Battery-Powered Security Cameras

Battery-Powered Security Cameras

Before you buy a battery powered outdoor security camera, you need to figure out what feature matters to you and what doesn’t, what’s the ideal location to place a wire free battery CCTV security camera, how to protect it from vandalism, etc. Read this post to find all the answers and make your decision much easier.

If you’ve got some ideas you want to share or any problems about wireless battery powered outdoor security cameras, leave your comment below. 

How to Choose the Battery Powered Security Cameras

Below we list several important factors you should check out before buying a battery powered security camera. And in case we miss something you care about, leave a comment below to share your ideas!

1. IP Rating & Working Temperature

Just as the name implies, the battery powered outdoor security IP cameras are designated for outdoor purpose. In order to withstand various harsh weather conditions, it is a must-have feature for them to be rainproof and weather resistant.

The IP rating, a two-digit number, is used to how a battery-operated outdoor wireless security camera can be protected against solid objects and liquids, like the rain, dirt, etc.

IP 65 is currently the highest standard of weatherproof battery powered Wi-Fi surveillance cameras.

Yet not all wireless battery operated wireless outdoor security cameras in the market can reach that. Reolink Argus® Pro and Reolink Argus® 2 are just the IP65-certified weatherproof battery powered wireless security IP cameras and can brave all the elements.

Note that the operating temperature actually refers to the wireless battery outdoor security cameras’ starting temperature.

What that means, in a nutshell, is that once the battery powered outdoor WiFi cameras are activated and heated, they can continue to work in cold extremes.

2. Night Vision of Wireless Battery Operated Outdoor Security Cameras

I bet no one expects to get fuzzy pictures from a heavily-invested battery powered outdoor security camera.

The battery powered WiFi outdoor security IP cameras with great night vision can not only provide a peek at what really goes bump at night, but also help you discern faces and objects in dark situations.

And now some high-end wireless battery operated outdoor security cameras, like Reolink Argus® 2, are even featured with starlight night vision in virtue of the advanced Sony CMOS sensors. So you can see the objects in real color at night and identify human clothing or other details from afar, say 33 feet away.

3. WDR Function of Battery Powered CCTV Security Cameras

Intend to put up a wireless battery operated outdoor security camera in environments with a sharp contrast of lighting (also called wide dynamic range)?

That’s when the battery powered outdoor security cameras with WDR ability should top your wish list, which provides an effective solution in the challenging lighting scenarios.

They can tackle scenes with varying light and harsh lighting conditions, and offer near perfect exposure in both bright and dark areas simultaneously.

When the detail and visibility are needed for outdoor areas, the role of WDR function becomes more prominent for battery powered Wi-Fi outdoor security IP cameras.

4. Wi-Fi Range of Battery Powered Outdoor Security Cameras

Though the wireless battery powered outdoor CCTV security cameras offer you flexible placement, at least you should place them within the Wi-Fi coverage for normal work.

Also, check the Wi-Fi distance of battery powered wireless outdoor security camera systems and see whether it applies to your situation.

For the battery powered long range wireless security cameras which transmit data over the traditional 2.4Ghz Wi-Fi or 5Ghz Wi-Fi network, the Wi-Fi connection is required if you want to view the video remotely.

But worry not if the battery powered security cameras have no WiFi and power!

Thanks to the 4G security cameras that operate on the 4G/3G mobile network, you can now also monitor the places where Wi-Fi connection and electric power are not available.

Take the 4G/3G battery powered outdoor security camera Reolink Go for example, it provides an ideal security solution for areas without WiFi network, such as your barns, farms, boats, docks, construction sites, vacation home, etc. And you can also watch the live feed anywhere & anytime on your Smartphone.

5. Battery Life of Wire Free Battery Powered Outdoor Wi-Fi Cameras

Battery life is always an important factor for you to consider when it comes to selecting battery powered outdoor wireless security cameras and systems.

To avoid frequent battery change (or charge) and reduce your cost, choose the battery powered outdoor Wi-Fi surveillance cameras with rechargeable batteries and longer battery life.

But how do you know if the battery power is running low, as you may ask.

Well, most battery-operated outdoor wireless security cameras would send you low-battery notifications when the battery capacity reaches a certain low value, say, 10%, to avoid the batteries dead without your conscious.

And those wireless battery operated outdoor security cameras with flexible powering options are even far more reliable.

For example, it can get non-stop power from the rechargeable battery (comes with the camera) and Reolink solar panel (sold separately), which is quite cost-effective and eco-friendly.

6. Security Level of Battery Powered Wireless Outdoor Security Cameras

There are basically two ways to install the wireless battery powered outdoor security cameras, either to place it on a magnetic base or to an outdoor security mount.

To make your battery powered outdoor CCTV security cameras indestructible, the latter installation is more recommended and you won’t have to worry about someone walking off with the wireless battery operated outdoor security cameras.

Besides, you need to allow for the security level of battery powered outdoor wireless security IP cameras and systems. Ask the security providers what major enabled security settings are provided.

For example, the battery-operated outdoor wireless security cameras Reolink Argus® Pro and Reolink Argus® 2 offer multi-level security features, including SSL encryption, WPA2-AES encryption, and SSL-TLS enabled to prevent prying eyes.

7. Free and Customized App

Now most of battery powered outdoor security cameras comes with a free and customized app provided by the camera sellers, which excels the third-party app in both price and performance.

Any adjustment you want to make of your wireless battery operated outdoor security cameras, like adjusting the motion sensitivity, enabling push notifications, can be simply done via the app on your Smartphone.

Also, you can manage more than one battery operated outdoor surveillance cameras on the same app, making it an easy task to keep tabs on multiple places simultaneously.

As the rule of thumb, the sellers would release new app versions on a regular basis to unlock new features of battery powered outdoor IP cameras.

So it is recommended that you upgrade your app to the latest in order to get the most of your battery powered outdoor Wi-Fi security cameras.

8. SD Card Storage of Battery Outdoor CCTV Security Cameras

“I am searching for a battery-operated outdoor security camera that does not require a subscription or any sort of cloud-based service from the manufacturer.”

Same as your needs?

Then you should consider buying the battery outdoor security cameras with SD card (slot) for local storage, requiring no contract or monthly subscription fees.

And the footage is also kept safe from possible snooping risks online. So you can rest assured that your personal privacy can be better secured.

Note: In addition to these features, the battery operated outdoor WiFi security camera with smartphone App, memory card for self storage, smart motion detection and remote access are also important factors. 

What Type of Battery Does Reolink Argus Wire-Free Security Camera Use.

Reolink Keen wireless battery-operated security camera and Reolink Argus wireless battery-powered outdoor security camerawork with four non-rechargeable CR123A (3V) batteries or four CR123A rechargeable batteries (3.6V~4.2V).

It’s advised to use CR123A batteries manufactured by reputable manufacturers like Panasonic, Energizer, GP or Duracell.

Arlo Wire Free camera runs on four CR123 lithium 3-volt photo batteries supplied with Arlo Wire-Free cameras or Tenergy Li-Ion RCR123A 3.7V 650mAh rechargeable batteries specifically marked “Works with Arlo”, according to NETGEAR Arlo.

It’s also suggested by NETGEAR Arlo support to use non-rechargeable batteries from other high quality and well-known manufacturers such as Panasonic, Energizer, or Duracell.

While Arlo Go can only run on rechargeable batteries that came with Arlo Go cameras or replacement Arlo Go batteries from NETGEAR.

How to Buy Battery Replacement for Your Security Cameras

Tip 1. Know the Battery Type

Different battery-operated security cameras run on different types of batteries, some only support non-rechargeable batteries while some support both non-rechargeable and rechargeable batteries, such as Reolink Argus.

Tip 2. Choose Battery Voltage Properly

The voltage of battery should match that of battery-operated security cameras; otherwise, it could damage or degrade your battery-operated security cameras. For example, Reolink Argus battery-powered security camera works with non-rechargeable lithium CR123A (3V) battery and CR123A rechargeable lithium battery (3.6V~4.2V).

Tip 3. Choose Right Size Battery

One more thing to bear in mind, choose batteries that fit the compartment, not too small or too big to fit in.

Where to Buy Battery Replacement for Your Battery-Operated Security Cameras

It’s really important to purchase batteries from trusted suppliers such as Tenergy, Panasonic, GP, and Streamlight. Users could purchase non-rechargeable or rechargeable batteries for your wireless battery security cameras from Amazon, Best Buy, and Wal-Mart.

Ordering batteries in bulk could save you a bundle in the long run.

Meanwhile, it’s always to consult camera manufacturers in advance if you want to use rechargeable batteries for your battery security cameras.

Placement of Battery Operated Security Cameras

It is important for you to place the wireless battery operated security cameras in the right and appropriate positions.

Tip 1: Choose the Proper Height to Install Battery Outdoor Security Cameras

Placing the battery operated outdoor security cameras too high may disable you to see details. Head height is best to capture the face of an intruder.

So make sure that the battery powered Wi-Fi outdoor security camera is high enough to be out of reach but low enough to capture the intruder’s face.

Tip 2: Avoid Direct Sunlight on Battery Powered Outdoor Security Cameras

Do not place the battery powered outdoor security cameras and systems directly into the sun, otherwise the sunlight will cause stripes in images.

Also, remember to position the wireless battery operated outdoor security cameras at an angle to avoid backlight from windows and doors.

Tip 3: Evaluate the Most Vulnerable Places

Before installing battery powered outdoor Wi-Fi security cameras, you need to think about where the most vulnerable places are for people to break in.

According to the home burglary statistics, the main entrances, front/back porch, garage, backyard, off-street windows and side-gate are the top places for you to place wireless battery operated outdoor CCTV security cameras.

Tip 4: Install Battery-Operated Outdoor Wireless Security Cameras in Sheltered Locations

This can not only provide additional protection for outdoor battery operated high definition security cameras from rain, snow, or hail, but also help keep the camera lens clean from any moisture or residue.

Tip 5: Place Battery Powered Outdoor Security Cameras in Discreet Places with Coverings

Placing your battery powered outdoor security cameras in a not-so-obvious location with coverings is also a good method to protect them from vandals or thefts.

An artificial plant, an outdoor low voltage lighting fixture and the bushes are all discreet locations to hide your battery operated outdoor wireless security cameras.

Protect Battery Powered Security Cameras from Vandals or Thefts

“If my battery powered outdoor security cameras are vandalized by the naughty neighbor kids or even stolen by the prowlers?”

This might be a problem that bothers most users of battery powered outdoor security cameras and systems. And here are some proactive tips to protect your battery operated outdoor wireless security cameras from vandals and thefts.

1. Place Outdoor Battery CCTV Security Cameras to Sturdy Mounts

As it is mentioned above, placing the battery powered outdoor security cameras to sturdy mounts is more secure than to the magnetic base. It takes more time and efforts for the thieves to steal and they will have to think twice before their evil action.

2. Position Battery Powered Outdoor Security IP Cameras Beyond Reach

Positioning the outdoor battery operated high definition security cameras beyond reach can effectively avoid the naughty kids tampering with your cameras. It can also reduce the chance for the thieves to walk away with your battery powered wireless outdoor security cameras.

Don’t Miss: Tired of all the trouble you have to go through when you need to change the batteries of your battery operated outdoor wireless security camera, especially if the camera is placed out of easy reach?

The solar powered & battery powered outdoor security camera Reolink Argus® Pro and Reolink Argus® 2can free you from such annoyance by providing continuous power from the solar panel and a rechargeable battery. So you no longer need to exhaust much effort to access your hard-to-reach cameras frequently.

3. Add a Tough Protective Housing for Wireless Battery Operated Outdoor Security Cameras

A tough protective housing/skin is helpful to protect your battery powered external WiFi security IP camera from vandalism.

Besides, it can make your battery powered wireless outdoor security camera blend into the external environment, thus others won’t easily notice its existence.

Reolink, for example, intends to offer UV- and water-resistant silicone protective skins for its battery powered outdoor security camera Reolink Argus® 2, so that the camera can blend in the color of the wall, ceiling or any surface it is mounted to.

Top 5 Battery Powered Wireless Outdoor Security Cameras in 2018

Questions May In Your Mind

Below we’ve collected some common questions you may ask about the battery-operated outdoor wireless security cameras. And please feel free to comment below if you have more to ask.

1. How to Make Your Wireless Battery Powered Outdoor Security Cameras Unobtrusive or Noticeable

“I live in a strict HOA community (homeowner association). What’s the best battery powered external security camera that could be hidden outdoors?”

“To me, I want a thief to look at my battery operated outdoor security camera and say “oh crap a security camera”. So they would have to think twice before breaking into my house.”

Whether you prefer a low-profile or noticeable Wi-Fi battery powered outdoor CCTV security camera, the installation location, in some ways, is a non-ignorable and even decisive factor.

To make your wireless battery powered security cameras unobtrusive outdoors, you may refer to the tips above to hide them in discreet places

2. Can the Battery-Operated Outdoor Wireless Security Cameras Be Turned Off When Someone Is at the Location?

Definitely yes!

When the motion detection of your battery powered outdoor security cameras is not needed or desired, you may disable the PIR motion sensor via the app on your Smartphone. In this way, it can also greatly optimize the power consumption of your battery powered outdoor security cameras.

3. How to Install Battery Powered Outdoor Security Cameras and Can You Do It On Your Own (DYO)

One of the biggest advantages of battery powered outdoor security cameras is that they are 100% wire-free.

So you don’t need to hire professionals to run the messy cables. Simply insert the battery into your battery operated wireless outdoor security camera and connect it to your WiFi network.

When your security needs have changed, you can also easily take away your battery powered WiFi security cameras and reposition them in a new site, all of which can be completed by yourself even you are not a tech savvy. 

4. How Close Does the Wireless Battery Operated Outdoor Security Camera Need to Be Placed to the Wi-Fi for Normal Work

It largely depends on which battery-operated outdoor wireless security camera you choose and location where you place the camera.

For Reolink battery powered wireless outdoor security cameras, the WiFi distance is about 70-80 meters (210-240 feet) in open areas without any obstacles.

And when you place the battery powered WiFi security cameras indoors with 2 walls in between, the Wi-Fi distance can reach about 20 meters (60 feet).

Note that the real distance varies with your environment. And the key point is to place your wireless battery powered security cameras close to your router as possible, so that you can have stable WiFi signals.

5. Are Reolink Security Camera's Protected Against Against Reinstallation Attack.

All of Reolink security cameras are secured by enabling multi-level security features, including SSL encryption, WPA2-AES encryption, and SSL-TLS enabled.

6. Do All Cameras’ Capture Audio Too? The Sample Video With Rain Has Audio While The Night Vision Video Did Not.

Yes, Reolink Argus supports audio recording. You can also disable it based on your needs in the camera settings. That's why the night vision sample video has no audio.

7. Can You Set Up Off-Grid Security Cameras If There Is No Network & Cellular Service Coverage?

If there is no network connection or cellular service available in your installation spots, you can also store the recordings off-grid security cameras locally to SD cards. However, without network connection, you will sacrifice some of the features like remote viewing and instant alerts.

Mind that the recording stored at the SD cards will hit the upper limits and previous recordings can be overwritten. To better save the recordings, you can back up the recordings by copying them to your computers or Cloud from time to time.

Ref: Thanks to Ms. Jenny Hu. She is an editor from Reolink. 

Seven Advantages of IP or Network Camera Surveillance System

Seven Advantages of IP / Network Camera Surveillance System

IP CCTV stands for Internet Protocol Closed Circuit Television. Furthermore, it is also referred to as network or Power-Over-Ethernet (POE) CCTV. IP cameras are digital devices that capture and transmit video footage over a network.

It offers several benefits over analogue systems, such as higher resolution and scalability – more on this later.

IP/Network cameras offer superior image quality, remote access, advanced analytics (AI), easier scalability/installation (PoE), better security with encryption, flexible storage (cloud/NVR), and seamless integration with other systems, making them more versatile and powerful than traditional analog CCTV for modern surveillance needs.

 Here are seven key advantages:

1.        Superior Image Quality: Deliver high-definition (HD) or even megapixel resolution with clearer, more detailed images and better digital zoom capabilities.

IP-based CCTV cameras can capture and transmit higher quality images than standard analogue systems. Furthermore, with IP cameras you can zoom in on your footage with greater clarity.

In context, this is highly valuable to a business, particularly when looking to identify an individual, specific characteristics, car number plates and more.

2.        Remote Access & Monitoring: Remote monitoring is made easier by IP security cameras. For example, you can effortlessly see live footage from your computer, tablet, or smartphone anywhere you are with a wireless IP camera in Dubai. Homeowners who wish to check in on their property while abroad or company owners who need to monitor several sites will find this function especially helpful. View live feeds and recorded footage from anywhere via the internet, offering unparalleled flexibility for home or business.

3.        Advanced Video Analytics: Built-in intelligence for features like motion detection, visitor counting, facial recognition, and anomaly detection, reducing manual monitoring.

Your security camera systems can be set up to detect:

·        Smoke

·        Fire

·        Movement of people

·        Change in temperature

For example, if your security cameras are fitted with movement sensors, you will be alerted if the system detects a threat. As a result, your security team can view the footage in real-time. If a security threat is spotted, the relevant action is taken.

If your CCTV system is monitored remotely, your off-site security team will take charge of the situation.

4.        Scalability & Flexibility: Easily add cameras to an existing network and reposition them, using existing network infrastructure (like CAT5/6 cables).

5.        Power over Ethernet (PoE):  A single Ethernet cable provides both power and data, simplifying installation and reducing cable clutter.

6.        Enhanced Security: The majority of IP cameras come with built-in encryption. This helps to keep your data safer when it is transmitted and stored.

Cyber attacks are becoming more of a threat to businesses, month by month, year by year. Securing your data will help protect it from ending up in the wrong hands.

Digital encryption protects video data from unauthorized access, ensuring privacy and secure transmission.

7.        Smart Integration & Storage: Can integrate with other security systems and offer convenient, secure digital storage (cloud or NVR), making data management efficient. 

Frequently asked questions

What is a network video surveillance system?

A system of data transmission from video cameras, which is carried out via the Internet, will be considered a network. In this case, both global networks and local ones can be created.

Mandatory network system design:

·        video cameras (analog and/or IP, PTZ cameras);

·        equipment for data processing and storage of video recordings: recorders, servers, computers, hard drives, switches;

·        special software.

Until recently, it was believed that such an organization of video systems is the optimal solution for continuous monitoring of facilities and events. Many users have chosen network surveillance cameras because of their efficiency and simplicity.

IMPORTANT: Analog, IP and CCTV cameras have a number of differences. CCTV (Closed Circuit Television), as a modern generation closed loop system, is no longer analog equipment, and if CCTV is connected to a DVR, it becomes an IP camera.

What is an IP CCTV system and how does it work?

An IP CCTV system uses digital cameras that transmit video over an internet protocol (IP) network. Unlike analogue systems, IP cameras can stream high-definition footage directly to a recorder, computer, or cloud platform for real-time or recorded viewing.

How is image quality improved with IP CCTV cameras?

IP cameras typically offer higher resolution than analogue, with many supporting 1080p, 4K, or even greater. This results in sharper images, better zoom capabilities, and clearer identification of faces, licence plates, and other critical visual details.

Can I access IP CCTV footage remotely?

Yes. One of the main benefits of IP systems is remote access. Users can view live or recorded footage securely via mobile apps or web browsers, allowing for flexible monitoring from anywhere with an internet connection.

Are IP CCTV systems scalable for growing businesses?

Absolutely. IP systems are highly scalable—new cameras can be added with minimal disruption using existing network infrastructure. This flexibility makes them ideal for businesses expecting to expand or reconfigure their premises.

How is footage stored in an IP CCTV system?

Footage can be stored locally on an NVR (network video recorder), in the cloud, or using a hybrid approach. Cloud storage enables off-site backup and remote access, reducing the risk of footage loss through theft or damage.

What smart features are available with IP CCTV systems?

IP systems often include motion detection, line-crossing alerts, intrusion zones, facial recognition, and two-way audio. These intelligent analytics help reduce false alarms and enable proactive security management based on real-time activity.

How does an IP CCTV system compare to analogue CCTV in cost?

IP systems may have a higher upfront cost, but they offer greater long-term value due to superior image quality, scalability, and advanced features. Over time, they reduce maintenance and upgrade costs compared to ageing analogue setups.

4 disadvantages of the network system

Check out the disadvantages of a network video monitoring system:

1.        Requires technically competent system planning and professional installation. It is necessary to keep in mind the compatibility of equipment, lighting parameters, capabilities of the coaxial cable between the network nodes, height and angle of the cameras.

2.        Video signal delays are possible during data transmission and viewing recordings in real time.

3.        High cost of equipment, including license payment for each camera.

4.        High cost of installation, configuration and regular maintenance of the system (2-3 times more expensive than other video surveillance systems).

What type of network does IP cameras use?

Understanding the concept of what an IP camera is will help you easily choose the appropriate type of network connection. IP smart camera systems can operate on many different types of networks, the most popular are the following three types:

·        Wired network: Connect directly to a modem or broadband router via Ethernet cable (RJ45, CAT5, CAT6). This is the fastest and safest way to connect to eliminate the risk of signal interference and information disclosure.

·        Wireless network: IP cameras use a WiFi router to transmit data to and from a wired modem. Wireless networks have slower data transmission speeds than wired networks and are at higher risk of unauthorized access. However, using strong encryption and network customization can minimize this risk.

·        Cellular network: IP cameras can use cellular connections to transmit data. Although data transfer speeds are typically slower than WiFi, mobile networks are more secure and do not require LAN settings. However, these types of cameras are often more expensive.

Should I install an IP camera system or not?

In addition to understanding what an IP camera is, many users also wonder whether they should install an IP camera system or not. The answer is yes! Installing an IP camera system brings many benefits and is an effective security solution for every home, agency, office, and company. Here are some reasons you cannot ignore installing IP cameras:

·        IP cameras eliminate all old faulty hardware, instead using powerful NVR software, which helps manage data and images effectively.

·        The IP camera line delivers extremely clear HD images with high resolution from 720p, 1080p, compared to PAL, CIF, NTSC standard versions on Analog Cameras. This helps the device record every moment and convert the video into a digital stream before transmitting the signal.

·        IP camera equipment allows simple and easy remote observation and control. You can rest assured about the safety of your home, even when you go on business or pleasure trips.

Installing IP cameras is an effective solution to protect family and property security. However, to ensure the camera system operates effectively and safely, you need to pay attention to the following important issues:

·        Choose a reputable installation unit: Choose a reputable and professional installation unit to ensure the construction work is done quickly, safely and effectively. You need to follow the installation process from start to finish and request instructions on how to use it and change your password login information.

·        Check the installation location: Make sure to choose an installation location so that the camera can observe every corner of the area to be monitored. For infrared IP cameras installed outdoors, you should choose a location that is resistant to water, dust and high temperatures.

·        Ensure stable network source: For wifi IP cameras, it is necessary to ensure fast and stable network speed to avoid affecting image quality and video transmission speed. With wired cameras, use good transmission cables to ensure the system operates smoothly and with quality.