How to install wifi security cameras?
Tips for installing WLAN and IP cameras Installation of a surveillance camera: what to consider
The modern ones Wi-Fi and IP cameras can be installed in a few steps without much prior knowledge and, if necessary, controlled via an app or a laptop. However, if you are too careless with your home security, you run the risk of data protection issues when you use the camera afterwards. So let's summarize the top tips for installing and setting up your camera.
The most important tips for installing cameras in a nutshell
Here we have briefly described what is important when selecting and install a Surveillance Camera.
Camera placement: The use of video cameras is not a problem indoors as long as visitors are informed of this, for example by a sign at the entrance. On the other hand, secret filming is prohibited. This also applies, in particular, to outdoor surveillance cameras, who are prohibited from filming public areas such as sidewalks or streets.
Image transmission: modern WLAN cameras transmit images in real time to its owner's smartphone, allowing it to react quickly. For example, the owner can see directly if a stray cat or a thief has triggered the movement alarm of his outdoor camera.
Data storage: Storing test images via the cloud has the advantage that not even cameras stolen or damaged by criminals can destroy the recordings. However, in addition to a good internet connection, use of the cloud often requires a subscription from the camera manufacturer.
Cheaper alternatives to this form of storage are, for example, local storage via an SD card or connection to a NAS (Network Attached Storage) system.
Additional Features: cameras are often equipped with a built-in siren or spotlight, and some they can even be controlled by voice commands.
Which surveillance cameras are easy to install?
The following 3 models convinced us with their easy installation, easy handling and other practical extras. Our recommendation for value for money: TP-Link Tapo C200 surveillance camera
With the TP-Link Tapo C200 even tech novices can't go wrong, as the HD camera is not only impressively priced, but also easy to set up. It also has a 360-degree horizontal field of view, night vision up to 9 meters, and compatibility with Google Assistant and Alexa.
This allows you to view the CCTV images on demand on the Echo Show screen. If necessary, the data can be stored on an SD card without the need for a subscription.
The 2K option for the most demanding: eufy Security Indoor Cam 2K
We recommend the eufy Security Indoor Cam 2K to anyone who wants to know in detail what's going on in their home. Can produce high resolution video and automatically turn to the new movement detected.
It even distinguishes between people and (pets) to minimize false alarms. Additional interaction with voice assistants Siri (via Apple HomeKit), Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa is also no problem for this model.
Flexible Battery Model for Outdoor Use: Blink Outdoor Camera
Snow, rain or summer heat don't distract Blink Outdoor from its surveillance work. In addition, the robust outdoor camera avoids cumbersome cables and can be installed particularly flexibly thanks to its 2-year battery.
However, if desired, they can be identified and excluded from the list. monitoring individual movement zones, such as a path on the edge of a property.
Cable, battery or solar power? Tips for powering the camera
The surveillance cameras powered by battery are usually the easiest to install, since there is no need to run cables or look for a power outlet. In addition, criminals can't just shut off power to battery-powered high-rise cameras to put them out of commission.
On the other hand, changing the battery in cameras that are difficult to access is very inconvenient.
Tip: Please check the battery life well before you buy it, because some models can only last 6 months before having to recharge it, and only in optimal operating conditions.
The wired surveillance cameras they are somewhat more complicated to install and require more technical knowledge. On the other hand, they do not require any long-term maintenance, which is why they are especially popular among s who want to use many cameras at the same time.
Tip: If you can't decide between these two options, you can opt for an outdoor camera with rechargeable battery and solar , like the Reolink Argus 2.
Where to install a surveillance camera?
First of all, you have to decide between indoor or outdoor surveillance. We recommend securing the entrance area outside and be notified via a WLAN camera if a break-in attempt occurs. In this way, s can intervene before significant material damage occurs.
Tip: For optimal surveillance of the surroundings, it is worth try various camera positions and consider if it is better to hang it on the wall, under an eaves or even well hidden in a tree. Good lighting is also important for good video quality. This can be achieved, for example, by using a camera with an integrated projector.
However, at time to install a camera, it is always important to bear in mind that all the people who are going to be in the area to be filmed must be informed and asked for permission. If you live in a block of flats, you have to officially announce the camera surveillance of the corridors or tickets and get permission from each roommate to film them.
Incidentally, according to the Stiftung Warentest, the secret filming ban it also applies to landlords if they have a reasonable suspicion that someone is subletting their flat without permission. This is because owning a property does not give the right to violate the general personal rights of the tenant.
Tip: If you fear conflicts with the neighbors, you should opt for a permanently installed camera instead of a rotating one, in order to be able to prove in the event of a dispute that the camera could in no case film the private areas of third parties.
How can I install a surveillance camera on my mobile phone?
Most modern devices are Hassle-free WLAN cameras which basically can be installed in just 4 steps.
- Turn on the camera or charge its battery.
- Hang up the camera and ensure a stable Internet connection, for example by using an outdoor repeater.
- the respective manufacturer's app to your smartphone and follow the instructions in the app to add the camera.
- Make personal settings via the app and, for example, define the individual motion zones to be filmed.
Tip: Our experts have already dealt with the question of how you can use a mobile phone directly as surveillance camera and how you can determine if someone is secretly watching your mobile phone.