PROFESSIONAL OUTDOOR SECURITY CAMERAS A good chance exists that the perpetrator was long gone before you realised that you’d been victimised by something as simple as a package being stolen from your porch or a car being broken into while parked in your driveway. An even greater chance exists that you will never find out who was responsible for the crime. In the event that this sounds familiar, it may be time to consider purchasing an outdoor security camera system.
They are typically connected to your home Wi-Fi network and allow you to view live video footage of activities taking place outside of your home. These rugged smart home devices are designed to withstand rain, snow, and extreme temperatures. They’ll also send you an alert on your phone if someone or something is on your property, record video of the event, and, depending on the features, allow you to communicate with whoever is on your property, all without you ever having to open your door… (or even be inside your house, for that matter).
Continue reading to learn about the features to look for when purchasing an outdoor security camera, as well as our top picks for this category. It should be noted that a number of the cameras on this list are suitable for use both indoors and outside the home. Check out our list of the best indoor home security cameras if you’re looking for a model that’s designed specifically for keeping tabs on what’s going on inside your home.
What is the operation of PROFESSIONAL OUTDOOR SECURITY CAMERAS ?
The majority of smart outdoor security cameras connect to your home network via a Wi-Fi radio, allowing you to access them from anywhere in the world via a mobile application. However, there are models available that can connect to a mobile app or a dedicated hub via wired Ethernet, Bluetooth, Z-Wave, or proprietary wireless technology, among other options.
Wi-Fi cameras are less complicated to install than their wired counterparts because they do not need to be located near an Ethernet port and do not require any wiring to function. When it comes to installation, battery-powered Wi-Fi cameras are the most convenient because they can be placed just about anywhere (as long as they can connect to your router) without having to run a power cable into your home and plug them into an outlet. While these types of cameras typically use rechargeable batteries that can be easily removed and taken indoors for charging with a USB cable, their batteries tend to drain more quickly in colder weather. Bluetooth cameras are also simple to set up, but you must be within 40 feet or so of the camera in order to connect to it with your smartphone.
What Type of Weather Can Outdoor Security Cameras Handle?
An IP (Ingress Protection) rating is required for any outdoor camera that is worth its salt in terms of weather resistance and should be included on the device. A camera’s IP rating is comprised of two numbers that indicate how well the camera will perform under a variety of weather conditions. In addition to the IP prefix, the first digit after it indicates how resistant the camera is to the ingress of solid objects such as wind-blown dust. It ranges from 0 (no protection) to 6 (excellent protection) (total protection against dust and dirt). The second number indicates how resistant the camera is to moisture, and it ranges from 0 (no protection) to 9 (extremely water resistant) (protected against close range, high pressure spray downs from all angles).
The majority of outdoor security cameras have an IP66 rating, which means they provide complete protection against dust infiltration and can withstand water jets from any direction, but they should not be submerged in water. They’re usually protected from the elements, including rain, snow, heat, and cold.
What Resolution Do You Want?
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Having an outdoor security camera is pointless if you are unable to identify who or what the camera is looking at. Video captured at 720p resolution will typically result in a reasonably sharp image, but 1080p video provides more detail and is the most popular resolution for these devices because it does not require a large amount of storage space and can be viewed on nearly all phones, tablets and PCs.
Alternatively, you can purchase cameras that capture 4K (Ultra HD) video. To stream it without experiencing choppiness or lag, you’ll need a very strong network connection. To store recorded video, you’ll need a lot of storage space, which may result in expensive cloud storage fees.
No matter what resolution you choose, make sure the camera has a relatively wide field of view (viewing angle) and that it is capable of capturing clear night vision video, no matter what. Most night vision cameras use infrared (IR) LEDs to deliver black-and-white night video, but there are a few that use white light to deliver full-color night video, which are worth looking into. Look for a camera with a night vision range of at least 30 feet when shopping for a security camera.
Do You Need Motion and Sound Detection?
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Almost all outdoor security cameras are equipped with a motion sensor, which activates the camera and causes it to begin recording video when movement is detected. When activity is detected, the sensor can send a push notification to your phone, and some models will also send an email notification. Look for a camera that has sound detection to add an extra layer of security. This type of camera can alert you if someone is outside even if they are out of range of the camera lens and the motion sensor. Fair warning: You will almost certainly need to adjust the sound sensitivity settings in order to avoid receiving alerts from barking dogs, loud cars, and other unexpected sounds.
If the camera has a microphone for sound detection, it is likely that it also has a speaker, which allows you to communicate with (and listen to) whoever is outside using two-way audio communication. Porch pirates and other unwanted visitors can be scared away by using this method, which is particularly useful when dealing with annoying solicitors. If you’re looking for more ways to see and communicate with the person who is at your door, take a look at our list of the Best Video Doorbells.
Outdoor Surveillance Camera
What Methods Do Security Cameras Use to Store Video?
A variety of methods are available for archiving recorded video. A large number of cameras provide free cloud storage for a limited number of days (typically seven) before the data is overwritten or deleted, while others require a monthly or annual subscription fee. It’s possible to subscribe to a 30-day plan if you need more than a week’s worth of video storage and don’t want to be concerned about losing important footage before you’ve had a chance to review and download it.
If you are concerned about privacy and would prefer not to have your video stored in the cloud, look for a camera that has a microSD card slot so that you can store your video on a local hard drive. There are a few cameras that will even let you save video to a portable USB or network-attached storage device, but those devices are few in number.
For added convenience, look for a camera with a CVR (Continuous Video Recording) plan, which allows you to view up to 30 days’ worth of video in the cloud at any time. This feature allows you to go back and see everything that’s been going on around your house.
What Else Can Outdoor Security Cameras Be Used For Besides Security?
It is important to ensure that an outdoor camera that does more than just record video and send alerts is compatible with other smart devices. When it comes to recent outdoor Wi-Fi cameras, many of them include support for IFTTT (If This Then That), an internet service that makes use of mini programmes (applets) that you create to allow the camera to interact with other Wi-Fi-enabled devices. For example, you could programme a smart plug to turn on an indoor lamp or activate an external siren when a motion sensor is detected by the camera.
In addition, voice commands from Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant are making their way into many of the most recent cameras, allowing you to do things like display video from the camera on a compatible smart display when connected. Consider a camera that can be integrated into your smart home to allow it to communicate with other smart devices, such as door locks, if you already have a hub for home automation.
What kind of outdoor security camera should you get and how much should you spend?
It is generally accepted that outdoor security cameras are more expensive than their indoor counterparts. Depending on the features, they can cost anywhere from $50 to several hundred dollars or even more. However, as with almost any smart device, you’ll typically pay more for features such as motion tracking, facial recognition, cellular connectivity, time-lapse recording, onboard and cloud storage options, and rechargeable battery power than you would for a less expensive camera with comparable video performance.
View the winners of our Readers’ Choice Awards to see which security cameras and brands other PCMag readers have chosen to be their favourites. Once you’ve chosen the right camera for your needs, read on for our recommendations on how to set it up. And if you’re looking for an even more advanced way to keep an eye on your home, both inside and outside, take a look at our selection of the Best Smart Home Security Systems.
Arlo Pro 4 Spotlight Camera Review
ARLO PRO 4 SPOTLIGHT CAMERA SPECS
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi |
| Integration | IFTTT, Samsung SmartThings, Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant |
| Notifications | Email, Push |
| Field of View | 160 degrees |
| Resolution | 2K |
| Storage | Cloud |
| Two-Way Audio | Yes |
| Mechanical Pan/Tilt | No |
| Night Vision | Yes |
| Alarm | Yes |
Using smart outdoor security cameras, you can monitor what’s going on outside your home without having to leave the comfort of your couch. However, because many models require a hub and wiring, they can be difficult to set up. For its part, the wireless Arlo Pro 4 Spotlight Camera ($199.99) captures high-resolution video and casts a bright light on whatever is moving around on your property. This outdoor security camera is easy to set up, provides detailed 2K video with colour night vision, and has accurate and intelligent motion detection, earning it the Editors’ Choice Award for outdoor security cameras.
It Has the Appearance of an Arlo
Because it is the same size and shape as the Arlo Ultra and Arlo Pro 3 cameras that we reviewed in 2019, you may notice that the Arlo Pro 4 Spotlight Camera looks familiar. With an external camera assembly that slides in and out, the white, weatherproof enclosure measures 3.5 by 2.0 by 3.0 inches (HWD), and the slide-in camera assembly is glossy black with a removable, rechargeable lithium-polymer battery pack that can last up to six months between charges. There is a magnetic charging port and a button on the bottom of the enclosure that allows you to detach the camera assembly.
You can mount the Pro 4 to your house or any other structure with the magnetic mount that comes with it, or you can purchase a screw-in mount for $19.99 to use with the Pro 4. In addition to the battery pack, a magnetic USB charging cable, and mounting hardware, the box contains other accessories.
The Pro 4 camera not only has the same appearance as the Pro 3 camera, but it also has the same specifications. In fact, the only differences between the two are in terms of price and availability of network connectivity: The Pro 4 is less expensive, comes with built-in Wi-Fi, and does not require the use of a hub to function (however, you can pair it with an Arlo Smart Hub if you already have one).
Deep Sentinel Starter 3-Cam Kit
In the event of suspicious activity on your property, Deep Sentinel’s outdoor security cameras not only detect it, but they also dispatch live guards to intervene and contact the authorities on your behalf.
DEEP SENTINEL STARTER 3-CAM KIT SPECS
| Connectivity | Ethernet |
| Integration | None |
| Notifications | Email, Push |
| Field of View | 130 degrees |
| Resolution | 1080p |
| Storage | Cloud, Local |
| Two-Way Audio | Yes |
| Mechanical Pan/Tilt | No |
| Night Vision | Yes |
| Alarm | Yes |
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Wyze Cam V3
An indoor/outdoor home security camera with colour night vision and intelligent motion detection, the Wyze Cam V3 is an affordable option that offers a slew of features in a small package. These include voice control, a built-in siren, and local video storage. professional grade outdoor security cameras
WYZE CAM V3 SPECS best professional outdoor security camera system
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi |
| Integration | Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, IFTTT |
| Notifications | Push |
| Field of View | 130 degrees |
| Resolution | 1080p |
| Storage | Cloud, Local |
| Two-Way Audio | Yes |
| Mechanical Pan/Tilt | No |
| Night Vision | Yes |
| Alarm | Yes |
Ring Stick Up Cam Battery
RING STICK UP CAM BATTERY SPECS
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi |
| Integration | IFTTT |
| Notifications | Push |
| Field of View | 115 degrees |
| Resolution | 1080p |
| Storage | Cloud |
| Two-Way Audio | Yes |
| Mechanical Pan/Tilt | No |
| Night Vision | Yes |
| Alarm | Yes |
When motion is detected, the Ring Stick Up Cam Battery records it and stores it in the cloud.
It is a versatile battery-powered wireless indoor/outdoor security camera that records motion-triggered video.
RING STICK UP CAM BATTERY SPECS
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi |
| Integration | IFTTT |
| Notifications | Push |
| Field of View | 115 degrees |
| Resolution | 1080p |
| Storage | Cloud |
| Two-Way Audio | Yes |
| Mechanical Pan/Tilt | No |
| Night Vision | Yes |
| Alarm | Yes |
By adding the Spotlight Cam Battery ($199) to its already impressive lineup of home security devices, Ring continues to expand its reach even further. This battery-powered outdoor security camera is completely wireless and features motion detection, triggered recording, and compatibility with IFTTT and other smart home devices. It is also available in black. PROFESSIONAL OUTDOOR SECURITY CAMERAS
In the same way that other Ring products, such as the Video Doorbell Pro and Floodlight Cam, require you to subscribe to one of the company’s cloud plans in order to view recorded video, the Video Doorbell Pro does not provide pre-buffered recording. However, because it is simple to set up and produces sharp 1080p video, it is a good choice for outdoor security cameras, especially in low-light conditions.
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Lorex 2K Wire-Free, Battery-Operated Security System Review
LOREX 2K WIRE-FREE, BATTERY-OPERATED SECURITY SYSTEM SPECS
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi |
| Integration | Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant |
| Notifications | Push |
| Field of View | 140 degrees |
| Resolution | 2K |
| Storage | Local |
| Two-Way Audio | Yes |
| Mechanical Pan/Tilt | No |
| Night Vision | Yes |
| Alarm | Yes |
The Lorex 2K Wire-Free Security System ($349.99) is a two-camera system that can be used both indoors and outdoors. It is available in black or white. All of the features of these weatherproof, battery-powered cameras are simple to set up, and they include colour night vision, person detection, local video storage and warning lights and sirens to frighten away intruders. They are also inexpensive.
These cameras produce sharp 2K video and can be controlled by voice commands through Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, but they do not have the HomeKit and IFTTT applet support found in our Editors’ Choice winner, the Arlo Pro 4 Spotlight Camera ($199.99 for one camera), which we recommend.
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Blink Outdoor Review
The original Blink Home Security Camera system was reviewed in 2016 and received high marks for its reasonable price, sharp 720p video quality, and free cloud storage, but it received low marks for its lack of integrations and inability to provide on-demand video and two-way audio. Its new Blink Outdoor ($99.99) is a weatherproof camera that offers 1080p video and works with Alexa voice commands and IFTTT applets.
The company is now owned by Amazon, and its new Blink Outdoor ($99.99) is a weatherproof camera that is once again reasonably priced, but this time around offers 1080p video and works with Alexa voice commands and IFTTT applets. However, you can store video locally on your computer, watch video on demand, and communicate with visitors using two-way audio if you subscribe to cloud storage. Even though it’s a good deal, our Editors’ Choice, the Wyze Cam Outdoor, is half the price and has even more features to offer.
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Reolink Argus 2 Review- best outdoor professional sercurity cameras
REOLINK ARGUS 2 SPECS
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi |
| Integration | None |
| Notifications | Push, Email |
| Field of View | 130 degrees |
| Resolution | 1080p |
| Storage | Cloud, Local |
| Two-Way Audio | Yes |
| Mechanical Pan/Tilt | No |
| Night Vision | Yes |
| Alarm | Yes |
When we reviewed the Reolink Argus home security camera, we were impressed with its image quality, ease of installation, and weatherproof design. However, we wished it could communicate with other smart home devices, which it does not.
The new Argus 2 camera ($129.99) has the same simple installation and weatherproof enclosure as the previous model, but it also includes a few new features such as Sony’s Starlight CMOS sensor for outstanding night vision, a rechargeable battery pack, and a solar power option in addition to the previous model. It still does not work with other smart devices, such as the Netgear Arlo Pro 2 or the Nest Cam IQ Outdoor, but it is significantly less expensive than those devices.
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Ring Spotlight Cam Battery
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi |
| Integration | Amazon Alexa, IFTTT |
| Notifications | Push |
| Field of View | 140 degrees |
| Resolution | 1080p |
| Storage | Cloud |
| Two-Way Audio | Yes |
| Mechanical Pan/Tilt | No |
| Night Vision | Yes |
| Alarm | Yes |
PROFESSIONAL OUTDOOR SECURITY CAMERAS
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| Our Picks | Arlo Pro 4 Spotlight Camera | Wyze Cam V3 | Deep Sentinel Starter 3-Cam Kit | Ring Stick Up Cam Battery | Wyze Cam Outdoor | Arlo Essential Spotlight Camera | Blink Outdoor | Blurams Outdoor Pro | Lorex 2K Wire-Free, Battery-Operated Security System | Reolink Argus 2 | Ring Spotlight Cam Battery |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi | Ethernet | Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi |
| Integration | IFTTT, Samsung SmartThings, Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant | Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, IFTTT | None | IFTTT | Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, IFTTT | Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, IFTTT | Amazon Alexa, IFTTT | Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, IFTTT | Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant | None | Amazon Alexa, IFTTT |
| Notifications | Email, Push | Push | Email, Push | Push | Push | Email, Push | Push | Push | Push | Push, Email | Push |
| Field of View | 160 degrees | 130 degrees | 130 degrees | 115 degrees | 110 degrees | 130 degrees | 110 degrees | 129 degrees | 140 degrees | 130 degrees | 140 degrees |
| Resolution | 2K | 1080p | 1080p | 1080p | 1080p | 1080p | 1080p | 1080p | 2K | 1080p | 1080p |
| Storage | Cloud | Cloud, Local | Cloud, Local | Cloud | Local, Cloud | Cloud | Cloud, Local | Local, Cloud | Local | Cloud, Local | Cloud |
| Two-Way Audio | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Mechanical Pan/Tilt | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Night Vision | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Alarm | Yes | Yes | Yes Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Where to Buy | $178.99at Amazon | $32.98at Amazon | $699.00at Amazon $699.00at Deep Sentinel Home Security | $99.99at Amazon | $44.59at Amazon | $119.00at Amazon | $69.99at Amazon | $49.99at Amazon | $349.99at Lorex $297.99at Best Buy | $84.99at Amazon | $199.99at Amazon $239.98at Amazon |
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