More and more users, considering the low cost of cameras nowadays, decide to have an electronic eye capable of supervising their private property. To avoid thefts, break-ins, and the approach of attackers, there is nothing better than a camera that acts as a bollard.
If you are not sure which product to choose, it is good to clarify that there are outdoor security cameras. Although the operation is similar, the former must have specific characteristics in order to be functional for the purpose.
Here we had listed out some of the best outdoor security cameras that are given below.
Outdoor Security Cameras Buyer Guide
Weather Resistance
If you opt, as in our case, for an outdoor camera, it is important to evaluate the degree of weather protection, classified with the IP scale (not to be confused with the first abbreviation which is a computer term).
At a minimum, that choice must have an IP66 protection rating, which guarantees that the camera will work even if exposed to rain, wind, snow, sunlight, and dust.
Having said that, compare the prices, but in choosing a model you could consider purchasing an easy-to-install camera so that you don’t have to add the payment of a specialized technician to the expense.
Usually, the best outdoor IP cameras have a simple mounting system consisting of a few connections, moreover, they can be easily configured with your PC, smartphone, or tablet thanks to apps or integrated programs.
Viewing Comfort
As far as the quality of the video is concerned, as a minimum, one must look for a model capable of transmitting images in HD to see clearly what is going on. Let’s say that, in this case, it is not essential to opt for a Full HD product but you can also settle for a simple 720p HD, however more than adequate to better interpret the recorded images.
In addition, the brightness of the LED can also be important as the clarity of the movies depends on it when night vision is activated. In this regard, you must know that some models automatically set it in the dark hours.
Even if these devices do not have an alarm system to combine them with, you can still have good security thanks to the movement detector. This allows the IP camera to send, in the best cases, notifications to smartphones or e-mails with videos or images.
So in case, there is an attempt of burglary or burglary it will be possible to immediately alert the police. If you are adjusting your outdoor space, you may also be interested in the recommended wireless doorbells: they are easy to install and incredibly comfortable because they allow you to answer your visitor who rings wherever you are.
Night Vision
If all security cameras, more or less, make viewing easier during the daytime, the real difference is the recording of images when it is dark, then at night, which they are normally those preferred by thieves.
This occurs thanks to the excellent CMOS sensor that offers an HD resolution at 1,280 x 720 pixels, but above all for the presence of 36 infrared LEDs, which are precisely intended to illuminate the scene that will be taken in the best way.
The company guarantees sharp images up to 20 meters away, but according to user opinions, more realistically good images are obtained up to 10 meters if the area is totally dark.
The 20 meters declared are feasible if at least some artificial light illuminates the shooting area. As for the images in sunlight, the camera, according to what reported by users, does not give any problem.
Wifi Connection
Another of the most appreciated features of the camera is the presence of a Wi-Fi connection. This allows you to have only one cable necessary for its outdoor installation, ie the one needed to power it.
It is therefore clear that it is a must that an electrical outlet is nearby, perhaps inside the house, in order not to give the attackers the possibility of cutting off the power supply and therefore rendering the camera ineffective.
Through the Wi-Fi connection, to be set with a very simple procedure, also using an app to download on your smartphone or tablet, it will be possible to view in real-time what the camera is recording from anywhere in the world, as long as there is a Data connection.
The display is therefore feasible with any device capable of connecting to the internet, i.e. a PC, a tablet or the much-loved smartphone.
How to Use an Outdoor Security Camera?
Which One to Choose
Cameras use a Wi-Fi network connection to transmit data to the user, these are the cheapest, most versatile, and easiest to use products on sale on the market, therefore they are among the users’ favorites.
Opting for outdoor cameras, if you had a house of your own, could be the best solution, in this way you will be able to outline a sort of perimeter to monitor doors and windows.
In this way you will not need to install visual points inside the house, thus avoiding violating the privacy of your family members. The best models are also the ones with the best reviews, and this could already be a good yardstick.
Proceed with The Installation
These cameras usually do not need to be connected to control devices, but you just need to combine them with your Wi-Fi network to access them via smartphone, tablet, or computer application.
First of all, make sure that the network has good coverage, installing Wi-Fi repeaters if necessary to allow the signal to reach even remote or external areas of the apartment or company, by setting an alphanumeric access key to preventing someone not authorized to do so can connect.
Look for The Right Spot
For the good installation of an outdoor camera, it is essential to identify the best points to position the device, possibly in high points that are not easy to reach or see from a distance.
Our advice is to monitor the access points to the apartment or your company, therefore preferring doors and windows, taking care not to create any type of blind spot. Carry out tests while installing each camera, accessing them through an application to better understand the viewing angle.
However, this is also determined by the integrated CMOS sensor: the wider the better, it will be possible to keep an eye on various portions of the external area of the house or company.
Read the Instruction Manual
If you are unable to install the camera, please read the instruction manual carefully. Since the procedure is different for each device, it is necessary to understand what is the standard adopted by your product.
Some cameras require registration with a proprietary authentication system while others simply use an intuitive application. If the instructions are not enough, it is always worth the advice to search the internet for suggestions and advice from other users who have already installed your own camera.
Remote Control
Make sure that the cameras are always connected to the electrical network present only inside the apartment or company. In this way, no attacker will be able to disconnect the power cable without entering the viewing cone of the same.
For remote control, it is necessary to open the dedicated application and select the desired camera to instantly see what is happening. However, if you don’t have the possibility to check during the day, you could opt for models that allow you to save the recordings when, for example, they detect movements, on an SD card. On your return home, you can then check the records.
