🎦 IP Camera with Wi-Fi for Home

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Traditionally, IP cameras are understood as a category of devices that, in their data transfer algorithm, does not convert them into an analog signal, but gives everything as it is - in digital form. But this is not their main feature. The prefix IP in the name means that data can be transmitted directly or with compression over digital channels using the IP protocol.

The lack of data transformation into an analog signal opens up great opportunities for use. In particular, you can use high resolutions and any convenient frame rate. Naturally, IP cameras can be used remotely, if necessary, scaling the video surveillance system.

Advantages and disadvantages of IP cameras

First, about the benefits. Since the image from the moment of receiving data from the matrix and before receiving on the output device remains digital, you can use intelligent digital algorithms. That is, even the camera itself can be very finely tuned for any shooting conditions. The figure also made it possible to get rid of the unnecessary overhead of converting the signal from the matrix to analog, and then back to display on the monitor. The advantages also include the ability to compress the digital signal, which saves storage space and faster transmission over the network.

And finally - the ability to work with the camera from anywhere in the world with Internet access. With dignity, perhaps everything.

Now a little about the disadvantages. IP cameras are network devices that have their own IP address, which means access from the outside. Therefore, if the security settings are incorrect, the information received from the cameras may become available to third parties. That is, the entry threshold for a simple user is significantly increased and requires at least basic knowledge of setting up secure access from him. Further, a separately taken IP camera is much more expensive than its analog counterpart. However, in the scale of a volumetric video surveillance system, taking into account future expansion, layout, and all the necessary equipment, IP cameras in the complex are cheaper. And finally, some configurations of video surveillance systems imply compression of video data for transmission, which imposes restrictions on the equipment used.

How to choose an IP camera with Wi-Fi for your home

An IP camera is one of the types of devices, which, due to its complexity, as well as a huge selection of design options, has an extensive list of parameters and characteristics. Even an experienced user is not always easy to immediately recognize what kind of model is in front of him, what it is capable of. Therefore, now we will analyze in detail what characteristics of IP cameras you need to pay attention to when choosing.

Main technical characteristics

There are only two important characteristics on which the picture quality will depend: the matrix and the lens. First, a little about matrices. To put it simply, this is a set of light-sensitive elements that, when light hits them, generate an electrical signal, which then forms an overall picture. Physically, it is a small mesh measuring ¼ to 2/3 inches.

Each cell consists of one photosensitive element and a set of electronic components. And there can be several million such cells, depending on the resolution of the camera. The size of the matrix matters - the larger the area, the more light it picks up and has less interference due to the less dense placement of pixels. Don't forget about the camera resolution. The number of cells is the resolution, which can be specified in the characteristics, for example, 2592 × 1944. The higher the value, the more detailed the picture will be.

Matrices are also distinguished by the type of reading. CCDs read data sequentially, line by line, pixel by pixel. CMOS matrices are read randomly. It is logical that CMOS works an order of magnitude faster, which is very important for cameras with high resolution and high frame rates. In general, on the market of modern video gadgets, you are unlikely to find CCD-matrices. Most manufacturers have completely switched to CMOS. It remains only to determine the best ratio of resolution and size. But there is one more parameter - light sensitivity. If on the fingers, then this is the minimum illumination indicator sufficient to obtain an image on the matrix. In general, this parameter can be leveled by the used mechanisms of switching to the "day / night" modes, as well as the use of infrared illumination. It should be noted that light sensitivity is a relative parameter that is best determined by comparing images from different cameras. The fact is that technical characteristics can be specified taking into account different conditions - light level, focal length, lens and others.

Lenses are very simple. Wide angle can cover a large viewing area. This option is suitable for organizing outdoor video surveillance. The angle of view is affected by the focal length. That is, the distance from the center of the lens to the sensor. The shorter the focal length, the wider the angle of view. Most budget IP cameras have a fixed focal length. More expensive models can have a motorized lens that can change the focal length and, accordingly, adjust the picture. In general, the rule is simple: you need a detailed and clear picture - choose a narrow viewing angle, a large coverage area is important - a wide one.

It is also worth paying attention to the material from which the lenses are made. There are two common options here: plastic and glass.

By functions and capabilities

First of all, it's worth starting with PoE technology - Power over Ethernet. That is, the technology of supplying current for devices through twisted pair in Ethernet networks. If the camera supports PoE, and the network model allows it, then the device gets almost complete autonomy. You don't need anything else to connect, just plug in the cable.

The user may also need support for WDR or HDR - dynamic range technology. They allow the camera to correct black and white levels in shots with a large difference in light.

Additional conveniences include built-in support for cloud services for saving video directly to remote hosting. This is convenient for cameras with a motion sensor, which allows data to be recorded only when a moving object enters the "field of view" of the device.

And, of course, wireless network support. This is both a plus and a minus of IP cameras. The good news is that with small distances, you can deploy a whole network of cameras on one router without wires and dreary connections. The downside is that autonomy requires sacrifice, and in our case, nutrition. There is no cable, so you will have to power it either from the battery, which is inconvenient, or from the central network.

By the presence of IR illumination and light and motion sensors

Infrared illumination allows you to take pictures in the dark. An up-to-date option for video surveillance of 24-hour guarded objects. In the specifications, manufacturers usually indicate the backlight range in meters. You can choose a model just for your tasks.

The light sensor is closely related to IR illumination. It is part of the automatic day / night system. The sensor is triggered at a certain level of illumination, switching the camera to the "night" mode and turning on the IR illumination, or vice versa.

As for the motion sensor, this function helps to save time and costs for storing video data. It is worth using this equipment only on objects and in rooms with low traffic: an industrial workshop, a warehouse, a courtyard of a private house, a room in an apartment. With a static picture, the camera simply "looks" without recording. As soon as the movement begins, recording is immediately turned on, and the information is saved to the specified carrier. This is sometimes very convenient.

Lens control and smartphone communication

Since we have an IP camera, we always have access to it from the network. If the developer is not worried about creating a convenient application for control, then it is quite possible to access the camera through the standard smartphone browser. Actually, now there are a lot of universal applications that allow you to connect to any cameras, knowing their address, login and password.

But the camera itself should be able to control the lens by changing the focal length. In addition, since remote control is meant, the lens must be motorized, which means it must also have additional power. These cameras are more expensive and can be used in special facilities. For example, in parking lots, when you need to make out the license plate in the distance.

Microphone

Quite a rare option, since it is not in demand in most video surveillance systems. More often than not, a simple image is sufficient. The sound is more relevant for various checkpoints, when you need to ask for a password, the purpose of the visit, or something else.

Anti-vandal protection

Despite the fact that many villains are aware of how IP cameras work, and know that they are writing videos somewhere on the server, they are still trying to break them. Anti-vandal cameras with a shock-resistant body have been invented especially for such people.

Interestingly, such a camera is quite capable of withstanding several strong hammer blows and, even after that, will be able to continue to record its compromising evidence on the bully. These models are quite expensive and are installed in places of high traffic without human protection, for example, in the entrances of residential buildings.

Popular IP cameras with Wi-Fi

We have selected several popular camera models, with specifications and prices. Perhaps it will come in handy for someone in their choice.

Dummy camera

Sometimes the appearance of security is no worse than security itself. Dummy cameras can be used as a preventive measure. On Aliexpress, you can find models from 300 rubles, even with LEDs blinking for a view. Interestingly, this approach works very often and allows you to reduce the number of offenses at no extra cost.

Zodiak 730 Junior

Inexpensive camera for 4000 rubles. At the same time, it is equipped with a rotary device, built-in speaker and microphone. Suitable for home or office use. You can also use the camera as a baby monitor by placing it on a table or ceiling. In night mode, the device "sees" at 12 meters. The matrix size is a quarter of an inch at a resolution of 1280 × 720. The camera cannot work with the cloud directly, but you can connect it to a smartphone, computer or record video to a USB flash drive. It can rotate both horizontally and vertically.

IP camera Zodiak 730 Junior

Zodikam 3951-WPTZ

This camera is suitable for organizing video surveillance on the street, for example, in a private house. True, in especially cold regions it will not work to use it - the declared threshold of the minimum temperature is only -30 ° C. At night, the camera finishes with beams of infrared illumination at 15-20 m. The matrix has a size of a third of an inch. And the maximum resolution is 1280 × 720. You can buy the device for 12,000 rubles.

IP camera Zodikam 3951-WPTZ

Hiwatch DS-I114W

Home camera for 6,000 rubles. Has a fixed lens with a focal length of 2.8 mm. Maximum resolution of 1280 × 720 in a quarter-inch matrix. The camera is versatile - it can use a wired and wireless network. Data is written to a USB flash drive up to 128 MB. It is worth noting the PoE technology present in the model.

IP ‑ video camera HiWatch DS ‑ I114W

Finally, it is worth noting that now the choice of an IP camera is turning into a whole adventure with an enumeration of all possible characteristics and properties. Merciless marketing adds even more fuel to this fire. In pursuit of large numbers, manufacturers began to indicate parameters and characteristics in more favorable conditions for them. And when the user, having studied all the provided characteristics, is almost already convinced that the chosen device is the best, in-depth testing reveals hidden unpleasant nuances. Of course, you need to know how the cameras are arranged, what the main indicators depend on in order to build on this knowledge. But the choice must also be supported by comparative analysis between a large number of different models. In the comments, you can share your experience with IP cameras.