Outdoor security cameras cannot be stressed upon enough when it comes to designing and installing a security system. While coming up with a security system design, it is vital to establish the strategic places to install the security cameras especially outdoor security cameras as they need to cover large areas and capture first signs of intrusion. Along with a correct location, correct model or features of the outdoor camera are another very essential to consider and require much thought.

A good outdoor security camera must have the following features to make it a suitable choice for including in your security camera design:

1. Night Vision or low light vision: An outdoor camera works 24/7 and needs to be equipped with good low light vision technology to make it work properly even in the hours when there is no or low light. This feature plays a very important role in capturing a clear image of the intruder at night when there are high chances of any intrusion. Night vision or low light vision is checked by the lux rating of the camera, lower the rating, higher the quality of results. 0 lux in a security camera states that the camera can produce good images in complete darkness as well.

2. Weatherproof: An outdoor camera has to withstand all various kinds of weather conditions even when installed in shaded spot. Hence, any outdoor camera must be weatherproof to make it a successful choice. An IP rating of 65 and above are considered for best results.

3. Vandalism proof: As outdoor security camera as assigned to capture the first sign of intrusion, it makes them the first target of vandalism by the intrusion too. Outside security cameras also need to be vandalism proof to protect them from other outside factors and hence a security camera placed outside must be durable enough that it can withstand hits and sprays and cannot be broken quite easily.

4. Image quality: This feature is essential for every security camera but its importance is increased manifold in case of an outdoor camera. A blurred or  shadowed image defeats the purpose of installing a security camera. It is always recommended to install an IP camera that produces HD images to give the best possible results.Sometimes, the image quality is also affected by multiple or sharp light sources. A good security camera adjusts the object image depending on the amount of light, this feature is known as WDR.

5. Range: This is another vital feature which must be considered while choosing an outdoor camera. The focal and viewing range of a security camera identifies if one camera would be sufficient to cover the entire distance or not. Too less coverage defeats the whole purpose of the security camera and too huge coverage area will not be suitable either. Hence the coverage must be optimum for the security camera. A PTZ camera or motion sensor prove to be very useful in such cases as they leave little possibility of missing any criminal act.

Although these are the top 5 must have features you should consider while buying an outdoor camera, they are not the only features. Some other feature such as Accessibility, Recording capability etc must also be taken into consideration while making the decision.