Security cameras for homes, shops and small offices come as indoor cameras, weatherproof outdoor cameras, doorbell cameras and Wi-Fi or wired models. They suit anyone who wants to watch a property, check on visitors and deliveries, or keep a video record of what happens.
Below are the decisions that matter most when comparing models, followed by answers to common questions.
How to choose a security camera
Indoor or outdoor. Outdoor cameras need a weather rating, and IP65 or higher is a sensible minimum because it means the housing is dust-tight and withstands water jets. Indoor cameras are cheaper to run and often add a pan and tilt motor to cover a whole room.
Resolution and night vision. 2 MP (1080p) shows enough detail for a front door or hallway, while 4 MP and 4K help when you want to read a number plate or recognise a face further away. Check the night vision range in metres, and look for colour night vision if you want to tell clothing colours after dark.
Power and connection. Wired cameras with Power over Ethernet (PoE) need one cable for power and data and give the steadiest feed. Wi-Fi cameras are easier to install, and battery or solar models suit spots without a nearby socket. In South Africa, load shedding is worth planning for: a battery model, a UPS or a power bank on the router keeps recording going during outages.
Storage. Cameras record to a microSD card, to a network video recorder (NVR) or to a cloud service. A microSD card is the simplest option, an NVR holds weeks of footage from several cameras, and cloud storage keeps clips safe if the camera is stolen but may involve a monthly fee.
Smart features. Person and vehicle detection cuts false alerts caused by shadows, insects and passing cars. Two-way audio lets you speak to a visitor, and a wide field of view, around 110 degrees or more, means fewer cameras to cover one area.
What to look for in a camera brand
- App quality: The phone app is how you view live video and receive alerts, so check that it is regularly updated and offers reliable push notifications.
- Ecosystem support: Some cameras work with Alexa, Google Home or standard protocols such as ONVIF, which lets them connect to a third-party NVR.
- Firmware updates: Brands that release security patches protect the camera from being accessed by outsiders.
Brand and model details are shown on each product listing in this category.
Security cameras FAQ
Do security cameras work without Wi-Fi?
Yes, some do. Wired cameras connected to an NVR record locally without internet, and many Wi-Fi cameras keep recording to a microSD card if the connection drops. You do need internet to view live video remotely and to receive alerts on your phone.
Is a wired or wireless security camera better?
Wired cameras, especially PoE models, give a more stable connection and do not depend on batteries. Wireless cameras are quicker to install and easier to move. For a permanent setup covering several areas, wired is usually the steadier choice, while wireless suits renters and quick installs.
What resolution do I need for a security camera?
2 MP (1080p) is enough for most doorways and small rooms. Choose 4 MP or 4K if the camera covers a driveway or yard and you want to zoom into recordings for detail. Higher resolution also uses more storage and bandwidth.
Do I need a subscription for a security camera?
Not always. Cameras that record to a microSD card or an NVR work without any monthly fee. Subscriptions usually apply to cloud storage and some advanced detection features, so check what is included before you buy.
