COMPREHENSIVE BUYER’S GUIDE FOR STAND-ALONE SECURITY CAMERAS
There are many options available when it comes to CCTV security and surveillance cameras, and for the average person, the volume of information on security cameras can be deluging, resulting in analysis paralysis. To put it simply, there are many different and wide-ranging aspects that determine what kind of camera system is best to purchase, from the physical or geographical environment to financial considerations.
Consider stand-alone security cameras if you’re a regular retailer, small company owner, renter, or homeowner searching for an affordable yet dependable substitute for an integrated or full-featured CCTV system. In contrast to an integrated system where storage, alerts, and a host of other functions are controlled and/or determined by the centralized recorder, such as an NVR or DVR, stand-alone cameras operate independently without the need for a centralized recorder. This means that all data collection, processing, storing, and associated functions, such as alerts, occur at the camera level.
The selection of standalone cameras is typically based on price. — Because they don’t require a costly centralized system to connect to, like a DVR or NVR, the cost is reduced. — As long as the cameras can connect to a reliable and strong Wi-Fi network, they can function without costly cabling and wiring. — Because of the aforementioned factors, an owner may attempt a do-it-yourself installation; depending on the owner’s technical proficiency, the outcome may vary. This would remove the need to pay a professional to install the system, which could be expensive based on the project’s complexity and scale.
Connectivity
As the name implies, stand-alone cameras are self-sufficient; that is, they can send video footage without requiring a connection to a DVR or NVR in order to obtain power or data. Processing is done at the camera level exclusively.
Internet and Wi-Fi
While most cameras have both choices, some are only compatible with Wi-Fi, while others must be hardwired to an internet connection via a router or network switch. A do-it-yourself installation is an option for owners, particularly of models that support Wi-Fi connectivity; the outcome will rely on their technical proficiency. The same is true for power; Wi-Fi connections to the internet do away with the requirement to route an Ethernet cable to the router.
When running Ethernet cables from the camera location to the router indoors, they can be unsightly and annoying. Conversely, power outlets are more accessible because they are nearly universal throughout the house. Battery-operated cameras would function in an outdoor installation as long as there is a significant Wi-Fi presence outdoors, ideally via a Wi-Fi access point.
If there is no or very little Wi-Fi outside, there are standalone 4G cameras available. All these require to function is a SIM card that contains data. This might be very helpful in isolated locations, outposts, or locations without power or Wi-Fi. Certain models can simply be powered on and configured to record all events within their scope, which can then be reviewed at a later time, in situations where internet or 4G connectivity is not available.
Bandwidth
Stand-alone cameras process everything at the camera level, in contrast to cameras that are connected to a centralized recorder, which must send data to the recorder for processing and storing. As a result, the user’s network is burdened with less bandwidth. They only utilize a significant amount of bandwidth when accessed through a mobile device or when they deliver push alerts to a user’s device.
Power
Power cables (AC — 240v & DC — 12v/24v), USB cables (for 5v devices), or Ethernet cables (for POE equipped versions) are typically used to power CCTV cameras. Various power modes are supported by different models of standalone cameras. The majority of indoor versions run on built-in batteries or USB connections. Aside from 12 volt or power over Ethernet, the majority of outdoor models also offer the option of internal batteries or solar power via mounted solar panels, which normally charge the internal batteries during the day.
In situations when accessibility to power sources is a problem, cameras with integrated batteries prove to be useful. This allows them to be placed on walls, ceilings, and even trees in an outdoor setting, without the inconvenience of needing to run a cable to a power source, which can be difficult or impossible in certain situations.
Storage
Investing in a complete separate recorder simply to plug in one or two cameras may seem excessive for someone looking for a simple solution, such as monitoring infants, the front entrance, or a small business or office. Thus, a stand-alone solution should suffice. A micro SD card that is housed inside the camera stores all of the footage that is captured. Compared to a hard drive, which costs over ten times as much and usually needs to be installed by a specialist, micro-SD cards are less expensive and more widely available.
They accommodate SD cards large enough to meet the demands of an average user, depending on the brand of camera. Depending on the capacity of the storage medium and settings like motion recording, footage can last for up to two weeks.
Notifications and alerts
Some stand-alone cameras support a range of extra functionalities e.g.
Push notifications: These alerts, which might include motion detection, audio or sound detection, power or internet connectivity status, etc., are sent to users’ mobile devices informing them of events observed by the camera.
Motion detection: Should it detect movement inside its field of view, the camera will alert the user. Depending on the model, extra features like flashing lights and a siren can also be programmed to activate when motion is detected. Alerts may be sent by email, messages (for models that have SIM cards installed), or push alerts to the viewing app. P
PTZ (Pan-Tilt-Zoom) devices have the ability to be configured to automatically track and enlarge images upon detecting motion.
The case against Stand Alone Security Cameras
Connectivity
Installation is simple for wireless stand-alone cameras since all that’s needed is a power source — or none at all, if they run on batteries. Yet, it’s essential that they are close to a Wi-Fi router or access point since they need to connect to a dependable network.
When the cameras are installed in areas with weak Wi-Fi signals, users may encounter buffering while trying to access the video remotely. In cases where the connection is extremely poor, the camera may even go ‘offline’, which may be quite aggravating. Even when powered on, a wireless camera that goes offline cannot be seen. Neither can it record events (for some models). Therefore, it is useless to have standalone cameras in places with poor Wi-Fi coverage unless an access point is added to improve signal strength, which would undoubtedly raise the overall setup costs.
When it comes to 4G equipped cameras, the user needs to make sure the SIM card is always loaded with data bundles; otherwise, the problem is the same as when there is no or very little Wi-Fi. On the other hand, because integrated cameras transfer data directly over a cable to a centralized recorder, they do not require internet access to function.
Power
The type and quality of battery that comes pre-installed in the device is important for models that run on batteries. One of the main reasons people buy stand-alone cameras in the first place is that cheap batteries may keep the camera’s price low. The drawback is that the batteries have to be changed frequently otherwise, the camera will simply turn off. The location of installation determines how inconvenient this exercise might be.
The aforementioned problem can be resolved by solar-powered devices, albeit this depends on how much sunlight is available for the batteries to be properly charged. It follows that they can only be mounted outside. It’s crucial to remember that, despite how much solar energy the panels provide, batteries eventually lose their ability to retain a charge and must be replaced.
Storage
Micro SD cards that are fitted or housed inside standalone cameras are usually used for storing captured footage. There is a security risk here. If something were to happen, someone not authorized might simply take out the storage card and take all the evidence with them. In the worst situation, they could easily cart away the entire camera, an easy feat.
On the other hand, all video from an integrated CCTV system is kept on the recorder, which is ideally located inside the building in a safe and difficult-to-access location. If a camera was tampered with, it would only stop filming at that exact instant, but the recorder would have safely preserved all of the footage taken before the occurrence.
Like any technical equipment, it has drawbacks and restrictions that, depending on the circumstances of the unique user, may be acceptable or intolerable. Users can choose if they can live with limits if they are not severe enough to make the system unusable for their needs by weighing the benefits of a gadget against its associated limitations.
(Some popular brands include: reolink, Ezviz, imou, eufy, nest, ring, arlo)
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