Hardware specifications of an IP camera

First of all we are going to talk about the main specifications at the hardware level. Here you will find quite a few differences, since there are IP cameras with a very wide price range. You will find them from 20-30 € to more than 300. Depending on what you need, you will opt for one or the other.

Image resolution

One of the main characteristics that you should observe is image quality. A camera that can record in HD at 1080 is not the same as another that only records 480, for example. The difference can be more than remarkable and depending on why you need the camera, you are going to have to acquire one or the other.

Ideally today, at least have recording on Full HD 1080p. This means that the image quality is high definition. You're going to get sharper vision, especially if you need to zoom. If you just want it to control your pet on a general plane and see that everything is fine, really less would be worth it too.

Connectivity

Another key factor will be the connectivity of the surveillance camera. ¿Can you connect it by Ethernet cable? ¿Does it allow wireless connections? All this you must take into account. Maybe what you are looking for is that the camera can be connected by WIFI to the router and in this way be able to have access from other equipment or that is linked to other devices.

In the event that it is a Wi-Fi camera, which has a wireless connection, you should also look at which band can connect. Normally you are going to connect it to the 2.4 GHz band, since you really are not going to need a great speed and it is the one that provides more stability when you connect it away from the router. However, there are some that are double band and you can also use the 5 GHz frequency.

Water resistant

This will mainly depend on where you are going to place the IP camera. If you're going to be home, this point probably doesn't matter to you. You won't need it to be waterproof unless it gets wet by accident. On the other hand, if you are going to place the surveillance camera outside, in a patio for example, it will be essential that you have this feature.

Here you have to take into account that you have to take into account that there are different certifications. It is not the same as being waterproof and protecting against dust, as it is completely waterproof. At least it has to be IP66, which allows the chamber to be protected against abundant water. If it is IP67, it can even be submerged so it will further withstand inclement weather.

Recording angle or movement

Recording angle is another important hardware feature in a surveillance camera. It will be the ability you have to capture a more or less wide image. Some have a very limited frame, which would be ideal if you only want to record a specific area, such as a door, while others have a wide angle and allows to catch much more.

In addition, some devices also have integrated movement. You will be able to turn the camera to the sides if necessary. This will give you an even greater ability to record a large space. Very useful if, for example, you are recording an animal and it has been placed elsewhere.

Security features

Beyond the hardware specifications of the camera, you also have to focus on the security. After all, it is a device that we are going to use to protect our home or a company. It is important that it has different characteristics that can be useful.

Movement detection

An important security feature for an IP camera is that it has motion detection. Basically it means that it will detect strange movements in a room or where the device is located. For example, if a thief enters, if a door opens, if your pet has left where it is, etc.

That motion detection occurs in real time, allowing you to react immediately. You will launch a warning if there is something strange. For example a message to the mobile, a notification through an application, etc. A quick way to see what happens and to be able to call the police in the event of an attempted robbery, for example.

Bidirectional audio

You should also see if the Wi-Fi camera you are going to buy has bidirectional audio or not. Is another interesting factor for safety, since you will be able to hear what happens in the place where you have it installed, but you will also be able to communicate from the other side, launch an alarm signal, etc.

In the case of pet care it is also very useful. You will be able to hear if a dog barks, for example. But it is also especially so for the security of a home or office. You will be able to detect any suspicious sounds and act in the shortest possible time.

Cloud recording

There are models of webcams that allow recording for a certain amount of time and store in the cloud. This is useful if you want to see what happened during your absence, if there has been a robbery and you need evidence for the police or any circumstance in which you need to access the videos.

IP cameras usually have a SD card to store the recordings. However, other models also store it in the cloud and in this way you can access the content from wherever you are.

Control from mobile

It is also interesting to be able to access the webcam of mobile surveillance. This will allow you to have greater control, be able to move the camera, stop recording, make sound, etc. In this way you can control it from anywhere, since you only need an Internet connection.

More and more models have this feature. Simply from the application you will find everything you need and you will not have to be physically where the camera is and put the memory card on a computer, for example.

Night vision

¿Do you need night vision? It is another security feature that can be interesting when acquiring an IP camera. This will allow record at night and can monitor a home or office even if there is no light. It is very useful if the objective of that Wi-Fi camera is to protect a building 24 hours.

Now, not all cameras record the same at night. It is important that you look at the distance at which it can work. There are from just 10 meters to more than 50. It will depend on where you are going to place it and the needs you have.

In short, these are the main characteristics that you must observe if you are going to buy an IP camera to monitor a home or company. We have shown some specifications at the hardware level, but also others focused on security. You have a wide range of options available.