Night vision allows you to see what’s happening even with low light. This technology usually works using infrared led lights, allowing cameras to capture good-quality video even at night.

Motion detection technology finds real threats and alerts you to have a glimpse of what is happening and decide if you need to take action. The ideal features should include people and animal detection, so you don’t receive false alarms every time the neighbor’s cat hangs out at your porch. If you are buying an outdoor security camera on a budget, at least make sure you get a camera with motion detection technology.

A camera with an easy installation process is better when you are not too handy and don’t want to spend extra money on getting professional help. It is better to check what other customers write about the installation process; this way, you won’t waste time or money. 

When you buy home surveillance systems, you should consider more than just the price of the camera. You might need to consider additional expenses like accessories, cloud storage monthly fees, mount bases, and even professional installation, if necessary. 

Many cameras have settings such as two-way audio to talk with visitors or even whoever delivers your packages. Be aware that although some cameras allow you to record audio, it may violate federal wiretapping laws unless proper signage is posted — depending on your state.  

The field of view refers to how much area the camera can cover from a single angle: the narrower the field, the better view angle and focal distance you will have. For outdoor cameras, we prefer a field of view without at least 110 degrees or higher. 

The higher the resolution of the outdoor camera the more internet bandwidth and space on the cloud or internal storage it will require.  A higher resolution will allow you to see much more details in the video, but you should consider if your internet service supports it and if you are willing to pay for a more expensive cloud storage service. We recommend going after a camera that offers at least 1080p in resolution.

If the outdoor camera you choose is wired, installing it could present challenges that may require professional help to handle it. Battery-powered systems are usually easier to install and charge, but you will need to make sure to check the charge level periodically so it doesn’t stop working. Some cameras come with an app that allows you to monitor the battery for easier maintenance.

Outdoor home security cameras serve as an extra layer of protection for your home. Whether you are at your property or not, a camera allows you to monitor your home’s surroundings from your smartphone or computer. If any unusual activity occurs, a home surveillance camera helps gather evidence, and even the sight of them can keep burglars away. Having this peace of mind makes outdoor cameras worth it.

As with most things that we buy for our home, it is essential to know what you need and expect from this camera, as there are plenty of options available. For example, the weather conditions in your area can be a determining factor to choose an outdoor security camera. Other criteria to keep in mind include price, compatibility with your smart home system, camera range, motion detection technology, night vision and remote access

According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, the ideal areas to install outdoor security cameras are first-floor windows, front, back and side doors. Other crucial areas to have cameras are the garage or driveway.

If you are trying to keep burglars away, it’s better to have an outdoor camera. But bear in mind that indoor and outdoor security cameras are pretty different. Outdoor cameras alert you when a new package arrives, allow you to know who’s near or entering your house, and notify you if there are any sudden and unexpected moves in the surroundings. Indoor cameras are useful for monitoring what’s inside your house, checking the kids in other rooms, and even having conversations with them while you are away from home. Try to identify what your needs are and choose wisely, depending on that.

If you are looking for a camera that does a great job, make sure to look for value, storage location (local or cloud) and how easy is the installation process. You should also consider what is the power source, if it has smart home functionalities and what are the monitoring options. For example, if it has access to an app and also has web-based access. Every camera offers different things, make sure that you are receiving what you need when making a decision.