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Lorex
SecureScore™: 9.2/10
Lorex Technologies Inc provides security cameras and security camera systems. That is it. There are no monitoring services, no extra sensors, nothing but security camera systems.
Ring is an overall favorite among users and hands-down your best bet for DIY outdoor home security. With a strong Amazon-backed network, Ring brings us sharp 1080p HD video quality and a nice selection of weatherproof cameras.
Arlo’s outdoor security cameras give users a completely wire-free setup without sacrificing quality. Arlo provides features like a 100db siren, night vision, and up to 7 days worth of video recording throughout their camera line.
Lorex Technologies Inc provides security cameras and security camera systems. That is it. There are no monitoring services, no extra sensors, nothing but security camera systems.
Ring is an overall favorite among users and hands-down your best bet for DIY outdoor home security. With a strong Amazon-backed network, Ring brings us sharp 1080p HD video quality and a nice selection of weatherproof cameras.
Arlo’s outdoor security cameras give users a completely wire-free setup without sacrificing quality. Arlo provides features like a 100db siren, night vision, and up to 7 days worth of video recording throughout their camera line.
Editor’s Note: If you’re researching outdoor security cameras, then you’re probably interested in keeping your property safe. Don’t just settle for a camera. Get enhanced security with one of the best outdoor home security systems for your entire property.
In the U.S, a burglary happens every 30 seconds. We don’t point this out to scare you, only to remind you that it’s important to take precautions against becoming a victim yourself.
Your first line of defense? The outside of your house. It can be incredibly useful to have indoor cameras, but if you want to stop a would-be thief before they make it inside, your best bet is a strong outdoor camera.
In addition, studies have shown that one of the best ways to deter would-be criminals is to set up security cameras around your property. The psychology behind this is pretty simple — if someone who’s up to no good sees a camera watching them, they’re far more likely to keep on walking. No one can see your indoor cameras until they’re…well, indoors. It’s outdoor cameras that let you make the most of this psychological effect.
The good news is, there’s a huge variety of outdoor security cameras on the market. You’re spoiled for choice, to the point where there’s no excuse not to get the perfect camera for your particular situation. The bad news? With so many cameras on the market, it’s not easy to know which camera that is.
Don’t worry. We know security cameras, and we can help you sort through the options. We’ve narrowed the field down to the best outdoor cameras on the market. We don’t know exactly which one is right for you, but we’re confident it’s somewhere on this list.
Simply put, Lorex offers more camera models than any other home security company on the market. That includes both indoor and outdoor security camera solutions. You can get outdoor cameras that are analog, Wi-Fi compatible, and completely wire-free. You can get 4K cameras, pan-and-tilt cameras, and bullet cameras – the options are almost endless. All of this means that if you’re in the market for something specific, the odds are you’ll find it at Lorex.
Likewise, you can find a Lorex camera at just about any price you’re looking for. Here’s a complete breakdown of some of their most popular models and what they’ll cost you:
Lorex Camera Pricing Breakdown
Lorex Camera
Price
4K Ultra HD Active Deterrence Security Camera With Color Night Vision
$79.99
4K IP Wired Dome Security Camera
$129.99
4K Spotlight Outdoor Battery Security Camera
$149.99
2K Outdoor PTZ IP Camera
$499.99
2K Spotlight Indoor Outdoor WiFi Camera
$169.99
1080p WiFi Floodlight Camera
$179.99
Pro Tip: Lorex is always running deals on their huge product lineup. Before you make your choice, make sure you check out the “Deals” section of their website. Their clearance section is up to 50 percent off!
Pros & Cons:
Pros:
Up to 4K resolution
Long-range color and Infrared night vision
Lots of equipment options
Free local recording with up to 2 TB internal storage space
Smooth app experience
Strong reputation in security camera manufacturing
Cons:
Overwhelming amount of options
No professional monitoring for cameras
Occasional false alarms
Wired cameras can be tedious to install
Our Experience:
We know – Lorex’s selection can be … daunting. We like choice and all, but you can lose an entire afternoon browsing through Lorex camera models, and who has time for that. If you’re struggling, though, here’s what we finally decided on – Lorex’s 3 MP Camera. It features a motorized varifocal lens, an adjustable field of view, and night vision, all important features if you want to make sure you can see what’s happening in and around your property. If you’re looking for a bigger package, you might check out Lorex’s 4K, 8-channel NVR camera system, which includes floodlights, spotlights, bullet- and dome-shaped cameras. That’s too much camera for our needs, but it makes the point – Lorex has it all.
We should note that Lorex isn’t known for its cutting-edge technology. You don’t get advanced AI features like facial recognition. In fact, Lorex cameras don’t offer voice control, and they aren’t compatible with any smart home devices.
Where they are advanced, though, is in their construction. Lorex outdoor cameras are vandal-proof and made to operate in the most extreme weather. And AI features or not, they offer crystal clear resolution. Some of these cameras are 4K, so even if they can’t recognize your mail person’s face, they can read their nametag.
Ring doesn’t offer as many outdoor camera models as Lorex, but you still have choices, including the Ring Stick Up Cam, the Ring Spotlight Cam, and the Ring Floodlight Cam. All of these work smoothly with Ring doorbells and indoor cameras, which means you can use them as standalone home security solutions or set up an entire home security system with cameras, sensors, detectors, and more. These outdoor cameras are designed to handle the elements and feature easy DIY installation.
Pros & Cons:
Pros:
Easy DIY installation with minimal wiring
At least 1080p HD video resolution on all models
Designed for indoor and outdoor use
Choose how you want to power your cameras (battery, wired, plugged in, solar)
Enhanced audio for clearer two-way talk
Built-in motion-activated lights on some models
Cons:
No 2K or 4K camera options
Some models cost at least $200 per camera
History of privacy issues and hacking (now resolved)
Design aesthetics could be improved
Our Experience:
The value of a Ring outdoor camera starts with the name Ring. Few home security companies have the industry recognition of Ring, and with good reason. Ring pioneered the video doorbell and remains an innovator in the security camera industry. The company’s outdoor models offer an array of features, from 3D motion detection and HDR video to two-way audio. Plus, with wide connectivity, you can place these cameras anywhere from your garage to your backyard.
For all their complicated features, Ring equipment is famously easy to use. Most cameras are plug-in or battery-operated, but even if you opt for a hardwired model, the installation process is straightforward. Most cameras also boast some serious security functionality, from high-definition resolution to night vision, motion-triggered floodlights to high-volume sirens.
Unlike Lorex cameras, Ring’s outdoor cameras integrate easily with automation platforms like Alexa and Google Home. When we were home, we didn’t even both with the app, preferring to use our voice to activate everything. The app was almost as easy to use, though. When we were out and about, we used it to turn our cameras on and off, receive notifications, and pull up live video footage.
When it comes to costs, the Stick Up Camera is the lowest-cost option. Operating on batteries, it is regularly $99.99. The Spotlight Cam Plus, available in battery, wired, plug-in, or solar power, is priced at $169.99 to $229.99. The Spotlight Camera Pro, also available with four power options, costs $229.99 to $249.99.
Here’s a complete rundown of Ring’s outdoor offerings and their prices:
Stick Up Camera Pricing Breakdown
Model
Power Source
Price
Stick Up Cam
Battery
$99.99
Stick Up Cam Pan Tilt
Battery
$139.99
Stick Up Cam
Plug In
$59.99
Stick Up Cam Pan Tilt
Plug In
$129.99**
Stick Up Cam Solar
Solar
$139.98
Stick Up Cam Elite
PoE
$199.99
Floodlight Camera Pricing Breakdown
Model
Power Source
Price
Floodlight Cam Plus
Wired
$199.99*
Floodlight Cam Plus
Plug-In
$219.98
Floodlight Cam Pro
Wired
$249.99
Floodlight Cam Pro
Plug In
$269.99
Floodlight Cam Pro (Premium Colors
Wired
$269.99
Spotlight Camera Pricing Breakdown
Model
Power Source
Price
Spotlight Cam Plus
Battery
$169.99
Spotlight Cam Plus
Plug In
$169.99
Spotlight Cam Plus
Wired
$199.99
Spotlight Cam Plus
Solar
$229.98
Spotlight Cam Pro
Battery
$229.99
Spotlight Cam Pro
Plug In
$229.99
Spotlight Cam Pro
Wired
$249.99
Spotlight Cam Pro
Solar
$249.99
On Sale for $199.99
We should point out that Ring cameras don’t record footage unless you pay for a cloud subscription. You can check real-time footage, and Ring’s subscription fees are affordable. In fact, one $10-a-month subscription covers an unlimited number of cameras (Check out our full Ring Cam review for more information). There are outdoor cameras out there that let you record for free – Lorex, for example, offers several local storage options – so you’ll want to think through all of your options.
The Arlo security camera lineup isn’t quite as extensive as Lorex’s or Ring’s, but it does offer some of the most high-tech, high-quality cameras on the market, with cutting-edge features like 4K resolution and color night vision. Add in exceptional professional monitoring, and you’ve got top-tier cameras.
Here’s a complete list of Arlo’s offerings:
Arlo Camera Price Breakdown
Camera
Power Source
Price
Essential Indoor
Plug-in
From $39.99
Essential
Battery
From $49.99
Essential Indoor
Plug-in
From $59.99
Essential XL
Battery
From $99.99
Essential Spotlight
Battery
From $69.99
Pro 4
Battery
From $139.99
Pro 5S 2K
Battery
From $179.99
Ultra 2
Battery
From $249.99
Go 2
Battery
From $249.99
Pros & Cons:
Pros:
Detailed 2K resolution
AI-friven detections
Wi-Fi connectivity
Long battery life
Great app experience
Cons:
Expensive
Requires a subscription to access all features
Mounting hardware a little flimsy
Our Experience:
If you’re in the market for a home security camera that offers unbeatable resolution, the kind of video you can use to read the name tags of pets that show up on your front porch, you can’t do much better than the Arlo Ultra 2. The best camera in the Arlo arsenal, it features 4K resolution, the highest resolution available on the market. Plus, it includes a built-in spotlight and person detection. Of course, as you might expect, with all that technology, the Ultra 2 is also the most expensive Arlo camera: $300.
If you’re looking for something more middle-of-the-road, check out our review of the Arlo Pro 4. It doesn’t have quite the resolution, but 2K HDR is crystal clear, and you still get bonuses like color night vision, 12x zoom, and a 160-degree field of view. All that for about $100 less than the Ultra 2.
For a completely mobile outdoor security camera that you can place anywhere, consider the Arlo Go. This camera can be placed anywhere. It is completely wire-free and weatherproof with long-lasting rechargeable batteries. To use the Arlo Go, you need to have an LTE mobile plan and deep pockets. It costs $249.99.
All of these cameras are hardy, making them great for the outdoors. Ours managed to make it through a vicious snowstorm back in February with no problem. Whether you’re looking to spot potential intruders the moment they leave the sidewalk and mosey across your yard, or you just want a way to watch whatever local wildlife happens to scurry through your backyard, you can count on Arlo’s reliability.
In addition, all of these cameras come with 7 days’ worth of video recording for free. And you can use this deal for up to five cameras. Or, connect a USB drive to the base station and you’ve got local storage.
Check out our hands-on Arlo camera analysis to learn more about just what these cameras can do.
Nest makes two outdoor security cameras — the Nest Cam and Nest Cam with floodlight. Both are waterproof and durable enough to let you monitor your outdoor spaces, rain or shine. The Nest Cam, which doubles as an indoor camera, is battery-powered while the floodlight version needs an outlet.
Both cameras send instant alerts to your phone or smart device any time their built-in detectors pick up motion or sound. Person detection cuts down on false alerts though, so you don’t have to worry about checking the camera every time a squirrel skitters across your front porch. You can also set up custom activity zones to target specific areas of your property. Both cameras feature a built-in speaker and microphone so you can chat with the delivery person or let the burglar know that you’ve called the police.
Don’t worry if you miss alerts. With the Nest app, you can watch the past three hours of footage. Thumbnail images provide crucial snapshots of important events. So, you don’t have to watch an entire three hours of footage to see if anything important has happened. If you subscribe to the Nest Aware service, you can create and share video clips with neighbors, the police or anyone else. You can also create and share time-lapse videos.
Pros & Cons:
Pros:
Plenty of features
Simple set up and installation
Great UI in app
Exceptional design
Long battery life
Cons:
Somewhat pricey
No color night vision
Resolution just average
Our Experience:
One of the nice things about Nest is that the line of products extends beyond cameras and home security systems. Our outdoor camera, for instance, synched up perfectly with our Nest thermostat. We set the temperature to shift when we turned on our cameras before leaving for work, so we saved money during the day. We’ve also got our eye on a smart door lock that works with Nest so we can activate everything with the turn of a key.
The outdoor cameras are good solid surveillance cameras for both outdoor home security and monitoring. They offer quite a few useful features like night vision, instant alerts, and a wide-angle view. The main disadvantage is that you’ll need to purchase the Nest Aware subscription to get things like cloud storage, time-lapses, and intelligent alerts. See our full Google Nest Cam analysis to really understand what it’s like to protect your home with this popular camera system.
Blink cameras are known for their affordability. And far be it from us to complain about that reputation. The thing is, you don’t want to start thinking these are cheap cameras, in the sense of flimsy. Yes, Blink keeps costs down by focusing on construction rather than lots of fancy features. These cameras are built to last, though. They’re also small, something you expect in much higher-priced camera lines. The bottom line is that Blink gets the job done without costing you a fortune.
Pros & Cons:
Pros:
Fully Wireless Cameras
Easy DIY Installation
Lightweight, Minimalist Design
1080p HD Video Resolution
Two-Way Talk
Infrared Night Vision
Low-Cost Cloud Storage
Local Video Storage
Smart Home Integration
Cons:
Lacks Advanced Motion Features
App Setup Can Be Glitchy
Relies on Wi-Fi Connection
No Continuous Recording
Requires Separate Hub to Connect
Our Experience:
Blink offers a choice of two outdoor camera models. Here’s a quick comparison:
Blink’s Outdoor Cameras
Camera
Blink Outdoor 3
Blink Outdoor 4
Resolution
1080p
1080p
Field of Vision
110 degrees
143 degrees
Power
Battery
Battery
Person Detection
No
Yes*
Cost
$99.99
$119.99
*with the purchase of a $3-per-month Blink subscription
We found installation to be a breeze with these two. They’re both battery-powered, so we didn’t have to worry about stringing cords to outlets. That meant we could place them high, where they could see more of our yard and where no one could tamper with them.
Blink’s all about convenience, though. For example, these cameras integrate perfectly with Amazon Alexa, which meant we were able to arm and disarm them, even when our hands were loaded down with grocery bags. For a deep dive into all these cameras’ pros and cons, head over to our complete Blink Camera review.
Wyze cameras stand out for many reasons. They are affordable, durable, and overall a good value because of the combination of their low prices and the features they offer. Another thing that stands out about them is the option to add professional monitoring.
We don’t often come across security cameras that include professional monitoring, and to be honest we were thrown at first. It made us more than a little uneasy to think that someone, even a professional security monitor, might be keeping an eye on what we did in the privacy of our own home. Then, Wyze cleared things up by pointing out that their monitoring only applies to outdoor cameras. That, in fact, is a fantastic idea. It meant we didn’t have to keep an eye on our camera feeds, which left more time for Bridgerton. Plus, plans start at just $3.99 per month per camera.
Pros & Cons:
Pros:
Low-Price and Feature-Rich Smart Home Cameras
Easy Online Shopping with Clear Product Selection
14-Day Free Cloud Storage
Unique Motion Tagging Accelerates Video History
Motion Detection Zones Reduce False Alerts
Advanced Sound Recognition
Smart Home Accessories Available
Compatible with Alexa, Google Home, and IFTTT
Cons:
Face recognition requires monitoring plan
Corded Cameras Require Power Outlets
No Backup Batteries
Limited Video Storage without Upgrade
Our Experience:
The way Wyze’s professional monitoring works reduces false alarms while ensuring reliable detection. The Wyze Cam Outdoor v2 (and other latest Wyze Cam models) have on-board artificial intelligence. The AI determines if the motion detected is caused by a person, an animal, or a vehicle. It only sends an alert to the monitoring center when it detects a person.
From there, an agent will review the footage and access the live feed if necessary. If there’s a real cause for alarm, they will follow the usual professional monitoring alarm response. That includes informing the homeowner and calling emergency dispatch.
The monitoring service is optional, and again, you can activate it on select cameras only for $3.99 per month for each camera.
Features are great and all, but a camera’s first job should always be to let you see what’s happening at home. Zmodo’s outdoor cameras do that as well as any cameras on this list. Take their new 1080p Outdoor Wi-Fi Camera, for instance. As the name suggests this camera offers sharp 1080p HD video, for crystal-clear views of your property and anything that might be happening on it.
Of course, Zmodo manages to pack a few nice features into its cameras too. You don’t want to just see in the daytime, so the 1080 Outdoor comes with night vision. It also includes motion detection and remote viewing options. Plus, Zmodo cameras offer complete home surveillance via Wi-Fi, and the company throws in 36 hours of free cloud storage, meaning you can self-monitor with video review for free. Plus, Zmodo allows you to set pre-determined viewing areas, which helps to cut down on false alarms. You won’t find a better deal on DIY monitoring.
Another offering is the Zmodo Sight 180 Outdoor video doorbell. It also features night vision, 1080 HD video, motion alerts and has a wide 180-degree lens. Zmodo also just introduced the Snap Pro, which is a wire-free 1080p camera. It features electromagnetic mount and is weatherproof, which means that you can place it anywhere outdoors. This outdoor security camera is available for pre-order now but will not ship until January 2019.
Pros & Cons:
Pros:
Low-Cost Cameras
Simple, Discreet Design
No Paid Subscription Required
Clear 1080p Video Quality
Numerous Indoor Camera Options
Works with Alexa and Google Assistant
30-day Money-Back Guarantee
1-year Warranty
Cons:
Limited Features
Some Delay on Wake Time in App
Bulky design
Our Experience:
Zmodo offers several outdoor security cameras — all very affordable compared to similar outdoor cameras. You get 12 hours of free cloud storage. There are no fees or hidden charges. The picture quality is pretty great on the cameras. The software supports multiple cameras. Therefore, consider Zmodo if you want an affordable outdoor surveillance camera. You can customize your outdoor security camera setup to best suit your needs. There are also several cloud storage plans to choose from and start at just $4.99 a month. We recently tested Zmodo cameras in our home. You’ll be surprised by what we found.
Product Specs:
Connectivity
Wi-fi, ethernet
Power
Wired, battery, PoE
Field of View
Up to 360°
Resolution
Up to 1080p
Storage
Cloud
Smart Platform Compatibility
Alexa and Google Home
How to Power an Outdoor Security Camera
Setting up security cameras around the exterior of your home has numerous benefits, but up until the last 5-10 years or so, it often involved complicated installations and hardwiring done by a professional.
These days, with an emphasis on wireless DIY technology, almost anyone can add outdoor cameras to their home – whether it’s an entire system of cameras rife with advanced features, or one high-tech gadget that can automatically pan and tilt over an area to get up-to-the-second coverage. And it’s all controlled via a mobile app.
Lorex Outdoor Camera Installed
That’s all easy enough, but if you’re wondering how to power outdoor security cameras, it’s important to remember that not all outdoor cameras are powered the same way. In our review repertoire, we’ve tested PoE (Power over Ethernet) cameras, wire-free (battery) cameras, plug-in cameras, hardwired cameras, and the most popular configuration, wireless cameras.
We suggest doing an in-depth perimeter check around your home, paying special attention to the location of power outlets. This is especially crucial if you have a “wireless” camera that needs to be plugged into a wall.
Wait… a wireless camera that needs to be plugged into a wall? But I thought it was … wireless?
Yes, terminology in the security camera industry can get a bit confusing, especially when it comes to wireless, Wi-Fi, and wire-free cameras. It’s hard to keep all those W’s straight, so here’s a quick cheat sheet.
Wired, Wi-Fi, or Wired Free? Which is which?!
Wireless cameras are powered over the Internet, but they sometimes require plugging into a standard AC outlet.
Wi-Fi cameras are wireless cameras, but not all wireless cameras are Wi-Fi cameras.
Wire-free cameras are completely wireless cameras that run on batteries.
Still confused? Here’s an example: The Blink wireless camera system we reviewed most recently includes a battery-powered indoor camera, a small plug-in camera, a battery-powered outdoor camera, and a sync module. Since they’re wireless, we got the whole thing online in under 30 minutes. That’s a lightning-fast install, owed mostly to the fact that the indoor and outdoor camera are both powered by two extended-life AA batteries that last up to two years.
Blink Outdoor – Installed
And, zeroing in on the outdoor camera for a moment, we had a device that worked without wires, which gave us lots of flexibility. Who needs wires, anyway?
This is a typical configuration, but keep in mind you can also buy a wireless kit from another brand that includes more than cameras – like a SimpliSafe system, for instance, with alarms, sensors, and cameras that you can set up in DIY fashion. In this industry, it’s all about your needs and preferences.
Of course, as with any battery-powered technology, you do have to remember to change batteries or recharge the batteries from time to time. This is no different than any wireless electronic device, and many cameras we’ve reviewed send us reminders through their mobile app that the battery is low.
Pro Tip: Wondering what features and tech to look for in a security camera? See our Home Security Camera Buying Guide to learn everything you need to know to make a smart buying decision.
Ring’s wireless cameras, which include battery and plug-in devices, take a similar approach to Blink’s. But after reviewing both brands, we did notice one big difference: Ring’s battery cameras use a rechargeable battery pack, not the extended-life batteries Blink uses.
We’ve found advantages to both setups, but let’s break it down. Here are the pros and cons for both wireless and wire-free configurations.
Wireless vs. Wire-Free
Wireless Setup
Wired Setup
Pros
Cons
Pros
Cons
Usually more Affordable
Usually Have to Install Yourself
Usually More Reliable
Much Harder to Install
Can Install Anywhere
Have to Recharge Batteries
Harder to Vandalize or Steal
Harder to Adjust
Usually Have More Options
Higher Risk for Malfunction
Consistent Video Quality
Offline if Power Goes Out
But here’s our bottom line: Regardless of what you choose, security cameras will help keep your home safer in the long run.
How to Hide Security Cameras Outside
An outdoor security camera is one of the most vital tools in our home security setup. We’ve reviewed a ton of them – floodlight cams, spotlight cams, stop-speeding-down-my-cul-de-sac cams, all kinds of cameras for all kinds of functions and purposes. We highly recommend them for dimly lit backyards, for front porches and patios, or beamed onto outdoor recreation areas like swimming pools and playsets.
But what if you need a camera you don’t want would-be burglars to see? What if you’re dealing with someone more brazen, who isn’t spooked by deterrents like this? If you’re wondering how to hide security cameras outside, read on!
For times when you need a more discreet setup, we’re sharing three ideas on how to put your outdoor camera into incognito mode:
Put it in a birdfeeder or lawn ornament. This might require some creative underground wiring if your camera has a power cord, but if you’re handy with underground wiring, you could choose this option for some nice 3-dimensional coverage for your yard.
Install a camera with outdoor lighting. Our favorite one is the Ring Floodlight Cam, which gave us powerful outdoor lighting for our dark and spooky backyard. As a two-in-one device, Ring Floodlight looks much less like a camera and much more like an attractive light fixture.
Go green! Hide the camera in shrubbery or tree branches. Quick pause, though – we always dole out this one with a word of caution. You’ll want to keep checking on this camera pretty frequently, as it’s very easy for branches and leaves to move around out there, possibly blocking your live feed.
If you’re willing to put in the time and flex your creative muscles, you’re sure to find a nice hiding spot for your outdoor camera.
Yes, some of the best outdoor cameras will capture sound. Not all systems will automatically pick up on audio, though. This depends on the settings you select and the system itself.
Yes, many outdoor cameras will provide two-way audio for you. This means you can talk back-and-forth with a person outside. This is ideal if you need to ask someone to leave or you do not feel comfortable opening the door.
Yes, you can control outdoor cameras using a home security system. Most outdoor cameras integrate with a complete home security offering in some capacity.
Yes, most outdoor cameras have night vision. Look for cameras that include infrared LED night vision for the best possible results. Some companies go further and offer color night vision. This provides a higher level of clarity but isn't necessary for all people
Yes, some outdoor cameras are designed to be waterproof. However, most other cameras are designed to be weatherproof or water-resistant. Be sure to check the specific terminology before buying.
No, not all outdoor cameras require professional installation. Installation requirements depend on the type of home security cameras or system you purchase.
Yes, some outdoor camera systems will offer long-term storage either in the cloud or in a local hard drive.
Features of the Best Outdoor Security Camera Systems
Most outdoor home security cameras are equipped with night vision, motion sensors, and high-resolution video capability. Here are some other features of outdoor security cameras that you should look for when shopping for one.
Motion Detection
Any security camera worth its salt has to have effective motion detection. Modern-day cameras are known to include features that can be customized to fit our needs, and it can usually be done simply through the camera’s mobile app. From adjusting sensitivity to mapping out privacy zones to distinguishing between people, animals, and vehicles, we have more options than ever to get the most out of our outdoor cameras.
Two-Way Talk
Cameras without two-way audio, or two-way talk, are becoming more rare as the security industry evolves. We’ve made no secret of our love for this feature, for one main reason: there’s nothing like using our own “outside voice” to spook potential burglars. Relatedly, it’s especially helpful for times when you’re trying to make an unwanted visitor think you’re home … when maybe you’re not.
Night Vision
Seeing at night has gotten a whole lot easier in outdoor security cameras thanks to full-color night vision. Not every camera has it – most indoor cams don’t – but monitoring your space at night in full color is an experience that, in our opinion, can only be seen to be appreciated.
High Resolution
We tend to pay extra attention to video quality when choosing security equipment. These days, we’d be hard pressed to find a security camera without high-resolution video; the lowest we’ve seen is a standard 720p SimpliCam, which still records in high resolution but not quite as sharp as the industry-standard 1080p, or HD. For us, HD is essential for any camera; a camera that records in up to 1080p resolution will most likely give you smooth, reliable footage with lots of detail. Higher resolutions, like 2K, 5MP, or 4K, are certainly impressive, but keep in mind that they’re by and large unnecessary in DIY cameras.
Video Recording
As wireless technology continues to dominate the industry, we have seemingly endless flexibility in terms of how we want to record our video footage. Now, we’re no longer limited to just a hard drive like an NVR/DVR system for storing footage around the clock; many cameras these days record motion-activated video clips as an easy way to monitor your home yourself.
Cloud Storage
Cloud security technology has propelled simple security cameras into smart home devices. It’s not as expensive as it once was to store camera footage in the cloud; a monthly subscription from Ring Protect, for example, to store video footage starts at only $3.49 per month. Plans offered by other brands tend to be a bit pricier, but the bottom line is: if you don’t have an option for local storage like an NVR or microSD, the cloud is always a nice alternative.
Built In Siren
As new cameras are released into the market each year, we’re finding more and more of them offered with built-in sirens. This is an encouraging development for us, for one key reason: sirens are one of the most effective active deterrence tools. In many cameras, including Arlo, Ring, and the beloved Nest, the siren can be activated manually or set to activate when motion or sound is detected, all through the mobile app.
Live View
Front door, back door, and everywhere in-between — this feature allows you to remotely tap into your outdoor security camera and watch the activity unfold. Live view capability is great for those who travel often, and it’s especially well-suited for the curious consumer. So pull up a chair and pop some popcorn, the live stream is about to start.
Weatherproof
Looking for an outdoor security camera that can weather the fiercest storms? You’ll want to go with a weatherproof camera. Sun, wind, rain, sleet, snow (even very feeble tornados) — the elements have never met such a worthy adversary. Weatherproof outdoor home security cameras are built with quality materials that last and last.
Jaime Fraze has 16 years of writing and editing experience, with seven years spent writing about emerging technologies. As our home security camera expert, she has hand-tested and reviewed every major security camera brand and has written more than 300 articles on the topic. Previously, Jaime has contributed to award-winning media outlets such as the Rocky Mount Telegram and the Daytona Beach News-Journal. As a homeowner and mother of two, Jaime is constantly looking for ways to keep her home and family safe. She holds a bachelor’s degree in English/Journalism from the University of Delaware.