Of course, installing a surveillance camera outside increases your personal sense of security. But above all, outdoor cameras serve as a deterrent and surveillance.
Not in the mood for long explanations? Then just take the shortcut and have a look at popular models right away. The choice is yours:
Popular outdoor surveillance cameras
Surveillance cameras under 100 euros
Surveillance cameras with solar
New products
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On our website, we will guide you in choosing the right camera and shed light on the technology jungle. To do this, we not only present current models, but also regularly test selected devices.
We show you what features a modern and reliable surveillance camera should have. Security does not necessarily have to be expensive. You can find out what to look for when buying a camera in our checklist.
Outdoor surveillance camera – checklist
Popular models
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The surveillance camera has an excellent protection class (IP 66) and a good resolution (1920*1080). It is quickly set up via smartphone and also provides a good view at night thanks to 36 infrared LEDs.
Its motion detection informs you day and night by alarm about corresponding movements in the monitored area. For a fair price, you get a good camera here. Users especially praise its easy installation and setup. No wonder the SV3c 1080P is regularly among the bestsellers on Amazon. Price segment: under 100 euros
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The German premium manufacturer INSTAR stands for quality and reliability. This is also noticeable with the INSTAR IN-9008 FULL HD. The camera has a heat sensor (PIR) that reacts to people and larger animals. In addition, a 3 second pre-recording ensures that you don’t miss anything in case of an alarm.
A built-in microphone, very good resolution and equally good night vision round off the impressive overall package. Users praise above all the excellent workmanship and the good features. However, so much quality also has its price, which seems justified for such a product. Price segment: 250-300 euros
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OfferBestseller No. 1
GALAYOU 2K Outdoor Surveillance Camera, PTZ Outdoor WLAN IP Camera Outdoor Surveillance, WiFi Dome Camera with Colour Hindsight, Two-Way Audio Y4…*
【 2k HD Resolution & Pan/Tilt/Zoom】This outdoor surveillance camera is equipped with HD video resolution ,to provide you clearer images and vidoes than 1080P day and night. With…
【Three Night Vision Modes with Alarm Siren & 2-Way Audio】The PTZ WLAN IP camera supports three night vision modes : infrared mode , full colour mode and alarm siren.Set the alarm siren and…
【Motion Sensor & 24/7 Continuous Recording】This outdoor WLAN camera has a motion sensor. As soon as this surveillance camera detects motion, the alarm will be…
*View / Last updated on 5.06.2023 at 17:50 / Affiliate Links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API.
Nothing for you? Then take a look at the daily updated bestseller list. You’re sure to find something here.
The 10-point checklist in a video
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Manufacturers of surveillance cameras
There are numerous manufacturers of surveillance cameras. The Hessian company INSTAR, for example, is one of the best known and most renowned in this country. INSTAR offers a wide range of indoor and outdoor cameras and focuses on quality made in Germany.
Compared to the competition from Asia, the devices are usually a little more expensive, but justify this with their very good workmanship. Together with the equipment and especially the German customer service, the quality makes INSTAR the first choice for many users when it comes to surveillance cameras.
However, the aforementioned competition from Asia also knows how to score points. Here, the price is often the most important factor. IP cameras for well under 100 euros are therefore not uncommon. The two Chinese manufacturers SV3C and ieGeek offer good equipment for little money.
However, they cannot quite keep up with the quality and German customer service of INSTAR. Nevertheless, both manufacturers are very popular with German customers. Both were also convincing in our tests.
Detailed checklist
- choose the right protection class for all weather conditions
Outdoor devices are generally more robust and more weatherproof than indoor surveillance cameras. They have to be. Wind, rain and even snow gnaw at them day and night,
rain and even snow gnaw at them. A typical question you often hear or read in this context is: “Can’t I just use an indoor surveillance camera outdoors?” Absolutely not!
The problem? Humidity and moisture. Little by little, these make their way through the unprotected housing of your indoor camera. There they paralyse the electronics. Even in roofed places, in cellars or even hobby rooms, enough condensation can form to destroy the device. It is therefore immensely important to take a close look at the location of an outdoor surveillance camera beforehand.
To simplify the selection of such devices, there are so-called protection classes (e.g. IP 64, IP 65). The abbreviation IP stands for International Protection. The first digit indicates the degree of protection against foreign bodies (e.g. dust) and contact, the second the degree of protection against the ingress of water.
For outdoor use, you should choose at least a camera with protection class IP 65. This way you no longer have to worry about humidity or even rain. Devices of this type offer sufficient protection against external influences. They also have good protection against contact (e.g. the penetration of a wire).
First point for our checklist for an outdoor surveillance camera:
- outdoor surveillance camera with good night vision
If you want your camera to also record at night, then a device with infrared (IR) is a good choice. Small infrared LEDs – on the camera itself or on an external spotlight – provide the necessary illumination and do so almost invisibly. Only a red glow is visible from the outside. The camera, on the other hand, makes it easy to observe people and buildings even in the deepest darkness.
Many models can be retrofitted with spotlights without any problems.
The size and number of IR LEDs play an important role here. The larger and higher these two values are, the better and greater the illumination. Many manufacturers give a maximum range in metres as an aid here. On the one hand, this is very good.
On the other hand, these values are usually achieved under perfect conditions. You should take this into account when buying. Make sure that you always buy a little more range than you need.
An example: You want to monitor the entrance area of your house including the door. The mounting point of your camera is about ten metres from the door. For good night vision, you should choose an outdoor surveillance camera with infrared, which, according to the manufacturer, guarantees an illumination of at least 15 metres.
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However, professional IP cameras with IR cut offer the best night vision. These devices are a little more expensive to buy, but they also have clear advantages. In darkness – i.e. as soon as the IR LEDs switch on – these devices automatically switch from colour to black-and-white mode.
This not only prevents annoying colour noise, but also avoids blurring. When the brightness is appropriate (e.g. daytime operation), such an outdoor surveillance camera then automatically switches the IR LEDs off again. The IR cut therefore not only ensures better video recording, but also saves energy, i.e. electricity costs.
The second point for our checklist for surveillance cameras:
Protection class min. IP 65
Night vision: Infrared LEDs or additional IR cut
What is the minimum resolution of an outdoor surveillance camera?
A resolution of at least 720p, better 1080p in HD format has proven itself here for an outdoor surveillance camera. Cameras with older formats, such as PAL, SD or VGA, can often be had very cheaply, but are no longer recommended due to the much poorer picture quality. A good resolution for a very good price is offered by the iGeek 1080p, for example.
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The third item for our checklist for an outdoor surveillance camera:
Protection class min. IP 65
Night vision: Infrared LEDs or additional IR cut
at least 720p, better 1080p in HD format
- install an outdoor surveillance camera: WLAN or cable, which is better?
An outdoor surveillance camera with network access is not only easy to connect. It also allows you flexible access on the move via smartphone or tablet. So you can lie on the beach in the South Seas and monitor your house at the same time.
Advertisement
OfferBestseller No. 1
GALAYOU 2K Outdoor Surveillance Camera, PTZ Outdoor WLAN IP Camera Outdoor Surveillance, WiFi Dome Camera with Colour Hindsight, Two-Way Audio Y4…*
【 2k HD Resolution & Pan/Tilt/Zoom】This outdoor surveillance camera is equipped with HD video resolution ,to provide you clearer images and vidoes than 1080P day and night. With…
【Three Night Vision Modes with Alarm Siren & 2-Way Audio】The PTZ WLAN IP camera supports three night vision modes : infrared mode , full colour mode and alarm siren.Set the alarm siren and…
【Motion Sensor & 24/7 Continuous Recording】This outdoor WLAN camera has a motion sensor. As soon as this surveillance camera detects motion, the alarm will be…
*View / Last updated on 9.06.2023 at 06:46 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API.
The use of WLAN is suitable for all installation locations that are within the range of a normal router. A big advantage is that you can move the surveillance camera outside to a new location at any time. You do not have to lay a new cable for this. With the manufacturer’s software or a corresponding app, the devices can be connected to their local WLAN and securely set up in just a few steps.
Boosting the WLAN signal
To ensure an optimal connection between the router and the surveillance camera outside, so-called repeaters or signal amplifiers can be used. These are used if the installation location of the surveillance camera is outside the usual range of your WLAN router.
A repeater or signal amplifier can significantly increase the range. So before you buy, check whether you might need such an additional device. If in doubt, such devices can be retrofitted at any time.
Outdoor surveillance camera: Stable reception via cable
If you want to be on the safe side when it comes to reception, there is no way around a LAN cable. Of course, this requires a little more effort, as you have to connect the outdoor surveillance camera to your router via cable. However, you will be rewarded with better reception.
This is less prone to interference and therefore usually more stable than a WLAN connection. Especially if you want to save the recorded videos on a computer via data transfer, the transmission via LAN guarantees a much more secure and reliable connection.
There are now special LAN cables that are protected against wind and weather. These are therefore also ideal for an outdoor camera. You can also bridge further distances without any problems thanks to appropriately long cables.
If the installation location allows it and you want to install the surveillance camera outside for a long time, a LAN connection will serve you well and safely. When buying, it is best to make sure that the outdoor surveillance camera works with both options, i.e. LAN and WLAN.
This way, you can first try out your preferred mono category locations at your leisure without having to lay a cable straight away. If you then find the right place, connect the LAN cable.
The fourth point for our checklist for an outdoor surveillance camera:
Protection class: at least IP 65
Night vision: infrared LEDs or additional IR cut
Resolution: at least 720p, better 1080p in HD format
Network: via LAN cable, possibly WLAN (depending on requirements)
Power supply via power cable is suitable for a permanently installed surveillance camera outside. 5.
- operate the outdoor surveillance camera with power cable, battery or PoE?
Rechargeable battery: temporary independence
Rechargeable batteries are particularly suitable for an outdoor surveillance camera, as they not only last for several days, but the camera also does not require a power connection. They also offer you an excellent opportunity to test different installation and usage locations.
For example, if you are not sure exactly where you want to monitor your front door or garage door. No problem. Without annoying cables, you can test such a surveillance camera outside at different places and positions until you have found the perfect place for you. It couldn’t be simpler. Couldn’t it? Yes, it can be even easier.
Installing a surveillance camera outside can significantly improve your personal feeling of security.
Solar panel: The new trend
The magic word is solar panel. While these models were not suitable for everyday use a few years ago, this has fortunately changed fundamentally. Operating a surveillance camera outside with the help of a solar panel is no longer a problem.
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Of course, you don’t have to compromise on features either. With some cameras, you can even retrofit separate panels. For you, this means: no more electricity costs, less effort when installing the camera for the first time and, thanks to solar energy, an ecological power source.
In the event of a power failure, cameras with rechargeable batteries or solar panels can also make sense. Some burglars are not afraid to cut the power supply.
If the camera is not to fail then, it must have an alternative power source. We have compiled a list of current surveillance cameras with solar panels for you here: Surveillance cameras with solar panel
Are you looking for a surveillance camera for your garden? Then you will find 5 models here.
Power cable: worth the effort
Cameras with solar panels will continue to play an increasingly important role in the future. The technology will become even more reliable and thus even more independent than it already is. Nevertheless, surveillance cameras with power cables still have their advantages. Once they are connected, their owners normally no longer have to worry about the appropriate supply.
Especially if you install a surveillance camera outside, the extra effort can be worthwhile. Currently, there are many more models that require a fixed power connection. Therefore, there is a larger selection and more equipment variants in this area.
Power over Ethernet (PoE): Only one cable for power and data
Thanks to PoE technology, you only need one cable for power and data. PoE cameras supply themselves with power via the data cable. This means that you do not need a socket at the place of use. This not only saves money, but also time. In addition, these devices can be used much more flexibly. However, there are a few things you need to consider when installing them. If you want to operate a surveillance camera outside with this technology, the camera must also be PoE-capable. You also need a so-called injector. We have compiled a detailed article for you on what else you need to consider.
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Depending on the mounting location, you have to decide for yourself whether it makes sense to use an (extra newly installed) power socket. Alternatively, you can also use a PoE camera or rely on rechargeable batteries for your outdoor surveillance camera.
The fifth point for our checklist for an outdoor surveillance camera:
Protection class: at least IP 65
Night vision: Infrared LEDs or additional IR cut
Resolution: at least 720p, better 1080p in HD format
Network: via LAN cable, possibly WLAN (depending on requirements)
Power supply: Battery flexible, PoE or power cable for long-term use
- outdoor surveillance camera with motion detector
Motion detectors not only detect movement – as the name suggests – but also help your outdoor and indoor surveillance camera to save energy and storage space. These features make the sensors very interesting, especially for devices with WLAN.
Thanks to a motion detector, the video recording does not run continuously, but only switches on when there is movement in the area to be monitored. Via WLAN, many cameras then send a so-called motion alarm to the user’s smartphone or other (mobile) device. This way, you are always informed about any movement, even when you are on the move.
Of course, there are also outdoor cameras that record every second in continuous operation, even when nothing is happening. However, these require a lot of storage space and are not recommended for use via WLAN.
The sixth point for our checklist for an outdoor surveillance camera:
Protection class: at least IP 65
Night vision: Infrared LEDs or additional IR cut
Resolution: at least 720p, better 1080p in HD format
Network: via LAN cable, possibly WLAN (depending on requirements)
Power supply: Battery flexible, PoE or power cable for long-term use
Motion detector: effective and economical
- outdoor surveillance camera: storage medium
As mentioned above, the required storage space depends on the length and quality of the respective recordings. Manufacturers offer different storage systems for outdoor and indoor surveillance cameras:
Outdoor surveillance camera with SD card
In connection with a network access, e.g. via a WLAN, the stored contents can not only be saved easily and quickly. They can also access the data conveniently via their smartphone, tablet or computer.
Of course, it is also possible to remove the SD card from the surveillance camera outside in order to view the recordings on a device with a corresponding slot for SD cards. However, this is also possible for strangers.
Depending on the installation location, burglars can remove or destroy the card or even the entire surveillance camera outside. If you have not backed up your data via a network to another storage medium, your recordings are lost.
Cloud services for recordings
Some providers offer their customers the option of storing the data online in a cloud. However, this service is usually chargeable and there are different price scales depending on the provider.
For a few euros, however, you can enjoy some interesting advantages that should not be underestimated. Firstly, you do not have to burden the storage space of your devices, e.g. your laptop, for archiving the recordings.
Secondly, they can access the content anytime and anywhere with their smartphone and thirdly, their recordings are protected from destruction and robbery by burglars. An SD card can quickly be lost, destroyed or even stolen.
Especially if thieves can easily reach the surveillance camera outside. Burglars cannot easily access its cloud storage to make possible evidence disappear. Therefore, think carefully about whether this additional protection is not worth a few euros to you.
Recorder for several cameras
A recorder is particularly suitable for operating several cameras, as it has sufficient storage space. The recorded material is stored and archived centrally on one device.
Of course, it is more expensive to purchase than an SD card or cloud service. However, it offers significantly more storage capacity and there are no monthly fees apart from electricity costs. And you can always access the data when you are on the road.
If you plan to operate several surveillance cameras outside or inside, a recorder is a very good choice. If you only want to start with one surveillance camera outside or inside, one of the other storage media is sufficient. Recorders can be retrofitted without any problems.
The seventh point for our checklist for an outdoor surveillance camera:
Protection class: at least IP 65
Night vision: Infrared LEDs or additional IR cut
Resolution: at least 720p, better 1080p in HD format
Network: via LAN cable, possibly WLAN (depending on requirements)
Power supply: Battery flexible, PoE or power cable for long-term use
Motion detector: effective and economical
Storage: SD card or cloud, recorder for multiple cameras
- surveillance camera with microphone and loudspeaker
Some surveillance cameras have a built-in microphone or at least a connection for an external microphone. These devices monitor selected areas not only visually but also acoustically.
Best Outdoor Security Cameras UK 2023
Similar to a motion alarm, they inform you as soon as they detect unusual noises. In order not to trigger an alarm every time a dog barks, many manufacturers offer corresponding setting options.
A microphone therefore allows you to monitor your property even more closely. However, an outdoor surveillance camera with a microphone often costs a little more. So you have to decide for yourself whether you are willing to spend more money.
Alternatively, a device with an appropriate connection is sufficient for the beginning. This gives you the option of adding an external microphone if necessary.
A loudspeaker, on the other hand, is a good choice if you want to announce something via the surveillance camera outside. If it also has a microphone, you have an external surveillance camera with an intercom system. Such solutions can make sense for entrance areas with public traffic.
In conclusion, we can say that a microphone or a corresponding connection as well as a loudspeaker are useful features of an outdoor surveillance camera. Whether these are absolutely necessary, however, depends strongly on the purpose of the outdoor surveillance camera. A camera with microphone and loudspeaker is, for example, the Reolink Argus Pro.
The eighth point for our checklist for an outdoor surveillance camera:
Protection class: at least IP 65
Night vision: Infrared LEDs or additional IR cut
Resolution: at least 720p, better 1080p in HD format
Network: via LAN cable, possibly WLAN (depending on requirements)
Power supply: Battery flexible, PoE or power cable for long-term use
Motion detector: effective and economical
Storage: SD card or cloud, recorder for multiple cameras
Microphone and loudspeaker: useful, but not a must
9 Pan, tilt, zoom: is it necessary?
Devices with these functions are also called PTZ cameras. PTZ stands for pan, tilt and zoom. These models can monitor a much larger area than their rigid relatives. In numbers, this means for most PTZ devices:
pan up to 360 degrees
tilt up to 90 degrees
zoom up to 30 times and more
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Of course, these additional and basically useful functions come at a price. Inexpensive entry-level models start at a good 100 euros. Professional devices quickly cost several hundred or thousand euros.
Therefore, you should carefully consider in advance whether you need a PTZ camera for your intended use. To make your decision easier, here are two examples:
You only want to monitor your front door from the outside. Then it is sufficient to use a fixed surveillance camera. Why? You only want to have the door in view, so a fixed viewing angle is sufficient in this case.
However, in addition to the entrance door, you now also want to monitor your adjacent driveway up to the street. Unfortunately, this area is not in the same field of vision as the door. This is where the PTZ camera comes into its own. With its pan and tilt technology, the entire area can be easily covered.
These are just examples, and of course it always depends on the structural conditions on site, but they illustrate the advantages of a PTZ camera. If you want to monitor more than one field of view, then a model with this technology may be useful.
The ninth point for our checklist for an outdoor surveillance camera:
Protection class: at least IP 65
Night vision: Infrared LEDs or additional IR cut
Resolution: at least 720p, better 1080p in HD format
Network: via LAN cable, possibly WLAN (depending on requirements)
Power supply: Battery flexible, PoE or power cable for long-term use
Motion detector: effective and economical
Storage: SD card or cloud, recorder for multiple cameras
Microphone and loudspeaker: useful, but not a must
Panning, tilting, zooming: advantageous depending on location
10 For whom is a set worthwhile?
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Sets are very suitable for people who want to monitor several areas.
It is often worth buying devices as a set. They are then usually not only cheaper, but of course also compatible with each other.
If you are unsure, start with a surveillance camera outside. You can add individual devices to most models later.
Some set manufacturers also offer exactly this solution. Start with one or two devices (starter set) and expand later as needed.
You can find popular surveillance camera sets here.
Protection class: at least IP 65
Night vision: infrared LEDs or additional IR cut
Resolution: min. 720p, better 1080p in HD format
Network: via LAN cable, possibly WLAN (depending on requirements)
Power supply: Battery flexible, PoE or power cable for long-term use
Motion detector: effective and economical
Storage: SD card or cloud, recorder for multiple cameras
Microphone and loudspeaker: useful, but not a must
Panning, tilting, zooming: advantageous depending on location
Sets: worthwhile for multiple surveillance areas
