How to Choose the Best PoE Outdoor Camera
Using a POE camera system eliminates the need for power cables and reduces installation costs. It can also transmit videos over a longer distance than wireless cameras without losing quality.
A reputable brand like Reolink produces top-of-the-line products with many great features. These include intelligent person/vehicle detection, 4K resolution, and a built-in 2TB HDD.
1. Image Quality
The image quality of a PoE camera is one of the most important factors to consider, especially when monitoring a home or office. You want to be able to see clear images (at least 1920p and 1440p Super HD) that can capture details like faces and license plate numbers.
You should also look at the cameras’ field of view, which determines how much area they can cover. The wider the FOV, the more areas you can monitor. Some PoE cameras also include a zoom feature that allows you to zoom in and out of an image to focus on specific points.
Finally, make sure that the camera has decent night vision capabilities. You want to be able to see what is happening around your ahd cameras property both day and night. The best PoE cameras use infrared LEDs and an IR cut filter to help ensure clear video footage even when it is dark out.
2. Resolution
When you’re looking to keep tabs on a large area, you’ll want a camera that can record high-quality footage. Resolution refers to the amount of detail that a camera’s sensor can capture, measured in pixels. Generally speaking, higher resolutions like 4K (3,840 x 2,160-pixel) will have the best image quality.
If you want to improve on that, you can opt for a model with 12MP (aka 8 million pixels) sensors. One of our top picks, the Reolink RLK8-1200B4-A Smart 4K PoE Surveillance Kit, features such a sensor.
The kit comes with four cameras paired with an 8-channel NVR so there’s plenty of room for upgrades in the future. Users can control the unit with their smartphones, tablets and PCs via an intuitive app. Motion detection alerts can be customized so that only the most relevant activity is notified. In addition, the unit can see in the dark thanks to its 18pcs IR LED block for up to 190ft of visibility.
3. Wide Dynamic Range (WDR)
If you want to improve your video surveillance system’s ability to detect motion, you should consider a PoE security camera with WDR. This technology adjusts the exposure time to provide better images in high contrast lighting situations. The result is more accurate colors and sharper detail in footage.
Many outdoor cameras face challenging conditions, especially in bright sunlight. When the sun moves throughout the day, it creates strong shadows and glare that can make it difficult to see what’s happening in the shot. A PoE security camera with WDR can automatically adapt to these changing conditions and maintain a clear image.
For example, the Reolink RLC-810B4-A Smart 4K PoE Security Camera System comes with 8 high-quality bullet cameras with WDR and 4K resolution (3840 x 2160 pixels). It also has advanced AI-powered person/vehicle/package detection and a built-in IR night vision up to 100ft. In addition, you can connect it to a network-based NVR and access the footage remotely using a user-friendly app or web interface.
4. Motion Detection
The best poe outdoor camera with motion detection should alert you to activity in your home while avoiding false alarms. It should also offer features like night vision, two-way talk, and compatibility with Google Assistant and Alexa.
While hardwiring your cameras can be a hassle, it’s worth it for the peace of mind and reliability you get from a wired system. Wired cameras are not as prone to hacking as wireless cameras and often provide better image quality than their counterparts.
Another advantage of a wired camera is that it can work without internet access as long as it has an SD card or NVR to record footage locally. However, if you want to remotely monitor and control your camera, you’ll need a reliable internet connection. This will also let you view live feeds, receive notifications, and access cloud storage (if available). It’s important to keep in mind that hardwiring a camera requires professional installation so it’s not a DIY project for most homeowners.
5. Night Vision
Depending on where you live, night vision can be an important factor to consider when choosing the best poe security camera for your home. Look for a system with night vision that is capable of operating in low-light conditions without being hindered by light pollution.
Some cameras offer advanced features such as facial recognition that can recognize and send an alert when a specific person enters the field of view, or vehicle identification that can detect and record license plates. These smart features can be a powerful deterrent against intruders who may be discouraged from entering your property or car.
The OOSSXX POE security camera offers these advanced features as well as a built-in alarm and push notification system best poe outdoor camera that will immediately send an email or app alert to your smartphone for a faster response. It includes 60 feet long installation cables along with all the necessary peripherals and a 1-year warranty from the company.
6. Cloud Storage
Some of the best PoE security cameras come with built-in microphones and speakers that allow for two-way communication. This can be useful for deterring unwanted intruders or even simply communicating with a neighbor. Some of the more advanced features include facial recognition, end-to-end camera feed and storage encryptions, as well as compatibility with smart home ecosystems like Alexa and Apple HomeKit.
Some PoE outdoor cameras are able to function without an internet connection, recording and viewing footage locally on an SD card or NVR. However, a wired internet connection is still required to remotely monitor and control the system as well as access cloud storage (if available).
Many of the best PoE outdoor camera systems are sold as complete sets with everything you need to get started. This includes the NVR, power and installation cables as well as the cameras. The best sets will also include a hard drive with adequate storage capacity.
