The Best Outdoor CCTV Security Cameras

Outdoor CCTV Security Cameras These weatherproof devices can keep a watchful eye on your property and let you get on with life. 

A LightHunter Network PTZ (Pan-Tilt-Zoom) Dome Camera is a type of security camera that is mounted on a dome-shaped base and is capable of panning (rotating horizontally), tilting (rotating vertically), and zooming in and out. These features allow the camera to cover a wide area and focus on specific details as needed.

You may need several security cameras to properly cover an area, but the uniview products offer an alternative solution, as they can pan 352 degrees horizontally and tilt 95 degrees vertically. It has an IP65 rating, so it can handle the elements, but you have to run a cable to a power outlet as it’s not battery-powered. Connect it via Wi-Fi or Ethernet, and the versatile included L-shaped bracket lets you attach it to an overhanging portion of the roof or to a wall. A panel on the back screws open to reveal the Micro SD card slot (sold separately). 

You can control it via a simple app that loads the feed quickly. The video resolution maxes out at 1080p but captures plenty of detail, and the built-in person detection is consistently good. There’s a microphone to record sound but no speaker; the C8C’s black-and-white night vision is crisp, though it switches to color when it detects motion. Sadly, there’s no HDR, and it unsurprisingly struggles with mixed lighting.  There’s optional cloud storage, but it’s very pricey, starting at KES 2000 per month for a single camera for just seven days of video. You also annoyingly need to remember to fix the camera view back on the main area you want to monitor when you’re done panning around.

Another alternative: For Kenyan residents, Uniview 2MP IR Dome Network Camera offers a great range of motion and clear footage, is a breeze to install, and works via Ethernet cable or Wi-Fi. Alerts were reliable in my testing, and you have the option of a MicroSD card or the cloud for video storage, though you must subscribe for the latter. There are several additional features, including person and vehicle detection and tracking, but when my internet went down, I had to power-cycle the camera to get it to reconnect, and there was considerable lag on the two-way audio.

Other types of Security cameras include:

1. Uniview 2MP Eyeball Network Camera

1. Uniview 5MP Color Hunter Camera with Fixed Eyeball
2. Wi-Fi Kit(KIT/NVR301-04LS3-W/4*IPC322LB-ABF28WK-G)

Complete Outdoor CCTV Security Cameras

are expensive, but it’s become very affordable and easy to install a couple of security cameras outside your home. Cover the exterior and you’ll know whenever there’s an intruder. Outdoor security cameras can deter burglaries, home invasions, and porch pirates; they’re also great for keeping an eye on the comings and goings of your family and pets.

The potential security benefits are attractive, but there is a trade-off in privacy, and you can expect some ongoing costs and maintenance. After months of rigorous testing, we’ve identified the best outdoor security cameras. We also highlight what should be top of mind when buying an internet-connected device, as well as installation options. Want more monitoring options? Our Best Indoor Security Cameras, Best Video Doorbell Cameras, guides can help.

How to Stay Safe with indoor Security Cameras

Security cameras are great tools, but you also need to protect your security from those cameras. You don’t want to find out that a stranger has been watching you sit in your bathrobe bingeing trash TV for the third day in a row, or worse. If you follow these tips, you can be a vigilant and conscious consumer and still feel like your home is protected while you’re away.

• Avoid no-name cameras: If you type “security camera” into the google search bar, you’ll come up with hundreds of cheap options from brands you’ve never heard of. We don’t feel comfortable recommending these for a product with real privacy risks. You should always go with brands that clearly outline their privacy policies and make it easy to set up security protocols. That doesn’t mean they can’t be hacked—Wyze, Nest, and Ring have all had breaches—but you probably won’t be hung out to dry by a brand that disappears the moment something happens.
• Use a strong password and set up two-factor authentication: Setting a strong password that you don’t use for anything else is extremely important. You should also change the password for your Wi-Fi network from its default, if you haven’t already. Set up two-factor authentication as soon as you create an account with the camera brand you’ve bought. It will make it harder for a hacker to gain access to your device, even if they do figure out your password.
• Keep it updated: Make sure you’re frequently checking for software updates (for your camera and router) that can patch any security issues that may have come up. Set your camera to auto-update if possible.
• Turn it off: When you’re home, or at least when you’re doing something personal you wouldn’t want someone to see, turn the camera off. Some cameras have a physical shutter that you can close. You could also turn the camera around for good measure.