Smart surveillance cameras for homes, flats, entrances and small businesses: indoor and outdoor models that let you watch live images on a phone. Our range has over 90 products, including ABUS, Aqara, Hama and Somfy, from simple home cameras to professional security equipment.
How to choose a smart surveillance camera
Indoor or outdoor. An outdoor camera needs a weather-resistant housing, shown as an IP rating such as IP65 or higher. Indoor models are not made for rain, dust or frost, so they should not be mounted on a porch even under a roof.
Resolution and night vision. Full HD (1080p) is enough for a room, while 2K or 4K helps when you need to recognise a face or read a number plate across a yard. Infrared night vision gives a black-and-white image in the dark, and some models add a spotlight for colour footage at night.
Power and connection. A Wi-Fi camera is the easiest to install, but it still needs power from a socket, a battery or a cable. Cameras with Power over Ethernet (PoE) receive both power and data over one network cable, which is steadier outdoors and in larger installations. Battery models suit places without a socket, though they have to be recharged.
Recording and privacy. Check whether footage is stored on a microSD card, a network video recorder or in the cloud: with some makers, cloud features are paid. Look for encrypted transmission, two-step login and the option to keep recordings at home.
Smart home compatibility. Make sure the camera works with Alexa, Google Home, Apple Home or Matter. When the camera and sensors belong to the same system, you can set up routines, such as starting a recording when a door sensor opens.
Brands in our range
- ABUS: a German security manufacturer known for locks and alarm systems, and the brand with the most products in this category.
- Aqara: known for Zigbee-based smart home sensors and switches, with cameras that connect to the same system.
- Hama and INLINE: both known in Europe as suppliers of IT and consumer electronics accessories such as cables and mounts.
- Somfy: a French company best known for motors for roller shutters, blinds and gates, and for home automation.
- Yale: a door lock maker that also offers smart locks and security systems.
- Siedle: a German manufacturer of door communication and video intercom systems.
- Amazon: the company behind the Alexa voice assistant, so its devices are built to work within the Alexa ecosystem.
Also in our range: SYGONIX, i-Alarmsysteme, Safe2Home and LevelOne.
Frequently asked questions
Does a smart surveillance camera need internet?
It needs internet for remote viewing and phone alerts. Some cameras record to a microSD card or a network recorder without a connection, but then you can only review the footage on site.
What is the difference between a Wi-Fi and a PoE camera?
A Wi-Fi camera connects to your router wirelessly, but power still has to be supplied separately. A PoE camera receives both power and data over a single Ethernet cable. It takes more effort to install, but the connection is steadier, which is why PoE is often chosen for outdoor use.
Do I have to pay a subscription for recordings?
Not always. Footage kept on a microSD card or a network video recorder normally costs nothing extra. Cloud storage and some smart features are paid with certain makers, so it is worth checking the terms before you buy.
Can I use an indoor camera outdoors?
No, an indoor camera is not designed for outdoor conditions. It has no protection against rain and dust, and frost can damage it. For outside use, choose a model with an IP rating of at least IP65.
