera indoors or outdoors?
Outdoor cameras
If you want to hang your camera outside, choose an outdoor camera that is water and dust proof. You can mount these cameras to a wall, a fence, or even a tree. This way, you can keep an eye on the surroundings of your house, store, or office. Some outdoor cameras run on batteries while other cameras require a power cable. You can plug the power cable into a socket indoors, but in some cases you need to drill a hole first.
Indoor cameras
An indoor camera allows you to secure a space indoors, like the living room or an office. Indoor cameras usually have a stand. That way, you can place them on a cabinet or table, so you won’t have to drill in any walls to mount the IP camera. An indoor camera isn’t suitable for looking outwards from inside the house. Due to the reflection of the window, the camera won’t record images clearly.
How do you want to store your camera footage?
It’s useful to store the camera footage of an event after it occurred. For example, in the case of theft or damage to your property. You can store footage in different ways:
- Cloud: you can view footage via the app anywhere in the world. You don’t have to worry about storage space, but you do have to pay a monthly fee.
- NAS or PC: if your PC is always on, you can store footage on it. Another possibility is a NAS or DVR. This is a storage device that you can connect to the network.
- SD card: you won't need any extra devices since you only have to buy a memory card, but the storage capacity may be limited.
Do you want to connect the camera wirelessly?
WiFi
A WiFi camera connects wirelessly to your home network. You only need to set the password via the app. This means you don’t have to run any cables, but you do need a strong WiFi signal. A WiFi extender can help you with this. A wireless camera works on a battery.
- You can place your camera anywhere without having to run any cables.
- You can easily move the camera.
- You’ll need a strong WiFi signal where you set up the camera.
- The battery life decreases when you use the camera a lot.
Wired
Wired IP cameras have a network cable so you can connect them to your router. This ensures a stable connection. The disadvantage is that you need to run a network cable. A PoE camera is powered via the network cable, so you don't need to place it near a socket. Cameras without PoE do use WiFi, but are powered by a power cord.
- Internet via a network cable is always stable.
- You won't have to charge the battery.
- You'll have to run a network cable to your IP camera.
How large is the space you want the IP camera to secure?
Read about the minimal resolution and viewing angle you need per space here
- Door, entrance gate, or parking spot: viewing angle up to 65 degrees, resolution of at least 1280x720.
- Small room, small garden, or a front desk: viewing angle of over 65 degrees, resolution of at least 1280x720.
- Large room, medium-sized garden, or an office: viewing angle of over 90 degrees, resolution of at least 1280x720.
- Large and deep garden, parking garage, or a large office: viewing angle of over 100 degrees, resolution of at least 1920x1080.
Pan Tilt Zoom cameras move automatically, which increases the viewing angle.
Do you also want to record in the dark?
Chances are that you'll want to watch your house or office with an IP camera during moments you're not around yourself. If that's during the day, there's enough natural light for any IP camera. If you want to record or view images even in the dark, choose a camera with night vision. These cameras have infrared lighting, so you'll be able to see any intruders even in the pitch dark.
