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Outdoor Security Cameras: Safeguarding Your Home and Property

Protect your home with outdoor security cameras and ensure the safety of your property. Discover the different types of cameras, the best options available, and security systems that include outdoor cameras. Choose the right camera for your needs and enjoy remote access, night vision, and reliable monitoring. Don't compromise on your home's security—invest in outdoor security cameras for peace of mind.

Securing your home and properties from unscrupulous elements has become a top priority in a world with ever-increasing security threats. 

Outdoor security cameras are faithful sentries that stand guard day and night with unblinking eyes. Because of this, they have become indispensable allies in the fight against intruders and potential dangers that lurk in the shadows. 

In this article, we’ll show you what you need to know about outdoor security cameras: 

  • Their types 
  • The best outdoor security cameras 
  • Security systems with outdoor cameras
  • How to choose the one that’s right for you 

Types of Outdoor Security Cameras 

The two types of security cameras used to monitor outdoor spaces are: 

Wireless outdoor security cameras

These cameras do not need power and data transmission cables. They are battery-powered and use wireless technology like cellular networks or Wi-Fi to transmit data to a receiver or a cloud-based storage system. 

Advantages

  • Easy installation: Most wireless security outdoor cameras can be installed by following a DIY guide and do not require the services of an expert, which can be expensive. 
  • Round-the-clock surveillance: These cams use batteries to keep working if there’s a power outage.
  • Flexibility in camera placement: Since cables and power outlets are out of the way, you can install outdoor wireless cameras in areas that would be difficult to reach with wired cameras. 
  • Scalability: You can add more cameras to your existing security system without the hassle of rewiring or infrastructural adjustments. 
  • Quick relocation: Wireless outdoor security cameras can easily be redeployed to different locations to address changing surveillance needs. 

Wired outdoor security cameras

Unlike wireless cameras, they require wired connections to operate and transmit data to a recording device or central hub.  

Advantages:

  • Reliable signal transmission: Video and audio signals transmitted via cables are stronger and less likely to experience external interference or signal loss. 
  • Long-distance coverage: These wireless cameras can be installed far from the recording or monitoring device without sacrificing signal quality. For example, Ethernet cables can transmit data for up to 100 feet without signal degradation. 
  • No battery replacements: Since they use external power sources, they don’t have batteries that need recharging or replacement.
  • Less susceptible to hacking: Wired outdoor security cameras are more difficult to hack than their wired counterparts because the hacker will require physical access to the camera. 

Best Outdoor Security Cameras for Home Use 

Below are some of the best outdoor security cameras on the market that we highly recommend:

Eufy Floodlight Cam 2

Eufy’s floodlight 2K camera is more expensive than many outdoor security cameras, but most buyers agree it’s worth the price. 

Two motion-activated flood lights that emit 2,500 lumens of bright light are attached to the camera to scare off intruders and help the camera capture colored footage at night. 

It works with the Eufy Security App, so you can monitor the camera remotely and receive real-time security alerts. Any unwanted guests can be scared away by verbal warnings through the two-way audio system or a loud, smart siren

The camera uses AI-powered motion detection technology to ensure you’re only alerted when a person, not a stray animal, approaches your monitored area. You can also set up activity zones to exclude unnecessary event alerts and monitor areas of interest.  

It comes with 4GB of built-in local storage for motion-triggered recordings. You can purchase cloud storage for $2.99/month if you want more storage.  

Pros: 

  • 2K HD video quality 
  • Two-way audio 
  • Motion detection 
  • Bright floodlights 
  • Local storage 
  • Weatherproof design 
  • Supports activity zones 
  • Compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant 
  • Smart siren 

Reolink RLC-810A 

The Reolink RLC-811A is a PoE camera that records footage in 4K Ultra HD resolution. PoE stands for Power-over-Ethernet, and PoE cameras use an Ethernet cable to receive power and transmit data.  

The camera has smart motion detection to identify humans, vehicles, and pets. It sends push notifications to your phone via the Reolink app when it detects a suspected intruder. 

You can deter criminals attempting to enter your property by warning them using the two-way audio feature or triggering the camera’s built-in siren

There are two storage options: You can store footage locally on an SD card—up to 256GB, or on a Reolink network video recorder (NVR) device. 

The camera uses infrared and color night vision, which is made possible by the five bright spotlights positioned on the camera. You can set the spotlights to turn on when it detects motion or at a specific time.  

Pros: 

  • Night vision 
  • 4K UHD video quality 
  • 5X optical zoom 
  • Local storage and NVR recording 
  • Motion detection 
  • Two-way audio 
  • Compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant
  • Weatherproof design 
  • Built-in siren 

Google Nest Outdoor Camera 1st Gen

Google Nest Outdoor Camera is a compact and easy-to-install security camera for keeping an eye on your property. 

Thanks to its night vision technology, its all-glass lens captures 1080p of clear footage, day and night. 

The camera works with the Nest app, which alerts you when it detects suspicious activity so you can check the live feed. 

If you want to view event video history, you must purchase a Nest Aware or Nest Aware Plus subscription. Nest Aware costs $6/month, while Nest Aware Plus is $12/month. 

In addition to event video history, Nest Aware Plus allows you to access ten days of 24/7 video history captured by your Nest camera. 

Pros:

  • Clear night vision 
  • Weatherproof design
  • Motion detection 
  • HD video quality 
  • Two-way audio 
  • Compatible with Alexa 

Security Systems with Outdoor Cameras

If you’re looking for a comprehensive home security system that includes outdoor cameras, here are some options worth checking out:

SimpliSafe Home Security System 

SimpliSafe home security system consists of high-quality components and is one of the most customizable home security systems you can buy.  

The base station is the system's brain—a must-have to use any of their products. It has a 24-hour backup battery, so you’re always protected even if it’s unplugged or the power goes out. 

SimpliSafe’s wireless outdoor camera uses a removable rechargeable battery that can last up to six months without recharging. You can always connect the camera to a solar panel to keep the battery charged. 

The video resolution is 1080p HD, and the camera has infrared and color night vision powered by a motion-activated spotlight. 

To prevent false alarms, the camera uses neural network processing to distinguish people from animals, vehicles, and other objects. You can also create custom activity zones so your camera only monitors areas that matter to you. 

The camera stores recorded videos automatically on a secure server for 30 days. However, this feature is only available when you purchase a camera recording or interactive monitoring plan. 

Components of the SimpliSafe home security system include:

  • Indoor cameras
  • Entry sensors
  • Motion sensors 
  • Glassbreak sensors
  • Water sensors
  • Smoke detectors
  • Smoke and CO detectors
  • Temperature sensors

The SimpliSafe outdoor security camera works with the SimpliSafe app, which alerts you to potential threats and lets you control your camera from anywhere in the world. 

You can pay for professional monitoring if you don’t want to monitor your property yourself. SimpliSafe’s professional monitoring plans start at $17.99/month. 

ADT Home Security System 

ADT offers different home security packages that you can customize, but the one that includes video security cameras is the Video and Smart Home package which starts at $1,049. You can also pay $17.48 monthly for 60 months

Since ADT doesn’t manufacture cameras, they partnered with Google to use Google Nest Cameras—outdoor, indoor, and doorbell cams. 

The camera offered with the Video and Smart Home package is Google’s 2nd generation Nest Outdoor Security Camera, which is battery-powered. You can connect this cam to a power source using a weatherproof cable for continuous power. 

Google Nest Outdoor Camera 2nd generation has all the features of the first generation and more: It has built-in intelligence for better detection and can be set up to recognize familiar faces

When you connect Google Nest outdoor camera to an ADT system, you can control it at home using ADT’s control panel or remotely using the ADT mobile app. 

The ADT home security system has all the components in SimpliSafe and some extras like a smart lock.  

ADT doesn’t have self-monitoring, so you’ll have to purchase a professional monitoring plan, usually tied to a 36-month contract. The monitoring cost varies depending on the number of items in your package. Video and Smart Home package monitoring starts at $57.99/month

In addition to equipment and monthly monitoring fees, you must pay for professional installation when you purchase an ADT Pro Install home security system. The installation fee on most packages is $150

You can opt for one of ADT’s self-setup packages to avoid the installation fee. None of the packages comes with a camera, so you’ll have to add one yourself. 

How to Choose an Outdoor Security Camera

Need help deciding which outdoor camera to buy? Here are some things to consider before making your choice: 

  • Weatherproof design: An outdoor camera should withstand harsh weather conditions and remain operational in extreme temperatures—heat or cold. 
  • An IP (Ingress Protection) rating indicates how well a product is protected against dust and water. Cameras rated IP65 and above are great for the outdoors. 
  • Night vision: Night vision is necessary to capture footage clearly at night, which is when most criminals strike. 
  • Remote access: You should be able to control your camera remotely from a smartphone or computer and stream live video from anywhere. 
  • Installation: Do you prefer DIY cameras or professionally installed systems? Professional installation will most likely attract a fee. 
  • Monitoring options: Some outdoor cameras have optional professional monitoring, while it’s compulsory for others. 

Professional monitoring is best if you have a busy schedule. If you have enough time on your hands, you should self-monitor and save on monitoring fees. 

Don’t Leave Your Property Unprotected 

If you think outdoor security cameras are expensive, wait until your home gets broken into—you’ll probably lose a lot more than you would have spent on a camera or a security system. 

Don’t leave your property unprotected and at the mercy of criminals. Secure your home with outdoor security cams and enjoy peace of mind. 

Do you need to talk to an expert before choosing a camera or security system for your home? We’re here to help every step of the way. Call us today for professional advice


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