IP security cameras
IP cameras keep getting better – and cheaper. Dave Mitchell tests four options.
Not many businesses can afford to hire a squad of security guards to sit and keep constant watch over their premises, but an IP camera can do the same job for a very modest price. Indeed, the very presence of a camera serves as an effective deterrent to opportunist thieves – and could even reduce your insurance premiums.
Today’s IP cameras are versatile too, so if you’re picturing a chunky Big Brother-style CCTV enclosure, think again. Many of the latest models come in palm-sized packages, which can be strategically positioned exactly where you need them – indoors or out. And despite their size, high-definition image quality is the norm; you won’t end up with blurred or grainy images.
It’s no wonder that businesses of all sizes are investing in IP security cameras, and this is helpfully driving prices down. Even if you’re on a tight budget, a smart, comprehensive security system isn’t out of reach.
This month, we test IP cameras from some of the biggest names in the business – Axis, D-Link, Lilin and Samsung – representing a range of features and camera types, right up to 4K Ultra HD. First, though, here’s what you need to know to pick the perfect IP camera for your business.
Be safe, be secure
Before you install your first IP camera, there are some issues you need to be aware of. For one, GDPR includes requirements relating to captured footage: you must ensure that any video recording devices are securely locked away, and that access to them is restricted and backed up with a written logbook. There are numerous other principles you need to follow, covering things such as appropriate usage and visible signage: see pcpro. link/287cctv for a rundown of the legal issues.
Then there’s the security side of things. You’ll need to make sure your camera’s firmware is regularly updated, and protect the default administrative account with a strong password – some cameras come out of the box with no password, or an easily guessed default password.
It’s also wise to buy from a brand you trust. You will see plenty of dirt cheap, no-name cameras on eBay and similar sites, but there’s no way to be sure that the system software is secure, or that it will ever be updated to patch vulnerabilities. It’s smarter to buy from a big name, with a concrete presence and a reputation to uphold.
Video games
Cheap 720p cameras can be had for less than £40, but we suggest you aim higher than that: a higher-resolution camera can cover a wider area, and the extra detail allows you to zoom in for a clearer, sharper view of specific parts of the image, which could be terrifically valuable in the event of a break-in or burglary.
Raising your budget to £200 gives you a good choice of business-grade 1080p cameras, which are ideal for general office surveillance. Note that not all 1080p cameras will have the same field of view, however – that’s down to the manufacturer’s choice of lens. If you want to monitor large areas such as factory floors, shops and lobbies, check that the camera’s horizontal and vertical field of view are wide enough.
For even more detail, especially if you have one camera covering a wide area, you may want to step up to a 4MP camera with a native resolution of 2,560 x 1,440. You can even go right up to 4K: as you’ll see on the pages that follow, such cameras deliver exceptional image quality. However, they’re expensive, and excessive for small office surveillance duties.
Camera formats
IP cameras come in a few different physical shapes and sizes. For indoor surveillance, the dome camera is one of the most popular designs: this has the lens mounted in an adjustable housing inside a plastic or metal casing, allowing it to be fitted on a wall or ceiling. The most compact “mini-dome” models are remarkably small, making them a good choice for discreet surveillance.
Bullet cameras, by contrast, are very visible – some might say that’s a benefit – but their cylindrical housing is easy to weatherproof, which makes them ideal for monitoring outdoor areas. It’s also possible to mount infrared LED illuminators around the lens, so they can see in the dark.
If you’re choosing a camera for outdoor use, check that it has a minimum IP65 ingress protection rating, so it won’t get ruined by rain and dust. IP66 is better for exposed locations, as this means the camera can withstand power jets of water. If you’re worried about vandals, look for cameras with an IK mechanical impact rating – IK10 is the highest.
Browser blues
Once your camera is in place, you’ll want some way to watch its video stream. This is normally done in a browser – but not all cameras work equally well with all browsers. If you want the best compatibility, look for a camera with a modern HTML5 web interface. Otherwise you’ll likely have to choose between a H.264 and Motion JPEG (MJPEG) stream: the former is more efficient in terms of network usage, but it doesn’t work with Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome. You may end up having to dust off Internet Explorer 11 in order to view your H.264 camera feeds.
Most cameras also come bundled with dedicated viewing and recording software, but you can use third-party surveillance tools if you prefer. Milestone’s xProtect Essential+ is one of our favourite options: it’s free for up to eight cameras, supports unlimited recordings and worked fine with all the four cameras we tested this month.
Camera power
Most business-class cameras support Power over Ethernet (PoE); this is a great convenience, allowing you to locate your cameras wherever you want using a single cable, and without being constrained by the location of a power socket.
If you don’t already have a PoE infrastructure, you can purchase little mains-powered injector boxes – also called “midspans” – that add power to an Ethernet connection and cost as little as £25. For larger deployments, it’s more economical (and practical) to invest in a powered switch that lets you run multiple PoE devices from a single power socket.
Whether you’re shopping for a complete surveillance system or just something to watch over the shop floor, there’s an IP camera solution for every business. On the following pages, we’ve tested four quite different models at prices to suit every pocket – so read on to see which one fits your requirements best.