Many people buy security cameras before deciding exactly where to place them. However, you should take out time to decide on your needs before eventually buying your outdoor security camera. Here are some tips and factors to consider when deciding on the best outdoor security camera for your needs.
Security camera video quality
High video quality is essential for your security cameras so that you can clearly view recordings and easily retrieve required evidence. Here’s what to look out for in your security cameras:
- A video resolution of 1080p or higher will provide enough detail to tell people apart through their facial features, clothing, and actions. Plus, 1080p resolution looks good on larger computer monitors and TV screens, so you don’t need to rely on a small phone screen.
- A field of view around 130º allows the camera to see a large area indoors and outdoors while keeping subjects a reasonable size within the video frame. You might consider a wider viewing angle around 160º for a video doorbell or outdoor security camera, so you don’t need as many cameras for complete coverage of your property.
- A frame rate of a least 15 frames per second (fps) is a must for anyone wanting smooth motion in videos. Smooth video is less susceptible to motion blur, which can reduce detail even on high-resolution cameras. For results closer to what you expect from a TV, choose a video surveillance camera with 24 fps or higher.
- A night vision range of 30 feet or more helps a wireless camera produce bright images after the sun goes down. Most security cameras use infrared LEDs to record in complete darkness. Still, you might consider a model with a secondary spotlight which can deter intruders and provide color night vision.
Security camera video storage
Video recording keeps a history of the happenings around your home—without constant vigilance of watching a live feed or responding to every notification that pops up on your mobile device. Whether you choose cloud or local storage depends on your budget and personal preferences, but here’s what we recommend for each type:
- A local storage capacity of 32 GB or higher (preferably on an SD card) gives you plenty of space to record a couple of weeks’ worth of video clips. Cameras with resolutions above 1080p, should support 64 GB or 128 GB microSD cards if possible. If you have a security camera system with multiple analog cameras, we recommend a network video recorder (NVR) of 1 TB or higher.
- A cloud storage video history of 14 days or more will keep recordings around long enough for you to review and download if something exciting or suspicious catches your IP camera’s attention. Storage plans under $4 a month for a single doorbell camera or $10 a month for multiple cameras will keep your monthly costs reasonable.
Essential security camera features
While video quality and storage do most of the heavy lifting on security cameras, these features can make your camera easier to use and more effective:
- A mobile app is the most convenient way to control your Wi-Fi security cam. It allows you to view video footage, receive notifications, and adjust settings for a better everyday experience. It also gives you access to useful features like two-way audio, smart home controls, and sharing camera access with your household. EyeSyte is a good example of a simple but effective mobile app.
- A motion detection camera makes it easier to manage notifications and video storage. Models with adjustable motion zones and motion sensitivity are enough for most folks, but you can add smart detection if you have the budget. Smart detection uses artificial intelligence to help a smart security camera identify and notify you of the people, animals, vehicles, and other objects it sees.