Advice on choosing surveillance cameras for outdoor environments

NGÀY ĐĂNG 17/09/2025

Admin

In an era where security is a top priority, equipping surveillance cameras has become an essential solution for many families and businesses. Especially, with the volatile outdoor environment, choosing a suitable camera not only requires sharp recording ability but also requires incredible durability to withstand rain, sun, dirt or extreme temperatures. How to choose the ideal "guardian" that can operate effectively 24/7, regardless of weather conditions? This article will provide you with in-depth advice, from technical standards to smart features, to help you make the most informed decision for your outdoor surveillance system.

Important criteria when choosing an outdoor camera

Criteria Important factors when choosing a surveillance camera for outdoor environments include:

Weather resistance (IP Standard):

1. • IP66: Completely dustproof and can withstand strong water jets from all directions (suitable for heavy rain, sprinklers).

   • IP67: Completely dustproof and can can be immersed in water at a depth of 1 meter for 30 minutes (suitable for environments that may be temporarily flooded).

   • Temperature resistance: Ensures the camera operates well in a wide temperature range, suitable for the climate of the installation area (eg: from -30°C to 60°C).

Image quality and Resolution:

• High resolution: You should choose a camera with a resolution of Full HD (1080p), 2MP or higher (3MP, 4MP, 2K, 4K) to have sharp, detailed images, easy to identify objects and Zoom in when needed.
• Night vision:

• • Infrared (IR): Helps record black and white images in low light or no light conditions. The longer the infrared range, the better (minimum 10m, ideal 25m - 50m).

  • Full Color (with color at night): Some cameras integrate LED lights or Starlight technology to allow color recording at night, providing more detailed and vivid images.

• Processing technology Image: WDR/BLC (backlight compensation) and 3D DNR (noise reduction) help improve image quality in difficult lighting conditions.

Viewing angle and control capabilities:

• Wide viewing angle: Helps cover large spaces, reducing the number of cameras required to be installed.

• PTZ (Pan-Tilt-Zoom) camera: Has the ability to rotate horizontally, vertically and zoom in remotely, very useful for monitoring the whole scene and tracking moving objects.

Connection method and storage:

• Wired camera (Analog/IP): Stable signal, high image quality, suitable for large systems and high security requirements.

• Wireless camera (Wi-Fi): Easy to install, flexible, aesthetic, but depends on Wi-Fi signal and has may be interrupted.

• Storage capacity: Supports MicroSD card, NVR/DVR recorder or Cloud Storage to ensure data is recorded and stored safely.

Other smart and convenient features:

• Motion detection and alert: Automatically record and Send notifications when unusual motion is detected.

• Object discrimination: Ability to distinguish people, vehicles, pets to reduce false alarms.

• 2-way conversation: Allows communication via camera.

• Set up surveillance zones, virtual fences: Helps detect intrusion into specific areas.

Common mistakes when choosing outdoor cameras

I. Mistakes in choosing equipment

1. Choosing the wrong type of camera (indoor camera for outdoor)

• Consequences: Indoor cameras are not designed to withstand harsh weather conditions such as rain, sun, dust, high/low temperatures. This will cause the device to quickly break down, reduce its lifespan and not ensure stable operation.

• Solution: Always prioritize cameras with high IP standards (IP66, IP67) to ensure effective water and dust resistance.

2. Ignore night vision or choose poor quality

• Consequences: A camera without infrared or weak infrared will give a dark image, not seeing anything clearly at night, losing the most important monitoring effect.

• Solution: Choose a camera with far infrared vision or Full Color technology (with color at night) to ensure clear images in all lighting conditions.

3. Choosing too low a resolution

• Consequences: Blurry images, lack of detail, difficult to facial recognition or license plate recognition, especially when zooming in to extract evidence.

• Solution: You should choose a camera with a resolution of Full HD (1080p) or higher (2MP, 3MP, 4MP, 2K, 4K) to ensure sharpness.

4. Not paying attention to anti-backlight capability (WDR/BLC)

• Consequences: If the camera is facing the direction of strong light source (such as sunrise/sunset, headlights), the image will be dazzling, dark in other areas, can not see clearly.

• Solution: Choose a camera with WDR (Wide Dynamic Range) or BLC (Backlight Compensation) feature to balance the light, helping the image to be clearer in conditions of light difference.

II. Errors in the process installation process

1. Installing the camera in the wrong position

• Too high: Makes it difficult for the camera to capture details of faces and license plates.

• Too low: Easily accessible, vandalized or covered by thieves.

• Facing a strong light source: Causes backlighting, blurring the image (as mentioned above).

• Yes Obstructions: Trees, poles, and eaves can block the camera's view, creating "blind spots". Pay attention to possible future obstructions (growing trees).

• Outside the Wi-Fi coverage area (for wireless cameras): Causes unstable connections, lag, and even loss of connection.

• Solution: Choose an installation location that wide field of view, few obstacles, avoid direct light sources, and ensure within a stable Wi-Fi range (if it is a wireless camera). Install at a moderate height so that it is both difficult to reach and captures good details.

2. Ignoring system security

• Consequences: Leaving the manufacturer's default password or setting a password that is too easy to guess is an "invitation" for hackers to break into the system, steal data, or even take control of the camera.

• Solution: Always change the default password immediately after installation, use a strong password (including uppercase, lowercase, numbers, special characters) and change it periodically.

3. Untidy wiring or using poor quality wires

• Consequences: Exposed signal wires or power wires are easily broken, bitten by rats, or short-circuited due to environmental impacts. Poor quality wires can cause signal interference, reduce image quality, or lose connection.

• Solution: Use waterproof, fireproof, and rodent-proof conduit to protect the wires. Choose a specialized wire for outdoor cameras, with good quality.

III. Mistakes in management and maintenance

1. Not checking and maintaining regularly

• Consequences: The lens is covered with dust and spider webs, blurring the image. The storage system is full, making it impossible to record new data. The cable is loose or damaged. Infrared weakens over time.

• Solution: Schedule regular camera inspections and cleaning (e.g. every 6 months), check the condition of the wiring, power supply, and storage capacity.

2. Relying solely on cameras without other security measures

• Consequences: Cameras are a monitoring tool, but not a Comprehensive security solution. Relying only on cameras and ignoring other measures such as strong door locks, alarm systems, fences... can can still put your property at risk.

• Solution: Combine cameras with other security solutions to create an effective multi-layered protection system.

Suggestions for some popular outdoor camera lines

1. i-PRO (Panasonic Security) – Japan

i-PRO provides specialized camera lines for harsh environments, integrated with advanced AI, high protection standards, suitable for professional surveillance and smart city.

Advantages:

• Multi-layer AI, classifying objects by order real-time.

• Rugged design, works well in harsh environments.

• Support ONVIF, easy to integrate into large systems.

2. Bosch Security – Germany

Bosch features Starlight technology, built-in AI, and superior weatherproof design. Suitable for professional security systems, urban surveillance, airports, factories, etc. máy.

Advantages:

• Technology Starlight filming rõ even in very low light.

• High durability, stable in central systems.

• Advanced AI analysis: crowd recognition, intrusion, human flow...