In a fully guarded world, where we are constantly surrounded by cameras of all kinds, IP cameras are one of the best options for protecting your home or business. Thanks to the Internet connection, they allow you to instantly access your content, at any time and from anywhere.
IP cameras use the network connection to transmit what is framed by their lens to a remote device, which can be a video surveillance device but also a simple smartphone. These are devices expressly designed to keep under control what happens outside or inside homes and offices, depending on the versions chosen. In this page, we focus on outdoor models which, as a first feature, must have a resistant body, able to withstand the action of atmospheric agents, humidity and sunlight.
They are commonly used for video surveillance and to monitor children or pets. Nowadays there are two main types of models: those intended for outdoor use and those designed for indoor use. However, when choosing an IP camera, other criteria should also be considered. We will talk about it in this guide.
Below we offer a series of tips on which features to evaluate before making a choice and the list of best outdoor IP cameras that impressed us most.
- 2024 PCMag Editor's Choice - Praised for its outstanding value, delivering sharp 2K resolution and a comprehensive feature set.
- Compact, Versatile, Weatherproof - The Tapo C120 is a compact camera suitable for indoor and outdoor use, featuring an IP66 rating...
- Magnetic Base for Flexible Mounting - Easily attach the C120 camera to any metal surface with its magnetic base. Versatile...
- 2K QHD 4MP Resolution - Crystal-clear detail in every shot. Capture every moment with stunning 2K quality that ensures even the...
- Starlight Color Night Vision - The built-in Starlight sensor delivers bright, colorful video at night, with two spotlights for...
- CMOS ILLUMINATION & MIC – Stunning low-light 5MP performance with CMOS 1/2.7” image sensor and 5MP resolution (2592x1944)....
- SMARTER SECURITY & STORAGE OPTIONS – Receive motion alert notifications and review footage via your smartphone with the Amcrest...
- DAY OR NIGHT, RAIN OR SHINE – Built to weather any storm and the darkest of nights, this 5-Megapixel Turret PoE IP Camera...
- SECURE REMOTE STORAGE – The optional Amcrest Cloud remote video storage subscription service allows you automatically store your...
- SIMPLE, RELIABLE, SECURE - This camera features a secure SSL/HTTPS connection, FCC certificate, and received regular firmware...
- CAPTURE CRIME FROM DETAILS: Discover potential crime has never been so easier with superior 5MP HD. With advanced IR lights, you...
- SMART PERSON/ANIMAL/VEHICLE DETECTION – Smart PoE IP cameras can identify people, animals, and vehicles, minimizing unwanted...
- PLUG & PLAY: With everything needed, the poe security camera system can be easily installed even by yourself. Just hook all the...
- HEAR THE EVIDENCE: Watch and also hear every detail of surroundings and make sure everything is under control. With the built-in...
- HDD Storage and Remote Playback – Including a pre-installed 2TB HDD, videos can be recorded and stored for ten days without...
- Motion Tracking allows camera to automatically track moving objects and begin recording
- Built-in floodlight and alarm siren activates with motion detection to scare away intruders
- 1080P video with 4x digital zoom, night vision and 350° pan, 120° tilt
- Works with iOS, Android, Mac OS, Windows via WiFi connectivity
- Integrates with third party software like Blue Iris, iSpy, Synology, TinyCam
- 4K UHD VIDEOS WITH 180° VIEWING ANGLE: Combining two lenses into one view, this dual-lens security camera provides an 180°...
- SMART PERSON/VEHICLE/PET DETECTION: Say goodbye to the unwanted alarms triggered by moving branches or flying bugs. The camera...
- INSTANT ALERTS & REMOTE ACCESS: The camera will send instant push/email alerts to your devices once it captures something...
- ALL-ROUND DETERRENCE TO INTRUDERS: Once this PoE camera detects suspicious activities, it can deter intruders effectively with...
- COLOR NIGHT VISION & IP66 WATERPROOF: With motion spotlights, the camera has a remarkable ability to handle low-light conditions...
- 4 MP HD Resolution & Power over Ethernet (PoE) - 4 Megapixels, providing the level of detail needed for facial recognition and...
- Dual H.265/H/264 Compression - With H.265 compression, you can store more information using fewer hard drives, which allows you to...
- Easy Plug and Play with Mutilple Brands of NVRS & Works with Thrid software, ISpy, BlueIris, Milestone, Etc - Work with PoE NVR,...
- IP66 Weather Rated Enclosure and 2.8mm Wide angle lens - Ideal for outdoor applications. With a wide range in operating...
- 2 Year Warranty. Contact us if you have any questions
- Smart Human & Motion Detection: This 4MP PoE IP camera outdoor is equipped with human/motion detection technology, and timely push...
- 100ft Smart Color Night Vision with Spotlights: This 4MP ip poe security camera enables you to view clear images with brilliant...
- 4MP HD PoE Camera with 2.8mm Lens: This Anpviz 4MP poe security camera which makes smoother and faster streaming of online videos....
- Work with On-vif NVR & Third Party Software, Blue-Iris, ISpy, Mile-stone, Etc: Easy Work with Anpviz NVR and Other 3rd Party...
- Parameter Information You Want to Know: 4MP(2560x1440)25fps, Human Motion Detection, Email Alert APP Push, 98ft Smart Color Night...
- 5MP ULTRA-HD – Stunning 5-Megapixel 2592 x 1944p video resolution with enhanced low light capability on this POE outdoor camera...
- SMARTER SECURITY – Adjust motion detection zones and sensitivity and receive email/phone alerts and review footage via the...
- DAY OR NIGHT, RAIN OR SHINE – This outdoor POE IP camera features a heavy-duty metal weatherproof IP67 housing, as well as a...
- SECURE CLOUD VIDEO BACKUP – The optional Amcrest Cloud remote video storage subscription service allows you automatically store...
- SIMPLE, RELIABLE, SECURE – This Amcrest POE camera features a secure SSL/HTTPS connection, FCC and CE certificates and receives...
- 【360° Panoramic & Two Way Audio】Upgraded 5dBi WiFi antenna, 355° horizontal & 90° vertical rotation range cover a 360°...
- 【Motion Detection & Alarms】 Want to warn uninvited guests? This outdoor security camera support customizable motion detection&...
- 【Plug & Play, ONVIF Compatible】 Following the step by step manual, it's pretty easy & fast to setup this home Wi-Fi camera...
- 【FHD 1080P & Colorful Night Vision 】 Everyone wants to keep an eye on what he concerns about at all times. With FULL HD 1080P...
- 【IP66 Weather-Proof & Please Note Before Purchase】 High-quality alloy case, this wireless security camera outdoor is robust...
- EXPERIENCE ULTRA HD 4K – Stunning ultra-high quality 4K (8-Megapixel / 3840x2160) resolution featuring enhanced low light...
- SMARTER SECURITY – Receive motion alert notifications and review footage via your smartphone with the Amcrest View app. Playback...
- DAY OR NIGHT, RAIN OR SHINE – Built to weather any storm and the darkest of nights, this Dome 4K PoE IP Turret Camera features a...
- SECURE CLOUD VIDEO BACKUP – The optional Amcrest Cloud remote video storage subscription service allows you automatically store...
- SIMPLE, RELIABLE, SECURE - At Amcrest, we want to ensure the safety of our customers, their loved ones, homes and businesses....
Choosing the Best Outdoor IP Cameras Buying Guide
For greater security of your home or business, you may want to consider purchasing an IP camera. Since there are many models available on the market, we decided to create this guide to choose the best outdoor IP cameras that allow you to choose the one that best suits your needs.
A professional security system can cost quite high figures, so an IP camera could be a good solution to keep an eye on the exterior of your home, the forecourt of your business or even your pet when you are out home.
IP, What Does It Mean?
Before purchasing, however, you should take into account several features that could make a difference in choosing the right model. First of all, it is important to know that with the abbreviation IP (Internet Protocol) we identify the cameras that are able to send data (in this case video and sometimes even audio) through the Internet to other devices, such as PC, smartphone and Tablet.
Many models are also Wi-Fi, so apart from the power cable, no other type of cabling is needed. Other devices are equipped with an ethernet port: in this case a LAN cable is needed that connects the camera to a NAS or to a DVR or NVR system. If the camera is a PoE (Power Over Ethernet) type, the power supply is via the ethernet cable, so only one is needed for data transmission and for its operation.
Weather Resistance
If you opt, as in our case, for an outdoor camera, it is important to evaluate the degree of protection against bad weather, 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 the integrated apps or programs.
Quality
As far as the quality of the video is concerned, at least 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. There are several factors that affect the quality of the image: it ranges from shooting resolution, color management, viewing angle and more.
Brightness
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 should know that some models automatically set it in the dark hours.
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. Then make sure that they have the function of motion detection, this element is essential to warn you, wherever you are, of any intruders in the video surveillance room.
Email Alert
A service offered by practically all models, even the cheapest ones, is the sending of email notifications every time a suspicious movement is recorded by the camera. As we have seen, in fact, activation via a motion sensor is a common feature of all modern cameras. The email sent typically contains the date and time of the detection and three or more frames taken by the video camera. Some models may also include sending a short movie clip.
Push Notifications
In some cases, for those models that provide integration with a specific mobile application, it is possible to receive the same type of alert through the app instead of the email, by sending a push notification similar to those that are received , for example, when an email or text message is received.
Let’s see each point in more detail :
Resolution : All models offer a range of resolutions to choose from. The best ones come up to a Full HD resolution (1920 x 1080 p), while among the mid-range models a maximum resolution of 1280 x 720 p is very common. Lower-end cameras stop at VGA resolution (640 x 480 p)
Brightness : the best models, especially those for outdoors, automatically balance the exposure based on the brightness of the environment, so that the images are always clear and legible. In many cases there is also a filter called IR-Cut that blocks infrared radiation during the day, to ensure that the color rendering of the image is true.
Viewing angle : the width of the viewing angle depends on the camera lens, and can range from approximately 45 ° to 75 ° in the models indicated as “wide angle”. This data expresses the portion of the visual field framed by the camera and not, as we have seen above, the overall portion that the camera can cover by performing a panoramic.
Infrared : most models on the market are equipped with infrared LEDs that allow viewing and recording even in total absence of light, up to a maximum distance of 40 m in the most advanced models.
Audio : all surveillance cameras are in fact equipped with a microphone that adds an audio recording to the video footage, but only in some models the microphone is bidirectional . In these cases, the presence of a loudspeaker on the video camera allows those who have control of it to communicate with those who were near the device.
How to Use an Outdoor IP Camera
More and more users, considering the low cost of cameras today, 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.
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 home, 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 if necessary Wi-Fi repeaters to allow the signal to reach even remote or external areas of the apartment or company, providing to set an alphanumeric access key to prevent someone not authorized to do so can connect.
Look for the Right Spot
Essential for the good installation of an outdoor camera is to identify the best points to position the device, possibly in high points and not easy to reach or see from afar. 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 the 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.
Conclusions
IP cameras are surveillance and monitoring devices that connect to the Internet and allow you to access images and content also via your mobile phone. Your videos are password protected, so they are completely safe. It is possible to make a clear distinction between internal and external cameras.
Most integrate automatic activation systems with movement and even night vision and movement. Some have an SD and microSD card slot, so you can store your pictures internally. Still others offer the option of archiving in the “cloud”. Choosing the most suitable one implies taking into consideration criteria such as compatibility, installation and configuration.
