Security camera placement is greatly impacted by the range of the device, meaning both its wireless signal range and the ‘range’ capable of its lens.
A powerful zoom can overcome the problems caused by placing the camera too far from the Wi-Fi router, for example, while a device capable of greater signal range can be placed further from it, which is essential when monitoring construction sites.
You are watching: Security Camera Too Far To Work? You Might Need a Long Range Security Camera
Read on to find out what the best long range security cameras are, including 4K long range security cameras and best long range Wi-Fi security cameras, and also discover some of our tips for extending a poor signal.
Best Long Range Security Cameras 2023
- Best long range security camera wireless – Arlo Pro 5S 2K Spotlight
- Best solar powered long range wireless security camera – Eufycam 3
- Best long range night vision security camera wired – Lorex 4K Ultra HD Smart Deterrence IP Camera with Smart Motion Detection Plus
- Best long range wifi security camera – Reolink RLC-511WA
- Best battery powered long range wireless security camera with motion detection – usogood Trail Camera WiFi 24MP 1296P
Arlo Pro 5S 2K Spotlight
Best long range security camera wireless
Available from Arlo and BestBuy. From $249.99.
Pros
- Up to 12x digital zoom.
- Dual-band Wi-Fi helps alleviate signal issues
- Super crisp 2K video
Cons
- Expensive
The Arlo Pro 5S is a brand new wireless rechargeable camera that supports up to 2K video with HDR. It makes the most of this super high resolution by adding 12x digital zoom and an impressively wide 160 degree field of view, so even the farthest of subjects can be seen without the quality dropping.
The most significant improvement this device adds is dual band Wi-Fi, which can greatly improve signal range. It will automatically connect to the strongest network depending on location.
Dual band wi-fi isn’t a common feature in security cameras, but it can make a great difference in improving signal strength. Find out what the difference between 2.4 and 5 GHz is.
Eufycam 3
Best solar powered long range wireless security camera
Available on eufy, BestBuy, and Amazon. RRP $549.99.
Pros
- Crystal clear 4K with 8x digital zoom makes it perfect for distant subjects
- Super long signal range allows it to be placed 300 feet or more from the hub
- AI learns and recognizes faces
Cons
- Expensive
- Solar panel sold separately
- Hub must be connected via Ethernet cable
Eufy’s most advanced camera yet, the Eufycam 3 is a 4K long range security camera with 8x digital zoom, complex AI that recognizes faces, a spotlight, siren, and the option for solar charging.
That’s all well and good, but how is the range? Thanks in part to the fact it must be connected to a Hub (which itself has to be connected to the router via an Ethernet cable), the camera can be placed as far as 300 feet from the hub and still work perfectly. In fact, by some accounts, it can greatly exceed this already long range. If there were any shortfall, 8x digital zoom would be sure to make up for it.
What others are saying…‘The EufyCam 3 is an incredible solar-powered security camera on multiple fronts: video quality, smart detection, and video storage. It nearly matches the video quality of the Arlo Ultra 2 and gives the Nest Cam’s smart detection a worthy opponent.’ – John Carlsen for Safewise.
Lorex 4K Ultra HD Smart Deterrence IP Camera with Smart Motion Detection Plus
Best long range night vision security camera wired
Available on Lorex. From $97.49.
Pros
- Super clear 4K image resolution
- Up to 150 feet night vision range
- Intelligent AI-based features
Cons
- Narrow field of view
- PoE/NVR only
Bullet cameras are useful for monitoring specific locations in workplaces, storefronts, and homes. This 4K long range security camera option from Lorex boasts super crisp resolution with color night vision, a warning light, siren, and two-way audio, as well as the option to play announcements using a built-in speaker.
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Though its 108 degree field of view is rather narrow, its night vision promises a 150 foot range, which is unusually long range for a security camera. It makes it the perfect option for seeing distant subjects in the dark, and is ideal for those looking for a long range camera that works with NVR rather than wirelessly.
What others are saying…‘The system installs simply. The picture quality appears clearly. Requires some reading and fine tuning if you want very specific features. The phone app works very well . Saving video and pictures to disk is a bit complicated and updates are not automatic. You do need some technical expertise to work at all levels.’ – Gregory K. on Lorex.
Reolink RLC-511WA
Best long range wifi security camera
Available on Amazon, AliExpress, and Reolink. From $91.99.
Pros
- 5x optical zoom maintains 5MP clarity
- Dual band Wi-Fi to alleviate signal issues
- Up to 100 ft night vision range with 5 spotlights on the device
Cons
- Very narrow field of view (27~96 degrees)
If PoE/Ethernet isn’t your thing, then maybe a Wi-Fi-enabled bullet camera is. This option from Reolink is a reliable long range outdoor camera which benefits from dualband Wi-Fi support and strong 4x optical zoom.
Optical zoom is hard to come by on most security cameras, even the highest-end of which usually resort to digital zooming (find out what the difference is below). This allows for surprisingly distant viewing that makes great use of the fabulously sharp 5MP resolution. Night vision isn’t something to shrug at either, with a range of up to 100 feet in the dark.
What others are saying…‘If you need a camera to surveil your home’s surroundings, but don’t have the means to run an Ethernet cable outside, then the Reolink RLC-511WA will not only deliver an excellent footage quality, but it also comes with a plethora of modern features that a lot of its competitors (in the same price range) still don’t offer.’ – Mark B for MBReviews
usogood Trail Camera WiFi 24MP 1296P
Best battery powered long range wireless security camera with motion detection
Available on Amazon. From $89.99.
Pros
- 65 foot detection range
- Wi-Fi-enabled, with a corresponding app
- Battery powered (8 x AA)
Cons
- Wi-Fi setup can be awkward.
- IR lights shine downward, limiting the effective range of night vision
A trail camera might seem like a rather wild-card choice, but because they are purpose-built for monitoring animals in the great outdoors, they moonlight as some of the best outdoor cameras on the market.
Even this affordable entry-level trail camera from Usogood, which we recommended as one of our favorites in our list of best wildlife cameras, has a motion detection range that significantly outperforms most security cameras; it can be triggered by something as far as 65 feet away even at night, whereas most security cameras fail to detect anything beyond 30 feet.
What others are saying…‘Overall, very good product for a great price. Lots of features and configs to tailor what I wanted, for example I can configure various features to get great video/photos and also save battery life. Great video and still shots even at night in pitch black darkness. WiFi capability to connect to my iPhone (with app download) is good. Overall setup was easy.‘ – CG on Amazon.
When Should You Consider Long Range Cameras?
Construction sites
It’s common to have all sorts of hazards on a construction site, be it heavy machinery or dust and debris.
That’s why, aside from it being pretty awkward to find a decent location anyway, an outdoor security camera system should be kept quite far from where the action is occurring on a construction site (maximize vertical space to mount it high up).
A camera with strong zoom functionality and a wide field of view is therefore preferable, as is one that doesn’t need to rely on Wi-Fi for data transmission.
Mailbox far from house
Indoor security cameras are regularly used by people to observe the porch, driveway, and mailbox through a window. For houses that are far back from the road, getting a decent view of this area can be quite difficult.
Positioning a security camera outdoors that’s far from the house will require a strong wireless signal to successfully transmit data, while positioning one inside to look out will need a strong zoom.
High-rise living
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Living several stories high can be a pain when it comes to monitoring vehicles parked below. Unless the user happens to own the entire block, it’s more than likely illegal to place surveillance in the parking area to monitor a vehicle, and unless using several relays, the signal will be virtually impossible to maintain.
If the window provides a decent view of the parking area, a camera with a great optical zoom will work wonders in observing what’s below.
Poor internet connection
Sometimes, weak internet range can cause cameras to not function properly, even when they are inside the house and seemingly not too far from the Wi-Fi router. In such instances, Wi-Fi extenders may be necessary to increase range, or connecting the camera to an ethernet port can help.
Don’t know why your Wi-Fi is so bad? We might have an idea.
Tips for Enhancing the Range of Outdoor Security Cameras
As detailed in our article on Wi-Fi range, there are reliable ways in which Wi-Fi signal can be improved where Wi-Fi is poor.
Wi-Fi extenders
Cheap and effective way of relaying and expanding the signal, plug in a Wi-Fi extender near the location where the signal is temperamental.
Hardwiring/Ethernet cable
A wireless outdoor camera is favored by most people because wires are, frankly, annoying. But if Wi-Fi extenders fail to improve the signal enough, connecting an ethernet cable to the device will allow for much more reliable data transfer.
Choose a varifocal lens
If the device can’t be moved too far from the wireless router, don’t! Instead, consider purchasing a device with a varifocal lens, which allows for altering field of view. Be aware that replacing a lens may void the product warranty.
Optical Zoom vs Digital Zoom
What is the difference between a device with ‘optical zoom’ and one with ‘digital zoom’?
Optical zoom is ‘true’ zooming; it moves the lens to make the image appear closer before anything is captured.
Digital zoom mimics this by cropping part of the captured image and enlarging that section to the number of megapixels the camera has.
That’s why optical zooming won’t decrease the quality of the image, whereas digital zooming will. Digital zoom is therefore much more useful on devices that have a high image resolution.
Don’t Know What Kind of Range You Need? Find Out With AlfredCameraFor those that are totally new to surveillance, it can be difficult to figure out what exactly is required in terms of distance, or even what it is that needs to be monitored. Aside from being a great long-term budget friendly solution, AlfredCamera is also a brilliant way to experiment with placement because it’s completely free. With just a little trial and error, users can quickly gauge the kind of range they require for what they are monitoring and a better understanding of where they need future security camera purchases to go—which might just end up being AlfredCam, the first indoor security camera from AlfredCamera.Download AlfredCamera today on iOS and Android devices.
FAQ
What is the longest distance for a security camera?
It’s unusual for a security camera’s range to go beyond 150 feet, but some surveillance devices may be capable of up to 500 feet or more.
What is the range of an outdoor security camera?
The range of the average outdoor security camera isn’t beyond 150 feet, but some surveillance devices may be capable of up to 500 feet or more.
How far can a security camera be from WIFI?
How far a security camera can be from a Wi-Fi router depends on the model, and whether it is able to connect to 2.4 or 5 GHz Wi-Fi. Many security cameras have to be paired to a hub, which is then connected to the router, which often increases the distance significantly. Eufycam 3, for example, can be positioned upwards of 300 feet from its hub.
Is it better to have wired or wireless security cameras?
Wired security cameras will likely have a faster and more reliable connection, allowing the quality of footage to remain relatively consistent. Wireless cameras are, however, much more convenient, and therefore increasingly more common. Check out our discussion of the differences, including pros and cons of each.
Are there security cameras that don’t need to be plugged in?
Yes, many security cameras are rechargeable and can work without being plugged in. Google’s Nest Cam can last around 6 months after a single charge. Take a look at our hands-on review of Nest Cam.
Conclusion
A strong ‘range’ of a security camera comes down to a combination of strong optics and a strong internet connection. Camera lenses, optical and digital zoom, dual band Wi-Fi, and whether the camera connects directly to the router or to a hub all contribute to the effective ‘range’ of the camera.
Source: https://gardencourte.com
Categories: Outdoor