A Review of Ten Popular Outdoor Security Camera Models

Our Top Picks

Security. We all worry about it and we all need it. Some of us choose to lock our doors and some of us keep a bat near our bedside. Some of us choose to buy a guard dog, and others choose to invest more heavily in their family’s safety.

If you are the type to invest your hard-earned money in order to get the best home security system, you might be wondering where to start. Just a cursory search on the Internet can yield some overwhelming results, so how can you know what product best suits your family’s needs? Perhaps one of your best options is to purchase an outdoor security camera that will help you keep an eye on the perimeters of your property and watch for intruders.

The Basic Components of a Home Security System

A home security system is made up of several components. Depending on the amount of security you desire and the finances you have to spend, there are several items you can select from including locks, gates, alarms, sensor equipment, motion detectors, and video cameras, just to name a few of the available components. Optional features might include watch dogs, panic rooms, glass-breaking detectors, and even closed-circuit television recorders.

Even if you are someone who possesses a basic understanding of home security systems, deciding on what equipment to purchase can be a daunting task. Another crucial decision will be installation.

No matter what setup you choose for your business or home security system, one crucial component in most systems will be the outdoor surveillance camera. Hopefully, the information herein will empower you to make an informed decision on how to best meet your security needs.

Why Do You Need Security Cameras?

Surveillance cameras work best when they are tactically placed inside of your building and outside around the perimeter of your property. Most top-of-the-line security cameras now incorporate wireless technology. The camera works to protect you and your belongings by sending a video signal to an outside recording device. This can be incredibly helpful in solving a break-in or robbery, as it allows police a vital tool to catch the perpetrators who were responsible and can even help them to retrieve stolen goods and return them to the rightful owner -- you!

For added security, some of these cameras are motion activated. This allows them to run and record for much longer time periods since they only activate when movement trips their sensors. These activation mechanisms trigger an alarm system to help you catch the bad guys in the act, before too much harm is done to your property, or even to you.

How Do You Decide Which Security Camera Is Best for You?

Surveillance cameras come in a wide variety of models and offer many different features. Perhaps you are looking for only a basic recording device. You can select a motion-activated camera, wireless technology, or rotation models. There are a myriad of options to choose from, and it can be difficult to sift through the technical jargon used to describe the features of each model. Not only does this require that you invest a lot of time and thought, but if you make the wrong decision for your situation, you can end up wasting quite a bit of money. While some of these facts about security cameras may seem obvious, others are less apparent:

1. The very first thing to find out about the camera is whether it is strictly an indoor model or if it works outdoors as well. Some cameras are susceptible to moisture and the elements and must be kept indoors.
2. Another option to consider is whether the camera is equipped with night vision capability. This can be important whether you are surveying your home or your business. Many cameras are equipped to operate in low light conditions, but if you want to ensure a clear picture even in the darkest of hours, you may want to invest in a camera with night vision.
3. If the camera is wireless, that means it does not need to be connected to a recording device. These cameras work much like a cordless phone or a wireless modem, allowing the images that are captured to be viewed remotely via a secure website.
4. Consider the power source. If the camera is battery powered, you will not need to plug it in, but you will need to regularly recharge or change the batteries.

By evaluating all of these factors prior to selecting a security camera, you can save yourself a lot of hassle and money.

The next step is to determine which brand and model of camera offers all of the features and options you require. Be warned that many manufacturers try very hard to hide the fact that the camera they are selling you can only function indoors. They will often write phrases like, “Not intended for exposure to rain or snow,” in small print on the bottom or backside of the box.

Needless to say, if you do not know to look for the fine print, determining if your camera is capable of surveying the outside of your home or business can cause frustration. To make things easier, let’s take a look at ten different models of outdoor-capable security cameras so you can decide which one meets your needs.

Please note that this list is in no particular ranking order, and there are other brands and models available; this is by no means an exhaustive list, but it will give you some idea of your choices in indoor/outdoor surveillance equipment.

The Swann 420-Line-Resolution Indoor/Outdoor Compact Day and Night Camera

The Swann brand indoor/outdoor day and night camera features charge-coupled device (CCD) sensors that help to yield clear, crisp images. The CCDs, the same high-quality sensors used in camcorders and other video equipment, are more sensitive and are able to handle more variable light conditions than other sensors; thus, they work well in low light and a variation of light conditions.

While the Swann 420-Line-Resolution Indoor/Outdoor Compact Day and Night Camera may not be capable of transmitting high-resolution images, it does have the ability to capture decent images. A high-resolution camera displays 480 television lines or greater. The Swann brand camera comes in just under that at 420. This is common for standard-resolution cameras but is considered low resolution. This is important to mention because in some places, the description given of the Swann 420-Line-Resolution Indoor/Outdoor Compact Day and Night Camera refers to it as “high resolution”; this is not the case. A standard interlaced TV image is 280 lines or so, so 420 lines would be sharper, just not technically “high resolution.” Calling it a “higher resolution camera” might be a little less misleading.

In order to understand the difference, it is important that you have some idea of how TV images are made. Television pictures are created by something called a cathode ray tube (CRT) electron beam. This beam scans starting from the upper left and then horizontally to the right. It continues this course until it reaches the lower right of the screen. If the resolution on the TV is 420 lines, that means it takes 420 scans to complete the process, and the scan is repeated 60 times per second. The more lines you have, the better the picture will be. A standard TV picture is around 280 lines and is repeated about 30 times per second. So, again, while the Swann certainly offers a better picture than a standard-definition image, it is not technically high resolution.

This particular Swann brand surveillance camera also boasts infrared technology. The camera features 24 infrared light-emitting diodes (LEDs) that will allow you to see even after the sun has set. Infrared imaging is heavily used in military applications such as target acquisition, homing and tracking, simple surveillance, and night vision.

Infrared is not just for the armed forces, though, and can be useful for civilian surveillance needs such as environmental monitoring, remote temperature sensing, short-range wireless communication, and even weather forecasting. It is useful in surveillance equipment for a simple reason: It allows us to see in the dark. To put it simply, infrared (IR) light is a type of radiation with a wavelength that is longer than visible light. The infrared sensors in the Swann camera are able to detect those waves and translate them into visible images, even in no-light conditions.

Because of this technology, the camera is able to detect images with clarity at a distance of up to 65 feet, even in complete darkness.

This particular Swann brand camera claims easy installation that will only require you to plug it into your VCR, television, or digital video recorder and play. It can be installed on walls and ceilings thanks to the adaptable mounting bracket. This can help ensure that there are will be no security blind-spots on your premises. You do not even have to worry about it in the winter months, as it is built to withstand freezing temperatures. It can even be installed in refrigeration units that reach temperatures as low as -4°F. On the flipside, if you are located in the desert, the Swann can withstand heat up to 140°F.

Consumer reviews on this product have been mixed. Only 9 of the 17 reviewers on a popular website gave this camera 4 out of 5 stars or better. People seem to like the price of the camera and the quality of the images, but many take issue with the mounting equipment.

The Defender SP301-C High Resolution Weatherproof Indoor/Outdoor Night Vision Color Surveillance CCD Security Camera

The SP301-C is another CCD camera that can be used to capture color images, whether placed indoors or outdoors. This is another camera that claims to be “high resolution,” but like the Swann camera discussed before, it actually is only capable of 420 lines of TV resolution. The Defender still offers a good-quality picture and should be clear and consistent, even at night. However, this model does not have the same strength of night vision as the Swann model. While the Swann offers 24 infrared LEDs, allowing for sight at distances of 65 feet, the Defender SP301-C offers only 12 infrared LEDs and is only capable of night vision of up to 15 feet.

Though the night vision capabilities are less impressive than other models, the Defender SP301-C comes with a cadmium sulfide (CDS) sensor to measure light intensity. This allows the camera to sense changes in light levels, which saves energy, as night vision only activates when it is dark.

While the Defender SP301-C is not wireless, it does come with 60 feet of wiring included. Due to its compact size, it is said to be easy to mount almost anywhere, and it is equipped with an adjustable bracket that should make it possible for you to place it just about anywhere. The camera is constructed with professional-grade housing and a sun shade to protect the unit from rust, glare, or deterioration. Because it only requires one wire to connect to viewing devices, you can easily connect it to any television or monitor.

Customer reviews are generally positive for the Defender, but once again there were complaints about the adjustable mounting brackets:

The SVAT VU301-C High-Resolution Weatherproof Indoor/Outdoor Night Vision Color Surveillance CCD Security Camera

The SVAT VU301-C security camera is very similar to the Defender SP301-C camera. It is a CCD camera that can be used to retrieve color images when it is placed indoors or outdoors. This camera is also listed on online shopping websites as being “high resolution,” but like the other cameras discussed thus far, it is actually only able to produce 420 lines of TV resolution. The SVAT VU301-C is equipped with 12 infrared LEDs and is capable of night-vision imagery of up to 15 feet. Like the Defender brand camera, the SVAT VU301-C comes with a CDS sensor, and it can also sense changes in light levels, which should save on energy costs since night vision is only activated when it is dark.

The SVAT VU301-C is not wireless, but it does come with 60 feet of wiring. It is equipped with an adjustable bracket that is described as being “easy to mount almost anywhere.” Like the Defender model, the SVAT camera is built with professional-grade housing and a sun shade to protect the equipment from rust, glare, or deterioration. Because it uses only 1 wire to connect to viewing devices, it is easy to connect to any television or monitor.

The main difference between the SVAT VU301-C and the Defender SP 301-C appears to be in the cost. The Defender camera is listed as being as much as $25 cheaper than the SVAT model. Though the sample size is small, consumer reviews of the SVAT VU301-C are quite positive, indicating that the equipment is very easy to work with and user friendly. Also, the SVAT seems to come with more sturdy adjustable mounting brackets, as there are typically no consumer complaints to this end.

The Lorex High-Resolution Indoor/Outdoor Color Night Vision Camera

The Lorex High-Resolution Indoor/Outdoor Color Night Vision Camera is the first camera listed that actually meets up to its claims of being high resolution. It is equipped with an advanced color image sensor that records high-resolution video at 480 TV lines. The camera uses a flat lens to record a clear image and provide an undistorted view with no image curving.

The Lorex camera comes fitted with 18 infrared LEDs that provide night-vision recordings at distances up to 50 feet, even in utter darkness. This camera has a built-in auto mechanical infrared filter to capture and reproduce accurate images with precise color depictions in an assortment of light conditions. The camera also offers anti-glare features to ensure that the images it records will be clear, even under bright light. The Lorex also has an advanced day/night mode that records in black and white to deliver clear visuals in low-light conditions.

Consumer reviews are mostly positive, but some have voiced concerns. An issue that has been mentioned in several reviews of the Lorex camera is that it does not filter dark colors very well. In fact, oftentimes certain dark colors appear green. As 1 reviewer mentioned, this can cause a problem when relaying descriptions of a robber caught on camera. For example, if you are not aware that black clothing will appear green in the images captured by the camera, you will not be able to give an accurate description to police. Another reviewer complained that his camera stopped working after 6 months, though he may have just had a defective model. No other major issues were reported.

The Clover Electronics HDC518 CCD Super High-Resolution Indoor/Outdoor Color Camera with Night Vision

The Clover Electronics HDC518 camera is described as being “super high resolution” both indoors and outdoors. With 560 TV lines of resolution, it has the highest-quality picture of any camera on our list so far. It also boasts 86 infrared LEDs that allow for sight up to 120 feet in low-light conditions. It has a weather-resistant steel construction with a sun visor to shield the camera from direct sunlight. It comes with an adjustable mounting bracket for simple installation.

While this camera certainly boasts some impressive features, they do come at a price, as the cost is significantly higher than the other cameras we’ve mentioned.

The VideoSecu IRX36 Sony Security Camera

The VideoSecu IRX36 is a Sony infrared security camera. It has 420 lines of TV resolution and a wide-view angle lens. The camera provides color images in bright light, but when the light level drops, it automatically switches to take black and white images. The camera has been equipped with 30 infrared illuminators that enable it to record even in complete darkness. It has an aluminum body suitable for indoor/outdoor placement.

This camera has been well received, judging from consumer reviews; in fact, 19 of 27 online reviewers on a popular website gave the camera 5 out of 5 stars. A few of the complaints mentioned that the night vision was very poor quality, and one said his camera quit working, but the complaints in the reviews actually had little to do with the product and more to do with shipping issues.

The 8MP Brown Bushnell Trophy Cam with Black LED Night-Vision HD Video Field Scan Camera

This camera, while it could be used for security, is intended for keeping watch over woods and other hunting grounds. Its 40-LED flash is low-glow black, making it invisible to game animals as well as humans. It can film images up to 45 feet away in the dark. It has a passive infrared sensor with a 45’ day and night range that captures images with a 1-second trigger. It also boasts the highest resolution of all the cameras listed so far, with a capability of taking HD 1280x720-pixel videos for as long as 60 seconds, with accompanying audio. It can take full-color 8-megapixel pictures, and it offers a feature called Field Scan Mode that uses time-lapse technology to take photographs at preset times to help track the movement of game animals.

This camera was designed with long scouting trips in mind, with a battery life of up to 1 year. It also has 32GB SD (secure digital) card compatibility. The camera can be mounted on any object via an adjustable web belt and a socket. While all of this sounds great, consumer reviews were decidedly mixed. In fact, more consumers gave this product 1 star out of 5 than 5 out of 5:

The Loftek Nexus 543 Outdoor/Waterproof Wired and Wireless IP Camera

The outdoor Loftek Nexus 543 camera features a 70° viewing angle and a 4mm lens, and is supposed to be easy to install. It has a strong waterproof exterior to allow for great outdoor images. The manufacturer boasts that its 36 infrared LED lights allow for night vision viewing at up to 25 meters. You should be wary of that figure, however, as that is more than 80 feet, exceeding almost every other camera on this list, even those that offer higher LEDs. The Loftek Nexus 543 also has motion detection that can be integrated with an alarm system to record and send images through e-mail.

Consumer reviews on this camera are mixed, with almost as many reviewers giving as many 1 out of 5 ratings as 5 out of 5 ratings. Some people do not have a problem with the camera but dislike the software that comes with it, while others claimed the camera stopped functioning properly shortly after purchase and installation:

The Primos Truth Cam 35 Camera

The Primos Truth Cam is another camera that is great for hunters. It was designed specifically to monitor the woods and comes preconfigured for that purpose. Equipped with 35 infrared LEDs, it should allow for good night vision and takes an image every .3 seconds when active. It is a little slower than the other hunting camera on this list (the Bushnell), as it takes 1.5 seconds for the Primos to motion activate and capture a picture from sleep mode. This camera can be set for multi-picture bursts of 1 to 9 pictures per trigger activation. One nice feature of this camera is that it stamps all pictures with the date and time. This camera was designed to be hidden and comes in a thin casing.

Customers seem to be quite pleased with this product, with 98 of the 134 reviewers rating this camera at least 4 out of 5 stars. Reviewers mentioned its long battery life as a positive, but some complained that the memory units in the camera fill up way too fast.

Logitech's 700e Night Vision Alert Security Camera with Outdoor Add-On

The Logitech Alert 700e security camera is a truly high-definition camera, capable of recording in HD 720 clarity. According to the manufacturers description, this high definition is even possible at night. You will get a good wide view of your property, thanks to the camera’s 130° wide-angle lens. This camera has all of the motion-capture activation features of some of the other cameras on this list, but 1 nice feature of this camera is its ability to view the security feed not only from your computer, but also on your Smartphone as well. One thing that should be noted is that this camera is only compatible with Windows-based PCs for setup.

Consumers seem to be pleased with this product, as 38 of the 51 reviewers on a popular website rated this at least 4 out of 5 stars. One of the major complaints about this camera is that it requires frequent manual resets. However, customers are impressed by the high-quality color images the camera is able to produce.

Your options for security and surveillance equipment to protect your home or business are many, and there are several factors to consider. Each brand and model offers unique features and capabilities, but with a little research and by paying attention to feedback and reviews from other security equipment owners, you can find the best units to suit your needs, whether you find them on this list or discover them on your own.