Learn about Outdoor Cameras

Outdoor cameras are becoming increasingly popular with homeowners, business owners, and outdoor enthusiasts using them for a variety of purposes. Whether you're looking to keep an eye on your property or monitoring outdoor trails, outdoor cameras can be a valuable tool. Keep reading to explore what outdoor cameras are, five situations where they can be useful, and our tips on how to get started.

What are Outdoor Cameras? What do they do?

Outdoor cameras are surveillance cameras designed to be used outside and are IP weather resistant or waterproof to weather through any outdoor conditions. They come in a variety of styles and designs, including fixed or adjustable PTZ (Pan, Tilt, Zoom) cameras, and trail cameras. They can be connected to a network, powered by batteries or solar panels, and accessed remotely using a smartphone, tablet, or computer.

Outdoor cameras are used to monitor and record activity in outdoor areas. They can be used for security purposes, to monitor wildlife, to track the weather, or simply to capture stunning footage of nature. They are typically waterproof, weather-resistant, and designed to withstand harsh outdoor conditions.

5 Relevant Situations for using an Outdoor Camera

1. Home Security: Monitor your home's exterior, deter burglars, and capture footage of any suspicious activity.
2. Business Security: Monitor the exterior of your business, keep an eye on employees, and deter theft or vandalism.
3. Wildlife Monitoring: Trail Cams can monitor wildlife in your backyard or in remote wilderness areas. They can capture footage of animals that are otherwise difficult to observe, and provide valuable insights into their behavior.
4. Weather Tracking: Check the weather and track storms, floods, or other natural disasters from the safety of your home.
5. Construction Sites: Check in on construction sites and keep track of workers, equipment, and materials. Prevent theft, monitor progress, and ensure that safety protocols are being followed.

How to Use Them

When using outdoor cameras, it's important to choose the right camera for your needs, position the camera properly, and use the right settings to capture high-quality footage. First we’ll explain the main terms you need to know, then provide some tips on choosing and using your device!

Pan-Tilt-Zoom (PTZ) cameras can move around to capture different angles and zoom in and out to see things far away. It's like a robot that can turn its head and zoom in like binoculars.

Trail cameras are used to monitor wildlife or other activity in outdoor areas. They are often mounted on trees or posts and are triggered to take pictures or videos when they detect motion.

 Infrared or Night Vision features enable cameras to see in the dark, even when there is no light. They work by using special sensors that can detect heat and convert it into a visible image.

Motion Detection is used to save battery and storage space by only recording when the camera detects movement in its field of view. It's like a security guard who only looks when they hear a noise.

Solar powered cameras utilise an optional or included solar panel to connect to the camera, providing it with constant power from the sun through a connected battery. If the power goes out, the device keeps operating as normal without interruption.

Here are our tips for using outdoor cameras effectively:

1. Choose the right camera for your needs: Consider factors such as resolution, night vision, zoom capabilities, and weather resistance when choosing an outdoor camera.

1. Position the camera properly: Place the camera in a location that provides a clear view of the area you want to monitor. Consider factors such as lighting, foliage, and the angle of the camera.

1. Use motion detection: Motion detection can help conserve battery life and storage space by only recording when movement is detected. This can also help to alert you to any unexpected activity in the area being monitored.

At The Spy Store, we offer a range of outdoor cameras, including PTZ cameras and trail cameras, designed to meet a variety of needs. Our 4G 1080P IP Security Camera with 20X Optical Zoom and 4K Black Flash Trail Camera are just a few examples of the high-quality outdoor cameras we offer. With the right outdoor camera and a little bit of know-how, you can capture high quality footage, monitor your property, and enjoy the great outdoors with enhanced peace of mind.

Browse our curated range of outdoor cameras below, and if you’ve got any questions you can reach our friendly Australian customer experience team here.