Whether you own a home or business you want to protect your property and keep it safe from damage and theft. However, you can’t be on guard at all times, so what are you to do? The answer lies in high-quality security cameras. Our team members used their testing expertise to bring you the top outdoor security cameras on the market.
The Garden and Yards team has reviewed the top options on the market today.
Long-lasting, reliable operation is easy with this solar-powered security camera with battery back-up. It is perfect for outdoor surveillance for your home or business!
We love that this outdoor security camera was solar-powered for easy daytime use as well as battery-powered for nighttime and low light recording. We find it provides a good quality image when recording and a reliable capture. It's small, compact, and easy to discreetly set up in most areas for secure recording.
Initial setup is little difficult to put together and get going, but once everything is working it's easy to operate. We’ll note it was a bit on the pricey side compared to some security camera systems, but provided great value for the money.
This security camera has it all - Wi-Fi, cloud storage, motion detection recording, night vision, and high def recording. It is a great choice for any home or business’s security needs!
Right off the bat, we were fans of the high definition recording and convenient cloud storage of videos for future access. The night vision recording and motion detection recording for enhanced security of your property was another great feature. It is waterproof and also features two-way audio for optimal security options, which was another bonus for us.
We immediately noticed this is a little larger than some cameras, so it's a bit harder to hide when stealthy recording is needed. It comes with a lot of components and options and we initially found it a bit overwhelming to work with, though with time we were able to figure it out.
Outdoor Security Camera
This security camera offers high-def recording, and night vision and two-way audio allow for enhanced security measures if needed. It can be synced to Android phones so you can stay connected.
Our team loves that images recorded in high definition combined with night vision recording allows for optimal security monitoring day and night. Additionally, the two-way audio allows for more direct engagement if necessary. Perhaps our favorite feature is that it syncs up to your phone for on-the-go monitoring!
We did find the camera a little large when trying to place it in more discreet locations. The audio could be a little fuzzy or staticky as well, though it worked fine most of the time.
Having an outdoor security camera system installed in your home or business has provided increased protection, safety, security, and peace of mind for millions of people. Typically, these cameras are installed in areas of high-traffic such as entrances, walkways, or driveways, or in locations where there are increased security issues such as side alleys or backdoors.
The most important benefit of installing outdoor security cameras is that you will be able to record and monitor all movement in and around covered areas, even if you are not on location. Some outdoor security cameras even record long periods of footage that are then uploaded into storage databases or even clouds so that you can wind back the footage and review past events as needed.
There are generally two configurations that you can choose from: hardwired or wireless outdoor security cameras.
Hardwired cameras use data cables and wires in order to transmit the footage. The main benefit to using hardwired cameras is that it cannot be hacked by external attacks, and you will have a secure and closed system that only you can access. Those who use hardwired systems also report that the images and audio captured is much cleared compared to wireless systems. However, you will need to strategically place the wires so that intruders will not be able to tamper with them, otherwise, the whole system will be rendered unusable.
The main drawback to hardwired systems is that they are limited to where cables can be connected and you will need to have these cables professionally installed. Luckily, most companies that sell hardwired systems also offer installation services. You also need to make sure that these cables are protected from the elements.
Wireless cameras do not require cables or wires for installation or for transmitting data. It uses a high-speed wireless Internet connection to transmit the images to either a storage site or a cloud. However, if you are using an unsecured wireless connection, you are vulnerable to hacks and external threats. Moreover, if you use low-end wireless systems, the images and audio will not be clear and crisp.
When you install an outdoor security camera, it comes with a main control panel that will be located inside your home, as well as a data storage where the captured feed is sent and stored. Some companies offer storage as part of their services, but other systems require you to install a base system in your home. The camera is then connected to a monitor which allows you to see the captured footage. If the outdoor system is connected to your WiFi, the system will have a built-in DVR that can stream the footage on the Internet so that you can view it on your device no matter where you are.
This is the most common, affordable, and basic type of outdoor security camera. Most of them are hardwired and easy to install. However, the captured images are grainy and small details are impossible to distinguish. Most black and white cameras do not capture sound.
Basic color cameras are a step up from black and white cameras because they capture color and basic sounds, but they are still not recommended if you’re looking for something that will produce clear audio and video.
This type of camera covers a large area and are suitable for parking spaces, garages, and open fields that need monitoring.
Bullet cameras are mounted on porches and walls, and they are only capable of pointing in one direction. They are best used when pointed towards entryways.
Dome cameras are small and used for gates and entryways. They are excellent deterrents because it is difficult to see where the camera lens are pointed at any given moment due to the design of the camera.
Small and efficient, you can place discreet cameras almost anywhere, such as near electrical boxes, beside doorbells, or even beside plants. The size of the camera makes it hard for intruders to spot them, and they will not be able to disable your camera system.
Night vision camera use infrared technology to capture images in low-lighting scenarios. This is a good choice for places where there are no nearby streetlamps, or if the area is otherwise generally dark and gloomy.
If you live in an area with extreme weather conditions, you want an outdoor camera that can stand up to the abuse. Weather-resistant cameras often come with a hood to protect the camera from extreme heat, moisture, wind, or snow. They are also sealed to prevent dust and particles from entering and high-end models are shockproof.
