Local & Cloud Storage
Choosing a floodlight camera, you should consider its storage type. Local and cloud storage have their benefits. The first option is cheaper since you don’t have to pay a monthly fee for storage. However, it is not the safest variant because your footage may be stolen. Moreover, it is more convenient to review your recordings when they are on the cloud. Some companies offer free cloud storage but, as a rule, you will have to pay approximately $5/month for a 24-48 hour block of video storage.
Live Video
Live video is a very useful feature for a floodlight camera since you may check in on the camera feed in case there is an alert. You will not have to review the recordings all the time because you may see everything in the real-time mode. Consequently, storage becomes less important. As a rule, to access live streaming features, you will have to connect your floodlight camera to a Wi-Fi network and that’s it.
Motion Sensor Lights
As their name suggests, motion sensor lights detect motion to light up your way to the door or to scare off the burglar. It is a useful function for a floodlight outdoor security camera because it copes with its task even when you are not at home.
What Resolution Do You Want?
Resolution is a very important feature for a floodlight security camera since the device will be useless if you can’t recognize who or what is in the frame. You will get quite a nice picture with a 720p resolution, but floodlight devices usually offer 1080p resolution. It doesn’t require much space and you may view it almost on all phones, tablets and computers.
What Type of Weather Can Outdoor Security Cameras Handle?
Any floodlight outdoor security camera should be ready to withstand severe weather patterns and carry an IP (Ingress Protection) rating. IP ratings are two digits that tell you how well the camera will hold up under most weather conditions. The first digit following the IP prefix explains how resistant the camera is to the ingress of solid objects, like wind-blown dust, and ranges from 0 (no protection) to 6 (total protection against dust and dirt). The second number tells you how resistant the camera is to moisture and ranges from 0 (no protection) to 9 (protected against close-range, high-pressure spray downs from all angles).
The majority of floodlight cameras have an IP66 rating. In other words, they are completely protected from dust ingress and can handle water jets from any directions. However, you shouldn’t immerse them in water. They are protected from snow, rain, heat and cold.
FAQ
If your floodlight camera supports two-way audio, you may hear what is going on in a room or outside and talk through the camera yourself. Such a device has a speaker and a microphone for two-way communication. You may use the app on your smartphone and hear what people are saying and answer them if necessary.
- • What is a base station?
Speaking of security systems, a base station is a hub that connects all your sensors and devices together. When it comes to home security systems, a base station performs the same function, but the devices are all floodlight cameras. Base stations are most common with 100% wire-free outdoor (or indoor) cameras. If your cameras are not equipped with a wire connecting them to your wireless network, then a hub serves as the mediator.
- • How much should you spend on an outdoor security camera?
Outdoor security cameras are more expensive than indoor ones. Their price varies depending on the features they offer (from $100 to $400). If you are looking for a budget option, there are numerous variants on the market providing all the necessary features. However, in case you need a smart floodlight camera, you will have to pay for such functions as motion tracking, facial recognition, cellular connectivity, time-lapse recording, both onboard and cloud storage options, and rechargeable battery power.
- • What is the best floodlight camera?
Toucan TBK101KU Ring Floodlight Blink XT2 Home Zone Security Ring Spotlight
