The best directional street cameras with motion detection

Among directional cameras, the model from Xiaomi can be considered an inexpensive solution. At the same time, it shoots in 2K format, that is, 2304x1296 pixels, and not Full HD, for which a 3 MP matrix is responsible, has a frost-resistant (up to -30 ° C) and durable IP66 class body, and has a wide-angle lens with viewing angles of 101.7°.

Among the basic options of the Xiaomi Outdoor Camera AW300, it is worth highlighting motion detection, synchronization with a mobile application for remote access, and variable storage of video archives (memory cards or “cloud”). Plus there is support for the advanced H.265 compression standard. The model also has dual backlighting (with infrared and conventional diodes), as well as a microphone and speaker for feedback.

The camera allows you to set up an area of interest so that, for example, it only detects movements near your car or the front door of your house, minimizing false alarms. Among the intelligent functions, human detection is implemented: at night it will occur at a distance of up to 7 meters from the lens, and during the day - up to 10 m. The possibility of integrating the model into the Google Home or Amazon Alexa eco-system is also announced.

In addition to sending alarm notifications, the camera also provides active protection. This could be a flashing light, a loud siren, or user-pre-recorded voice messages.

The disadvantages include the non-alternative Wi-Fi connection, which is more suitable for indoor environments (after all, a router is often placed there). But due to additional antennas on the body, improved reception, protection against interference and data transmission over 100 meters in open space are declared.

For the money, the Xiaomi Outdoor Camera AW300 is definitely an outdoor video camera worthy of attention.

The outdoor camera of the Imou brand is made in a directional form factor, as the name (Bullet) hints at. The case is well prepared for adverse operating conditions: it is not afraid of frosts down to -30 degrees Celsius, dust and precipitation (class IP67).

Thanks to the 4 MP matrix, Imou Bullet 2C 4MP is capable of shooting video in 2560x1440 format at 25 fps. Even moving objects should be clearly and legibly visible here. The 2.8mm optics have wide viewing angles (106 degrees) and are notable for their 8x digital zoom. With it, if necessary, you can examine some small details in the frame.

The CCTV camera, as usual, received a microphone for recording an audio track and a motion sensor with the ability to send alarm notifications to a proprietary mobile application. We should also highlight the high-quality IR illumination with a range of up to 30 meters on a cloudy night.

In addition, users can set up a region of interest (ROI), and among the intelligent options there is the identification of a person in the frame. Thus, AI algorithms will be able to eliminate false positives about neighbors’ pets or other living creatures.

Archived videos are offered to be recorded on a memory card (there is a slot that supports media up to 256 GB) or in the Imou Protect proprietary cloud storage, available by subscription. There are also two options for connecting to the Internet - wired via a LAN port or “over the air” using Wi-Fi, and this combination is not often found in models for outdoor video surveillance.

Imou Bullet 2C 4MP is an all-weather camera that will provide high-quality shooting and flexible notification settings.

The Tapo sub-brand network camera from TP-LINK can make video surveillance even more intelligent, which means it is both effective and simple for the user. So, you can connect the model to the Internet by wire (LAN) or “over the air” (Wi-Fi). Traditional remote interaction from a smartphone is complemented by the ability to integrate into the Google Home or Amazon Alexa eco-system, including for convenient voice control.

TP-LINK Tapo C325WB also allows you to configure areas of interest to detect movement only in the desired area of the frame. And AI algorithms are able to identify almost any moving object - a person, animal or vehicle. Among other popular options, it is worth highlighting feedback and two options for active protection - sound (97 dB siren) and light alarm.

The camera can broadcast video with detail 2688x1520 pixels at 20 fps. The optics offer increased visibility (127°) and support for 12x digital zoom, so there is both wide coverage of space and access to small details in the frame.

The model features ColorPro night vision technology. With it in the dark, even without backlight, a color picture is “written”. For this, a large matrix (1/1.8") is offered, a lens with excellent f/1.0 aperture, a low minimum illumination of 0.0005 lux, as well as support for technologies such as 3DNR, WDR and HDR. And if suddenly ColorPro fails, then that's it You can also activate the LED backlight, but it will “give away” the camera’s operation.

The disadvantages of the model include not ideal frost resistance (up to -20 °C), and the disadvantages are support for the not-so-progressive H.264 compression standard. To partially mitigate the last aspect, the card reader is designed for media up to 512 GB. If these features are not critical for you, then the TP-LINK Tapo C325WB is definitely worth a closer look.

A representative of the 2023 line of the Reolink brand, this is a mid-budget LAN camera for street surveillance. The model's features include PoE 802.3at technology. Thus, a single Ethernet cable is used for both power and data transmission, which simplifies installation and reduces dependence on conventional outlets.

Reolink RLC-81PA is equipped with an 8 megapixel matrix, so it is ready to shoot videos in 4K format (resolution 3840x2160 pixels) at a frequency of 25 fps. A lens with a focal length of 4 mm is proposed as optics, which reduces visibility (88°). But if necessary , the PTZ function with a 180-degree rotation in the horizontal plane will allow you to increase coverage. Moreover, both panorama mode and following the identified object are available.

The camera not only detects movement in the frame, but is also capable of identifying a person, car or pet in the frame. In addition, it supports setting the area of interest, voice feedback, there are two types of active protection (lights and sirens) and 3 types of night lighting (infrared, LED and the so-called “smart” - with switching from IR to LED upon detection). Another model can be integrated into the Google Home eco-system and interact with it by voice.

It is worth considering that excellent moisture protection (IP67) is not supported by high frost resistance (the camera operates at temperatures not lower than -10 °C). Another disadvantage is frequent user complaints about failures and glitches in the operation of the proprietary Reolink application on iOS. Otherwise, Reolink RLC-81PA is a worthwhile choice if you need a functional 4K camera with PoE and PTZ for a reasonable price.

The cylindrical camera of the Hikvision profile brand has a durable housing made of plastic and metal and is well prepared for outdoor use. Thus, the model can operate in a wide temperature range, namely from -30 °C to +60 °C, is not afraid of high levels of humidity (up to 95%), and is also well protected from dust and water - it complies with the IP67 standard.

To connect to the Internet, Hikvision DS-2CD2043G2-I 2.8 mm was equipped with a LAN port. At the same time, POE power is supported, that is, the required voltage (12 V) will be supplied to the model via the Ethernet cable, so you won’t have to worry about the distance from network outlets.

The camera is equipped with a 4 MP CMOS sensor, which allows you to shoot video with a resolution of 2688x1520 pixels at 25 fps. Also offered is a 2.8 mm lens with 103-degree horizontal visibility and an IR illuminator with a range of 40 meters. The picture should also be informative in backlighting (for example, in direct sunlight), for which WDR+BLC backlight compensation technologies are responsible.

In addition to simple scheduled triggering or motion detection, it is possible to configure an area of interest and various intelligent functions are declared: person and car detection, perimeter protection (line crossing detection) and face recognition. So, if simple physical activity is detected at a distance of up to 67 meters, then identification of a person is possible at a distance of 6 m.

The Hikvision DS-2CD2043G2-I 2.8 mm is more expensive than many competitors with a similar or even more extensive set of functions. But the choice of this particular camera is supported by the excellent reputation of the brand, as well as the most simple, understandable and stable working proprietary Hik-Connect application.