The video surveillance kit obeys either analog technology or IP technology. If suspicious movements are detected, some models emit an alarm to signal the intrusion.
This comparative guide is based on the synthesis of test results carried out by independent laboratories, as well as the analysis of comments and opinions issued by consumers on the best surveillance cameras.
The best surveillance security camera models today are available around a range of technologies that allow them to capture images electronically, and transmit them, without delay, via a computer network.
Through this network, the camera is able to exchange digital data with a computer, tablet or mobile phone connected to the network signal.
The user receives the images filmed live, and can even control the transmission as he wishes. He can also save them on a hard drive, or share them with other users.
Long reserved for the security of companies or institutions, surveillance cameras are increasingly being used in homes, especially if they are linked to a videophone or intercoms.
Can be wired or non-wired, the best models are intended for your interior or your exterior. In the second case, the material must be weatherproof.
In addition, these simple to install and configure video surveillance equipment have multiple functionalities, they can have alarms, LED projectors or 360° rotating lenses. Some can be used as a baby monitor, a device for monitoring an animal, while others offer facial recognition.
In addition, the use of the best video surveillance devices is enhanced by intuitive, rich and ergonomic applications.
In a word, the offer offered by the different brands is very wide and allows you to select a surveillance camera adapted to your budget and your needs.
We specify in this comparative guide that there are, above all, two main categories of surveillance cameras:
Within these two main categories, we find:
Infrared cameras: these are mostly outdoor surveillance cameras, equipped with motion detectors that trigger lighting as soon as a presence is detected in the dark. Light emitting diodes are arranged around the lens of the device to pick up heat waves from a person and transmit the black and white images.
Day/night cameras: they are very intuitive and automatically switch to day or night mode, depending on the light level.
Mini-domes: fairly discreet and motorized surveillance cameras that blend into the decor to film discreetly. They are often qualified as spy cameras.
In this part of our description it is a question of reporting the different criteria of the tests, or the objects of the tests carried out on the products, as well as the expected results to select the best models of surveillance camera.
The quality of the image is defined by the display resolution, expressed in pixels (a resolution of 1600 x 1200 pixels is equivalent to a very good image quality).
The synthesis of the tests carried out in independent laboratories on the detection systems of several brands of cameras revealed some minor malfunctions.
If you have a pet, it is best to integrate a detection zone into your equipment, in order to avoid unwanted triggering. It is imperative to use sound detection systems for isolated or frequently uninhabited houses.
The degree of brightness of a surveillance camera is very important for optimal rendering of images. It is between 0 and 50,000 lux, and declines in total darkness. It is best to check that your camera incorporates infrared light in order to film in the dark.
It varies depending on the desired viewing angle. The wider the latter, the wider the surveillance scene you get.
Very important in the case of cameras to be used outdoors, the tightness is checked via the protection index of the equipment. The higher it is, the better the camera is weatherproof.
The function is useful for repositioning a camera remotely from a tablet or smartphone. But according to the opinions and tests, it is necessary to put things into perspective a little, because the latency times are often important and do not allow in all cases to follow live an individual moving in the field of vision of the camera.
User reviews are rather unfavorable on the subject of cameras that store images on micro-SD media. In the event of vandalism or theft, the owner no longer has access to the videos.
In addition, the various tests reveal that the images, in this case, are less good or are limited to a few sequences. In this comparison, we recommend a camera model that saves data in the manufacturer’s cloud.
They stem for the most part from the opinions and comments made by customers.
The failures reported in consumer reviews boil down to problems with frequent loss of connection for most camera models.
Surveillance equipment is sometimes “unavailable” when trying to access the video stream. There is no image to display, or the user receives notifications informing them that their connection is temporarily interrupted.
Fortunately, these devices are not the majority on the market. Many manufacturers now allow you to use their surveillance camera model without paying a penny more. However, access to additional services is chargeable.
Admittedly, it is difficult to find a more efficient security and protection system than that offered by surveillance cameras. However, some clever alternatives exist. In this case, the Kiwatch system, which is a concept using the same detection tools as in the case of a surveillance camera.
This solution has been designed for individuals and professionals who wish to equip their living or working space with an easily accessible surveillance system.
It is a Plug & Play alternative, operational in five minutes, and without additional installation costs. The surveillance kit is automatically connected to an ADSL Box with immediate operation. But in the event of intrusion noted, it is up to the user to contact the police services.