Wireless Battery Operated Outdoor Security Cameras

Wireless Battery Operated Outdoor Security Cameras

Wireless battery operated outdoor security cameras offer a great deal of flexibility in their installation. They’re super easy to install, can be positioned anywhere and don’t require an internet connection.

However, some drawbacks also come with wire-free cameras. They may run out of power or fail to communicate effectively with a WiFi router.

Easy to Install

Compared to wired security cameras, battery-powered wireless models are significantly easier to set up. Many can be installed directly into an existing floodlight fixture, using the existing electrical wiring and mounting hardware. This is an especially smart move because outdoor floodlights draw attention to the area that’s triggering a camera, alerting you or would-be prowlers to what’s going on.

Battery-powered cameras can also be easily positioned on a flat surface for indoor monitoring. Some can wireless battery operated outdoor security cameras even be mounted flush to the wall. For the most flexible placement options, look for battery-powered units that are compatible with plug-in power. These types of models typically offer a more reliable video recording with less chance of losing connection due to signal interference.

The most robust battery-powered outdoor wireless security cameras are rugged enough to withstand the elements. Many are virtually vandal-proof and able to resist force up to 10 kgs (22 lbs). For example, the Argus 2 battery-powered outdoor security camera is a top-rated model that has been featured on various top-tier tech media sites such as Techradar, 01net, Make Use Of, Androidpolice, MacFormat, and Stuff.

Some battery-powered cameras are equipped with a DVR or NVR that allows them to record continuously. These units can store up to several weeks of footage and can be accessed at any time on your smartphone. For instance, the Lorex LC-100D-IP battery-powered camera can record 24/7 and features an internal 1 TB recorder for storage expansion.

Rechargeable Batteries

Battery operated cameras can be powered by rechargeable batteries, providing a sustainable and cost-effective power solution. Lithium-ion batteries are often used due to their high energy density and lightweight design, but nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) or nickel-cadmium (NiCd) batteries can also be employed. Many manufacturers also offer solar-powered batteries as an eco-friendly option that combines the best of both worlds.

Battery-powered cameras have several advantages over wired devices, including the fact that they are easier to install and do not require a hard-wired power source. However, a drawback is that they must be charged or replaced regularly as the batteries deplete. To help alleviate this issue, some camera manufacturers provide a backup battery that is installed between the camera and its power adapter to take over in the event of a power outage. This prevents the camera from turning off and ensures that video footage will be saved.

Another common feature found in some battery-operated security cameras is a slot for a memory card to store video recordings locally. This can be a convenient way to protect data from potential snooping risks online, and it allows for easy access to stored videos if needed. In some cases, the videos can also be backed up to Cloud storage, providing even more convenience and peace of mind for users. Using this feature, users can log into their personal account and view footage from their home, even when they are away from home for long periods of time.

No Need for Internet Connection

Battery operated wireless outdoor security cameras aren’t dependent on a WiFi connection to function. If they’re designed to save footage locally on a micro SD card (like the Reolink Argus 2), they can still record motion detection videos without internet access (although live viewing and instant alerts won’t work).

This is a big benefit for homeowners who may have spotty Wi-Fi or don’t want to pay for a professional to install wired PoE cameras that require Ethernet cabling (which can be expensive and difficult to run through hard exterior materials). It also means you’re not limited to installing your camera where there is a power outlet nearby, which gives you more options for mounting locations and hiding your setup.

However, you’ll need to be on-site to check the local storage on your camera and you won’t receive notifications if it detects movement. If you’re looking for a home or business security system that works with cctv camera kits your smart phone to notify you when activity is detected, battery operated cameras may not be the best option. Instead, look for a wired home security system with a reliable WiFi connection and PoE cameras that connect to the same router as your wireless devices. This will provide a more stable, reliable connection and eliminate the need to constantly change batteries. Also, a wired system with a cellular backup will protect your data from network failures and internet outages.

Reliable Recording

Unlike wired home security cameras, battery powered ones are reliant on a WiFi signal and thus can be more prone to interruptions and internet speed degradation. As such, they’re better suited to a specific location. They can also capture motion based video that’s more battery intensive, which means careful placement is important. For example, pointing one at your front door might seem like a good idea, but it can trigger a lot of false positives, and you’ll probably get lots of annoying alerts. Thankfully, most of the brands, including EufyCam E and Arlo Pro 2, have options to mitigate this by setting up zones or limiting motion detection, which can help reduce unwanted activations.

The best battery operated outdoor security cameras typically have clear HD images, even in poor lighting conditions. Some also feature two-way talk, a useful active deterrent that can scare off would-be prowlers or, in more benign cases, allow you to communicate with parcel drivers and family members from a safe distance. Night vision is another key feature, and some models, such as Reolink Argus 2 and Argus Eco, offer stellar starlight night vision that can discern faces from a good distance, up to 33 feet away.

Wireless battery operated outdoor security cameras are easy to install and are 100% wire-free, so you can mount them all over your property without the hassle of hiring a professional. Adjusting their features, such as adjusting the motion sensitivity or turning on push notifications, is straightforward via the apps they come with. Many of them also support multiple devices, so you can keep tabs on various locations from a single smartphone or tablet.