12 best security cameras

Compact dome IP camera based on a 3-megapixel 1/3 "CMOS sensor with a sensitivity of 0.19 and 0.07 lux for color and black-and-white modes, respectively. Designed for use in professional and private video surveillance systems, including unheated rooms and in conditions of poor lighting or complete darkness. Dustproof and moisture protection in IP66 class, as well as the operating temperature range from -40 to 60 ° C, allow you to use the camera outdoors.

Reducing to a reasonable minimum the number of surveillance cameras used allows the use of universal models. Such as the recommended Dahua SD22204T-GN. This camera has a high-speed turning mechanism, controlled both manually by the operator and automatically. In the latter case, 300 camera positions are programmed or any of the eight preset patrol routes is selected. Moreover, the device in question is equipped with a lens with an adjustable focal length (2.7–11 mm), which makes it possible to scale the resulting image in very wide limits. Available in 4x optical and 16x digital zoom. There are also good video analysis capabilities, three streams and a high frame rate when working in 720p resolution. Of the unpleasant moments - this camera has no infrared illumination. But there is a slot for a memory card and the ability to connect to the SD22204T-GN from mobile gadgets.

The lack of Internet in the area of ​​the object of protection is not an unsolvable problem for the organization of the video surveillance system. Of course, only if you choose cameras with a built-in GSM modem, like the one recommended by Zodikam 2051 (205), and you will connect to them using unlimited data transfer rates. The principle of working with such a gadget is extremely simple. The camera continuously / according to schedule / while recording movement saves the main stream (920P / 720P / Q720P) on a memory card of up to 64 GB, and the owner, having connected to the device from a smartphone, can enjoy the online picture or view the archive. It is clear that a good cellular coverage is necessary. The current LTE ranges are supported by the Zodikam 2051 modem. By the way, this particular model is purchased by Russian Railways to monitor stopping platforms. Considering the peculiarities of the interface used, the modest resolution of the camera (1.3 MP) is not a disadvantage.

The bullet camera for building a low-budget video surveillance system continues our rating. Compared to the capabilities of comparable solutions of the previous generation (for example, DS-I220), this new HiWatch brand provides a more legible image in low-light conditions of the controlled area. The basis of this advantage is the EXIR-backlight with a single powerful LED and a rectangular lens. The model supports a standard set of image enhancement technologies (DWDR / 3D DNR / BLC), allows you to optimize the bitrate by specifying the area of ​​special attention (ROI), generates two video streams to reduce the load on the data transmission channel and is able to interface with a wide range of recorders and with the company's corporate cloud service. It remains to add that the DS-I200 camera can shoot with a maximum resolution of 1920 × 1080 (2 MP).

Next in our rating is an inexpensive, dome-type outdoor IP camera for organizing video surveillance with very limited financial capabilities. It's nice that most of the important "chips" HiWatch DS-I103 supports. In particular, the extended dynamic range and modern version of noise reduction technology, work indicating the area of ​​increased interest (due to which the archive size is significantly reduced), motion detection and anti-tampering, receiving power over a twisted pair, and still boasts the presence of built-in EXIR backlight. Recall that from the classical infrared last differs uniform rectangular illumination of the controlled area. Without bright spots in the center and dark corners. The camera can be equipped with lenses with a focal length of 2.8, 4 or 6 mm. This model does not provide recording on memory cards and wireless transmission of video stream. There is no microphone and audio input.

A feature of this miniature IP camera is the presence of a PIR sensor, which allows to detect thermal radiation at distances up to 10 meters. Naturally, the registration of such an event can serve as a command to start recording. It is noteworthy that the DS-I114 has separate alarm input / output - a rather rare chip in the budget segment of video surveillance systems. Despite its modest dimensions, the recommended camera is equipped with a full-fledged audio channel, i.e. microphone and speaker. Practically all modern technologies of image quality improvement are supported: DWDR, 3D DNR, BLC. It is possible to specify an area of ​​increased attention to save traffic, in a small case there was a place even for a mechanical IR filter with auto-switching. The device is able to receive power over a twisted pair, ready to write information to a memory card, transmit it wirelessly and interact with the EZVIZ service. Yes, it is also not deprived of IR illumination and basic analytics.

As much as possible to cover a large area with a single video surveillance camera, only Fisheye models allow. This is possible due to the extremely small focal length of the lens, a side effect of which manifests itself in the form of distortion, i.e. barrel shape distortion. The recommended panoramic model is interesting for a modern wireless communication module, which may be important in the conditions of high workload of the 2.4 GHz band, the ability to transmit sound in both directions, as well as excellent integration with the manufacturer's branded cloud service. As a peculiar chip, you can consider the ability of the accompanying software to divide the overall picture into segments and partially compensate for its curvilinearity. Built-in infrared illumination boosts night visibility to 7.5 meters. The weak point of the EZVIZ Mini Pano is power supply via the microUSB interface.

We continue our rating with an inexpensive, simplest IP camera for organizing round-the-clock video surveillance, for example, for a small child or a bed patient. The design of the model is not devoid of a certain amount of grace, so it will not seem to be a foreign object either in an office or a medical institution, or in the conditions of a private house.The kit includes sticky magnetic stickers, and the chamber module is simply removed from the plastic frame, so fixing IPEYE-T1-ALRW-01 on a suitable iron base will not be difficult. IR illumination provides visibility up to 5 m in the dark. Recording can be made on a memory card, recorder or on a cloud service. There is a two-way audio connection, and the microphone of the camera is always on. The main disadvantages of the model are low resolution, USB power and an outdated version of Wi-Fi.

An inexpensive internal megapixel dome-type camera that can work in HD-TVI and CVBS standards. Moreover, their switching is implemented very simply - with the help of a pair of wires that need to be closed between themselves for the broadcast of a normal signal. Please note that in this mode (with an outdated format), the picture from the camera can be output to almost any TV. Features of execution allow to use DS-T101 even in not heated rooms. The device is interesting low price and Smart-backlit. The latter is able to adjust the brightness of the IR LEDs, depending on the distance to the object being monitored. In general, a good super budget camera for video surveillance.