Regardless of your budget, there’s an outdoor security camera that’ll fit your needs. From premium products crafted by Ring to budget-friendly options like those from Wyze, there are dozens of well-reviewed models that are perfect for protecting your home.

In fact, some of the best outdoor security cameras also double as floodlights –- allowing you to light up your yard. Others are wireless for easy installation, while a handful require wired connections (though this allows for continuous monitoring).

Below, you’ll find a list of the best outdoor security cameras of 2023. You can’t go wrong with any of them, but each one caters to a specific audience and budget, so take a closer look at each to figure out which is best for your home.

John Velasco / Digital Trends

Arlo Pro 4

Best outdoor security camera

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The Arlo Pro 3 was our pick for the best outdoor security camera for some time, but after testing the Arlo Pro 4, it brings a couple of new additions that help it earn our top pick. Just like its predecessor, it packs 2K video resolution and a wide 160-degree viewing angle. Also included are a weatherproof camera with color night vision, a built-in LED spotlight, and a built-in siren that can alert you to danger.

What makes this model superior is the fact that it no longer is tethered to a hub in order to talk with your home’s Wi-Fi network. You won’t need it this time, which certainly streamlines the setup process. And best of all, not only does it perform as exquisitely as the Arlo Pro 3 when it comes to safeguarding your home, but it now boasts a lower starting cost of $200 for a single camera, whereas the Arlo Pro 3 started at $500 for a 2K camera system.

The Arlo Pro 4 includes a three-month free trial of Arlo Smart, which gives you access to advanced features like 30 days of recording history, activity zones, enhanced 911 calling, and advanced detection features.

John Velasco / Digital Trends

Wyze Cam v3

Best outdoor camera for night vision

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Night vision is a vital feature for every outdoor security cam — you don’t want the darkness to hide any detail, especially if something like a break-in happens. While our top cam picks include various kinds of night vision, Wyze’s indoor/outdoor cam is particularly notable thanks to its Starlight Sensor, which can record night-time video in full color for users.

This wired cam includes all the other smart features that make Wyze’s cams a great pick, including a motion and sound sensor for alerts, detection zones, sensitivity settings that you can tweak for best results, and two-way audio for communication. It’s also compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant and is friendly with IFTTT if you’d like to set up complex routines based on the alerts the cam gives you.

The Wyze Cam v3 also has one of the best free video storage options around, with a 14-day cloud storage option for video clips at zero cost. There’s also an SD card slot for local storage if you prefer that method. While it’s an indoor/outdoor cam, you don’t need to worry: All the outdoor IP65 resistances are included for all types of weather.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Lorex Dual-Floodlight V261LCD-E

Best outdoor camera for cold weather

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You don’t need to worry about winter temperatures with this model, thanks to its IP65 rating that can endure -40 degrees Fahrenheit, suitable for even the coldest winters in the country. It also has particularly bright, 2,000-lumen, dual-LED floodlights (excellent for illuminating a large area at night) that can be triggered by motion cams. App controls also allow you to set manual start times and schedules for the lights.

That’s just the start of what this winter-ready Lorex cam can do: It also includes a two-way audio option, compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant devices, and the expected motion alerts for your phone. There’s no subscription plan or cloud sharing for this cam. Instead, it comes with a 32GB microSD card and port for free native storage. You can upgrade the model up to a 256GB card for extra space, which may be a good idea if you put the camera in a place that’s difficult to reach without a ladder, such as above a garage.

Best outdoor security cameras 2023

Read More : The 10 Best Video Management Softwares (VMS)

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Ring Spotlight Cam Pro

Best wireless outdoor security cam

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Amazon’s update to the Ring Spotlight Cam is an excellent option for those who don’t want a full floodlight camera, but would still like lots of illumination for their porch, patio, or driveway. The surprisingly bright LED lights on either side of the cam can be set to light up along with the motion detection features.

There’s a little bit of everything packed into the Spotlight Cam Pro’s design, including basics like 1080p video, night vision, and two-way audio. But Ring also has some extras, like a siren you can sound, advanced 3D motion detection, and a “Bird’s Eye” view option that gives you a model for where a subject may have gone. We also like that it’s battery-powered with an option to plug into an outlet.

As with all Ring cams, you will really want a Ring Protect plan to enable video storage and video sharing, but otherwise, this is the most comprehensive wireless security cam we’ve seen to date.

Google

Google Nest Cam 2nd-gen (battery)

Best value security camera kit

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Google’s Nest Cam benefits greatly from Google’s AI technology that can recognize people from cars, identify packages, and (with a subscription) do much more. While there is a wired version of this cam, we like the battery option for its versatility. We also love that it’s one of the few cams that offer free online video storage – three hours worth – for free, although a Nest Aware subscription does add other benefits.

Nest works with both Google Assistant and Alexa these days, so you don’t have to worry as much about which voice assistant you use. The cam itself is highly capable, with 1080p HDR video, night vision, zoom, two-way audio, and a variety of intelligent alerts. The snap-on mount is also a great way to make installation easy, no matter where you’re putting it. There’s even a feature to keep recording when the power goes down and save an hour of footage into local memory for review.

If the battery option isn’t really your thing, you do can purchase a weatherproof outdoor cable and wire the cam into place as well.

Arlo

Arlo Pro 5S 2K

Best premium outdoor security camera

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The Arlo Pro 5S 2K doesn’t cut any corners. Featuring a camera that captures 2K video, a wide field of view, sleek design, and color night vision, few products can match its performance. Unfortunately, all those features come at a price, as the Arlo Pro 5S 2K clocks in at $250.

That makes it one of the most expensive security cameras on this list, but if money is no object, it deserves a closer look. Not only does it offer every feature found on our beloved Arlo Pro 4, but it also features Dual-Band Wi-Fi for simplified installation, SecureLink Connectivity that allows it to stay protected during power outages, and a Low Power Mode that offers a 30% boost to battery life.

But beyond those features, it’s eerily similar to its cheaper sibling. Still, if you need an outdoor security camera that’s as cutting-edge as possible, you can’t do better than the Arlo Pro 5S.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Blink Wired Floodlight Camera

Best affordable floodlight camera

Blink makes plenty of great outdoor cameras, but few are as great as the Blink Wired Floodlight Camera. As one of the newest members of the Blink family, the Wired Floodlight Camera offers heaps of functionality despite its budget-friendly price of $99.

In case the name didn’t give it away, the Blink Wired Floodlight Camera isn’t just an outdoor camera – it’s also a floodlight. And a bright one at that, capable of producing 2,600 lumens of LED light. You’ll also benefit from motion detection, a wired connection that offers a constant power supply, and color night vision. Its design is a bit bulkier than others on this list, but that’s largely due to the massive floodlights that loom over the camera.

Anyone in the market for an outdoor camera that’s both affordable and powerful (and comes with shockingly bright floodlights) should give strong consideration to Blink’s new product. But if you’re looking for something with a more streamlined design, consider looking back at the Ring Spotlight Cam Pro mentioned earlier in our roundup.

Wyze

Wyze Cam Floodlight Pro

With the ability to capture 2.5K QHD footage and built with three adjustable floodlights that product 3,000 lumens of brightness, the Wyze Cam Floodlight Pro is a premium camera that doesn’t carry a premium price. It’s best for capturing large backyards or driveways (thanks to its powerful floodlights), but they can also be dimmed if you don’t need quite as much power.

Rounding out the package is automation that senses when the sun goes down, support for microSD cards to store footage locally, two-way audio, and compatibility with Alexa, Google Assistant, and IFTTT. Because it’s a floodlight, it’s a bit bulkier than most other products on this list, but it’s a great option if you like the idea of filming in 2.5K QHD and want to light up your yard when motion is detected.

Blink

Blink Outdoor 4

The Blink Outdoor 4 takes everything you loved about the Outdoor 3 and makes it even better. The two-year battery life is still here, but you’ll also benefit from a new 143-degree field of view, enhanced motion detection (including person detection), and improved night vision.

As usual, you’ll need to spring for a Blink Subscription Plan to access everything the camera has to offer, but since plans start at just $3 per month, it shouldn’t be a dealbreaker. Toss in a new design, a robust smartphone app, and full support for Alexa, and the latest member of the Blink family is mighty enticing.

Phil Nickinson / Digital Trends

Ring Stick Up Cam Pro

It’s a bit expensive, but you’re getting a lot of value out of this investment. The Ring Stick Up Cam Pro is designed to work both indoors and outside – giving it plenty of versatility. Along with its weatherproofing, the camera offers HDR video and films in 1080p, supports two-way audio, and is easy to install thanks to its wire-free setup.

One minor sticking point is its lack of a built-in privacy shutter. That might be an issue if you’re using it indoors, though you can quickly toggle alerts off and disarm the camera from the Ring smartphone app. But if you have it installed outside, you likely won’t miss the feature. You’ll also want to spring for a monthly Ring subscription to unlock additional features such as cloud saves and smart alerts.

Beyond those minor quirks, there’s not much to dislike about this powerful outdoor camera. Homes with other Ring products already installed will love how easy it is to sync the device with the rest of their smart home, and Ring newcomers will enjoy its high-quality images, simple setup, and generous 155-degree viewing angle.

Arlo Essential XL

The Arlo Essential XL Wireless Security Camera is all about battery life. Capable of running for up to 16 months before needing a recharge, it’s leagues beyond most other products on the market. That makes it incredibly appealing if you’re using it on a second property or plan to put it in a place that’s cumbersome to reach (as you’ll only have to take it down less than once per year).

It also benefits from support for 2K footage capture, color night vision, and a wide 130-degree viewing angle. You’ll likely want to pick up an Arlo Secure subscription so you can get improved smart alerts and 30-day video history – though it’s a bit more expensive than the competition at $5 per month.

The Essential XL is fully supported by the Arlo smartphone app, meaning you can easily set activity zones, view your alert history, or check out a live feed of your camera. And despite all these great features, the Essential XL is reasonably priced. To save even more cash, you can opt for the HD version, which offers all the same features, but ditches the 2K resolution for standard HD.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do I place outdoor security cameras?

FBI crime data indicates that most (around 55%) home intruders try to get into homes through either the front or back door. So, you may want to have your security camera scoping out your doors. It’s also a good idea to cover other entry points, like back windows, that are hidden away where someone could break in without being seen.

Where exactly to mount your outdoor cameras, however, depends on your property and your individual needs. You may have a shed in the back that contains expensive lawn equipment, for instance, and you might want to place more focus on that area. Perhaps your neighborhood has experienced a few break-ins recently, and the intruders typically enter through the garage, so you want to cover your garage area.

How many security cameras do I need?

Typically, having at least two outdoor cameras is ideal, not including your video doorbell. If you have a video doorbell to watch your porch, combined with an outdoor security camera covering the front and back areas of your home, this should be sufficient. However, if you have a large property, live in an area where there’s a lot of property crime, or if you have vehicles or valuables stored on your property, you may want to add in an extra camera or two.

Can you use an indoor security camera outdoors?

No. An indoor camera does not have the necessary protection from the elements, so it won’t hold up outside. Some cameras are rated for indoor or outdoor use, and you can use those cameras outside. If you want to point your indoor camera out a window to watch the outdoors, you technically can do so. However, the camera’s features probably won’t work as well, and you’re better off just buying a cheap outdoor camera.

Can outdoor security cameras be used indoors?

Yes, although it’s not usually recommended because the cameras designed for outdoor use may not work optimally indoors. Again, you can opt for a camera that’s rated for both indoors and outdoors, like a dome camera.

Do all outdoor security cameras have two-way audio?

The short answer is no. Many wired outdoor cameras feature two-way audio, which allows you to speak back and forth with someone through the camera via an app on your phone, but not all outdoor cameras have this feature.

If two-way audio is something you’re interested in, consider doing research on which cameras have it, and of the ones that do, read up on which are better. Not all two-way audio is created equal — some companies do it well, while others do not. Keep in mind that cameras with two-way audio might cost a bit more than those that don’t feature the technology.

How well does night vision work on an outdoor security camera?

Night vision on cameras typically uses infrared light to illuminate dark images at night. Essentially, cameras with night vision use this technology to backlight images to help you see what’s happening in the field of view. Most outdoor security cameras feature night vision, but the quality varies from model to model.

If you’re looking for superior night vision, go for the Arlo camera listed above, or research night vision quality before making a purchase.

How well do outdoor security cameras detect motion?

Motion sensitivity in outdoor security cameras varies widely, but generally, the technology works well regardless of the model you choose. Most cameras, even inexpensive ones, do an excellent job of detecting motion, and, if the camera is connected to an app, it will send a motion alert to your phone. Most people find that motion settings on cameras are too sensitive, meaning that things like rain, bugs, or even bright sunlight can trigger an alert.

If you’re concerned about motion alerts, consider buying a camera that not only sends you motion alerts so you can monitor what’s happening on your property but also allows you to adjust the motion sensitivity so that small things aren’t triggering it all the time.

Can outdoor security cameras survive severe weather?

Most outdoor cameras have a rating of IP65 or higher, which means they are waterproof and can withstand someone spraying a hose on them. That usually (but not always) means that a camera with that rating can withstand extreme temperatures ranging from -40 to 110 degrees Fahrenheit or similar.

Cameras vary slightly in terms of survival in extreme weather, but anything with a rating of IP65 or higher will be fine for most climates. If you live in an extremely hot or extremely cold climate, you might want to consider a camera with a rating of IP66 or higher.

Do I have to pay for storage for an outdoor camera?

This depends a lot on the brand and the model. Generally, if a security cam has a memory card slot, you can use native storage without paying anything — it’s just a little trickier to manage. If you want video footage to be uploaded to the cloud for easier viewing and saving, you’ll often have to pay for it. Brands like Arlo and Ring only allow for free livestreaming video and require a plan if you want to save video for any length of time. Google is one of the best options here because its Nest cam offers a certain amount of free online storage without needing a subscription.

Is an outdoor security camera ever illegal?

It can be, although privacy laws haven’t entirely caught up with home security cams yet. Generally speaking, you can’t point a camera where people have the expectation of privacy. Pointing a cam at your porch and the street in front? Totally fine, it’s considered a public area. Pointing a camera so that it captures footage of your neighbor’s backyard or looks into their windows? Illegal, and you could get successfully sued for it.

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<p>The post Best outdoor security cameras 2023 first appeared on NVR IPCAMERA SECURITY.</p>

IMPORTANT – Alibi Vigilant IP Camera Firmware Update:

We have released a new version of firmware for Alibi Vigilant IP cameras that fixes the ability to reset passwords for IP cameras. If you want to enable this functionality on installed Vigilant IP cameras, we recommend you click the following link to find complete directions to download the new software to upgrade your IP cameras.

Alibi Vigilant IP Camera Firmware Installation Instructions

Alibi Vigilant IP Camera Control 4 Connection Driver

If you have further questions, please contact Technical Support for assistance at 888.858.1442.

IPC_D1202 Firmware for the following camera models.

ALI-FB20-W, ALI-FB20, ALI-FB20-Z
ALI-FB40-W, ALI-FB40, ALI-FB40-Z
ALI-FD20-V, ALI-FD20-VZ
ALI-FD40-V, ALI-FD40-VZ
ALI-FT20
ALI-FT40

Alibi IP Camera Firmware

Read Next :

1. GW Security NVR IPCAMERA Firmware
2. How to Upgrade NVR Firmware for Amcrest
3. New Chinese IP Camera Firmwares Update

IPC-G6107 Firmware for the following camera models.

ALI-FB80
ALI-PD40-VZA
ALI-FD80-V
ALI-PT40-ZA
ALI-FT80
ALI-PB40-ZA
ALI-PB40-A
ALI-PD40-VA
ALI-PT40-A
ALI-PM40-A

DIPC-B1209 Firmware for the following camera models.

ALI-FB20-U
ALI-FD20-VU
ALI-FT20-U

DIPC-B1226 Firmware for the following camera models.

ALI-FB20-AW
ALI-FD20-VAW

DIPC-B1211 Firmware for the following camera models.

ALI-FB40-U

GIPC-B6102 Firmware for the following camera models.

ALI-PS40-A
ALI-PT40

GIPC-B6106 Firmware for the following camera models.

ALI-PF50-A
ALI-PB80
ALI-PT80
ALI-PZ50-ZA

CIPC-B2302 Firmware for the following camera model.

ALI-PZ51-UZA

QIPC-B1203 Firmware for the following camera models.

ALI-XB80-ZA
ALI-XD80-VZA
ALI-XT80-ZA
ALI-XF120-A

QIPC-B2202 Firmware for the following camera models.

ALI-PZ21-UZA
ALI-PZ40-VUZAI
ALI-PB40-VUZAIE
ALI-PB80-VUZAIE

CIPC-B2302 Firmware for the following camera models.

ALI-PZ20-ZA

CIPC-B2302 Firmware for the following camera models.

ALI-PZ20-LZA

CIPC-B2302 Firmware for the following camera models.

ALI-PZ20-LUZAI

QIPC-B8701 Firmware for the following camera models.

ALI-XF80-LA

DIPC-B1216 Firmware for the following camera models.

ALI-FB21-A
ALI-FB21-Z
ALI-FD21-V
ALI-FT21-A

GIPC-B6202 Firmware for the following camera models.

ALI-FB21-UAI, ALI-FB41-UA, ALI-FB41-UZA
ALI-FD21-VUAI, ALI-FD41-UVZ, ALI-FD41-VU
ALI-FT21-UAI, ALI-FT40-UZA, ALI-FT41-UA
ALI-PB40-UAI, ALI-PB40-UAIE, ALI-PB40-UAIS, ALI-PB40-UZAI, ALI-PB40-VLUAI, ALI-PB50-UAI, ALI-PB50-UZAI, ALI-PB50-VLUAI
ALI-PD40-VUAI, ALI-PD40-VUZAI, ALI-PD50-VUAI, ALI-PD50-VUZAI
ALI-PM41-VAI
ALI-PT40-UAI, ALI-PT40-UAIS, ALI-PT40-UZAI, ALI-PT40-VLUAI, ALI-PT50-LUAI, ALI-PT50-UAI, ALI-PT50-UZAI
ALI-PZ50-LUZAIS

GIPC-B6202 Firmware for the following camera models.

ALI-PB60-UA, ALI-PB60-VUZA
ALI-PD60-VUA, ALI-PD60-VUZA
ALI-PT60-UA, ALI-PT60-VUZA

GIPC-B6203 Firmware for the following camera models.

ALI-FB81-UA
ALI-FD81-VUA
ALI-FT81-UA
ALI-PF51-VA
ALI-PT50-VUAIF
ALI-PB50-UAIF
ALI-PB81-AI
ALI-PD81-AI
ALI-PT81-AI
ALI-PB80-VLUAI
ALI-PT80-VLUAI
ALI-XB81-UZAI
ALI-XD81-VUZAI
ALI-XT81-UZAI

GIPC-B6208 Firmware for the following camera model.

ALI-PF40-LUA

ANPR-B1103 Firmware for the following camera model.

ALI-XB20-VUZAI-ANPR

Alibi Witness IP Camera Firmware and Manuals

Looking for firmware? Find the latest firmware downloads, release notes and firmware instructions for current and discontinued Alibi IP cameras.

Alibi IP Camera Network Setup Guide

Alibi NS20, NS21, NS40, NS41 Series Network IP Cameras

Includes SKUs – ALI-NS1025VR, ALI-NS2012R, ALI-NS2012VR, ALI-NS2112VR, ALI-NS2122VR, ALI-NS2013VR, ALI-NS2023R, ALI-NS2014VR, ALI-NS2024R, ALI-NS2114VR, ALI-NS2015VR, ALI-NS2015VRB, ALI-NS2025R, ALI-NS2025RB, ALI-NS2016VR, ALI-NS2016VRB, ALI-NS2026R, ALI-NS2036VR, ALI-NS2036R, ALI-NS2018VR, ALI-NS2028R, ALI-NS2118VR, ALI-NS2128R, ALI-NS2038R, ALI-NS4012R, ALI-NS4022R, ALI-NS4112R, ALI-NS4013R, ALI-NS4023R, ALI-NS4014R, ALI-NS4024R, ALI-NS4114R, ALI-NS4015R, ALI-NS4015RB, ALI-NS4025R, ALI-NS4016R, ALI-NS4016RB, ALI-NS4026R, ALI-NS4036R, ALI-NS4018R, ALI-NS4028R, ALI-NS4118R, ALI-NS4128R, ALI-NS4038R

Alibi NS1028VR

Includes SKUs – ALI-NS1028VR

Alibi 7012 Series Network IP Cameras

Includes SKUs ALI-NS7012R, ALI-NP7012RT

Alibi 7022 Series Network IP Cameras

Includes SKUs ALI-NP7022RT

Alibi NS Series Network IP Cameras

Includes SKUs ALI-NS1012VR, ALI-NS1014VR, ALI-NS1022R, ALI-NS1024VR, ALI-NS1032VR, ALI-NS1034R, ALI-NS1044VR, ALI-NS3012R, ALI-NS3014R, ALI-NS3022R, ALI-NS3024R, ALI-NS3034R

Alibi ALI-NS1132VR IP Camera

Includes SKU ALI-NS1132VR

Alibi ALI-NS1144VR, ALI-NS3134R IP Cameras

Includes SKU ALI-NS1144VR, ALI-NS3134R

Alibi ALI-NP1028VR IP Camera

Use with SKU ALI-NP1028VR

Alibi ALI-NP7022RT-B IP Camera

Use with SKU ALI-NP7022RT-B

Alibi NP (10 & 30 Series) Network IP Cameras

Includes SKUs ALI-NP1013VRH, ALI-NP1016VRH, ALI-NP3013RH, ALI-NP3016RH, ALI-NP3012RH

Alibi NP (70 Series) Network IP Cameras

Includes SKU ALI-NP7012RT

Alibi NZ60 Base Station for ALI-NZ60 Series Mini IP Cameras

Includes SKU ALI-NZ60

Alibi IPZ Series Network IP PTZ Cameras

Includes SKUs ALI-IPZ5030T, ALI-IPZ5030RT

Alibi IPC 3000 Series Network IP Cameras

Includes SKUs – ALI-IPU3013R, ALI-IPU3030R, ALI-IPV3013R, ALI-IPV3030R, ALI-IPD3030R, ALI-IPV3030RV, ALI-IPU3030RV, ALI-IPU3130R, ALI-IPU3230R, ALI-IPV3113R, ALI-IPV3130R

Alibi IPC 5000 Series Network IP Cameras

Includes SKUs – ALI-IPV5030RMH, ALI-IPU5030RMH

2MP IP Dome 75′ IR 2.8mm DWDR H.264+

Includes SKU – ALI-NS1002VR

MP Starlight 165 Feet IR WDR IP Bullet Camera with Siren and Lights

Includes SKU – ALI-NS4224RI

Alibi Fisheye Cameras

Includes SKUs – ALI-NS1006RP, ALI-NS1006VRP, ALI-NS1012VRP

Includes SKUs – ALI-IPV5060RP

<p>The post Alibi IP Camera Firmware first appeared on NVR IPCAMERA SECURITY.</p>

Getting Started with ClareVision – NVR and Camera Setup

The following guide gives you the basics on getting started with ClareVision NVRs and Camera setup.

Overview

The following article provide the following information:

• The basic functions of an NVR
• The basic functions of an IP camera
• Best practices for setting up an NVR

NVR’s

The NVR provides two basic functions: it network attaches the cameras and provides storage. In fact, the NVR does very little else.

• Network services: the NVR provides a central place to access IP cameras. You can attach IP cameras directly to the ports of the NVR or leave the cameras on the LAN. The NVR can be configured attach to those cameras for purposes of centralized access and recording .Centralized access can be viewing on the web console or providing access to integrated solutions such as the ClareOne Panel or a home automation system such as Control4
• Recording services: the NVR also provides recording services. You may record full time video or motion events, smart events, alarm events or any combination.

IP Cameras

The IP camera is where almost everything interesting happens. The IP camera collects, analyzes and forwards video streams and snapshots to one or more clients. The camera can provide service to a mobile app, the NVR and an integrated control system simultaneously. It also provides multiple streams of video in different resolutions and frame rates so the client device can select the stream it can process. The following provides a high level reference highlighting the differences between the Value Series and Performance Series ClareVision IP cameras:

In summary, the camera is where everything interesting happens. The NVR simply provides convenient access and storage.

Next, let’s set up an NVR with ClareVision and ONVIF cameras…

Setup a ClareVision NVR and IP Cameras

What You Need

Learning by doing is far better than reading articles and watching videos. Before you proceed, you will need the following:

• ClareVision IP camera: we will use a Performance series camera in our exercises.
• ClareVision NVR
• A computer with internet access
• A mobile phone with ClareVision installed. (Do not install ClareVision Plus – that is our legacy app)
• A wired connection to your LAN
• An 8 port PoE switch (you will not leave this at the job site)

Step One: Install the NVR on Your LAN

The following image shows the connection scheme for an ethernet switch connected to an NVR and camera.

If your link light is flashing on the ethernet switch you are passing data to the NVR. Success!

Step Two: Find the NVR on Your LAN

All ClareVision NVR’s ship with DHCP turned on. DHCP simply means the router will assign an IP address to the camera when it boots up using the LAN IP address scheme. Example:

• Router IP Address: 192.168.1.1 (typical)
• IP address range that may be available: 192.168.1.2 through 192.168.1.255
• Router will assign an address like this: 192.168.1.x, where x can be any number between 2 and 255.

How do you find your NVR so you can login and configure? Download the IP search tool here.

Install and Launch IP Search and select “Search”

All IP cameras and NVR’s regardless of their IP address will appear in the results window. The model numbers will appear as well so you know which one is an NVR.

Next launch a web browser (Chrome or Edge) and enter the IP address of the camera you just installed.

The default USERID is: admin (not case sensitive)

The default password is the first six characters of the UUID. The UUID can be found on the NVR label or the quick start guide.

Step Three: Download the Plugin

The NVR’s and cameras support Chromium browsers. We test on Microsoft Edge and Google Chrome. The plugin dramatically improves video performance vs. browsers without a plugin.

See the upper right corners of the NVR web user interface

Step Four: Update the NVR to the Latest Firmware Release

Clare Controls releases NVR firmware with new features about once every four months. Chances are, your NVR will need to be updated when you take out of the box. There are two ways to update the NVR firmware.

You can go to the NVR firmware database is located here and download the firmware file. You then select manual upgrade by selecting the Configuration tab, Maintenance/Manual Upgrade

OR

Log into the NVR and go to the Configuration tab and click on Maintenance/Online Upgrade to review the firmware version.

Click on “Check”. The NVR will go to our OTA servers and check for an upgrade. If one is available you will be prompted to accept the upgrade. You should always accept.

Go HERE for a guide to quickly updating the firmware on your cameras

Next, we will add cameras to the NVR. We will break this down into three steps:

1. Adding ClareVision cameras to the NVR by attaching to the NVR physical channels
2. Adding ClareVision cameras to the NVR by attaching them to the NVR virtual channels on the LAN
3. Adding ONVIF cameras to the NVR (Luma, ClareVision Plus/Legacy, Hikvision etc)

Step Five: Add ClareVision Cameras to the PoE Ports

Attach the camera to the NVR physical PoE port. This connection must be direct and cannot be routed through an ethernet switch on the way to the PoE port. Once connected, wait until the two LED’s on the NVR are illuminated.

The green LED is the PoE power indicator. If it is lit, the NVR is supplying power to the camera. The amber LED is the link light. When this is flashing, the NVR is communicating with the camera.

Now simply wait a couple of minutes…..

Go to the Live View tab and click on the left side of the icon next to the channel number to which you connected the camera. A small green indicator will light up just to the left of the “C” in the word channel. The camera video should show up in the appropriate tile. In the example below, the camera is connected to physical channel one and shows up in tile number one on the Live View Screen.

You can continue adding cameras to the physical channels of the NVR and all will behave as noted above.

Step Six: Add ClareVision Cameras to the Virtual Channels (on the LAN)

Let’s assume you had no way to physically route a wire back to the NVR, but wanted the camera on the NVR. No problem – you are now going to add the camera to a ‘virtual channel’ on the NVR.

To do so, go to the Configuration tab, Channel/Camera.

This NVR is the CLR-V200-8PNVR2, 8 channel NVR. Notice it has 10 cameras on it. To discover new cameras, click on the “Add” button.

If a camera shows up as private and you click in the white box on the left side of the row, and click “Add”. The camera will be added exactly the same way it would have been added had it been on a PoE port – Plug-n-Play.

That is really all there is to adding ClareVision cameras to a ClareVision NVR.

Step Seven: Adding ONVIF cameras to a ClareVision NVR.

Let’s assume the ONVIF camera is on the general LAN like in step six above. Follow the exact same procedure as in step six, plus the following:

In the channel screen below, click on the edit link in for the ONVIF camera you just added

The following screen will pop up:

Enter the ONVIF UserID and Password for the discovered camera, click “OK”.

This ARTICLE details adding an ONVIF camera to a PoE port on the NVR. The process is slightly different than detailed above.

Step Eight: Aligning Connections to Channels on Your NVR

The NVR will assign channels based on either the physical connection (PoE port 1, 2 etc) or based on the order in which they were attached for virtual channels. The first camera added to the NVR on the general LAN will be assigned to channel 9, the second to channel 10 etc.

Let’s say you had 10 cameras, but only ONE on a physical channel / PoE port. The Live View screen would show a camera in tile 4 since that is where it was attached. The next 8 cameras would automatically be assigned to ports 9 through 16.

Two problems – what about the 10th camera and the NVR Live View Screen would be very awkward showing one camera on tile 4 and 8 cameras on tile 9-16.

This where PoE bonding configuration becomes very handy.

PoE bonding allows you to decouple the logical connection between a physical channel and a channel number. In the example above, all channels besides channel 4 are unbonded from the physical ports. This makes 7 of the first nine channels available for virtual channel assignments.

Two problems just got solved:

1. We now have enough channels for the 9th camera located on the LAN
2. The channel assignments are now 1-10 making the NVR preview interface very organized.

It was the un-bonding process that allowed the channel list to appear as orderly as it did in the above example.

If you get the channel list twisted up and want to start over, you can default the camera list alone by going to the Configuration tab Maintenance/Default

Click on the “Camera” button and the channel list will be wiped. You can start over.

Step Nine: Setting up Events on Your Cameras

Now that your cameras are solidly on the NVR, it is time to set up motion and smart events for all of your cameras. The good news is you can do all of that from the NVR interface.

Go to the Configure tab and select System/Motion Event or System/Smart Event. In the following example, System/Motion Event was selected

This configuration screen is extremely similar to the native camera configuration screen. If you make changes here to the motion grid layout for example and log into the camera, you will see the changes you made from the NVR web UI.

The drop down menus for channel selection are smart and will only show you the channels that have cameras that support that event type.

As an example, although this NVR has 10 cameras on it, only 5 support smart events.

See this article for motion detection setup.

See this article for smart event setup.

Although those articles are written referencing the camera web user interface, they are extremely similar on the NVR.

The recommendations related to Event Arming vs. Record Schedule apply to the NVR setup as well.

Let’s move on to recording!

Step Ten: Setting up Recording on Your NVR

The primary difference, other than capacity, between camera based recording and NVR based recording is the NVR can record all event types and full time record simultaneously while the camera can only record one event type to the SD card.

Recording schedules are setup under the Configuration Tab Storage/Recording Schedule.

You can record any one or all of: normal (full time), motion, alarm, motion and alarm and smart events (intelligent).

At the risk of being completely redundant, if you are arming an event such as motion or smart events you should set the recording to 7×24 and use the event arming schedule to control when the camera will propagate that event type. Doing so will ensure the user will always have an event to look at in the event log of the mobile app when a push notification is sent.

To change a recording parameter, just click on a line and the following will pop up:

Lastly, “More Settings” is where you will find pre-record and post-record settings.

Step Eleven: Directly Accessing Your Cameras that are on the Physical Channels

The cameras that are on the physical channels will not show up on an IP scan and are not accessible on the general LAN.

Enter the Virtual Host. You can access any camera, whether on the Virtual Channel or a Physical Channel (PoE Port) using the Virtual Host.

Go to the Configuration tab, Channel/Camera:

Click on the IP address in the right column and you will be taken to a login screen for that camera:

Notice the IP address is really the NVR with a port number. From this screen you can log into the camera, check settings, configure local record and manage firmware updates. You are accessing the camera directly.

Use the NVR UserID and password, and we are in!

Step 12: Adding the NVR to the ClareVision Mobile App

Now that you have set up your NVR, it is time to add it to the ClareVision app. It is quite simple.

Launch the ClareVision App

Tap the ‘Plus’ sign and you will be presented the following options:

Selecting NVR will cause the app to bring up a different user interface than it does for an individual camera

Tap the NVR Icon and you will be presented with the three options shown below.

If you tap device is on the network, the app will scan the LAN for any ClareVision cameras or NVR’s and present them in the following screen. Device is on a remote network provides you with the option of scanning a QR code for a camera on a remote network. The system will locate it anywhere in the world and provide you with a login screen to add the remote camera or NVR.

In our example, we tapped on “Device is on the local network” and two devices were found.

Tapping on a device brings you to a login screen where you may enter the credentials

And DONE!

You just successfully installed, configured and enabled a ClareVision NVR with ClareVision cameras on and off the physical ports as well as adding an ONVIF camera. We then connected the NVR to the ClareVision mobile app. Push notifications and events as configured will automatically propagate to your customer’s mobile device!

Closing:

This was not an attempt to explain in great detail every option/setting/configuration in the NVR. Rather this article was intended to give you a simple step by step guide to setting up and NVR with cameras in multiple configurations from multiple manufacturers. If you follow the steps in the order detailed you will win more than you lose.

How to add ONVIF Cameras to a Physical Port on a ClareVision NVR

This article will walk you through the details on adding an ONVIF camera to a physical port/channel on a ClareVision NVR

Overview

This article will provide you with the information needed to add an ONVIF camera to a ClareVision NVR.

ClareVision NVR’s are ONVIF S/T compliant as a client whereas the cameras are ONVIF S/T compliant as devices. ONVIF compliance implies ClareVision NVR’s will enable discovery, receive and record streams, snapshots and motion events from ONVIF compliant devices.

Background on Discovery and Attachment

ONVIF uses a multicast method called WS-DISCOVERY. In essence the NVR sends out a multicast message to the network. All ONVIF devices listen for that multicast message to respond with information required to address the camera on the network. Remember, multicast discovery DOES NOT USE the IP address of the device it uses a multicast IP address. Here are a few things WS-DISCOVERY does not do:

• It does not modify or change the IP address of the discovered device
• It does not modify or change the UserID of the discovered device
• It does not modify or change the password of the discovered device.

What does this mean in practice?

ClareVision NVR’s can discover ONVIF cameras anywhere on the LAN or on the physical channels of the NVR and display the existence, model number and IP address of the discovered device in the channel list. It DOES NOT mean it can communicate with it. Here are few facts to consider using Luma as an example (applies to any ONVIF camera):

• Out of the box, a Luma camera has a static IP address of xxx.xxx.xxx. If the camera is on your local domain and your local domain has a different address scheme the router will route exactly zero messages between the ClareVision NVR and the Luma camera.
• There is no discovery method in ONVIF to transmit UserID’s and passwords, so even if the Luma camera is on the same domain as your NVR, the NVR will not auto-discover the UserID or password.
• If the Luma camera is on the physical port of the NVR, it will not be on the private domain of the ClareVision NVR (default 192.168.11.xxx). As a consequence, the NVR will not communicate with the Luma camera at all.

Attachment and Discovery Summary

Attaching a Luma or ONVIF Camera to a ClareVision NVR on a Physical Port

Step One: Initialize the camera and set the UserID and Password

Refer to you Luma or ONVIF camera user guide for UserID and setup.

Step Two: Set the Device IP Address to the Domain of the ClareVision NVR

The ClareVision NVR private domain is defaulted to 192.168.11.xxx. That default can be changed under the Configuration tab, System/Network:

The bottom cell – Internal Net Card IP sets the private domain.

Make sure your ONVIF camera is on your general LAN and go to your network settings on your ONVIF camera and set the network settings as follows:

DHCP: disabled

IP address: 192.168.11.xxx, where XXX can be any address between 3 and 255. We recommend starting assignments at 26 to stay out of the range of the NVR’s aut0-assignment range.

Step Three: Move the Camera to the Physical Port of the NVR and Use Manual Add

Once you set the IP address as required, you will not longer be able to log into the camera on your general LAN. Move the camera to any physical port of the NVR and let the camera boot up.

To to the Configuration tab, Channel/Camera

Hit “Manual Add”

You must select the channel, enter the UserID and password, the IP address and the port number.  Once complete, hit “Save”

That’s it, you just added and ONVIF camera to a physical port of the NVR. Using ONVIF, the NVR will allow you to configure motion events, schedule recording of motion or full time recording. You can use the NVR driver or the camera driver via the Virtual Host as you can with ClareVision cameras and the live view, snap shots and events will all propagate to the ClareVision mobile app.

You can view the entire setup process in the videos below.

Setting up Hikvision/ONVIF Cameras connected to a ClareVision NVR:

Setting up networked Hikvision/ONVIF cameras to work with a ClareVision NVR:

<p>The post ClareVision NVR and Camera General Guides first appeared on NVR IPCAMERA SECURITY.</p>

Wyze Cam Outdoor v2 includes all the features you love from the previous outdoor cam, with the addition of a Starlight sensor for Color Night Vision, a bigger Field of View of 130º, and an improved PIR lens for fewer false detections.

Wyze Base Station Setup Guide

<p>The post Wyze Cam Outdoor review and installation guide first appeared on NVR IPCAMERA SECURITY.</p>

The best. Now better.

It’s time to take Wyze Cam outside. All-new IP65 weather & dust resistance, and the Starlight sensor, truly lets you see everything around your home, inside and out, daytime and night.

Wyze Cam v3 features we’re excited about:

• Indoor / outdoor. IP65 weather resistance lets you capture moments from virtually anywhere.
• CMOS Starlight sensor. Reduces noise from low light, sees in environments up to 25x darker.
• Versatile mounting. Magnetic, screw, and 1/4 tripod mounting.
• Great image quality, day and night. 1080p Full HD.
• Adaptive IR lights: Invisible and visible IR lights.
• Color Night Vision. See clearly and in color at night in low light conditions.
• NEW! Accessories available. Outdoor adapter, Spotlight kit, Floodlight kit (TBD), and more.
• Siren. Deter bad actors with loud alarm you can trigger from the Wyze app.
• Cam Plus available. Provides Person, Pet, Vehicle, and Package detection.

Wyze Cam v3 Tech Specs

Before you begin setup:

1. Download the Wyze app on your smartphone or tablet.
2. Connect your device to a 2.4GHz WiFi network.
3. Unpack your Wyze Cam v3 box, removing all plastic and packing materials.
4. Plug the camera into power using the included USB cable and power adapter.
   • The camera’s status light will turn solid red when powered. When flashing, it’s ready for setup.

To set up your Wyze Cam v3:

1. In the Wyze app, tap Home, then tap + plus sign on the top left.
2. Tap Add Device.
3. Tap Cameras > Wyze Cam v3.
4. With your camera plugged into an outlet, tap Next in the app.
5. Pull the base from your camera and single-press SETUP under the camera. It will say “Ready to connect”
6. In the app, check the box next to “I heard, “Ready to connect”.”
7. Tap Next.
8. Select your 2.4GHz WiFi network and enter your network password. Tap Next.
   • Tap the icon in the password field to display the password to ensure it was entered correctly.
9. Scan the QR code on the Wyze app.
   • Hold your camera up to your phone screen with the QR code displaying. It will say “QR code scanned please wait.” then “Setup completed.”
10. In the app, check the box next to “I heard, “QR code scanned”.”
11. Tap Next. You’re set up, it’s time to name your device.
12. Name your Wyze Cam v3 using the text field, or by choosing a suggestion.
13. Tap Finish when done.
14. If you want to share your device, tap Share Device.
    • If not, tap Maybe later.

Additional Notes:

• Wyze devices only work on 2.4GHz WiFi networks. If you are connected to a 5GHz network, switch to a 2.4GHz network before setting up your device.
• Having trouble scanning your QR code? A few tips to help:
  
  • Hold your camera 6-10 inches away from your phone screen.
  • Slowly move the on the screen away from the camera, then closer.
  • Tilt your phone screen slightly in case there’s a glare.
  • Turn your phone upside down.
  • If you’re on iOS, turn off “Invert Colors”.
  • Make sure the QR code isn’t distorted.
    • If you have an older device, the screen may be too small. Try a different device.
    • If your screen is cracked or scratched, the code may be distorted. Try a different device.
    • If you’re using a beta version of the Wyze app, make sure the cursor is not on the QR code

Wyze Cam v3 Mounting Guide

<p>The post Wyze Cam v3 Setup Guide NEW first appeared on NVR IPCAMERA SECURITY.</p>

Episode 1

Episode 2

Episode 3

Episode 4 ,

Episode 5

Episode 6

<p>The post How To Ip Camera Night Mode Change first appeared on NVR IPCAMERA SECURITY.</p>