Tips for Choosing a Wi-Fi Surveillance Camera for Home

Wireless video surveillance technology allows you to organize the operation of security devices without wasting resources on expensive cabling. The Wi-Fi camera can be installed inside a residential or country house or on the street. Such devices are also actively used in offices, warehouse or commercial premises and other organizations.

Functional features of Wi-Fi CCTV camera

Wi-Fi cameras are one of the components of a home or company security system. They allow you to provide wireless connection from a distance of up to 100 m (if there are no physical barriers). When using an intermediate elongation, this distance increases several times. The features of signal transmission and small dimensions contribute to the fact that the wi-fi camera for video surveillance is easily mounted and moved to another place without the involvement of a master.

Many video cameras are capable of serving as an access point, which makes it possible to directly connect and view content from a computer or portable gadget using a special program. Sometimes they are equipped with a motion sensor. This makes it possible to initiate recording only when a moving object appears in the field of view. This option saves disk space and makes it easier to explore the archive.

Other additions that modern Wi-Fi video surveillance devices are often equipped with include:

• Micro SD card used to record material when the IP signal is interrupted.
• Infrared illumination allowing observation in low light conditions. Some cameras go into the "dark" mode spontaneously, others - according to a user-defined program.
• Swing mechanism through which you can change the field of view. Sometimes it is possible to remotely control it from your device.

Devices working with cloud storage are becoming more widespread. They transmit a video stream to the Internet, and the user can view it in real time from a smartphone or PC.

Popular IP cameras with Wi-Fi and online function

Devices can be designed for indoor installation or reinforcement outside the house. They also differ in size and a set of additional functions.

Wireless online HD camera

Nobelic NBQ-1110F is a wireless video surveillance camera of the middle price segment with a large viewing angle (125 degrees) and a matrix of 1280 by 960. The model is equipped with a 16 GB drive, noise and motion sensors, infrared illumination. To connect the device, you need to use the QR code.

Also in demand is a camera of the OSO brand. Like the previous one, it works with the cloud service IVideon, in which you can store recordings, and creates a high-quality picture in HD. You can customize it using a dedicated smartphone app. A speaker built into the device allows the user to conduct a dialogue with whoever he sees on the screen. When the sensors register the presence of a sound signal or movement, an alert is sent to the smartphone.

Budget options

Inexpensive IP model from a domestic manufacturer with Wi-Fi option - KARKAM KAM-001. The device works with the Camcloud cloud, can be connected to a modem (4G or 3G). Its resolution is quite decent (1280 by 720), the viewing angle is exactly straight. The model is equipped with a slot for removable drives and a built-in rechargeable battery. There is also an option for infrared illumination.

CCTV camera with Wi-Fi with online function

A wide range of such devices is produced by the well-known company D-Link. You can find inexpensive options for home use and models with rich functionality for installation in organizations with high demands. If you intend to expand the capabilities of the video camera using additional applications, you need to buy a model that has an open API. It is recommended to purchase expensive professional devices for large objects with a complex and demanding security system. For domestic needs, the functionality of such devices will be redundant.

Another option is the outdoor model VStarcam C7816WIP, which produces images in HD quality. It is made in a high-quality case that protects against moisture and dust particles, is equipped with a slot for removable storage media and can operate at subzero temperatures (but not below -25 degrees). It can work both with a cable and via a wireless connection. Thanks to the ability to work with P2P technology and there is no need to allocate an IP address, the camcorder is very easy to set up. The only drawback is the modest viewing angle (56 degrees). The model is not suitable for installation on a large object. The price of the device is affordable.

Small cameras

A small camera is suitable for installation, for example, in an office or a country house. Firms Sycloud, Defender, Easy Eye produce inexpensive models that easily fit in the palm of your hand, but have a sufficient viewing angle and are capable of recording high-quality video and audio. Defender devices are tied to their own cloud, which sometimes fails. Because of this, some users report that the quality of remote monitoring is unstable. The functionality of the miniature models of this brand includes a microphone and recording using a removable storage device. They are equipped with rechargeable batteries.

Wi-Fi cameras for home and outdoor

Unlike models for outdoor installation, a video camera with Wi-Fi for video surveillance in an apartment is not equipped with such a high-quality housing that protects against dust and moisture. Therefore, it can only be installed inside the house or other premises. At the same time, it must meet certain criteria: not too high indicators of temperature and humidity, the impossibility of unhindered entry of vandals.

Dome options are the most common among standard-sized devices. There are also miniature models with the size of one side about 5 cm. The structure and appearance of their body are similar to those of webcams.

The body of outdoor models has a sealed design that protects against rain, temperature extremes and high humidity. If the appliance is intended for use in an area with severe winters, it is equipped with an internal heating unit. Strengthening the case is needed to protect the device from hacking or damage by intruders. A cover is often placed over the lens to keep rain and snow out. The disadvantage of outdoor surveillance devices with wireless communication is a decrease in signal intensity with a considerable distance from the main receiver. There are different techniques to help you deal with this problem:

• the use of repeater signal lengthening devices;
• installation of an external antenna for amplification;
• the use of a better router or signal amplification for it;
• moving the access point to a more suitable place (they often practice taking it out into the street - the absence of wall and other obstacles increases the transmission distance).

The power of a router for outdoor devices is especially important. To minimize the likelihood of problems, it is advisable to use equipment manufactured by the same company. The accompanying documentation indicates with which devices this or that device is compatible.

Camera selection rules

The types of enclosures for modern devices for Wi-Fi video surveillance are the same as for wired models. The degree of protection required depends on the environment in which the camera will be used. If it is mounted in an ordinary room that does not have a high humidity indicator, only protection against dust and clogging is needed. Such a housing is marked as IP 30. The first number indicates the degree of protection against dirt, and the second - against moisture. Values ​​range from 0 (absolute permeability) to 6 (sealed protection). When considering an outdoor camera for purchase, you need to pay attention that the first digit is not less than 4, the second - not less than 5. The largest possible value is 69. Models with such a case are able to withstand being in a liquid medium under pressure.

The characteristics of the lens also matter. Key units are focus distance (static parameter) or range of variation (variable). Some devices are equipped with options such as remote focus control and panoramic shooting.

Another important parameter is the quality of the transmitted image. Some devices have a resolution of up to 5 megapixels. In most cases of domestic use, a value of 1 megapixel is quite acceptable - it gives a fairly legible picture. The advantage of a not too high indicator is the absence of unnecessary load on the transmission channel.

Since the information of the device is transmitted over the air, there is a danger that attackers will intercept the signal. Because of this, it is necessary to pay attention to the quality of the encryption of the sent data implemented by the device.

It is important that the camera has sufficient sensor light sensitivity. The minimum recommended value is 0.01 Lux. It is good if the device is equipped with an option for backlighting in the dark using infrared LEDs.

Advantages of cameras

Camcorders provide access to the recorded recording from anywhere in the world where there is an Internet connection. This does not require complex equipment - many devices allow you to watch material from a portable device and even control it through a mobile application. By connecting with the stream, you can check the situation in the room or at the object being monitored. If something goes wrong, the user receives a notification on the phone. The video is stored in the cloud service or on a removable storage device and can be viewed later.

Modern Wi-Fi cameras allow you to shoot video in HD quality, while having a small size. The devices are easy to set up and install and can be moved from place to place without the need for the user to drill holes or lay cables. This allows the device to be placed even in a hard-to-reach niche. There is only one condition - the presence of a power supply point nearby.

Nuances during installation and connection

To place the camera, you need to select a point from which the best quality view of the object or area will be available. You can connect the device to a PC, laptop or directly to an access point. To install a video camera, the owner will first need to connect it to the routing device using a UTP network cable. With the help of it, the router will be connected to the computer. Having opened any browser, you need to enter the device's IP code into the address bar.This information is indicated by the manufacturer in the attached documentation or on a sticker on the base of the camera. The login and password required for using the device are also indicated there.

One router can be connected to several devices, but in this case, the distances from it to the cameras must be the same. A stable Wi-Fi signal is required at the installation site. Keep in mind that walls and other obstructions will reduce your throughput. This parameter affects the speed and quality of the transmitted video, therefore, at a low rate, the work will not be so effective.

Since the router signal is transmitted horizontally, it is placed on the same floor as the video camera. Sometimes it will be wise to buy a power strip and a booster antenna.

Setting up video surveillance

Going into the settings, you need to calibrate the parameters. The type of video stream is selected based on the strength of the Wi-Fi signal. The more powerful it is, the higher the image resolution is applied. Also set up a wireless connection. Then they reboot, pull out the wire from the camcorder and connect via Wi-Fi. The broadcast of the signal to the network is configured. Sometimes the software you need is included with your camera on a disc. If not, you will need to download the utility on the Internet.

Using a Wi-Fi camera for video surveillance helps to save on laying cable routes and view the broadcast of the situation at the facility from a mobile or stationary device. When choosing a model, the image resolution and the quality of information encryption are of great importance. For outdoor cameras, the tightness of the case and the power of the router are important.