Buying Guide for the Best Ip Cameras
If you are looking to increase your home security, set up a visual baby monitor, or keep a watchful eye when you are out of the office, then it is definitely an IP camera you are looking for. The reason so many people are choosing IP over CCTV cameras is the fact that they transmit images over the web, allowing users to monitor homes and offices online from anywhere. They have many names, including network, cloud or WiFi cameras, and learning about the features and the benefits is essential when trying to choose the right one for you. To help make deciding easy, we have put together this IP Cameras shopping guide.Types
IP cameras can be divided into two categories: entry level IP cameras, for those homeowners looking for a little extra peace of mind without spending too much, and professional IP cameras, which are hi-tech security cameras offering top of the range home and business security features. To help you choose between them, here is what each of them offer you:
Entry Level IP Cameras: These network cameras are small and very easy to set up. They offer wireless capabilities, the ability to check video feeds from laptops, tablets or smartphones, and are good value for money. With added features that include scheduling recording, motion triggering, and hard drive recording, these user friendly cameras will help you easily keep an eye on home while on your next vacation.
Professional Level IP Cameras: If you are looking to integrate your IP camera with an existing alarm and sensor system or need something vandal and weather resistant, then the professional IP camera is what you are looking for. These top security cameras are durable and designed to be installed permanently, and can be connected wirelessly or wired. Monitoring extras allow viewers to pan and zoom, while night vision along with two-way audio communication give you added security.
What Reviewers Have to Say
Based on all the consumers' reviews we've scanned, these are the top things they mentioned about their new stuff:
- Clarity: Reviewers value image quality and clarity above any other feature, and cameras that don’t meet this requirement are not reviewed as well. High definition video feeds will ensure you will be able to clearly see and monitor the area you are concerned about and guarantee user satisfaction.
- Quality: Owners see their IP cameras as an investment and value cameras that can stand the test of time. If you will be placing your IP camera outdoors, it needs to fend well against the elements. If you wish to place it in multiple rooms or move it around as needed, it should be durable. Choosing a quality, well reviewed brand like the ones listed below will help you find a quality product.
- Viewing: IP Cameras that offer users easy viewing through multiple means (apps and websites) consistently get good reviews. Choose a camera with more viewing functionality that allows you to name cameras and switch feeds from a user-friendly interface to ensure you get the most out of your IP camera.
- Setup: Home users appreciate IP cameras that are easy to set up, over those that aren’t. If this is something that concerns you, check product reviews to make sure your new camera will be easy to setup and quick to start to save yourself a lot of hassle.
Important Features
- If you would like to record footage as well as watch the stream live, then look for an IP camera that includes a MicroSD. This internal storage makes it possible for you to view (remotely) saved footage that you weren’t able to watch live.
- When choosing between wired or wifi IP cameras, consider where you want to place the camera. For those hard to reach places where the camera will be far from internet network cables, WiFi connection will give you the most flexibility. For bigger areas where the wireless connection may not be stable or the router would be far away from the camera, cabled IP cameras are a reliable option. This option of camera may also include a Power over Ethernet (PoE) feature which would allow you to power your camera through your network cable making it possible for one-cable connection.
- Consider how flexible your feed viewing needs to be. If you only plan on watching from one designated computer, then an IP camera that supports a specific integrated software will be sufficient. If you would like to access from any internet connected device, then look for a IP camera that supports web access. Some smartphone apps will also allow you to view your feed if you are away from your PC providing more flexibility.
- To make sure you can see what is going on in those hard to see places, an IP camera with infrared lighting is essential. The infrared lighting, which is invisible to would-be trouble makers, will give the camera a clear image no matter how dark the area.
- Save storage space with an IP camera with multiple motion settings. These settings will make it possible for you to choose to only record when motion is detected, or set recording times if there is a certain time of day you would like monitored.
- A network camera that offers an onboard microphone will allow you to listen as well as watch, offering added security. They may also include speakers which will mean you are able to talk, from wherever you are, and be heard in the vicinity of the camera.
- The higher the resolution of the camera, the more bandwidth it will use up to transmit and store images, video and data. Consider your network capabilities before picking your IP camera to ensure it is sufficient.
- An IP camera that uses passive infrared sensors (PIR) to measure changes in heat offers a more reliable way of detecting motion and is particularly helpful at night.
Top-Rated Brands
Dropcam:
Google’s Nest Labs bought Dropcam in June, 2014. Dropcam makes well reviewed WiFi equipped video monitoring cameras that are “difficult to build” but easy to use.
Tenvis:
Tenvis Technology Company is headquartered in Shenzhen, China. Started in 2005, they design IP cameras that can be used even by non-technical individuals making them very popular among homeowners.
Foscam:
Foscam is also based in Shenzhen, China, and manufactures IP surveillance devices, network video cameras, and baby monitors. They launched in 2007, and provide consumers with compact and self-contained cameras for remotely monitoring the places and people you care about most.
Samsung:
Samsung began in 1938 as a Korean trading company, and by 2013 had $327b in global revenue. Their new line of IP cameras feature full HD quality,Wide Dynamic Range (WDR), Samsung Super Noise Reduction (SSDR), and smart codec.