A well-chosen security camera gives you peace of mind, not just footage. The problem is the market is full of technical specs that sound similar but make a real difference in day-to-day use. Here's what actually matters.
Indoor or outdoor?
The first decision is the installation location, because it determines everything else:
- Indoor cameras are usually more compact, easy to move between rooms, and suited for monitoring kids, pets, or the main entrance from inside.
- Outdoor cameras need weather protection (see the IP rating below), resistance to extreme temperatures, and ideally a wide capture angle for a yard or driveway.
Don't use an indoor camera outside — even if it looks sturdy, it doesn't have the sealing needed for rain, humidity, or frost.
Resolution matters, but it's not the only criterion
A minimum resolution of 1080p (Full HD) is today's acceptable baseline for clearly identifying a person or a license plate. Higher resolutions (2K, 4K) offer extra detail that's especially useful if you want to digitally zoom without significant quality loss, but they also use more storage space.
What the IP rating means (IP65, IP66, etc.)
The IP rating shows the level of protection against dust and water. For outdoor cameras, a recommended minimum is IP65 — full dust protection and resistance to water jets (regular rain, splashing). The higher the second digit, the better the water resistance.
Night vision: infrared vs color
Most cameras automatically switch to infrared (black and white) in the dark, offering clear visibility without extra lighting. Some newer models also offer "color night vision," which keeps the image in color using a discreet LED illuminator — useful if you want to make out colors (e.g. clothing, cars) even at night.
Storage: cloud vs local card
- Local storage (microSD) gives you full control with no monthly subscription, but footage can be lost if the camera is stolen or destroyed.
- Cloud storage is safer in case of theft or physical damage to the camera, but may involve a subscription.
Many modern cameras support both options at once for extra security.
Integration with a smart app
A camera that connects to the same app used for the rest of your smart home devices (plugs, sensors, bulbs) lets you build automations — for example, automatically turning on outdoor lights when motion is detected.
Quick checklist
- Indoor or outdoor?
- Minimum 1080p, ideally 2K+
- IP65 or higher, if it's for outdoor use
- IR or color night vision?
- Local storage, cloud, or both?
Explore Tellur's full range of security cameras, compatible with the Tellur Smart app.