14 best IP cameras for video surveillance – from inexpensive to top-end devices

Review of the best according to the editorial board. On the selection criteria. This material is subjective and does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

You must have noticed a CCTV camera on the street and in various rooms more than once. Now such devices are called IP cameras. Neither a store nor, moreover, a bank can do without them. At the same time, IP cameras are completely different. The smallest devices are usually placed on the table, with the lens facing the client – you've probably seen something like this in bank offices. Slightly larger models of IP cameras are installed under the ceiling – they can be easily seen in supermarkets and some residential entrances. Well, the largest specimens are usually designed for outdoor video surveillance – sometimes they are even vandal-proof. In a word, all these devices will be discussed in this collection – we will talk about both very affordable options and top-end products.

Rating of the best IP surveillance cameras

Nomination	a place	Name of product	price
Best IP Cameras for Outdoor Surveillance	1	Hikvision DS-2CD2085FWD-I	16 392 RUB
	2	Dahua DH-IPC-PFW8601P-A180	RUB 79,730
	3	Hikvision DS-2CD2542FWD-IS	14 391 RUB
	4	Dahua DH-IPC-HFW2221RP-VFS-IRE6	RUB 12,200
	5	ActiveCam AC-D9161IR2	RUB 17,910
	6	Vstarcam C8815WIP	RUB 5,450
Best IP Cameras for Indoor Surveillance	1	Dahua DH-IPC-K86P	RUB 20,230
	2	BEWARD BD2570	RUB 20,700
	3	Hikvision DS-2CD2442FWD-IW	RUB 12 490
	4	Hikvision Ezviz C6T	RUB 5 850
	5	Dahua DH-IPC-A26P	RUB 12,090
Best outdoor vandal-proof IP cameras	1	Dahua DH-IPC-HDBW5830RP-Z	RUB 27,230
	2	BEWARD BD4330RVZX	12 370 rub.
	3	LTV CNE-622 48	RUB 9,423

Best IP cameras for outdoor video surveillance

Hikvision DS-2CD2085FWD-I

Rating: 4.9

An excellent IP camera for outdoor installation. She can work in absolutely any conditions – even in extreme heat, even in severe frost. If only the necessary power is provided (12V, PoE is also supported). In this case, the camera can monitor both a sufficiently large area and a specific object. There are three versions of the product with different viewing angles. The maximum option is available, the angle of view of which is brought to 102 °. There are also options, the above-mentioned parameter of which is 79 ° and 50 °. In this case, the aperture in any case has a value of f / 2.0, so the picture for all lenses is equally bright. By the way, everything that happens can be seen even at night – the minimum product needs illumination at the level of 0.01 lux. And with an activated IR filter, everything is visible even in a room without a window and with a closed door (the infrared illumination range is 30 m).

The Hikvision DS-2CD2085FWD-I shoots video at 4K resolution at 20fps. By default, it is written to a memory card, the slot for which is cleverly hidden. Also, the video is broadcast to the DVR – the maximum bitrate of the stream can reach 16 Mb / s, which is quite enough even for viewing small details. As befits such an IP camera, the device has a motion sensor and face detection. The device can boast of a large number of supported protocols. The connection to the internet or local network is via the traditional RJ45 port. The IP camera body is made of metal. Even heavy rain can withstand the camera – the protection of internal components is implemented here according to the IP67 standard.

Advantages

• Options with different focal lengths are available;

• There is an IP67 protection certificate;

• Ideal light sensitivity;

• There is support for a large number of protocols;

• Realized face detection and motion detection;

• Built-in slot for microSD memory card up to 128 GB;

• Alarm triggering possible;

• 4K resolution supported;

• Broadcast video in three streams;

• There is an IR cut filter with auto-switching.

disadvantages

• Available on request only.

Dahua DH-IPC-PFW8601P-A180

Rating: 4.8

This camera belongs to the panoramic type. That is, its viewing angle reaches 180 °. This allows her to see absolutely everything that is happening in front of the wall to which she is attached. The device has a pair of lenses with an aperture of f / 1.8. As for the matrix, it uses a Sony Exmor CMOS sensor with a size of 1 / 2.8 inches and a resolution of 4096×832 pixels. Such a matrix is ​​already very sensitive in itself. However, at night, its work is complemented by IR illumination, thanks to which no one will go unnoticed.

Like many other modern IP cameras reviewed in this rating, the Dahua device has motion detection. The maximum system detects objects located 52 meters from the camera. There is also a function of recognizing an object located 10 meters from the lens. Finally, face identification is also available, but for this, the person must be in close proximity – at least five meters from the IP camera.

The IP camera is capable of broadcasting a picture in three streams. The first will be the priority – the video in it has the maximum resolution. In other streams, the parameter is reduced by about three times. The frequency in all cases will be 25 frames / s. Of the other features of this model, many different settings can be distinguished, including noise reduction available to the user. The camera is IP67 certified, so it is not afraid of fog or rain. The product also belongs to the IK10 vandal resistance class – breaking the camera is not as easy as it seems. The image here is not only transmitted over one of the many supported network protocols, but also written to the memory card. It uses AC 24B and PoE + as power supply.

Advantages

• A large number of network protocols are supported;

• There are alarm outputs and inputs;

• Excellent protection against water and vandals;

• There is support for memory cards up to 128 GB;

• Broadcast in three streams;

• Panoramic video surveillance;

• Built-in IR illumination with a range of up to 30 m;

• Motion detection and face identification are possible.

disadvantages

• High cost (94 thousand rubles).

Hikvision DS-2CD2542FWD-IS

Rating: 4.8

It must be one of the smallest IP cameras among those equipped with mechanical IR illumination and intelligently implemented electronics. The width and height of the IP camera does not even reach 10 cm, and the depth is only 52 mm. At the same time, such a little girl writes videos of quite good quality – with a resolution of 2688×1520 pixels. The frequency is equal to 20 frames / s, which is quite acceptable for video surveillance. If you lower the resolution to the traditional one Full HD, the frequency will increase to 25 FPS.

It should be noted that this IP camera is for monitoring the nearest distance. When the IR filter is activated, objects can be discerned only at a distance of ten meters. During the day, the situation is better, in the daytime the f / 1.2 aperture saves, providing almost ideal aperture. And the matrix is ​​installed here quite good – it is made using CMOS technology, and its physical size is 1/3 inch.

Of course, there is no need to count on face identification, which the cameras already considered in this rating could boast of. But the product is still endowed with the simplest motion detection. Also, one cannot fail to note the protection according to the IP67 and IK08 standards – you cannot expect such certificates from such a miniature device.

There are several options for this IP camera on sale. They differ only in the viewing angle of the installed optics. Options with an angle from 55.4 ° to 106 ° are available to the buyer. That is, you can pick up both a camera for some ATM and an option for outdoor video surveillance. This IP-camera costs about 16 thousand rubles.

Advantages

• High light sensitivity;

• There is an IR cut filter;

• High definition video;

• Variants with different optics are available;

• Acceptable price tag;

• A large number of supported network protocols;

• There is motion detection;

• Supports memory cards up to 128 GB;

• An additional video stream can be broadcast;

• Protection according to IK08 and IP67 standards;

• There is a hardware WDR 120 dB;

• There is a microphone;

• Acceptable price tag.

disadvantages

• No H.265 codec support;

• Not very long range of IR illumination.

Dahua DH-IPC-HFW2221RP-VFS-IRE6

Rating: 4.7

This is a traditional bullet camera designed for outdoor surveillance. It is one of the most affordable options, for this model they ask for a little more than 10-12 thousand rubles. The IP-camera is based on a 2-megapixel CMOS sensor, the size of which is 1 / 2.7 inches. Despite the very modest characteristics, the product is capable of broadcasting two video streams. The picture resolution is 1920×1080 pixels, the frequency is equal to the usual 25 frames / s.

You can see any part of the frame. Thanks for this need both the hardware WDR and the aperture opened up to f / 1.4. At night, infrared illumination comes to the rescue, the range of which reaches 60 meters. It is also impossible not to note the competently implemented metal case, which protects the insides from water and dust. But vandal resistance is not here – the manufacturer saved on this. DC 12V is used as a power supply, or the direction of electricity through an Ethernet cable. The savings are also noticeable in the number of connectors that the IP camera has. There is no analog output, with alarm jacks. In fact, only RJ-45 is available to the buyer – the port through which the network video stream will be broadcast. Also, the picture can be saved to a memory card, the maximum is supported by a 128 GB drive.

Advantages

• A large number of protocols are supported;

• There is moisture protection according to the IP67 standard;

• Implemented IR illumination; Relatively high frame rate;

• There is a motion detection function;

• Capacious memory card supported;

• Low cost;

• The picture is broadcast in two streams.

disadvantages

• There is no protection against vandals;

• High signal-to-noise ratio;

• Few connectors.

ActiveCam AC-D9161IR2

Rating: 4.6

Another IP camera in our rating, which can be called panoramic. The maximum viewing angle is achieved here through the use of fisheye optics (the so-called 'fisheye'). At the same time, the detailing of any area of ​​the frame remains quite high, since the video resolution is 3072×2048 (the frequency reaches 25 frames / s). A 1 / 2.9-inch CMOS module is used as a sensor. The IP camera can work even at zero illumination; in the dark, a mechanical IR illumination is activated, the range of which is 20 m.

This IP-camera can be used outdoors, as evidenced by the absence of fear of light rain and fog. But no one will prohibit the use of the product indoors, because the dimensions of the camera are very small. Including observation of unheated spaces is available. Another important feature of the device is the ability to focus on one of the four zones – the resolution of the other three is reduced at this moment, which allows to reduce the bitrate. Like the previous reviewed devices, the camera can receive electricity not only from a 12V power supply, but also via an Ethernet cable (this is evidenced by the support of PoE technology). There is also a slot for a microSD memory card with a capacity of up to 128 GB, which retains information even if the connection is broken.

Advantages

• There is support for WDR 110 dB;

• The noise reduction function is perfectly implemented;

• The viewing angle is 180 degrees (vertical and horizontal);

• High image resolution;

• There is an IR illumination;

• There are a large number of connectors;

• Capacious memory card supported;

• The cost does not exceed 20 thousand rubles.

disadvantages

• No certification for moisture protection;

• Can't be called vandal resistant;

• Only one video stream is transmitted;

• Lack of smart features.

Vstarcam C8815WIP

Rating: 4.5

The simplest bullet IP camera used for video surveillance of, say, a country house. Unlike the devices discussed above, it does not have to be connected to a router or some other equipment via an Ethernet cable. The device has an external antenna and a Wi-Fi module, thanks to which the signal is transmitted through the air for about 50 m. If this distance seems insufficient, then the manufacturer suggests changing the antenna to a stronger one.

The IP camera has a sealed housing that allows using the IP camera even at a temperature of -20 ° C. It also helps in complete darkness – infrared illumination will allow you to see in detail what is happening at a distance of up to 15 m. Inside this device there is a modest CMOS matrix, the size of which is 1 / 2.9 inches. Its capabilities are quite enough for capturing a picture with a resolution Full HD and a frequency of 15 frames / s. H.264 is used as a codec, up to four users can watch video simultaneously. Electricity, unfortunately, is accepted only through the cable from the power supply, PoE technology is not supported. Has an IP camera and a number of other limitations. I am glad that this IP-camera is not devoid of at least a motion detector. In short, this is a great option for those looking for a CCTV camera for only 5500 rubles.

Advantages

• Supports memory card up to 128 GB;

• Understands various protocols, including RTSP and Onvif;

• Image transfer via Wi-Fi is possible;

• The external antenna is replaceable;

• Implemented night IR illumination;

• Decent image settings;

• There is a motion detector;

• Very low cost.

disadvantages

• No H.265 codec support;

• Only a metal dome protects from rain;

• No vandal resistance;

• Works only from the power supply.

Best IP Cameras for Indoor Surveillance

Dahua DH-IPC-K86P

Rating: 4.9

Many banks make their choice in favor of this baby, the operators of which communicate with a variety of clients. The IP-camera is placed on the table with the lens to the person who has addressed, after which you can forget about him. The tiny device acts like a webcam, recording not only the image but also the sound. Only the field of view here is noticeably larger, reaching 118 °. Also, do not forget that this is an IP camera. That is, the signal is transmitted to this or that network, and not through the USB connector. By default, the manufacturer suggests using the LAN port, thus connecting the IP camera to some recorder. But you can also use wireless data transmission here – for this, the built-in Wi-Fi module is used.

As you know, there are many more objects indoors than outdoors. In this regard, good detail is required here. If the street models reviewed in this rating have a matrix with a resolution of 2-4 megapixels, then the Dahua DH-IPC-K86P IP camera is capable of boasting an 8-megapixel sensor. The picture is broadcast in 4K resolution, albeit with a frequency of only 8 frames / s! For compression, modern H.264 and H.265 codecs are used, thanks to which any smartphone will easily allow you to watch a video stream in real time.

It would seem that such a device does not need IR illumination at all. However, the manufacturer had a different opinion. He nevertheless built one IR diode here, the range of which reaches 10 m. This will make it possible to record what is happening in complete darkness. And there is also a hardware WDR, thanks to which flares almost never happen. Finally, the vandal-resistant housing should be noted. It is because of it that the IP camera weighs 310 g – much more than any webcam. And partly because of it, the cost of an IP camera reaches a decent 16-17 thousand rubles.

Advantages

• Data transfer via RJ-45 and Wi-Fi;

• Video can have a resolution of 3840×2160 pixels;

• H.265 codec is used;

• The case is vandal-proof;

• Built-in microphone and speaker;

• There is IR illumination;

• There is motion detection;

• P2P smartphone connection is available;

• Wide viewing angle.

disadvantages

• The cost is not low;

• Low frame rate.

BEWARD BD2570

Rating: 4.8

This IP camera is designed to be suspended from the ceiling. Inside it is a standard by modern standards CMOS-matrix, the size of which is 1 / 2.5 inches. A high-quality sensor and very good optics guarantee an extended sensitivity range. Owners of large stores make their choice in favor of this device. However, the device is also installed in less crowded rooms. Customers love the motion detector, which is available in four types (each with separate settings). At night, the IR filter is triggered, thanks to which good detail is preserved even in the dark.

The matrix installed here has a 5-megapixel resolution. This allows you to broadcast a picture with a resolution of 2592×1944 pixels. Noises are present, but they are successfully choked to the extent that the user needs. There are also three WDR presets here.

It might seem that the lens here is capable of optical zoom. Unfortunately, this is not the case, the guard will only have access to digital zoom. But otherwise it is impossible to find fault with the IP camera. It supports receiving power through an Ethernet port, has alarm inputs and outputs on the case, and the image can be broadcast in four streams.

Advantages

• A large number of inputs and outputs;

• A high resolution;

• The matrix has good light sensitivity;

• The design is equipped with a mechanical IR filter;

• There are four independent motion detectors;

• Huge set of settings;

• Interchangeable lens;

• Four video streams;

• A large number of supported protocols.

disadvantages

• Supports memory cards up to 32 GB only;

• The camera is not vandal resistant;

• No H.265 codec support.

Hikvision DS-2CD2442FWD-IW

Rating: 4.7

Another IP camera in our ranking, installed at the customer service point. However, her mount is designed in such a way that the device can be placed somewhere in the corner of the room. This is also hinted at by the good motion detector that the camera is equipped with. It has rich settings – the device can be triggered not only when movement is detected in the frame, but also when a person crosses a certain line, or even when he invades a special area. Also, when observing a room, a mechanical IR filter, endowed with an auto-switching function, is useful.

Inside this model there is a familiar CMOS-matrix, the size of which is 1 / 2.8 inches. The f / 1.2 aperture contributes to very high light sensitivity. Flare, however, practically does not happen – both the high-speed electronic shutter and the hardware WDR 120 dB save. The installed sensor has a resolution of 4 megapixels. This is quite enough for broadcasting video with a resolution of 2688×1520 pixels and a frequency of 20 frames / s. A powerful processor allows you to conduct two video streams – the second, as usual, will have a lower resolution, which is ideal for displaying it simultaneously with pictures received from other CCTV cameras. It should also be noted that the device can be supplied with electricity not only by the power supply unit, but also by the Ethernet cable. By the way, a miniature IP-camera can broadcast a picture without wires – for this, built-in Wi-Fi is used, the range of which varies from 30 to 50 m.

Perhaps we can also mention the presence of a speaker here. This allows the operator to communicate with the customer from behind the thick glass. In a word, the product was a success for the manufacturer. Only the lack of vandal resistance can be a little disappointing. But the IP-camera is sold for only 12 thousand rubles.

Advantages

• Affordable price tag;

• Wide angle of view;

• There is an IR illumination, beating at 10 m;

• A high resolution;

• Rich set of supported network protocols;

• There is motion detection;

• Supports memory card up to 128 GB;

• Built-in speaker and microphone;

• Work via Wi-Fi is possible;

• Disturbing interfaces implemented;

• There are two video streams.

disadvantages

• No protection from vandals;

• There is no support for the H.265 codec.

Hikvision Ezviz C6T

Rating: 4.6

One of the most inexpensive IP cameras for indoor video surveillance. Its cost is approximately 6,500 rubles. A rotary module is hidden under the plastic dome of this device. Its rotation allows you to observe the entire surrounding space. That is, the camera can be conventionally called panoramic, although in practice it is still not. By the way, the module can also be tilted – the maximum permissible angle is 90 °. You can move it using a special application on your smartphone. The lens here can be closed – this happens in privacy mode, when you do not need video shooting.

The camera is endowed with the ability to rotate automatically. She does this at the moment of tracking the object. The manufacturer on its official website recommends using this function for tracking for children. That is, such an IP camera is useful not only in a bank or other commercial premises, but also for an ordinary person. You can even chat with your child, because there is a two-way audio communication (and you can also order the dog to stop gnawing on your favorite slippers).

Despite, so to speak, an amateur status, the Hikvision Ezviz C6T camera is endowed with IR illumination, the range of which reaches 10 m. Shooting here is carried out with a resolution Full HD, in this regard, the IP camera is not surprising. It can connect to the network either via an Ethernet cable or via Wi-Fi. Also, the picture can be written to a memory card, the maximum supported volume of which is 128 GB.

Advantages

• Uses a repetitive and tilt lens;

• Built-in speaker and microphone;

• Sold for very little money;

• There is an object tracking function (including motion detection);

• Built-in IR illumination;

• Video broadcast over Wi-Fi is possible;

• Capacious memory card supported.

disadvantages

• No vandal resistance;

• No H.265 codec support;

• There is no PoE support.

Dahua DH-IPC-A26P

Rating: 4.5

And next in our ranking is another PTZ dome IP camera, but from a time-tested brand. Its cost reaches 11 thousand rubles, which indicates richer opportunities. And in terms of dimensions, the IP-camera turned out to be a little more massive. If you do not read the technical specifications, then the difference with the budget counterpart is difficult to notice. It uses a 2-megapixel CMOS sensor that provides video with the same resolution Full HD. There is also a microphone and a speaker, thanks to which two-way audio communication is realized. The IR illumination is the same – it is enough for about 10 m. The video stream is also broadcast either via an Ethernet cable or via Wi-Fi.

So what are the differences? They are mostly software. It supports the H.265 codec, which has the best compression algorithms. Also, the DWDR function should please, allowing you to see the picture in shadows or areas with bright light. There is also a well-implemented noise reduction. It may also seem that the device works a little more stable, and a little more users can connect to the broadcast.

Advantages

• Work via Wi-Fi is possible;

• Swivel and tilt camera mechanism;

• There is a motion detector;

• Built-in IR illumination;

• There is two-way audio communication;

• Noise reduction and DWDR are present;

• A large number of supported protocols;

• You can insert a memory card up to 128 GB.

disadvantages

• The viewing angle is only 77 °;

• No power over Ethernet support;

• There is no vandal resistance.

Best outdoor vandal-proof IP cameras

Dahua DH-IPC-HDBW5830RP-Z

Rating: 4.9

This IP dome camera features an 8 megapixel CMOS sensor. The light enters it through the lens, endowed with four times optical magnification. This allows you to hang the camera high enough above the object of observation, if necessary, simply enlarge the picture. The maximum angle of view is 102 ° (horizontal), at 4x zoom this parameter is reduced to 39 °. It should also be noted that there are two IR diodes here. They are extremely powerful, and therefore even at night you can see everything that happens at a distance of up to 50 m.

Video is broadcast here at 4K resolution and 15 frames / s. Also, two more video streams with a slightly lower resolution, but with a higher frequency, can additionally be conducted. As usual, there is motion detection, which has an abundance of all kinds of settings. And the noise reduction function, implemented using 3D DNR technology, should also please. Interestingly, the IP camera allows you to add up to four privacy zones to the video, where what is happening will be indistinguishable. Of course, there is also vandal resistance, which is complemented by the traditional moisture protection.

Advantages

• Shockproof metal body;

• There is a dust and moisture protection according to the IP67 standard;

• A large number of supported protocols;

• Can be powered over Ethernet;

• Installation of a memory card up to 128 GB is available;

• There are modes and privacy zones;

• Built-in alarm inputs and outputs;

• The lens has an optical zoom;

• Up to three video streams available;

• Motion detection is correctly implemented;

• Far beating IR illumination;

• A high resolution.

disadvantages

• The cost reaches 35 thousand rubles.

BEWARD BD4330RVZX

Rating: 4.8

Traditional outdoor camera with IR illumination. Inside this device is a relatively modest CMOS-matrix with only 2-megapixel resolution. This does not allow us to recommend the product for video surveillance of especially important objects – for these purposes, the other options considered in our rating are intended. BEWARD BD4330RVZX can be installed outside of a small store, where video with a resolution Full HD is enough. You can watch what is happening at any time of the day, since the aforementioned IR illumination strikes at a distance of 25 meters.

Despite its seemingly simplicity, this IP camera has a 3x optical zoom. This allows you to reduce the viewing angle from 98 ° to 35 ° (horizontally) at any time, examining the attacker's face in every detail. Also, it should be noted that there are alarm inputs and outputs here, the signal to which is transmitted in certain programmed cases. But the slot for a memory card let us down here – the maximum camera supports a 32 GB drive.

Like many other IP cameras, this model is capable of boasting support for receiving power over the Ethernet connector. However, in this case, the product will refuse to work after the frost has exceeded −10 ° C. Therefore, we recommend that you provide your product with a traditional 12 or 24 volt power supply. This model costs 25 thousand rubles. It becomes more and more difficult to buy it, since the camera is out of production.

Advantages

• Has a protection class IP66;

• Introduced good IR illumination;

• DWDR and noise reduction (3DNR) are present;

• There are four independent motion detectors;

• The lens provides 3x optical zoom;

• There are alarming connectors;

• A large number of network protocols are supported.

disadvantages

• The case cannot be called vandal-resistant;

• Extra-capacious memory cards are not supported;

• No H.265 codec support.

LTV CNE-622 48

Rating: 4.8

Another relatively simple IP camera in our rating, designed for outdoor video surveillance. It has a cylindrical body with anti-vandal protection. It is very difficult to disable such a camera, while it will see the face of an intruder even in complete darkness – for this one should thank the array of infrared diodes shining at a distance of 20-30 m. Weather phenomena will not damage the IP camera, since the camera has received an IP66 certificate (it will not withstand only full immersion under water). The product can work even in severe frost, especially if you provide it with electricity using a conventional 12-volt system. If you transfer power over an Ethernet cable, then there may be some problems in winter.

Otherwise, this is a typical outdoor CCTV camera, which is capable of capturing images at 1080p and 25 frames per second. She is able to conduct three video streams at once. Also, the IP camera can please with a fourfold optical zoom. This model costs only 10,500 rubles.

Advantages

• Low price tag;

• Protected from moisture and vandal attacks;

• There is an optical zoom;

• There is a mechanical IR cut filter;

• Can be powered over Ethernet cable;

• Three video streams;

• Good motion detection.

disadvantages

• H.265 codec not supported;

• No memory card slot;

• There are no alarm inputs and outputs.

Conclusion

Now you can easily choose a CCTV camera for your entrance. Our selection should also help the owners of commercial organizations. Each of the IP cameras discussed above does an excellent job with its main task. It remains only to determine its purpose and the amount that you are willing to spend.

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Attention! This rating is subjective and does not constitute an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.