IP surveillance cameras are a very interesting option to protect both a home and a company. There are different types, but the objective is the same: detect intruders and alert if there is something strange. However, we must choose one that meets what we expect and really serves us. We may simply need to keep an eye on our pet, but maybe we want it to protect a company from thieves. Let’s see what to take into account both in the hardware and security section.
IP camera hardware specifications
First of all, we are going to talk about the main specifications at the hardware level . Here you will find many differences, since there are IP cameras with a very wide price range. You will find them from €20-30 to more than €300. Depending on what you need, you will opt for one or the other.
image resolution
One of the main features you should look at is image quality. A camera that can record in HD at 1080 is not the same as another that only records at 480, for example. The difference can be more than remarkable and depending on what you need the camera for, you will have to acquire one or the other.
The ideal today is that it has at least Full HD 1080p recording . This means that the image quality is high definition. You’re going to get a sharper view, especially if you need to zoom. If you simply want it to control your pet in a general plane and see that everything is fine, really with less it would also be worth it.
connectivity
Another key factor will be the connectivity of the surveillance camera. Can you connect it via Ethernet cable ? Does it allow wireless connections? You must take all this into account. Perhaps what you are looking for is that the camera can connect via Wi-Fi to the router and in this way be able to have access from other computers or be linked to other devices.
In the event that it is a Wi-Fi camera, that has a wireless connection, you should also look at what band it can connect to. Normally you will connect it to the 2.4 GHz band, since you will not really need a high speed and it is the one that provides the most stability when you connect it far from the router. However, there are those that are dual band and you can also use the 5 GHz frequency.
Waterproof
This will depend mainly on where you are going to place the IP camera. If you are going to be inside the house, this point probably doesn’t matter to you. You will not need it to be waterproof, unless it accidentally gets wet. On the other hand, if you are going to place the surveillance camera outside, in a patio for example, it will be essential that it has this feature.
Here you have to take into account that you have to take into account that there are different certifications. It is not the same that it is waterproof and protects against dust, as it is completely resistant to water. It has to be at least IP66 , which allows to protect the camera against abundant water. If it is IP67, it can even be submerged so it will withstand even more inclement weather.
Recording angle or movement
The recording angle is another important hardware feature in a surveillance camera. It will be the ability to capture a more or less wide image. Some have a very limited framing, which would be ideal if you only want to record a certain area, such as a door, while others have a wide angle and allow you to capture much more.
Additionally, some devices also feature built-in motion . You will be able to turn the camera sideways if necessary. This will give you an even greater capacity to record a large space. Very useful if, for example, you are recording an animal and it has been placed in another place.
security features
Beyond the hardware specifications that the camera has, you also have to focus on security . At the end of the day, it is a device that we are going to use to protect our home or a company. It is important that it has different features that can be useful.
Motion detection
An important security feature for an IP camera is motion detection. It basically means that it is going to detect strange movements in a room or in the place where the device is located. For example, if a thief enters, if a door opens, if your pet has left where it is, etc.
That motion detection occurs in real time, so you can react immediately. It will launch a warning if there is something strange. For example a message to the mobile, a notification through an application, etc. A quick way to see what’s going on and to be able to call the police in case of an attempted robbery, for example.
two-way audio
You should also look at whether or not the Wi-Fi camera you are going to buy has two-way audio. It is another interesting factor in terms of security , since you will be able to hear what is happening in the place where you have it installed, but you will also be able to communicate from the other side, launch an alarm signal, etc.
In the case of pet care it is also very useful. You will be able to hear if a dog barks, for example. But it is also especially suitable for the security of a home or an office. You will be able to detect any sound that is suspicious and act in the shortest time possible.
cloud recording
There are models of webcams that allow you to record for a certain amount of time and store it in the cloud . This is useful if you want to see what happened during your absence, if there has been a robbery and you need evidence for the police, or any circumstance where you need to access the videos.
Normally IP cameras have an SD card to store the recordings. However, other models also save it in the cloud and in this way you can access the content from anywhere you are.
Control from the mobile
It is also interesting to be able to access the surveillance webcam from the mobile . This will allow you to have greater control, being able to move the camera, stop recording, emit sound, etc. In this way you will be able to control it from anywhere, since you will only need an Internet connection.
More and more models have this feature. Simply from the application you will find everything you need and you won’t have to be physically where the camera is and put the memory card in a computer, for example.
Night vision
Do you need night vision? It is another security feature that can be interesting when purchasing an IP camera. This will allow you to record at night and be able to monitor a home or office even if there is no light. It is very useful if the objective of that Wi-Fi camera is the protection of a building 24 hours a day.
Now, not all cameras record the same at night. It is important that you observe the distance at which it can work. There are from just 10 meters to more than 50. It will depend on where you are going to place it and the needs you have.
In short, these are the main characteristics that you should observe if you are going to buy an IP camera to monitor a home or company. We have shown some specifications at the hardware level, but also others focused on security. You have a wide range of options available.
