Outdoor Security Cameras

Outdoor security cameras are essential for businesses, and now they're commonly found helping homeowners of all kinds keep an eye on their properties.

How and why would you use outdoor security cameras?

Outdoor security cameras are so affordable now that they are commonly found in homes, providing peace-of-mind when you're away since you can keep an eye on the property remotely. Know when packages were delivered, who's at the door, and if there's an intruder in the middle of the night or just a pesky raccoon or neighbour walking their dog.

Outdoor security cameras are most often mounted near the entryways to a home, particularly on a porch or by a side or back door. But some homeowners like to set up multiple cameras around the perimeter of the property to check on everything from potential thieves to the car on the driveway or rabbits eating away at the garden.

While outdoor security cameras are most valuable when you're away and overnight, they are useful any time, as you can tap into an app for a live view whenever there's a trigger or you want to check on things.

What features do the best outdoor security cameras have?

The best outdoor security cameras include a high-resolution camera (at least 1,080p) and colour night vision to see clearly in the dark to make out not only figures but also faces. A wide field-of-view lets you capture more on the periphery, but a camera that captures down below as well is handy to see things like small animals or a package at the door.

Wired outdoor security cameras require installation, but many nowadays are wire-free, operating on rechargeable batteries. Some are even solar powered. Most important, the camera should be weather-resistant, able to withstand rain, snow, and harsh temperatures.

Note how and where footage is recorded: some outdoor security cameras require a subscription to a cloud service to watch footage from previous days, hours, or even minutes, allowing for 24/7 recording. Others record to a hard drive and/or an included (or optional) SD memory card with limited capacity and storage. Many subscription-based cameras come with a trial period.

Outdoor security doesn’t stop when the sun goes down. Infrared night vision provides clear, black-and-white images in low light, while some models offer advanced colour night vision, allowing for more detailed footage in the dark. With effective night vision ranges reaching up to 30 feet or more, these cameras capture activity even in complete darkness, giving users reliable security around the clock.

What to consider when choosing outdoor security cameras

Some have voice control: brands like Google Nest work with Google Assistant, Ring models with Amazon Alexa, and brands like Eufy, Arlo, and D-Link have models that work with both.

Two-way talk is useful for letting a delivery person know to leave the package on the porch or tell a solicitor you're not interested and audio for hearing as well as seeing. You may also want features like a built-in siren, zoom, motion detection, glass break detection, and even AI detection that can distinguish among swaying trees, passing cars, animals, and people, and even recognize packages.

Some outdoor security cameras have floodlight or spotlight options to shine a light on a specific area, like the car in the driveway or the walkway up to the porch. In some cases, you might find a video doorbell is the perfect option, not only providing 24/7 live view (and possibly recordings) but also alerting you when someone rings the bell.

Outdoor security cameras often integrate with popular smart home systems, including Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit. These integrations enable hands-free control, allowing users to view live feeds on compatible displays or incorporate the camera into smart home routines. For example, setting up a routine that turns on outdoor lights when motion is detected can enhance security and convenience.