12 Volt DC security cameras are often used in network security systems, offering reliable video streams, high-end image quality, and crisp night vision. 12V DC cameras also have decent power at their disposal, so you will find plenty of great PTZ options as well.
Is 12V DC enough for an outdoor camera?
Security cameras that are powered by 12V DC can run with no issues in any outdoor environment. Based on data gathered by industry specialists and engineers, you can run 12V security cameras at a distance of up to 300 feet with no power interruptions. Even if you need to cover a bigger distance, you can use power extensions.
Best 12V Security Cameras
The Lorex Active Deterrence security camera offers a 4K resolution and delivers a clear picture at night. It is designed with Color Night Vision, so you can spot details up to a distance of 135 ft.
- It is great for outdoor use, complete with IP67 weather resistance certification.
- It has great coverage with a wide viewing angle of 98 degrees.
- It is suitable for dark environments due to its Color Night Vision feature.
In addition, the wide viewing angle of 98 degrees makes this camera great for surveilling wide areas.
This camera is weather resistant which means you don’t have to worry about any drastic weather changes – it works in extreme heat, heavy rainfall, and even at freezing temperatures.
Active deterrence feature
This camera is built with an Active Deterrence function that adds extra layers of security. A very bright LED incorporated in the camera can be switched on at all times or only when detecting motion.
If the camera detects any suspicious activity, it will instantly send you a notification and you can activate a loud siren from your mobile device.
Installation
When it comes to installation, this analog camera includes a Siamese coaxial cable which can be run through the walls to connect the camera to the analog recorder. The wired connection ensures the camera is up and running at all times.
Further, this Lorex 12 volt security camera is performant, durable, reliable, great for wide outdoor areas, and comes at an affordable price.
- It offers 4K Ultra HD picture quality.
- It comes with additional alerts and sirens to further ensure safety.
- It allows remote access to the camera via mobile device.
- Some users have reported The Lorex app is a little difficult to use.
With an IP67 rating, this camera can handle extreme temperatures and harsh weather conditions.
- It is designed to work outdoors in any weather condition and is IP67 rated.
- It offers a wide viewing angle of 108 degrees.
- It comes with Infrared Night Vision.
The Amcrest AI camera is a PoE-powered security camera that can be set up easily. Once installed, you can connect to the camera via the dedicated Amcrest app – available for mobile devices and accessible through the browser on your computer.
This camera is great for the outdoors and has an IP67 rating, making it suitable for rough weather conditions. It includes a wide viewing angle of 108 degrees, so you can detect trespassers or intruders from any direction.
Camera performance
The Amcrest AI camera delivers content with a 4K HD resolution. With integrated infrared night vision, this camera is sufficient for 24-hour monitoring. You can define multiple zones and customize the level of detection for each one separately.
Storage options
The Amcrest security camera offers multiple storage options and allows you to store the video content online by using the Amcrest Cloud service or an FTP server of your choice.
The camera has a MicroSD slot, so you can record and store the video footage on your local computer. When using the dedicated app to view the video content, Amcrest offers a smart timeline playback feature that allows you to find and export the recording that interests you.
- It supports multiple storage options.
- It sends intelligent alerts directly to your mobile device.
- You can create different motion detection zones.
- You must have a subscription to access the Amcrest Cloud service.
A budget-friendly security camera with motion detection.
- You can create up to four distinct motion detection areas.
- It is easy to install and set up.
- It has multiple recording and storage options.
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly security camera, the Reolink 5MP PoE camera is a great choice. It is easy to set up and install, and you can power it by using a single Ethernet cable via a PoE switch or through the 12V DC power input. The camera has been designed for outdoor use and can handle less favorable weather conditions due to its IP66 rating.
Although this Reolink 12 volt security camera has a lower resolution than other cameras, the video content captured at a resolution of 5MP still produces great results.
At nighttime, the infrared technology delivers clear video content for up to 100 ft.
Motion detection zones
Another key feature of the Reolink security camera is the capability of creating up to four distinct motion zones. You have control over the motion sensitivity levels of each area and, as a result, you can reduce false alarms.
Storage options
When it comes to recording and storing video content, Reolink offers plenty of options. You can use a microSD card or directly record on your NVR device or an FTP server.
Also, the free Reolink app allows you to connect to the camera remotely via a mobile device or a computer. And if you have a Chromecast device, you can control the camera through voice commands.
- It allows remote access via mobile device or computer.
- It is compatible with Google Assistant and Chromecast devices.
- It is suitable for outdoor use and IP44 rated.
- It has a lower resolution compared to other security cameras.
A great IP security camera with 3x zoom.
- It delivers 1080p video content and great picture quality.
- It supports 3x optical zoom.
- It is built with motorized pan and tilt functions.
The Amcrest security camera is a dome-shaped IP camera that runs on 12V DC power or through a PoE switch. It is built with motorized pan and tilt functions and you can operate these functions remotely using the Amcrest mobile app.
Camera performance
In terms of picture quality, this 12 volt security camera delivers sharp images with a resolution of 2MP, and video content is recorded at 30 fps. The night vision technology includes three infrared LEDs and captures footage from a distance of up to 49 ft.
The camera also includes a microphone and a speaker for two-way communication. In addition, the wide viewing angle of 105 degrees offers an extra layer of security.
Recording and storage options
The Amcrest security camera offers flexibility when it comes to recording and storing video footage. You can insert a microSD card of up to 256 GB or record directly on an FTP server or compatible NVR devices.
There are also cloud storage plans available to purchase, based on a monthly subscription.
Motion detection zones
The dedicated app allows you to create different motion zones, so you can monitor them separately. You can choose the level of control and security over each area.
Couple this with the smart notifications and alerts that arrive instantly on your mobile device, and you have yourself a strong and secure surveillance system.
- It offers a wide viewing angle of up to 105 degrees.
- It has multiple recording and storage options.
- It has night vision technology.
- Some users have reported issues of lagging when operating the pan/tilt functions on the mobile app.
Best PTZ camera with 12x zoom.
- It comes with motorized pan and tilt functions and advanced 12x optical zoom.
- You can create pre-defined tours by combining the pan, tilt, and zoom functions.
- It delivers high-quality video content with accentuated details.
If you’re looking for a panoramic level of security over your property, this PTZ camera by Lorex is the best option. You can consider investing in a performant security camera that offers a complete 360 degrees area coverage.
Zoom & PTZ Control
If you take into account the 12x optical zoom this camera is equipped with, you can go into the finest of details. If you combine the pan, tilt, and zoom functions, you can create pre-defined trajectories and the camera will move accordingly based on the movement patterns you have preset.
Then, you can create different schedules so that your security camera will always cycle through these presets.
Camera performance
The Lorex PTZ IP camera records with 2K resolution and has infrared night vision that covers a distance of up to 330 ft in complete darkness. The Color Night Vision and HDR technologies add up to the overall picture quality, enhancing details and contrast levels.
Installation
This security camera is durable due to its metal housing and is also weather resistant with an IP66 rating. The installation is quick and easy via a PoE switch and only requires an Ethernet cable which is included in the box. However, you can also opt for 12V DC power.
- You can control the camera remotely via a mobile device.
- It has night vision with a distance of up to 330 ft.
- It is weather resistant with an IP66 rating.
- It has no motion zones for improved motion detection.
The D-Link Spotlight Wi-Fi security camera offers a complete security solution for your home. It delivers high-quality video content and rich colors at night.
- This camera captures full HD 1080p video content at a rate of 30 fps.
- It offers a very wide viewing angle of 150 degrees.
- It includes a built-in 100 dB siren.
Features
The camera has a built-in siren that can be triggered by the sound of breaking glass and notifies you instantly via the mobile app. In addition, AI technology combined with integrated heat sensors can detect human motion more rapidly. As a result, you’ll only receive relevant alerts.
Connectivity and Audio
The two-way audio feature allows you to interact freely. Perhaps you have a Google Assistant or Alexa-enabled device, you can access and control the camera through voice commands. Different storage options are also available, such as a microSD card or in the cloud.
The Verdict
These 12 Volt security cameras deliver high-quality video content and ensure your safety with their performant capabilities. Whichever one you choose, you won’t be disappointed as you will experience the extra safety and security these cameras can provide.
The Lorex Active Deterrence security camera offers a 4K resolution and delivers a clear picture at night. It is designed with Color Night Vision, so you can spot details up to a distance of 135 ft.
- It is great for outdoor use, complete with IP67 weather resistance certification.
- It has great coverage with a wide viewing angle of 98 degrees.
- It is suitable for dark environments due to its Color Night Vision feature.