The best outdoor surveillance cameras in the UK 2023

With an outdoor surveillance camera, you can see and hear what's going on around your home in real time. Some are even connected and can sync to your smartphone via dedicated apps. As they offer more and more features and sharper images, choosing the right model is difficult. So, we suggest you discover the best outdoor surveillance cameras through this guide.

TP-Link Tapo C310 1
9/10

Best value for your money

TP-Link Tapo C310

The best outdoor surveillance camera in 2021

The TP-Link Tapo C310 is without a doubt the most powerful outdoor surveillance camera of the moment, and that's an understatement! Intuitive, smart and simple, this protection equipment is the most your home needs.

35,99 £ on Amazon

The TP-Link Tapo C310 owes its strong popularity to its 3MP wide-angle lens, which allows you to capture videos in ultra high definition (UHD), that is, 2304 x 1296p. The images recorded on the storage medium will be crystal clear, nothing will escape you in case a crime was committed at home despite everything. For a much more flexible use, this camera can work with or without wire. Its night vision function allows you to see up to a distance of 30 m in the dark.

Of course, the equipment instantly sends you an alert on your phone when it detects suspicious movement near the accesses to your home. Apart from the motion detector, this camera is also equipped with a light and sound alarm that will not fail to scare off unwelcome visitors. To allow you to interact with people who come to your door, the TP-Link Tapo C310 is equipped with a two-way speaker. It's also compatible with Amazon's Alexa and Google's Nest voice assistants.

Netvue Vigil 2
8/10

Best value for your money

Netvue Vigil

The best entry-level outdoor surveillance camera

The Netvue Vigil is the most elaborate outdoor surveillance camera of its generation. Day or night and whatever the weather, this device records videos of exceptional clarity with a resolution of 1080p.

27,19 £ on Amazon

This outdoor surveillance camera will meet your expectations if you live in a region with a harsh climate. With an IP66 protection rating, the Netvue Vigil is indeed resistant to rain, pollution, high heat and ultraviolet radiation. Maintenance will not be a problem, a wipe with a cloth will be enough to give the case its youth. We particularly appreciate the human detection function. At the slightest suspicious movement noticed, notifications will be sent to your phone via an app or SMS.

Know that this camera is equipped with a two-way microphone that allows you to speak, but also to hear what happens outside. For data storage, you have the choice between micro SD card or the cloud that the manufacturer highly recommends by the way. This camera can be connected to the internet via Wifi and is compatible with the Alexa voice assistant. You can control it at any time and wherever you are.

Ezviz CTQ3W 3
8/10

Best value for your money

Ezviz CTQ3W

The best high-end outdoor surveillance camera

The Ezviz brand remains little known, but its outdoor surveillance cameras are very powerful. A true concentrate of technology, the Ezviz CTQ3W ensures the surveillance of your home, regardless of the weather conditions.

63,99 £ on Amazon
Ctronics CTIPC-285C 4
8/10

A great deal

Ctronics CTIPC-285C

A great deal to grab

Protect your home from intruders and vandals, that's what the Ctronics CTIPC-285C promises. The ingenious system of this outdoor surveillance camera allows it to detect movement, but also the sounds of intruders.

55,99 £ on Amazon

With the 355°/90° wide-angle lens, the Ctronics CTIPC-285C can record high definition images in sunshine, wind, rain or snow, day or night. The system can automatically correct for distortion, which improves vision. With an IP66 protection rating, the accessory is weather resistant. It ensures optimal protection of your home 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so feel free to leave it with peace of mind. And if you have any doubts, control the house's access from your smartphone via the dedicated app.

Of all the comparisons, the Ctronics CTIPC-285C is the outdoor surveillance camera with the best night vision system. Indeed, its infrared LEDs allow you to see in a dark environment as in broad daylight. Note that this camera has a two-way microphone that allows you to interact with people who knock on your door.

Buying guide • November 2023

Best outdoor surveillance camera

Any specific needs?

The best outdoor surveillance camera in 2021

The best entry-level outdoor surveillance camera

The best high-end outdoor surveillance camera

A great deal to grab

Your guide : Samuel

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Comparison table of the best outdoor surveillance cameras

TOP OF THE LINE CHEAP TOP OF THE LINE EXCELLENT
TP-Link Tapo C310 5
9/10
Netvue Vigil 6
8/10
Ezviz CTQ3W 7
8/10
Ctronics CTIPC-285C 8
8/10
OUR SELECTION
TP-Link Tapo C310
Netvue Vigil
Ezviz CTQ3W
Ctronics CTIPC-285C
The TP-Link Tapo C310 is without a doubt the most powerful outdoor surveillance camera of the moment, and that's an understatement! Intuitive, smart and simple, this protection equipment is the most your home needs.
The Netvue Vigil is the most elaborate outdoor surveillance camera of its generation. Day or night and whatever the weather, this device records videos of exceptional clarity with a resolution of 1080p.
The Ezviz brand remains little known, but its outdoor surveillance cameras are very powerful. A true concentrate of technology, the Ezviz CTQ3W ensures the surveillance of your home, regardless of the weather conditions.
Protect your home from intruders and vandals, that's what the Ctronics CTIPC-285C promises. The ingenious system of this outdoor surveillance camera allows it to detect movement, but also the sounds of intruders.
Connectivity technology
Wifi and Ethernet
Wifi
Wifi and Ethernet
Wifi
Recording resolution
Ultra high-definition 2304 x 1296p
1080p Full HD
720p
1080p
Recording media
Micro SD and cloud
Micro SD and any cloud
Micro SD and EZVIZ Cloud
Micro SD
Type of light source
Night vision
Color night recording
ICR infrared filter and night vision
LED and infrared
Recording efficiency

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Buying guide - outdoor surveillance camera

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How to choose your outdoor surveillance camera

Outdoor surveillance cameras are available in a plethora of variations. In order not to make a mistake in your choice, here are the criteria that you must take into account before making a purchase:

#1 - How you intend to use it

Outdoor surveillance cameras are primarily a means of optimizing the security of a home. However, they can also be used to monitor children playing in the perimeter of your domain or to identify people ringing the doorbell. On the most recent creations, it is even possible to interact with visitors via the microphone and speakers built into the camera.

#2 - The quality of the images

Nowadays, outdoor surveillance cameras are capable of recording images of exceptional quality. When it comes to resolution, you have a choice between HD, Full HD and 4K for high-performance buffs. The latter allows you to record distinct and distortion-free images. Ideally, the camera should be able to record in infrared or night mode, knowing that the majority of crimes are committed at night.

#3 - Storage

As for recording and storing images, you have three options, namely hard drive, micro SD card or cloud. The first two options are reliable, but they will constantly force you to make room in physical media. Online storage is less restrictive, but it requires the payment of a more or less affordable subscription.

#4 - The efficiency radius

The surveillance camera must be able to record images over several meters with as few blind spots as possible, otherwise, malicious people will have no trouble bypassing it. In addition, make sure that the camera is very simple to set up and use.

#5 - Ergonomics and resistance

You need an outdoor surveillance camera to be as unobtrusive as possible. Choose one that is not recognizable at first glance. Also consider whether the camera is mounted on a fixed or rotating bracket. Prefer products that are known for their robustness. Since it is an accessory intended to be installed outdoors, it must be able to withstand all the elements and especially pollution.

Why should you install outdoor surveillance cameras at your home?

Outdoor surveillance cameras are a valuable asset in the fight against burglaries. Whether wired or wireless, these technologically advanced accessories are a deterrent to criminals. Moreover, these cameras greatly facilitate the identification of those responsible when a crime is committed.

Video surveillance is a way to have eyes everywhere. It will allow you to monitor your home, even if you are miles away. The best systems record images continuously, while others are activated only when they detect suspicious movement. If your home has many entrances, you should consider installing multiple exterior surveillance cameras. To monitor the hallway leading to your home, a single surveillance camera should be sufficient.

By choosing outdoor surveillance cameras that run on electricity, your home may be left unattended in the event of a blackout. To prevent this from happening, consider investing in an emergency device, such as a wireless camera that runs on a standalone power source for example. This is the only way to guarantee uninterrupted protection of your home.

The different types of outdoor surveillance cameras

There are two main categories of surveillance cameras: digital and analog outdoor cameras. Whether they are digital or analog, among these two main categories, there are infrared cameras equipped with motion detectors and day-night cameras that switch modes depending on the brightness outside.

IP outdoor surveillance cameras

Generally, digital cameras use radio waves (Wifi) to transmit and receive data. However, this category of camera sometimes uses Ethernet cables and is connected to the electrical network to operate. The presence of an obstacle between an external camera and the router may affect the proper functioning of the system. Note that the range announced by manufacturers is always as the crow flies and does not take into account any obstacle. The images sent by the IP camera can be recorded in real time on a smartphone, tablet or computer.

Analogue outdoor surveillance cameras

Analog outdoor surveillance cameras use conventional radio signals or coaxial cables to broadcast data to a recorder, which in turn is connected to a data digitizer. Wired analog cameras are physically connected to each other by cables, but also to the recording device or monitoring center.

The mini-domes

Qualified as spy cameras, these discreet and motorized outdoor surveillance cameras blend perfectly with a facade to film discreetly. They are often equipped with an anti-vandalism device which makes them more effective for outdoor surveillance.

IP or analog outdoor surveillance camera?

IP outdoor surveillance cameras

Since these cameras work via the internet, their installation is more flexible, especially since they can be installed far apart from each other. Moreover, IP cameras are able to store much more data for a longer period of time.

Analogue outdoor surveillance cameras

This type of cameras requires to be close to the DVR. Indeed, these cameras can only work through a direct connection and that obliterates depending on the configuration of the place. If your home is made up of many nooks and crannies, all the data may not be recorded because of the poor quality signal.

Verdict

Unfortunately, analog outdoor video surveillance is a dying technology. Thanks to the cloud, digital outdoor surveillance cameras offer unlimited data storage, which is reason enough to adopt it.

Why buy a good outdoor surveillance camera?

To ensure the protection of your property
Insecurity is not an urban legend. It is a social phenomenon that has existed for decades. Although it is a passive security device, the outdoor surveillance camera is capable of guaranteeing the safety of your home and therefore your family.

To deter burglars from targeting you
As stated at the beginning of this buying guide, few burglars target homes that have security cameras installed on their doors. By installing these security systems on your main entrances, you will reduce the chances of being targeted.

To save money
A good outdoor surveillance camera replaces physical security teams that can cost you money in the long run. Usually, you'll only have to pay for the cost of the camera, installation and monthly cloud subscription.

Go to work with peace of mind
Since your home is constantly monitored by a surveillance camera, you can leave it with peace of mind. If someone gets too close, you will be warned immediately. Indeed, if someone tries to enter your home, the camera records the images and informs you instantly by an audible alert or a notification.

To control the entry and exit of the occupants of the house
The external surveillance cameras allow to control the entries and exits of the tenants of a collective housing. If a crime is committed in the condominium, it will be easier to identify the perpetrators thanks to the camera. In the event that burglars manage to disable the camera before breaking into your home, the recording medium still keeps track of them.

The best brands of outdoor surveillance cameras

In our opinion, the best brands of outdoor surveillance cameras in 2022 are :

TP-LINK
Logitech
Xiaomi
Axis
Western Digital

Founded in 1996 by two Chinese brothers, TP-LINK started out as a manufacturer of traditional computer equipment before specialising in repeaters and wifi boxes. Today, the firm is expanding its offer with connected surveillance cameras that are a huge success with individuals and professionals.

Logitech has come a long way since it was founded in 1981. Today, the Swiss company is a heavyweight in the computer and home automation sector. Its surveillance cameras are among the most intuitive and intelligent on the market today.

Xiaomi is still a very young brand, but it has already made its mark on the mobile phone and home automation market. Its outdoor surveillance cameras now equip several thousand homes around the world thanks to their excellent price-performance ratio.

Few of us know it, but Axis was the originator of the world's first network camera. Today, the brand is still as innovative as ever when it comes to surveillance cameras. IP cameras are the backbone of its products and will ensure the security of your installations.

Better known by its initials WD, the Western Digital brand has excelled in the manufacture of computer equipment since the seventies. Today, WD is still adored for its creations and especially its digital cameras which are among the most powerful on the market.

Tips

Go for cameras with a large lens

The lens of a camera varies according to the desired viewing angle. Thus, the larger the lens, the wider the angle of surveillance.

Choose cameras with higher protection ratings

Since they are intended to be installed outdoors, surveillance cameras will suffer the law of the elements. The waterproofness and resistance to the elements are estimated via the protection index of the equipment. The higher it is, the better the camera's resistance. Security experts recommend IP66 OR IP67 ratings.

Install a motorized camera on your façade

This is advantageous in that it allows the camera to be rotated remotely to reduce blind spots.

Save data in the cloud

Physical storage media is not inefficient, but it requires backbreaking maintenance which is not the case with the cloud.

Reduce energy consumption with motion detectors

The sensors only activate the camera when they notice the presence of a person. This is a good way to reduce energy consumption.

FAQ

Can we use an analog surveillance camera without a recorder?

Yes, this is still possible, but only if you use a screen equipped with a coaxial video output that ensures real-time broadcasting of images. However, the use of this technology is no longer recommended, as it requires you to have your eyes riveted on the screen at all times. For better protection of your home, a digital surveillance camera is more suitable.

What protection rating should I choose for the outdoor surveillance camera?

IP66 or IP67 rated surveillance cameras are the most weather resistant. This surveillance equipment is insensitive to pollution, rain, high heat and ultraviolet rays. To optimize their longevity, however, regular maintenance is required.

How long can a camera record on external media?

It is difficult to give an exact estimate, as it depends on the storage capacity of the media. One thing is certain, you will constantly have to make room in the hard drive, especially if the camera is recording continuously. To avoid this constraint, the ideal would be torecord directly on the Cloud, which is an economical solution.

How do you define the number of cameras you need?

Logic dictates that one camera is needed to cover all accesses to the interior of the house. However, it is possible to reduce the number of cameras by crossing the viewing angles. If you can afford it, you can always install a surveillance camera on all accesses to your home.

Sources

Note: Below are some of the sources we have consulted in writing this article. Links to other sites are not continuously updated. It is therefore possible that a link may not be found. Please use a search engine to find the desired information.
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  7. , Otravaux.fr
  8. , Latribune.fr
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  10. , pcmag.com
  11. , nytimes.com
  12. , cnet.com
  13. , leroymerlin.fr
  14. , lesnumeriques.com
  15. , les10meilleurs.net
  16. , netatmo.com
  17. , best-comparatif.fr
  18. , hifi-lab.fr
  19. , bfmtv.com
  20. , ecomparatif.fr
  21. , diagral.fr
  22. , amazon.co.uk
  23. , boulanger.com
  24. , verisure.fr
  25. , serrure-connectee.fr
  26. , leroymerlin.fr
  27. , amazon.co.uk
  28. , futura-sciences.com
  29. , castorama.fr
  30. , quechoisir.org
  31. , camerasurveillance.net
  32. , boutique.somfy.fr
  33. , clubic.com
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Updates

March 2022 : Translation of this buying guide from our partner meilleurtest.fr

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Our selection
TP-Link Tapo C310 9
TP-Link Tapo C310
Netvue Vigil 10
Netvue Vigil
Ezviz CTQ3W 11
Ezviz CTQ3W
Ctronics CTIPC-285C 12
Ctronics CTIPC-285C

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