Security has become a major concern with the steadily increasing crime rate and many people are embracing home security monitoring systems to keep watch on their children, pets and their home in general. 

Some are choosing to have an upgrade from the old digital security cameras to the new gen of Wi-Fi IP cameras that have better and improved features while others dive right into the new improved tech. 

There's a whole range of Wi-Fi IP cameras with seemingly endless options in features. In this article, I will enlighten beginners on security cameras so that you can shop for your first gadget with confidence. Once you’re through with the basics, feel free to checkout the best IP cameras review to see a variety of home surveillance options that your money can buy. 

Let’s dive into the meat. 
 

What are the real benefits of having a Wi-Fi IP camera?

• Superior image quality
IP cameras use megapixel technology that greatly improves the quality of images and videos taken by a security camera. It also gives an advantage of zooming in on the images taken.
• Easy installation
Wi-Fi IP cameras are easy to install and can be moved around as desired due to minimal cable and wire involved. Even more convenient are the solar or battery powered wireless cameras that site no wires at all.
• Cost-effectiveness
Installing a Wi-Fi IP security camera can be less costly as you don’t have to worry about wire/cables installation or drilling and their maintenance.

• Great flexibility
The Ip camera can be customized to send alerts from anywhere and can log in to view real-time footage remotely.

What camera do you need? Indoor vs Outdoor camera

Security cameras can be classified into two types; Outdoor Wi-Fi IP cameras and Indoor Wi-Fi IP cameras. 

An Outdoor WiFi IP camera will be the first to capture incoming threat to your home or property and can act as a great deterrent to intruders. 

These type of cameras are most vulnerable to elements and tampering, which is why they typically tend to be a bit heavy since they are made from stronger more durable materials. 

Most of the outdoor cameras will have an extra housing for extra protection. Others have features that make them vandal-proof such as recessed screws, which make it difficult to open, materials that are highly resistant to impact, as well as protected cables with a cable protecting bracket. 

Outdoor cameras require rigid installation by mounting and fastening them on fixed structures for stability reasons. You can mount your camera virtually anywhere, but it majorly depends on your personal preference and needs.  

Indoor Wi-Fi IP cameras, on the other hand, are lighter and smaller in size. They are not as bulky and intrusive as their outdoor counterparts. That means they can be easily installed and discreetly tucked out of sight. The devices are also flexible enough to be moved as desired. If you're keen on this, you may also want to check out a snapchat spy. 
 
Both outdoor and indoor IP cameras automatically transition when there is a change in light intensity as well as the use of infrared when there’s little light.

It's still easy to find cameras designed for both indoor and outdoor use. The REOLINK 4MP SUPER HD 2.4/5GHZ DUAL BAND WI-FI WIRELESS SECURITY IP CAMERA is a great example. This camera benefits from dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4/5) plus 2T2R antennas, which provide a strong wireless connection. 

In addition, it’s weather-resistant, aluminum alloy cover makes it a great choice for outdoor use, while it still has some useful features for indoor use such as real-time motion detection alerts. 

Choosing the best Wi-FI IP Camera for your home
Manufacturers of Wireless IP cameras are coming up with better designs and models, with improved features every day. However, making a decision in a myriad of security cameras can be daunting. 

You can always rely on reviews and guides to help you make informed decisions. At Tech Signals, you can read some of my comprehensive reviews on various gadgets inlcuding individual IP cameras. 

Listed below are some of the important features that you can always look out for. 


Field of view
This refers to the range a camera can cover in an area. It is very important to consider this as it will determine how many cameras you will need to set up in order to cover your area of interest. Depending on the application, you need to see wide angles to keep an eye on worker activities, safety violations, theft and whichever area of concern.

Most Wi-Fi IP cameras fields of view range from 100° to 150° with some advanced models going even higher. The D-LINK DCS-2630L FULL HD 180-DEGREE WI-FI CAMERA boasts such a wide angle, as its name suggests, which makes it ideal for monitoring the largest rooms. 

Motion detection
Motion detection in a camera compares different frames and detect change. The camera detects and generates an alert whenever there is any movement within its view.

Even so, a camera such as the Nest Cam Indoor security camera features advanced settings that allow you to customise the specific area that you want to monitor motion detection. However, that is a service you will have to pay for through a monthly subscription to Nest Aware. 

Resolution
The resolution of a camera is determined by the lens, the sensor, as well as the electronic circuits. The lens should have enough resolution to match the camera’s megapixel sensor.  Current HD resolution formats include 1.0 MP (720p), 1.3 MP (960p), 2MP (1080p), 3MP, 5MP, 8MP (4K UHD), 12MP, 33 MP (8K UHD). 

Basically, the specification of any IP camera will determine the kind of image we get. The higher the resolution of a camera, the better quality of the image and field of view.

Night vision
Images given from night vision will either be in color or black and white. A colored Night vision IP camera will often feature an Infrared cutoff system to have an integrated vision, while black and white security cameras are intended for poorly lit rooms for image clarity.

Weather resistance
Harsh winds and heavy rains notwithstanding, every outdoor camera ought to be weather-resistant, otherwise, it loses its important functionality if not. 

Electric gadgets, Wi-Fi IP cameras included, usually have weatherproof IP ratings and it’s important to note exactly what the rating of your camera means. For instance, the HIKVISION DS-2CD2032-I CCTV POE 3MP BULLET IP HD SECURITY NETWORK CAMERA has a rating of IP66, meaning it withstands all sorts of elements including rain and snow. 

Sound 
There are 3 modes of audio systems available in a Wireless IP camera: 
• Simplex – this is where you can only send data(speak into the microphone of the camera) but cannot receive.
• Half Duplex – here you can send and receive data but each at a time, more like a walkie-talkie.
• Full Duplex – this is when you can send and receive data simultaneously. 

A two-way wireless camera allows you to receive and transmit sound in real time. The advantage of this feature is that you can scare off intruders, talk to your children remotely, your parents or even give commands to your pets. 

Installation 
It is important to put into consideration the placement of your Wi-FI IP camera. Focus on the most likely places where a burglar will come in through. These mostly are the front door, windows on the first floor of your house (mostly in the back of the house because they are less likely to be noticed), the back door, the entry to your garage as well as the backyard, where it's easy to creep up into the house unnoticed. 

Cost
Obviously, you want to get a camera that won’t damage your pocket, yet functional at the same time. Nevertheless, a decent Wi-Fi IP camera might cost you a little bit higher due to the inherent top of the range features. 

Bottom line, protecting your home and loved ones is your ultimate goal. Wi-Fi IP cameras have come as a sigh of relief as we can watch out for our house situation from virtually anywhere.