When we look ahead for security camera for outdoor security purpose, we focus at the protection level the lens has against dust or water. There you must have come across terms like IP66 that signifies protection against dust and water. Instead of signifying that the camera is dust proof and waterproof, or weather resistant the code describes it better. Here IP means Ingress protection. This is the international standard that classifies the degree of protection against intrusion of foreign objects like finger, dirt, dust and water. Usually, we aim at protection from water and dust. The number after IP signifies the level of protection camera holds from dust and water.
The first digit signifies the level of protection from dust or solid particles. On the grid line of 0-6 where 0 signifies no protection and 6 being the highest. From solid particles of over 50 mm size to fine dust particles, the first digit in IP66 signifies that the camera is capable of holding back the minute dust particles even in the case of a heavy storm making it dust tight.
The second digit explains the protection the camera holds from any form of liquid. Again on the grid of 0-8 where 0 signifies that the camera cannot withstand water and 8 signifies that the camera can sustain even if submerged in water. The second digit 6 in IP66 signifies that the camera can withhold the heavy jet stream of water with the pressure of 100 litres per minute but cannot sustain if submerged in the water for a longer period of time.Now, if you are looking for the camera for outdoor security, for an open parking lot, industrial area, or any such place where the camera will be exposed to dust and water, then look for the IP protection rating on the same. Any rating above 5 in ingress protection grid signifies that the camera suitable for outdoor surveillance in normal conditions.