🎦 IP camera with Wi-Fi for the house

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Traditionally, IP-cameras under understood category of devices, which in its transmission algorithm does not convert them into an analog signal and gives it as it is - in digital form. But this is not their main feature. IP set-top box in the title indicates that the data can be transmitted directly or compression of digital channels using the IP protocol.

The lack of data transformation to an analog signal opens up great opportunities for use. In particular, it is possible to use higher resolution and frame rate of any convenient. Naturally, the IP-cameras can be used remotely to scale video surveillance system, if necessary.

Advantages and disadvantages of IP cameras

First, about the benefits. Since the image of the receipt of data from the matrix and before accepting the device output remains digital, it can be used for intelligent digital adjustment of picture quality algorithms. That is, even the camera itself can be a very fine-tuned under any shooting conditions. Digital also allowed to get rid of unnecessary overhead signal transformation from the matrix to analog and then back to display on the monitor. The benefits can also be attributed, and the possibility of digital signal compression, which saves space on the media and transmit it over the network faster.

And finally - the opportunity to work with the camera from anywhere in the world with access to the Internet. On the merits, perhaps, everything.

Now a little about the shortcomings. IP Camera - network devices with its own IP address, so, and access from the outside. Therefore, if the wrong security settings, and information received from the cameras can be made available to third parties. That is, the barrier to entry for a simple user is greatly improved, and requires him to at least basic knowledge of how to configure security access. Next, the individual IP camera is much more expensive than its analog counterpart. However, the scale of bulk video surveillance systems, taking into account the future expansion, layout, and all the necessary equipment, IP-cameras in the complex cheaper. And finally, some of the configuration of video surveillance systems involve video compression for transmission, which imposes restrictions on the equipment used.

How to choose IP camera with Wi-Fi for the house

IP-camera - one of the types of devices, which, because of their complexity, as well as a huge selection of variants, has an extensive list of parameters and characteristics. Even experienced users are not always easy to immediately recognize that for a model in front of him, what it can do. So now we will see exactly what the characteristics of IP cameras need to look for when choosing.

Basic specifications

Important characteristics of which will depend on the image quality, only two: the matrix and the lens. At first a little bit about matrices. If just this set of light-sensitive elements that are in contact with them, the light generates an electrical signal, and then forming the overall picture. Physically, a small mesh sizes from ¼ to 2/3 inch.

Each cell represents one photosensitive member and a set of electronic components. And such cells can be several million, depending on the resolution of the camera. The matrix size has a value - the larger the area, the more light it catches and has less interference due to the less dense placement of pixels. Do not forget about the resolution of the camera. The number of cells - this is the resolution that can be stated in the specifications, such as 2592 × 1944. The higher the value, the more detailed the picture is.

Differ matrix and reading type. CCD-matrix data are sequentially read out, line by line, pixel by pixel. CMOS-matrix read randomly. Logically, the CMOS operates much faster, which is important for cameras with high resolution and high frame rates. In general, the market for modern videogadzhetov you are unlikely to meet the CCD-matrix. Most manufacturers have gone over to clear CMOS. It remains only to determine the best value for the resolution and size. But there is another option - photosensitivity. If your fingers - that is the minimum rate of illumination sufficient to produce an image on a matrix. In general, this parameter can be offset mechanisms used in switching modes "Day / Night", as well as the use of infrared light. It should be noted that the sensitivity - is a relative setting that is best determined by comparing images from different cameras. The fact that the specifications can be specified, taking into account the different conditions - light level, focal length, the lens and other things.

With lenses it is very simple. Wide angle may cover a larger viewing area. This variant is suitable for organizing outdoor surveillance. On viewing angle affects the focal length. That is, the distance from the center of the lens to the sensor. The smaller the focal length, the wider the viewing angle. On most cost IP-based cameras focal length is fixed. Expensive models may have a motorized lens that is capable of changing the focal length and, accordingly, to adjust the picture. In general, the rule is simple: we need a clear and detailed picture - choose a narrow viewing angle is important large coverage area - wide.

Also pay attention to the material from which the lens. There are two common options: plastic and glass.

Features and capabilities

Start, first of all, stands with PoE technology - Power over Ethernet. That is, the current supply technology for the devices via twisted pair cable in an Ethernet-type networks. If your camera supports the PoE, and a network model allows it, the device receives almost complete autonomy. have nothing else to connect, you just connect the cable.

The user can be useful and support WDR or HDR - technology of dynamic range. They allow the camera to adjust the levels of black and white on the frame with a large difference in luminance.

Of the extra comforts you can select the built-in support for cloud services to store the video directly to a remote hosting. This is useful for cameras with a motion sensor that allows you to record data only when in the "field of view" devices with moving subjects.

And, of course, support the wireless network. It immediately and plus and minus IP-cameras. Positive moment in that at small distances can deploy the entire network cameras on a single router dreary without wires and connections. The negative side is that autonomy requires sacrifice, and in our case - the power. No cable, so will either be powered from the battery, which is inconvenient, or from a central network.

By the presence of IR illumination and light, and motion sensors

Infrared illumination allows you to shoot in the dark. Current option for the clock surveillance of protected objects. The specifications of the manufacturers usually indicate illumination distance in meters. You can choose a model to suit your needs exactly.

Light sensor is closely related to IR. It is part of an automatic transfer system in the "day / night". The sensor is triggered when a certain level of illumination, translating camera at "night" mode and including infrared illumination, or vice versa.

With regard to the motion sensor, this function helps to save time and cost of video storage. Apply this equipment is only at the sites and in areas with low permeability: Industrial workshop, warehouse, yard of a private house, a room in the apartment. When a static picture camera just "looks" are not recorded. Once the movement starts, then recording starts, and the information is stored on said carrier. Sometimes it is very convenient.

Management objective and the connection with your smartphone

Since the camera at us IP, then it always can be accessed from the network. If the developer does not bother to establish a user-friendly application to control, it is possible to access the camera from a regular browser of your smartphone. Actually, there are now plenty of versatile applications that allow you to connect to any cameras, knowing their address, username and password.

But to control the lens by changing the focal length, the camera must be able itself. In addition, once understood remote control, the lens has to be motorized, and thus have more power in addition. Such cameras are more expensive and can be used for specific objects. For example, in car parks, when you need to see the number of the car in the distance.

Microphone

A rare option, as in most surveillance systems do not demand. More often than not simply an image. Sound is more important for the various checkpoints when you need to ask your password, the purpose of the visit or something else.

Anti-vandal protection

Despite the fact that many of the villains are aware of how to construct IP-cameras, and they know that they are writing a video somewhere on the server, and they still are trying to break. Especially for these people invented vandal-proof camera with shock-resistant housing.

I wonder what this camera is capable of withstanding quite a few strong blows with a hammer, and even then, be able to continue recording their dirt on the bully. These models are quite expensive and are installed in places terrain without human health, for example, in the doorways of houses.

Popular IP cameras with Wi-Fi

We chose several popular camera models, with features and prices. Perhaps someone is useful in the selection.

Dummy camera

Sometimes the appearance of security did no worse than the security. Dummy cameras can be used as a preventive measure. On Aliekspress can find models from 300 rubles, even with blinking LEDs for the species. Interestingly, this approach often works, and reduces the number of crime without any extra costs.

Zodiak 730 Junior

Inexpensive camera for 4000 rubles. At the same time, it is equipped with a turning device, built-in speaker and microphone. Suitable for home or office use. You can also use the camera as baby monitors, placing it on a table or ceiling. In night mode, the device can "see" by 12 meters. The matrix size is a quarter of an inch at 1280 × 720. To work directly with the cloud chamber can not, but you can connect it to your phone, computer, or video recording on a flash drive. It can be rotated both horizontally and vertically.

IP camera Zodiak 730 Junior

Zodikam 3951-WPTZ

This camera is suitable for video surveillance in the street, for example, in a private house. The truth is very cold regions do not get to use it - the declared threshold minimum temperature is only -30 ° C. Night camera finishes infrared light rays 15-20 m. The matrix has a third of an inch in size. A maximum resolution is 1280 × 720. Buy a device can be for 12,000 rubles.

IP Camera Zodikam 3951-WPTZ

Hiwatch DS-I114W

Home camera for 6000 rubles. A fixed lens with a focal length of 2.8 mm. The maximum resolution of 1280 × 720 matrix size of a quarter inch. The camera is versatile - can use the wired and wireless network. Data is written to a USB flash drive capacity of up to 128 MB. It is worth noting PoE technology present in the model.

IP-camera HiWatch DS-I114W

Finally it is worth noting that now the IP camera selection results in an adventure with the search of all possible characteristics and properties. Ruthless marketing adds to the fire even more oil. In pursuit of large numbers, manufacturers began to specify parameters and characteristics more favorable for their conditions. And when the user, after reviewing all the submitted characteristics, already almost convinced that the selected device is the best, in-depth testing are clarified hidden unpleasant nuances. Of course, you need to know how to construct the chamber, which affects the major indices to build on this knowledge. But the choice should also be supported, and a comparative analysis between a large number of different models. In the comments, you can tell us about your experience with IP-cameras.