An outdoor surveillance camera can be a practical and economical way to protect and secure your home. There are several factors to consider when looking for a model that is best for your needs, with the most important aspect for having your camera outdoors being it has been rated as either weatherproof or waterproof. Beyond that, here’s what you need to think about:
Coverage Desired
How much space outside your home you want covered by the viewing angle of the camera is one of the primary concerns when shopping for an outdoor surveillance camera. Wider angled lenses will help cut down on the number of cameras required for overall coverage of your property. Another way to increase your coverage area is to purchase multiple cameras or multipacks that can provide a more complete monitoring solution for your home.
Resolution
Another factor to consider when outdoor surveillance camera shopping is the camera’s resolution. The higher the camera resolution, the clearer and easier the images will be to see. Ideally, you’ll want 1080p or higher resolution for the clearest images. Keep in mind that if you connect your camera into a DVR or other recording device, it will also need to be HD compatible in order to keep the image at a high quality.
Night Vision
Many models have a built-in IR cut-switch that automatically enables and disables the infrared technology depending on the lighting conditions, so you get the clearest image possible no matter what time of day. Monitoring at night is one of the most common uses for outdoor surveillance cameras, and in order to get a high quality image, you’ll want to purchase a camera with infrared (IR) technology. The number of infrared LEDs used in a camera will help determine how far of a night vision range a camera has.
Style
There are two main styles of outdoor security cameras — dome or bullet. Both camera styles are fairly obvious to potential intruders, however, it is more difficult to determine which direction a dome-style camera is pointing, which may help deter a potential intruder. Another thing to keep in mind regarding camera style is whether you want to mount it on the ceiling or wall and ensuring that whatever camera you choose has enough clearance to mount in the desired location.
Recording Capacity
If you want to watch playback of the goings-on around your home, you’ll need a camera with onboard storage capacity or cloud recording capabilities (unless you’re also purchasing a DVR system.) Most cameras with recording capabilities have an onboard SD or microSD slot that allows for sufficient recording space.
Mobile Compatible
Many outdoor surveillance cameras available today are able to live stream a feed directly to your mobile device. If you want to be able to check in during the day or while away for extended periods, this is a valuable feature to have. You’ll also want to ensure the camera you choose is compatible with your device.
Wired/Wireless
Wireless cameras are easy to install and reposition, but you’ll want to check the battery levels periodically to ensure you’re fully protected. Wired units usually require professional installation and access to a power outlet, but tend to provide clearer images than their wireless counterparts.
Pan/Tilt/Zoom
Cameras with remote controlled pan, tilt and zoom are ideal for providing coverage to larger areas and allow the user to get the best viewing angle possible without having to physically reposition the camera.
Energy Saving
Surveillance cameras can eat up a lot of energy, but if you find a model that only records when motion is detected, it can help to cut down on operating costs. Many models will even send you push or email notifications when something out of the ordinary is detected, so you don’t need to be continually monitoring yourself.
With the above tips in mind, in no particular order, here are 35 of the outdoor surveillance cameras that we consider to be the best for 2016:
1. Lorex LBC7032F 700TVL 960H Weatherproof Night Vision Security Bullet Camera
This bullet-style outdoor security camera boasts a weatherproof housing that makes it ideal for use in all sorts of climates and weather conditions. It features industry-leaving 960H resolution that provides a high quality picture.
Key features:
Built-in ProLux IR LEDs
Up to 185 ft night vision range
Vandal-resistant
Cost: *Est. $129.95
2. Hikvision DS-2CD3132 2.8mm Lens 3MP Mini Dome Camera 1080P POE IP CCTV Camera
Available in a choice of lenses, this dome-style camera features a compact design that makes it ideal for mounting in a variety of places and provides a full 1080p HD video feed.
Key features:
Vandal-resistant
3MP, 2.8mm lens
Up to 90 ft night vision range
3. Amcrest 720P HD Over Analog (HDCVI) 8CH Video Security Systems
Available in a choice of configurations, this video security system features a plug-and-play setup that allows you to begin monitoring your home in less time. Thanks to a 2TB hard drive, you can record up to 360 hours of monitoring on all eight channels.
Key features:
- USB backup
- Real-time feed
- 3.6mm lens with 75-degree viewing angle
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This bullet-style security camera features a professional-grade wide-angle lens that is suitable for capturing images in both day and night settings. It features a durable weatherproof casing and power cord, RCA connector, user guide, and deterrent stickers.
Key features:
Up to 98 ft night vision range
75-degree viewing angle
1-year warranty5. NETGEAR VueZone Add-on Motion Detection Day/Night Camera (VZCN2060)
Available in a choice of two models for your home monitoring needs, this add-on camera features built-in motion detection up to 15 feet and a built-in lamp that lights up to 25 feet when activated.
Key features:
Can be used indoors or outdoors
Wire-free installation
Motion-driven alerts sent to your smart phone6. Uniden APPCAM23 IP Indoor/Outdoor Video Surveillance Camera
- This surveillance camera can be used indoors or outdoors to help keep your home secure and features plug-and-play installation for quick and easy setup. The onboard microSD card slot allows you to record up to 32GB worth of footage and can be remotely monitored from your smart phone.
Key features:
Email notifications
Auto record motion sensor
Up to 25 ft night vision range7. Arlo Smart Home Security Camera System
- Available in single or multipacks for all your home monitoring needs, this wireless security camera provides crystal clear HD video live or recorded to your smart phone, PC, or other device. Mounting hardware and batteries are included.
Key features:
Motion-driven alerts sent to your smart phone
Weatherproof housing
Includes 1GB secure cloud storage8. TriVision NC-336PW HD 1080P Wireless Outdoor Home Security Camera System
- Available in a choice of two different lens sizes, this bullet-style surveillance camera provides high definition 1080P video to your Android, iOS, or PC device. It can be used wirelessly or hardwired and features a microSD slot for onboard recording.
Key features:
Up to 50 ft night vision range
Email notifications
3MP, 4mm lens9. VideoSecu Outdoor Day Night Vision Infrared IR Bullet Security Camera
- This bullet-style outdoor surveillance system boasts an adjustable 4-9mm lens and 48 infrared LEDs for superior night vision. It provides superior color images in all lighting conditions and anti-noise technology to help cut down on data volume.
Key features:
Vandal-proof
Power supply included
NTSC video format
10. Hikvision DS-2CD2032-I Outdoor HD 3MP IP Bullet Security Camera 
- Available in a choice of configurations for your home security needs, this bullet-style security camera boasts a 3MP, 4mm lens that provides stunning HD images. It features built-in digital noise reduction and adjustable frame rates.
Key features:
Up to 90 ft night vision range
75.8-degree viewing angle
Built-in motion and tamper alarms
