Top Picks | IP Security Cameras

Internet protocol cameras, known as IP cameras, are used in the digital recording of surveillance footage. This type of camera can send and receive video data using computer technologies and the Internet. Cameras used for the purpose of surveillance are called IP cameras to differentiate from typical webcams.

IP cameras are available in two different types. A centralized IP camera feeds digital data to a central network video recorder (NVR) for the purposes of recording and surveillance monitoring. A decentralized OP camera does not require an NVR. The recording capability is built into the camera itself and has the capacity to record and store digital media through the use of a hard drive, flash drive, or USB storage device.

HSS.net has put together a comprehensive list of our Top IP Security Camera picks based both on each offering’s features as compared to its price. (See our Top Home Security System Picks)

Rank	System	Features	Price
1.	IQeye SD480p Network IP Box Camera	60 fps @ SD480p H.264 Main Profile + MJPEG Wide Varifocal Lens DTS (Direct-to-Storage) One-Way Audio G.711 PCM 8 kHz 3 Year Warranty	459.00 View
2.	Sony Network 1080p HD Box Security Camera	1080p High Definition Supports H.264 @ 30 FPS 3 MP 1920 x 1440 Resolution Exmor CMOS Sensor Power Over Ethernet (PoE) 3 Year Warranty	1048.00 View
3.	DIGIOP Black True Day/Night H.264 Network IP Camera	30 FPS High Res 720 x 480 H.264 Compression Lens Not Included 560 Lines of Resolution 12VDC or PoE 3 Year Warranty	579.99 View
4.	IQeye H.264 HD1080p Network IP Camera	1080p High Definition H.264 Main Profile + MJPEG 2.0 MP @ 30 FPS PoE Wide Varifocal Lens 3 Year Warranty	559.00 View
5.	DIGIOP Black 2.0 Megapixel Network IP CS-Mount Box Security Camera	2 MP @ 15 FPS Aptina Micron CMOS Imager H.264 Compression Supports 12VDC or PoE 3 Year Warranty	429.99 View

(See Other Types of Security Cameras)

IP camera systems are available with two-way audio communication capability so in addition to video monitoring and recording, audio can also be included. IP cameras provide a high resolution image and HDTV imaging no matter how distant the images are at the time of recording. Cameras transmit data securely using encrypted methods and wireless cameras make security systems very flexible and accommodating to spaces where wires are difficult to run. Due to the use of Internet technologies, remote access to the cameras can be gained from computers and smartphones so spaces can be monitored at all times from anywhere.

These types of Internet camera systems are becoming popular among many types of businesses especially those that cater to their customers desire to stay in touch remotely such as at child care centers and pet kennels. The ability to communicate through this technology also makes this type of camera unit appropriate for gas stations where cashiers need to both monitor and communicate with customers.

The ability to live-stream video from IP cameras from on-site monitors or through remote access via the Internet makes these types of cameras an effective and popular method for increasing security and risk management in residential settings and for businesses of any size.

At HSS Net, Madison Parker has been researching and evaluating home security companies and their products as well as analyzing hundreds of videos and documents from actual robberies. Her advice and findings are a great way to understand the ways in which you can improve the safety of your home.