A high-end Z-wave hub can potentially incorporate security cameras, thus enhancing its operational efficiency. While Z-wave may face some hurdles concerning direct video transmission due to bandwidth or networking limitations, it nevertheless offers various efficient ways to incorporate security cameras into its framework.
Why are there not many Z-wave security cameras?
Z-wave is a reliable communication protocol and it is used in many home automation systems due to its minimum power requirements, low bandwidth, and mesh design network.
Smart devices placed throughout your home can be connected to the mesh network via a smart hub and they can communicate with each other. Now, you might be wondering how you can integrate a security camera into this network.
Due to the Z-wave bandwidth being significantly lower than Wi-Fi, there are not many Z-wave compatible security cameras. The main reason is network security cameras operate with a high resolution streaming and the Z-wave protocol is not suitable for this. Similarly, outdoor Z-wave cameras are also less common.
Still, if you have already invested in a Z-wave network for home automation, there are a few ways to integrate a network security camera into a Z-wave network.
Requirements for security cameras streams
Typically, a good security camera with a resolution of 1080p and 30 frames per second requires a bandwidth of up to 5 Mbps. A Z-wave network supports a maximum of 1 Mbps, which is not enough to get that perfect live streaming from your security camera.
Integrating security cameras into the Z-wave network
The central piece of any Z-wave system is a smart hub. A Z-wave smart hub supports the Z-wave protocol natively and can be used to integrate network security cameras into your Z-wave home network. The only thing you have to keep in mind is checking whether the RTSP protocol – the video technology used by camera manufacturers for content streaming purposes – is supported by the home automation hub.
Another option is to use a software application or platform that can integrate network security cameras based on URL addresses.
A performant network camera that integrates with your Z-wave network.
- It supports wireless connectivity with Z-wave Plus devices.
- It is a complete PTZ camera, featuring a 5x optical zoom and 10x digital zoom.
- It is small in size, offering flexibility as well as straight forward installation and setup.
The M5065 network camera by Axis is a dome-shaped camera that comes in a lightweight and subtle design. It is roughly the same size as the palm of your hand, so it offers flexibility when it comes to installation and mounting.
Small and extremely performant, this camera offers many advantages and is a good investment.
Connectivity with Z-wave Plus devices
The Axis network camera stands out of the crowd and supports out-of-the-box wireless connectivity with Z-wave Plus devices. This means you can connect your camera to the Z-wave network and enable communication with up to six other devices.
Let’s say you have different sensors and actuators already embedded into your Z-wave home automation system. Some of the sensors are motion detection sensors and are associated with a door or a window being opened.
Once the security camera is integrated and synced with the Z-wave sensors, two-way communication is enabled. For example, if a door is opened, this will trigger the camera to turn on or change its direction of view.
Camera performance
This camera offers pan, tilt, and zoom capabilities which makes it easy to monitor wide areas. It includes autofocus and a 5x optical zoom respectively 10x digital zoom.
The 1080p resolution delivers high-quality images and the WDR technology (Wide Dynamic Range) ensures this quality is reached even in less favorable lighting environments.
Zipstream
Axis has also equipped this network security camera with their proprietary Zipstream technology which minimizes the bandwidth usage as well as storage requirements – without compromising the image quality.
Integrated analytics
The Axis camera includes analytics on motion detection, audio detection, and even removed object detection. It can recognize if a preset object has been removed from the frame or simply detect motion in preselected zones.
Audio
The camera is equipped with a microphone that can detect screaming sounds or certain volume levels that have been crossed.
- It has great video performance (for 2MP) with full HD 1080p resolution.
- It is built with Axis Zipstream technology.
- It has integrated audio and motion detection.
- 2MP is not that high (probably due to it being Z-wave).
Z-wave Hub Compatible Cameras
Many security cameras available on the market are compatible with smart home hubs. These cameras do not necessarily use Z-wave to connect but are compatible with Z-wave hubs such as Samsung SmartThings, Aeotec, Hubitat, and Home Assistant through other communications protocols.
They can still be integrated with your smart home network, provided you have a stable internet connection. These security cameras also have local storage and streaming and they don’t necessarily connect to the cloud.
We have selected a few options for you to choose from, so have a look in the section below to see the best Z-wave hub compatible security cameras.
Samsung Smart Things Compatible
Best smart security camera compatible with SmartThings hub.
- It offers great picture quality with HD 1080p resolution, HDR, and IR Night Vision.
- It can reduce false alerts due to its smart motion detection.
- It can be accessed remotely at any time from your mobile device.
The Samsung SmartThings security camera doesn’t require more than a few minutes to have it up and running. It runs on Wi-Fi, so you can simply connect it to your Wi-Fi network. You can also integrate it within your smart automation home network via the SmartThings hub.
It won’t take you more than a few minutes. Afterward, you can start enjoying non-stop surveillance and protection.
Smart object detection
Samsung has equipped this security camera with special motion sensors that can tell the difference between a person or another object and allow you to preset different zones for maximum control.
This significantly reduces false alerts and warnings. You will only receive relevant and accurate notifications.
Camera performance
Samsung SmartThings security camera delivers clear and sharp pictures at 1080p resolution. Details and contrasts are enhanced by the HDR technology and the Infrared Night Vision ensures you don’t miss any action even at night.
With a built-in microphone, this security camera comes with a two-way audio communication feature, making communication possible at both ends.
Cloud Storage
All your live footage is automatically stored on your personal cloud and you can access it anytime from anywhere. The SmartThings dedicated app comes with an intuitive dashboard and timeline where you can track and watch events without having to scroll too much.
On top of this, all your recordings are secured and encrypted. However, the cloud service offered by Samsung comes with a monthly subscription which needs to be purchased separately.
However, this subscription brings added benefits such as support for up to 8 cameras, 30-day video history, and many more.
- It comes with a two-way audio communication feature.
- Recordings are stored and protected on your personal cloud.
- It is equipped with special sensors that can distinguish between different objects.
- It is not suitable for outdoor use.
The Arlo Pro 2 security camera captures video content with 1080p HD resolution and includes night vision as well as a wide field of view of 130 degrees. It comes with a built-in microphone and supports two-way communication.
- It is compatible with the SmartThings hub and works with personal voice assistants.
- It is wire-free, no cables are required for installation.
- It can set different zones for motion detection and smart alerts.
Setup
This camera is battery-powered, so the hassle of running cables is eliminated, making installation and setup straight forward.
When plugged in, you can set up different activity zones and get smart notifications when the camera detects motion in the predefined areas.
Storage & Playback
When it comes to storage, you can store your video content directly on a mini SD card or you can upgrade and have it stored in the cloud.
The dedicated app allows you to access the camera and view live footage remotely anytime. You can also use Alexa or Google Assistant to control the camera through voice commands.
Home Assistant Compatible
A great outdoor PoE security camera that works with Home Assistant.
- You can create up to four distinct motion detection areas.
- It is compatible with Home Assistant.
- It has multiple recording and storage options.
Note: Instructions for how to setup this Reolink camera with HomeAssistant can be read here.
If you’re looking for an affordable security camera, then the Reolink 5MP PoE camera is a great choice. It is straight forward to set up and install, you can power it by using a single Ethernet cable via a PoE switch.
The camera has been designed for outdoor use and can handle less favorable weather conditions due to its IP66 rating.
Compatibility with Home Assistant
The Reolink security camera integrates with Home Assistant, which allows you to stream and record the live video content. Home Assistant lets you set up intelligent alerts based on predefined motion detection zones and more.
Camera performance
Even if the Reolink security camera has a lower resolution than other cameras, the video content captured at a resolution of 5MP will still do the job.
At nighttime, the infrared technology this camera has been equipped with makes a difference and delivers clear video content 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.
This means you have control over the motion sensitivity levels of each area and, as a result, you can reduce false alarms. You only get accurate alerts and notifications.
Storage
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.
In addition, 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 works with Google Assistant and Chromecast devices.
- It is suitable for outdoor use and IP66 rated.
- For this price range, other manufacturers might offer 8MP.
The Verdict
As you can see, it is possible to integrate a security camera into your Z-wave home automation network. Leave a comment below if there are other methods you have used to integrate camera feeds into a Z-wave hub.
A performant network camera that integrates with your Z-wave network.
- It supports wireless connectivity with Z-wave Plus devices.
- It is a complete PTZ camera, featuring a 5x optical zoom and 10x digital zoom.
- It is small in size, offering flexibility as well as straight forward installation and setup.