Choosing the best outdoor security camera for your home or business is an important decision. With so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to find the right outdoor security camera that fits your needs and budget. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the key factors to consider when selecting an outdoor security camera, the top outdoor camera models on the market, common features to look for, installation tips, and frequently asked questions to help you make an informed decision.

Outline

• Key Factors When Choosing an Outdoor Security Camera
• Image Quality
• Field of View
• Night Vision
• Wired vs Wireless
• Smart Home Integration
• Weather Resistance
• Local Storage vs Cloud Storage
• Our Top Picks for Outdoor Security Cameras
• Arlo Pro 4
• Ring Spotlight Cam
• Blink Outdoor
• EufyCam 2C
• Wyze Cam Outdoor
• Nest Cam Outdoor
• Features to Look for in an Outdoor Camera
• Motion Detection
• Mobile Notifications
• Two-Way Audio
• Siren or Alarm
• Facial Recognition
• Battery vs Plug-in Power
• Smart Assistant Integration
• Video Storage and Monitoring Fees
• Tips for Installing Your Outdoor Camera
• Placement
• Angle and Height
• Avoid Obstructions
• Check WiFi Connectivity
• Consider a Professional Installer
• FAQs About Outdoor Security Cameras
• How difficult is it to install outdoor cameras?
• Do outdoor cameras work at night?
• How weatherproof are outdoor cameras?
• Do outdoor cameras require a subscription?
• Can hackers access my outdoor camera?
• Do outdoor cameras record continuously?

Key Factors When Choosing an Outdoor Security Camera

When researching outdoor security cameras, there are several important factors to take into account in order to find the best camera for your specific needs. The key factors to consider are:

Image Quality

Look for a camera that offers resolutions of at least 1080p HD video quality. Higher 4K or ultra HD resolution provides even sharper image quality but may cost more. Reputable brands often highlight the max resolution.

Field of View

The field of view refers to how wide of an area the camera lens can capture. Wide field of view cameras above 100° will provide broader coverage and capture more of the surroundings. Narrow field of view cameras are more limited.

Night Vision

Night vision allows the camera to provide visibility at night or in low light conditions. Look for night vision range above 25 feet for best performance. Infrared (IR) night vision provides black and white video when it’s dark.

Wired vs Wireless

Wired cameras connect to your router via ethernet cable. Wireless cameras use WiFi and offer flexible installation without cabling. Wired cameras have more reliable connectivity.

Smart Home Integration

If you have a smart home system, consider a camera that integrates with smart assistants like Alexa or Google Assistant for voice control. Smart integration allows more control options.

Weather Resistance

Outdoor cameras should have IP65 or IP66 weather ratings to withstand the elements. All-metal camera housing also increases durability.

Local Storage vs Cloud

Locally stored video doesn’t require an ongoing subscription. But cloud storage allows access from anywhere and offloads video storage needs.

Our Top Picks for Outdoor Security Cameras

Based on extensive research and reviews, here are our top recommendations for outdoor security cameras to consider for home installation:

Arlo Pro 4

• 2K video with HDR for excellent image quality
• 160° diagonal field of view
• Spotlight and color night vision
• Completely wireless
• Built-in siren and 2-way audio
• Works with Alexa & Google Assistant
• 30 day free cloud storage trial (requires subscription for continuous video)

The Arlo Pro 4 is a versatile wire-free outdoor camera loaded with premium features like 2K video and color night vision. The completely wireless and weather-resistant design makes it very adaptable for outdoor use. Overall an excellent outdoor camera but lacks free storage options.

Ring Spotlight Cam

• 1080p HD video resolution
• 140° field of view
• Infrared night vision
• Built-in LED spotlight
• Alarm siren and two-way talk
• Works with Alexa
• Free cloud storage options available

The Ring Spotlight Cam combines a bright security spotlight with HD video surveillance. It captures crisp 1080p video day and night. The two-way talk feature allows you to warn off intruders. Overall a very convenient outdoor camera with free storage options.

Blink Outdoor

• 1080p HD resolution
• 110° field of view
• Infrared night vision
• Completely wireless
• motion detection
• Alexa and Google Assistant compatible
• Free cloud storage

The Blink Outdoor camera delivers wireless HD surveillance in a weather-resistant package. It runs for 2 years on the included batteries. With free cloud storage and money-saving battery power, the Blink is an affordable wireless outdoor option.

EufyCam 2C

• 2K resolution with HDR
• 120° field of view
• Color night vision via spotlight
• Wireless and weatherproof
• 8 month battery life
• Local storage via HomeBase
• No monthly fees

The EufyCam 2C delivers sharp 2K resolution in a wireless battery-powered design. Local storage via the HomeBase station means no recurring monthly fees. Long battery life, color night vision, and AI detection features make this a solid outdoor camera pick.

Wyze Cam Outdoor

• 1080p Full HD video
• 130° field of view
• Infrared night vision to 25 feet
• Completely wireless
• Motion and sound detection
• Alexa & Google Assistant support
• 14 days of free cloud storage

The Wyze Cam Outdoor offers great value for money. It delivers HD video and handy features like motion/sound detection for very little cost. While cloud storage requires a subscription, the free 14 day event-based recording makes this a great budget-friendly outdoor camera.

Nest Cam Outdoor

• 1080p HD resolution with HDR
• 130° diagonal field of view
• 8x digital zoom
• Night vision up to 25 feet
• Weatherproof IPX4 rating
• Familiar Google Assistant integration
• Free cloud storage options available

The Nest Cam Outdoor brings Google’s solid camera experience outdoors. It captures crisp 1080p video with enhanced HDR imaging. The familiar Google integration works seamlessly for alerts and access. Subscription is required for full recording access but it has free storage options too. Overall a versatile outdoor camera with intelligent detection.

Features to Look for in an Outdoor Camera

Beyond the basic video resolution and night vision specs, there are some other helpful features that provide added functionality:

Motion Detection

Cameras with motion detection can send alerts and record video when movement is detected in the camera’s field of view. This allows the camera to ignore non-events and only capture relevant activity.

Mobile Notifications

Instant notifications to your smartphone when the outdoor camera detects activity allows quick verification of events and real-time monitoring from anywhere.

Two-Way Audio

Outdoor cameras with a built-in speaker and microphone support two-way communication. This allows you to hear and speak to visitors or ward off intruders.

Siren or Alarm

A built-in siren, alarm, or spotlight can help deter crime. These features allow the camera to actively ward off intruders with sound and light alerts.

Facial Recognition

More advanced cameras can identify people the camera recognizes by matching faces to detected faces. This allows tailoring alerts and recording to known faces.

Battery vs Plug-In Power

Battery powered cameras provide maximum installation flexibility whereas plug-in models must be mounted near an outlet. Battery life varies so compare options.

Smart Assistant Integration

Outdoor cameras that work with smart home platforms like Alexa, Google Assistant and HomeKit allow for easy voice control and integration with other smart devices.

Video Storage and Monitoring Fees

Many outdoor cameras now offer free basic cloud storage for recorded events. But fees are common for longer history. Local storage avoids fees but requires memory card purchases.

Tips for Installing Your Outdoor Camera

Once you’ve selected the right outdoor security camera for your needs, proper installation is key to getting the best performance. Here are some important tips for installing outdoor cameras:

Placement

First identify the key areas and entry points you want to monitor. Optimal placement depends on the location, but common spots are above the front door, garage, and backyard.

Angle and Height

Position the camera angled downwards around 8 to 10 ft high looking towards the monitored area. This prevents obstructions and provides a wide viewing angle.

Avoid Obstructions

Ensure the camera field of view is not blocked by trees, bushes, fences or other objects. Trim back any obstructing branches.

Check WiFi Connectivity

For wireless cameras, verify your outdoor WiFi signal extends to the camera’s mounting location. Use a WiFi analyzer app on your phone to check the signal strength.

Consider a Professional Installer

For hardwired or more complex camera setups, you may want to have a professional handle the installation and setup for best results.

FAQs About Outdoor Security Cameras

How difficult is it to install outdoor cameras?

Installing outdoor security cameras yourself is usually pretty straightforward. Wireless cameras only require mounting and connecting power. Wired cameras involve basic wiring for power and ethernet cables. Using the manufacturer’s installation guide makes DIY installation simple in most cases. However, if running wires into walls or linking multiple cameras, professional installation may be easier.

Do outdoor cameras work at night?

Yes, most outdoor security cameras today feature night vision using infrared LEDs. This enables monochrome black and white imaging at night at varying distances. Upwards of 25 feet of night vision or more is common. Some cameras also have spotlights or use color imaging for night viewing.

How weatherproof are outdoor cameras?

Outdoor cameras are designed with weather resistance in mind. Look for an IP65 or IP66 Ingress Protection rating which indicates protection from dust and heavy water exposure from rain or sprinklers. All-metal camera housings also increase durability. Wireless and battery powered cameras also help withstand the elements.

Do outdoor cameras require a subscription?

Some outdoor cameras include free cloud storage for events like motion recordings. But most cameras that offer expanded cloud recording and storage capabilities do require an ongoing subscription plan. There are also cameras with local storage options to microSD cards or a base station that avoid any monthly fees.

Can hackers access my outdoor camera?

Like all internet connected devices, outdoor cameras have some risk of being accessed by hackers. Taking steps like ensuring your camera software and firmware are fully up to date, using strong passwords, and enabling two-factor authentication helps minimize risk. Avoiding cheap no-name brands reduces likelihood of unpatched vulnerabilities.

Do outdoor cameras record continuously?

Outdoor cameras can be set up to record a continuous video feed, but this requires large amounts of cloud storage and network bandwidth. Most home outdoor cameras record based on detecting activity like motion or sound to conserve resources. Some provide buffers before and after events. Continuous recording may require an upgraded subscription plan.

Conclusion

Installing a security camera outdoors provides an extra set of eyes on your property and valuable peace of mind. When selecting an outdoor camera for your home, carefully consider the image quality, field of view, night vision capabilities, and feature set. Look for weatherproof designs and wireless connectivity for flexible installation. With models from leading brands like Arlo, Ring, Nest and others, you have lots of excellent options for upgrading your outdoor security. Proper placement and setup of your new outdoor security camera will help ensure you get the most out of this useful home security upgrade.