With so many different outdoor security camera options available, choosing the best one can often be challenging. For example, you may be confused with so many different features to consider, like HD vs. standard quality, wired or wireless, motion detection, and night vision. So, what is a good security camera system to buy for your outdoor space?
To pick the best outdoor security cameras for your home, evaluate your specific needs and goals. The best security camera features depend on the location you want to monitor and whether the system is smart home compatible. Go for a weatherproof system with night vision, and ensure it’s easy to mount outdoors securely.
The devil is always in the details, especially when choosing security cameras. This post will comprehensively discuss how to choose a security camera system that best suits your outdoor security needs.
In This Article:
The Basics of Outdoor Security Cameras
How do you monitor your front and back yards remotely or when safely inside? How can you identify individuals who steal your packages or vandalize your lawn?
Did you know that security cameras are the most effective way to deter theft and vandalism? Outdoor security cameras are indispensable components of home security systems. They help monitor any suspicious activity around your outdoor space and can provide evidence in case of a break-in or vandalism.
These cameras can also help you keep an eye on your property while you’re away, giving you peace of mind. Outdoor CCTVs have also been proven to deter crime and reduce insurance costs. So, you need to know how these cameras work and which type is the best for your home.
Types of Outdoor Security Cameras Available in the Market
Here’s a breakdown of the main types of outdoor security cameras available in the market:
1. Wired vs. Wireless Outdoor Cameras
Wired outdoor cameras require a direct connection to a power source and a recording device, usually a DVR or NVR. Wired CCTV cameras are extremely reliable, and you won’t have to worry about dead batteries or dropped connections.
However, installing wired outdoor security cameras demands creativity, problem-solving skills, and a nuanced approach to camouflaging and routing cables. You want the wiring to withstand harsh conditions like extreme heat, cold, and storms.
You also want the wiring hidden from plain sight to avoid tampering or vandalism.
In contrast, wireless outdoor cameras are easier to install as you can place them anywhere within your Wi-Fi signal range. They don’t require wiring, so you can avoid drilling holes or investing in a professional installation service.
However, wireless cameras may have connectivity issues, resulting in dropped video feeds or delayed notifications. Interference from third-party devices or physical obstructions can also disrupt the signal, leading to poor video quality.
2. Bullet vs. Dome Outdoor Cameras
Bullet outdoor cameras are long and cylindrical, making them highly visible and effective deterrents. You can easily install bullet outdoor cameras on walls and ceilings, and they usually come with adjustable mounting brackets for different angles.
Bullet cameras also have a longer range than dome cameras, making them suitable for large outdoor spaces. However, their prominent placement makes them easy to tamper with or vandalize.
On the other hand, dome cameras are more discreet and less noticeable. They offer a wider viewing angle and are less susceptible to vandalism due to their hidden design. Dome cameras are also weather-resistant, making them suitable for all outdoor environments.
However, their range is limited, so they are better suited for smaller outdoor spaces or areas requiring close monitoring.
3. Cloud vs. Local Storage
When choosing an outdoor camera, consider how you want to store any footage that it captures. Cloud storage empowers users to remotely view any footage their cameras capture in real-time on any device with an internet connection.
So, it’s convenient for reviewing footage or retrieving evidence in case of a break-in. However, cloud storage requires a subscription service, which can add up over time. It also relies on an internet connection, so if your Wi-Fi goes down, you may be unable to access your footage.
On the other hand, local storage means the footage is stored on a physical device within your property. It can be an SD card or hard drive attached to the camera or a separate network video recorder (NVR).
Local storage has no recurring costs and doesn’t rely on an internet connection. However, it also means you can only access the footage locally. If a break-in occurs, the perpetrator may take the physical storage device with them, rendering the footage useless.
Both options have pros and cons, so it’s important to consider your needs and priorities before deciding which is best for you.
The Best Outdoor Security Camera Features to Consider
Before purchasing an outdoor security camera, there are several factors specific to your location that you should consider.
1. Resolution and Video Quality
Resolution is a term that describes the detail levels of a captured image. Detailed images have more picture pixels (dots) per inch. So, two pictures can be the same size (square inches), but the one with more resolution will need more storage space because it carries more data.
Typically, image quality improves with resolution. High-resolution photos can be expanded without pixelating like low-resolution photos, which become blurry when stretched on bigger screens.
Most outdoor cameras offer at least 1080p Full HD resolution, while some high-end models can provide even higher resolutions like 2K or 4K.
High-resolution cameras are especially important when identifying individuals or objects in footage. Image quality has to be undeniably clear to count as evidence in court.
Higher resolutions allow for clearer images, but the need for more storage space is the drawback. So, consider the type of footage you need and your storage capacity when choosing a camera’s resolution.
2. Frames per Second (FPS)
Frames per second (FPS) measures how many images a video clip captures per second. The higher the FPS, the smoother the playback will be. Most standard cameras offer 30 FPS, but some options reach 60 or even 120 FPS, capturing fluid and detailed footage.
A high FPS is crucial for capturing quick movements or fast-paced action, as a lower FPS can result in choppy and blurry footage. Outdoor cameras will likely capture more activity and movement, making a higher FPS an important consideration when selecting a camera.
3. Field of View
The field of view (FOV) is the area an outdoor camera can cover and is measured in degrees. A wider FOV means monitoring a larger area, reducing the number of cameras needed for full coverage. For more, please read ‘How Many Security Cameras Do I Need?‘
Basically, consider the FOV and ensure it covers the areas you want to monitor when choosing an outdoor security camera. Also, remember a wide FOV may slightly distort images.
4. Night Vision and Low-Light Capabilities
Many insecurity incidents occur at night, so having clear surveillance footage during low-light conditions is essential. Look for cameras with infrared (IR) or thermal sensors that can capture images in complete darkness.
You should also pay attention to the camera’s lux rating, which indicates its low-light sensitivity. The lower the lux rating, the better the camera’s performance in low-light conditions.
5. Remote Access and Monitoring
Remote access is a crucial feature for outdoor cameras as it allows you to view live or recorded footage remotely, from anywhere, as long as you have internet-connected devices. Look for cameras that offer easy remote access through a user-friendly app.
With the ability to monitor your cameras remotely, you can also have features sending you real-time alerts in case the system detects motion when you’re away.
6. Additional Features
Other features to consider when choosing outdoor cameras include pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) capabilities, audio recording, and two-way communication. PTZ cameras can tilt, zoom, and pan to provide a wider view and track movement.
Audio recording allows you to capture sound in addition to video footage, while two-way communication enables you to speak through the camera’s built-in microphone and speaker.
7. Integration with Other Security Systems
For a comprehensive security system, consider cameras that can integrate with other devices like door locks, sensors, and alarms. It allows for a more connected and automated system.
Additionally, some outdoor cameras offer smart home integration, allowing you to control them through virtual assistants like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant.
Final Thoughts on Choosing Outdoor Security Cameras
When looking for outdoor security cameras, it’s crucial to consider factors like location, weather resistance, video quality, night vision, remote access, and monitoring capabilities. It’s also worth looking into additional features like PTZ, audio recording, and integration with other security systems for a more comprehensive setup.
Finding the right outdoor camera will ultimately depend on your specific needs and budget. Our selection of security cameras is diverse, with enough options for all outdoor surveillance needs.
Also remember that you might need a permit for your security system in Kentucky to ensure compliance with regulations.
