Smart Home is in vogue and the range of different equipment for monitoring and controlling various functions in the house is very large. In the test, we have dealt intensively with various IP camera systems and, following our purchase consultation, summarized the best wireless cameras of the year 2019 for you. Which model is best for you as the best IP camera, but depends on various factors such as asking price, location, required features and the image quality you need. So here’s a summary of the key criteria you should look out for when making a price comparison.
Location and functions for a wireless security camera for home
Wireless cameras basically all work on a similar principle. Via the Internet, the data of the cameras can be accessed via an app, for which they are either connected to a central monitoring system with a hard disk, or the camera itself is connected directly to the Internet via WLAN or cable. Remote access makes handling very easy and convenient, giving you access to your surveillance system anytime, anywhere in the world. Even a cheap IP camera can be connected to the Internet. However, in the case of a weak system there can certainly be security holes that allow hackers access, for example. Accordingly, you should make sure that the devices are safe, especially for cheap models.
Our recommendation is to first think about the desired location. After all, the later selection depends on it decisively. The largest range of IP cameras are available indoors. Here are often used as fixed models so-called dome cameras or alternatively small compact cameras that can be used as a security camera. In addition, PTZ cameras can be tilted and tilted and image areas zoomed closer.
Resolution and image quality
Of course, when buying an IP camera, the image quality and resolution also play a role. In particular, if you want to cover far away areas or large viewing angles, we recommend at least HD, better Full HD resolution, so you can see all the details well later. In general, we recommend today to buy at least one model with HD resolution, which corresponds to 1,280 x 720 pixels. Especially with the zoom, an even higher resolution makes up for it.
Also pay attention to the angle of view. The higher this is, the larger the image area that you can cover with the camera. High-resolution cameras usually work with a viewing angle of more than 100 degrees, while low-resolution models often cover a smaller field of view. Inside, a smaller viewing angle is often sufficient, but for outdoor use we definitely recommend models with a larger field of vision. In particular, if you want to use an IP camera to monitor a small area – for example, the baby bed – you can confidently ignore the viewing angle indication, because even here 80 degrees are enough.
Useful additional equipment
Some manufacturers – this is especially true for cameras with high image quality and resolution – allow the creation of so-called activity zones. If such a zone is declared within a surveillance area, a shot will only be triggered if something moves within the area. This may be useful, for example, outside, so as not to detect passing smaller animals.
Further useful features of IP cameras are, for example, a motion detector, a night vision function or the option of being able to pan or zoom in via remote control. Accordingly, it is also worthwhile to examine the software used more closely. Here is a look at reviews of other buyers, because usually you get in the description of the manufacturer only insufficient information about the app or the software. Many cameras also offer the option of being notified by SMS or App notification in case of an activity. This is also a very interesting feature.
In addition to the type of connection (wired or wireless), you should also pay attention to how you can access the camera image and recordings. For some manufacturers, this is only possible via app, but not via the browser or vice versa. The more extensive the access options, the better and easier.