【IP cam Recommendation 2023】 How to choose IP Camera | Notes | Installation | FAQ | Recommendations 2025-01-15 Nowadays, people spend a long time away from home, if you want to monitor the situation of your family or pets at home, installing network camera is the first choice. In addition, through the different functions of the lens, IP cam can also be used as a home security system. Today, we will share with you how to choose the suitable IP cam for your home and what to pay attention to when using IP cam. Points to note when choosing a IP camera Video resolution Perspective level and angle Photo and video recording functions Wireless Connectivity Specific App for IP Cam Automatic nighttime infrared night vision function Waterproof and dustproof function Installation Installation Method Precautions when using Login with your personal device only Regular updates to the latest Firmware version Notify domestic helpers and visitors before installing IP cam Frequently Asked Questions How to protect network privacy Can IP cam be placed anywhere? What can we do if the IP cam suddenly responds or connects slowly? Recommendation Click here to see all IP camera products 1. Points to note when choosing a IP camera 1.1 Video resolution As a camera, the quality of shooting is the primary consideration, only a lens with a higher resolution can capture clearer images. At present, IP cam development level is advanced, the basic pixel of an entry-level IP cam has come to 720p, generally they have 1080p resolution, some brands are even equipped with 2K or 4K ultra high-definition lens. As the current IP cam will be used with mobile applications, in order to watch clear images on mobile phones/tablets, it is recommended to choose a lens of 1080p or higher. If the shooting area is larger, it is recommended to choose IP cams with 2K or 4K resolution that are better in zoom. 1.2 Perspective level and angle CCTV generally has a pan-tilt function, but most of the current IP cams are not rotatable, in this case, the angle at which the lens can shoot is more important. Most of the new IP cams support wide-angle lens, ranging from 130-180 degrees, and the lens can cover the living room and bedroom without turning around. When the larger the shooting area, the picture will be more complete. 1.3 Photo and video recording functions Other than live streaming, some IP cams also support the recording function, allowing users to watch videos. Recording mode is divided into three categories: 「Continuous Recording」── users start and stop recording manually 「Motion Recording」── the camera will only record automatically when motion is detected 「Timed Recording」── users can set recording at a specific time Users can check whether the desired IP cam has the required functions before purchase. 1.4 Wireless Connectivity IP cam is a kind of webcam, so it needs to connect to the Internet. Old IP cams are mostly connected by LAN cable, but with the popularity of Wi-Fi, new IP cams can connect to the network through Wi-Fi. Wireless IP cams are free from the constraints of the line, the installation of the lens will be more flexible. If the IP cam has a built-in rechargeable lithium battery, there is no need to connect to the power cord and installation is more free. 1.5 Specific App for IP Cam Most of the IP cams are used with a specific application that allows users to observe the situation at home anytime and anywhere, so the interface and ease of operation of the application are also very important. Most brands will launch both iOS and Android versions to support 90% of smartphones on the market. If the app design is too simple or unstable, and often flickers, it will ruin the user's experience. 1.6 Automatic nighttime infrared night vision function In order to enhance the function of IP cam as a home security system, some IP cam support infrared night vision function,. In the dark environment it can also take clear images, infrared general shooting range of about 10 meters, you can set the camera to shoot the door or other important place. 1.7 Waterproof and dustproof function If you need to install the IP cam in an outdoor area, you need to pay attention to the waterproof function of the camera. The IP rating marked on the package represents the ability of waterproof and dustproof, the first number represents the dustproof level (level 0 to 6), and the second number represents the waterproof level (level 0 to 8), the larger the number means the better the protection level. When you see some waterproof products labeled as IPX8/IPX6, the "X" is equal to 0, which means the product has no dust protection. Take Reolink Argus 2 as an example, it supports IPX6, which means it can withstand rain but cannot be submerged in water, so be careful not to install it in low-lying areas. 2. Installation 2.1 Installation Method The installation method of the new IP cam is much simpler than the general security camera. Generally, users need to connect the IP cam to their home router first, then download the special mobile application for the IP cam, and then scan the QR code printed on the camera body with their cell phones to complete the pairing and connection. 2.2. Precautions when using 2.2.1 Login with your personal device only Since users mostly use the app to control and view the IP camera screen, and the account can operate the IP cam completely, it is recommended to use only personal devices to log in the app, and avoid using others or public devices to log in, so as to reduce the risk of privacy disclosure. 2.2.2 Regular updates to the latest Firmware version When there is a problem with a product, the manufacturer will fix it with a Firmware update to fix the problem. When users receive the update notification, user may update the relevant operations immediately, to reduce the risk of security problem. 2.2.3 Notify domestic helpers and visitors before installing IP cam As the recording video involves personal privacy, in accordance with the "Guidelines on CCTV Surveillance and Use of Aerial Cameras" issued by the Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data and Privacy in Hong Kong, if there are domestic helpers or visitors at home, users should notify them that the camera is in operation. According to《Monitoring and Personal Data Privacy at Work: Points to Note for Employers of Domestic Helpers》, When employers use IP cams at home, they should consider the "reasonableness" of monitoring methods and the "openness" of informing employees about the recordings, as well as the proper handling of related videos. 3. Frequently Asked Questions 3.1 How to protect network privacy？ First of all, make sure to change the original user name and password after activation. It is recommended to set a more complicated password and change it regularly. Also, if the IP cam has private area mode, you can set the coverage area to avoid the private corner. Finally, you can connect to your home router through a virtual private network (VPN) and add a firewall to further reduce the risk of privacy breach. 3.2 Can IP cam be placed anywhere?？ Theoretically, IP cams can be placed in any place with a good Wi-Fi signal, and the number of IP cams depends on the network speed, and the number of IP cams should be controlled in such a way that it does not affect the network of other electronic devices. 3.3 What can we do if the IP cam suddenly responds or connects slowly?？ In most cases, restarting the IP cam can solve most of the problems, if not, try restarting the router. If the problem is not solved, it may be a memory problem, if your IP cam is a card-recording model, you can turn off the IP cam first, remove the memory card, and then turn on the IP cam. If the camera back to normal, you can format the memory card or replace it with another memory card. 4. Recommendation MOMAX Smart Eye IoT 2K QHD 360° IP Camera #SL1S The 2K resolution and IP 360° camera has built-in IR night vision and motion track functions. It provides 24/7 protection to you by the real-time reminder and monitoring via phone. (Image Source︰Internet) The above information is for reference only Click here to see all IP camera products
