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Early in December, the New York Times authored an article titled “The Best Outdoor Security Camera.” As one can guess by the title, the author (Rachel Cericola) detailed the outlet’s top picks for outdoor cameras that would work well with outdoor surveillance. All things considered, it’s a good article, but the information displayed really only applies to homeowners and not businesses. For many of our clients, these CCTV products do not cut it for multiple reasons, like being less durable and secure while offering far less capability in features among other reasons. Similarly to the New York Times, the most popular news sources offer similar results when making such lists. With that in mind, below you will find the top picks A1 Security Cameras has found customers choose when considering the best outdoor camera for their needs!
Basic differences between home and business security cameras
As referenced above, outdoor security cameras for homeowners are largely wireless or feature a weakness not acceptable in most professional environments. While we have covered the many differences between wired vs wireless cameras and indoor vs outdoor cameras, we’ve yet to do so with home vs business CCTV. Before offering you the top picks of the best outdoor security camera for businesses, we’ll quickly go over what sets them apart from a common outdoor cameras found on homes.
Appearance: While not universal to all examples, the typical outdoor security camera is larger than normal cameras. Not only bulkier, but these CCTV products also feature sizable mounts and other parts as well to consider for installation. That should be kept in mind when being placed in compact spaces or areas with a limited view. This is different from options popular to homeowners, which are typically made compact for concealment or for a visually sleeker design.
Cost: On average, outdoor security cameras for commercial settings are much more expensive than those you would find on a home. While it partly has to do with the materials that make the CCTV products durable, it also has to do with the additional features that make them effective and the capability to work with superior video analytics.
Durability: Aside from examples like explosion resistant CCTV, outdoor security cameras are some of the most durable electronics on the market. Typically featuring high Ingress Standard ratings, outdoor cameras meant for commercial environments are designed to handle inclement weather, accidents, and tampering in the form of physical impacts. While the specific ratings per outdoor camera differ per example, each can generally also resist dust, moisture, rainwater, and more. In both the former and the latter, this is drastically different from outdoor CCTV placed on houses as most products are designed from harder plastics or weaker metals.
System Design: As mentioned above, outdoor security cameras are often more sizable than their indoor counterparts. However, not only does the design affect how it is viewed, but also how it is installed. While most CCTV for homeowners is wireless, the best offered for businesses should be wired and can therefore be more awkward to install. While outdoor cameras for both environments can use PoE technology, the best outdoor cameras used for businesses require more bandwidth and power to run.
Video Analytics: With modern outdoor cameras being IP cameras, you get features based on CCTV software, often for the cost of a renewing license. The difference between outdoor security cameras and homes versus businesses is that there are more features available with the latter when having to do with video analytics. The best software combined with the best outdoor security cameras often results in a much more advanced yet expensive surveillance solution.
Visual Range: Visually, the best outdoor security camera for businesses has a much better range than those offered to homeowners. Not just in the base view but with zoom. Not only that, but the visual range is additionally enhanced through wide dynamic range, night vision, and more.
Best selling outdoor cameras
Affordable, compact, and loaded with features, this LTS outdoor camera is an excellent option for small to mid sized businesses. Providing both a wide or narrow view depending on your preference, this turret camera allows for a crystal clear view in tight and massive spaces alike. Weather resistant and durable, this CCTV product comes in a few levels of visual quality while also being apart of the 5MP line of products offered by LTS. It should also be noted that this outdoor camera does not require a renewing license, making the product a more affordable option.
Allowing an advanced option in terms of software function (when added) and physical hardware, this LTS outdoor camera offers an advanced option for small to mid-sized businesses. Capable of facial recognition, night vision, and true wide dynamic range, this durable CCTV product allows you a farther-reaching view. Perfect for watching parking entrances, parking lots, high vantage points, and more, these outdoor security cameras can help multi-story buildings and parking lots achieve effective surveillance.
While used for businesses of all sizes, the Axis M2036-LE was made with affordability in mind while still offering the advanced features the brand is known for. While still sporting a bullet design, this outdoor camera offers a similar view as a turret camera with its design allowing for both ceiling and wall mounting. Along with lightfinder and Axis zipstream, this camera not only works as an indoor and outdoor camera but also for paying attention to anywhere people or vehicles may enter. Whether for gathering additional data or noting who is coming in, this product is perfect for visual quality. However, due to its lightweight design, it should be installed well out of reach of those of intruders or those seeking to commit crimes.
Designed entirely for quality while overseeing a broad area, this Vivotek outdoor camera is an excellent option for mid to large sized businesses needing surveillance. Solid even in low light settings, this device was made to be highly resistant to normal weather and dust while being durable. While it might be knocked off its view if impacted, this CCTV product is built to last and allows for each of the amazing features expected out of Vivotek. While pricey, the product is particularly effective in commercial environments.
Featured Outdoor Cameras
- Lens Type: Fixed Lens
- Lens Size: 3.4mm Lens
- Sensor Type: CMOS
- Sensor Size: 1/2.7″ Sensor
- Color: White
- Environmental: Outdoor
- Sensor Size: 1/2.7″
- Audio Support: Built-in Microphone
- Compression : H.265, H.264, MJPEG,
- Field of View (Horizontal) : 113.74°Field of View
- Lens Type : Fixed Lens
- Lens Size : 2.8mm Lens
- Max. Storage Capacity : 128 GB Storage Capacity
- Protection Code : IK10 IP66
- Color : White
- Material : Aluminum
- Environmental : Outdoor
- Aperture : F1.6
Common Questions About Outdoor Cameras
Can I use an outdoor camera inside?
Yes, but it may be impractical. Entirely not recommended for small rooms or smaller enclosed spaces, an outdoor security camera features a design that proves durable against regular weather patterns and dust. An indoor security camera with the same qualifications that lack a sturdy design would be a much cheaper option.
Do you need WiFi for outdoor security cameras?
Modern outdoor cameras do not need WiFi to function properly if they are connected directly by ethernet cable and powered. However, functions from outdoor cameras beyond recording do require WiFi to transmit data and provide additional software functions.
Do outdoor security cameras record all the time?
Outdoor cameras can be set to record constantly at a rotation or until the storage device reaches capacity. Such settings will typically be left at your discretion upon setting the system up.
Which type of security camera is best for outdoor?
A1 Security Cameras generally recommends turret cameras for the majority of its installations. Thanks to its compact size and wide range of coverage, it is an ideal choice for surveillance. Much better than a bullet (easier to hit) or dome (fogs up outside).
Purchase the best outdoor camera from A1 Security Cameras today!
Whether you’re a business in our home state of Texas or somewhere else around the world, you can enjoy the best outdoor camera from A1 Security Cameras when you purchase yours today. With these options and more available to you, there’s no telling how effective you can make your security camera system. Business owners can even have their outdoor security cameras installed by our team in the Dallas Fort Worth area to make it even better. Purchase the best outdoor cameras from A1 Security Cameras today!
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