Aventura Technologies Surveillance Best Outdoor PTZ Security Camera Reviews

Best Outdoor PTZ Security Camera Reviews

Quite often, there is a need to monitor a certain open area, which requires a 180 or 360-degree view. That’s when guard stations deploy outdoor PTZ security cameras. They are designed to monitor outdoor areas and provide a wide range of coverage. All thanks to the ability to pan (move horizontally), tilt (move vertically), and zoom in and out to keep an eye on objects with greater detail and clarity. But what are the best outdoor PTZ security cameras for this purpose? I put together a comprehensive review that will give you hints on what products to look for.

Our pick
REOLINK RLC-823A
REOLINK RLC-823A
Best outdoor PTZ security camera
The REOLINK RLC-823A can distinguish a person, vehicle, or pet from other objects. When RLC-823A detects someone suspicious, its spotlights and siren will be triggered or manually activated, eliminating potential threats. Read the full review.

Outdoor PTZ security cameras comparison table

Name Video capture resolution Pan Tilt, up/down Zoom, optical/digital Review
REOLINK RLC-823A best overall 3840×2160, 25fps 360° 45°/45° 5x/x Review
Ctronics 380C-4MP budget 2560×1440, 25fps 355° 45°/45° -/4x Review
SV3C SD7W-5MP-HX wireless 1920×2560, 25fps 355° 45°/45° 20x/- Review

Features to consider when buying an outdoor PTZ camera

Resolution

One of the key points to consider when buying an outdoor PTZ camera is the resolution. Of course, you can find anything from SD to ultra full HD cameras with 4K resolution on the market. But here is an important thing—the higher the resolution, the better detailing you will get. For an outdoor camera, the ability to identify objects, people, and even details like the figures on the car’s license plate can be critical.

Additionally, do not skip looking at the frame rate—fps. I recommend picking a device with at least 25 fps for an outdoor camera.

Video compression is another characteristic defining image quality. You will probably encounter cameras with H.264, H.265, and MJPEG compression technology. H.265 is the recent encoding technology with the highest level of efficiency that delivers better compression ratios while maintaining the footage quality.

Zoom capabilities

Zoom allows you to conduct a closer inspection of details within a surveillance area for effective monitoring and improved identification of potential threats. Modern cameras offer an optical or digital zoom. Optical zoom is known for delivering better image quality as it physically moves the lens. In the case of digital focus, spot magnification happens when the image gets enlarged. Thus, resolution and quality can suffer. What suits you most you have to determine from the range of tasks to be solved.

You can also look at additional zoom features like automatic zoom tracking, which allows the camera to follow moving objects.

Night vision

PTZ camera vight vision feature

If you want to capture clear video footage in low light or complete darkness, you have to carefully study the night vision parameter in the camera you are going to buy.

There are two types of night vision available in outdoor cameras: infrared and color night vision. Infrared night vision produces black-and-white images, while color night vision captures color images in low-light conditions. In addition, some devices may come with thermal imaging technology, which spots thermal signatures in complete darkness.

When selecting an outdoor camera with night vision, it’s important to consider the range and clarity of the night vision feature. Some cameras have a longer range and better clarity than others.

Also, mind if the camera has a manual or auto night vision control. Devices with auto night vision capabilities will automatically turn off the spotlights if the environment’s brightness is intense.

Weather resistance

The level of weather resistance in a camera is determined by the Ingress Protection (IP) rating, where a higher IP rating indicates a higher level of protection. IP65 cameras are dust-tight and protected against water jets, so they will do for most cases.

It’s also important to choose an outdoor camera with an optimal temperature range. This parameter will define the minimum and maximum temperature values the device will withstand. Wind load resistance should be in your consideration as well to increase the resistance to wind loads and improve control over the cameras. Finally, dehumidification may be handy for areas with high humidity.

Best outdoor PTZ security camera reviews

Jump to

REOLINK RLC-823A features

With REOLINK RLC-823A, you will see the world on the camera just the way it is. Thanks to ultra-high definition (8MP) videos, you will easily grasp hard-to-see details, day or night. In these terms, this 4K camera outperforms Ctronics 380C, which has a 4MP resolution. So, you will get more data from this device.

REOLINK RLC-823A specifications

It has color night vision technology. Also, there is 190 ft IR night vision that relies on four infrared LEDs. As it has a motorized varifocal lens, you will get a view from any angle. Add a 5x optical zoom, and maximum coverage is guaranteed.

An example of REOLINK RLC-823A image quality

REOLINK RLC-823A video quality

Smart detection with auto tracking works amazingly for tracking suspicious events, while the alarm system will immediately notify you about a stranger approaching your property. In addition, the built-in microphone and speaker allow you to speak directly to a person intruding on your space.

An example of REOLINK RLC-823A night vision mode image quality

REOLINK RLC-823A night vision feature

There is an app to live view or download videos on your phone. But it has some gripes. For instance, there is no way to toggle alerts on and off or silence them without going into the app and disabling them completely.

Generally speaking, for me, REOLINK RLC-823A is the best outdoor PTZ security camera from the entire list. Even at night, its smart features and image clarity make it a winner.

Key specs

  • Video capture resolution: 3840×2160, 25fps.
  • Pan: 360°.
  • Tilt, up/down: 45°/45°.
  • Zoom, optical/digital: 5x/-.
  • Field of view, horizontal/vertical: 96°-27°/69°-21°.
  • Connectivity: PoE, DC power port.

Pros

  • 4K video resolution, even at night.
  • Two-way built-in microphone for communicating with strangers or kids.
  • 5x zoom to give sharp close-up images.
  • Smart detection, auto tracking, and alert system to keep you in the loop of suspicious events.

Cons

  • There is no way to turn off or mute alerts without going to the app.

Ctronics 380C-4MP – budget outdoor ptz camera

Ctronics 380C-4MP features

If you do not want to invest much in the outdoor security camera, consider the Ctronics 380C-4MP. It is packed with cutting-edge technology like human detection, auto tracking, and a smart alert system. And, most importantly, it has a reasonable cost.

Ctronics 380C-4MP specifications

The color night vision technology is helpful. Even from a distance of 98 ft, the footage is clear in complete darkness. It has an auto mode, which automatically turns on the built-in spotlight when the human is detected. This is going to result in smaller electricity bills. 5x optical zoom is also here, like in Ctronics 380C-4MP, to provide more details.

An example on the screen of Ctronics 380C-4MP image quality

Ctronics 380C-4MP video quality

Its 2K high-definition lens delivers QHD images in 2560x1440p for day and night. The actual image quality is good, but I doubt it’s a true 2K camera. Some 1080p devices delivered a better picture. The frame rate is not good either. If you walk faster than 2mph, you will probably not get a good shot of your face on this camera, even when heading straight toward it.

An example on the screen of Ctronics 380C-4MP night vision mode image quality

Ctronics 380C-4MP night vision feature

There is hardly a more suitable product than Ctronics 380C-4MP if you want the best budget outdoor PTZ camera. It delivers a clear image at night, has technologically advanced features, and, importantly, does not cost a fortune.

Key specs

  • Video capture resolution: 2560×1440, 25fps.
  • Pan: 355°.
  • Tilt, up/down: 45°/45°.
  • Zoom, optical/digital: -/4x.
  • Connectivity: wireless (2.4Ghz Wi-Fi).

Pros

  • Boasts human detection, auto-tracking, and alerting systems.
  • Color night vision technology with an auto mode.
  • 5x optical zoom for better clarity.

Cons

  • The image quality is closer to 1080p rather than true 2K.
  • The frame rate is not good and won’t capture the face of a person moving fast.

SV3C SD7W-5MP-HX – wireless ptz outdoor camera

SV3C SD7W-5MP-HX features

Would you like to do away with the cords when installing the outdoor camera? That’s what SV3C SD7W-5MP-HX will help you with. It features Wi-Fi with IEEE 802.11 b/g/n standard, making it compatible with both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bandwidth.

SV3C SD7W-5MP-HX specifications

Similarly to REOLINK E1 Outdoor, this camera offers a resolution of 5 megapixels (2592 x 1944 p). It boasts a good night vision system featuring 6 infrared LED lights that provide a clearer night vision range of up to 165 ft. Its 4.7-84.6mm 20x optical zoom autofocus lens ensures you do not miss any moment of what you care about.

An example of SV3C SD7W-5MP-HX image quality

SV3C SD7W-5MP-HX video quality

Weather resistance capabilities in SV3C SD7W-5MP-HX are also great. With an IP66 rating, it stays resistant to harsh weather conditions.

An example of SV3C SD7W-5MP-HX night vision mode image quality

SV3C SD7W-5MP-HX night vision feature

Setting up the camera is somewhat complicated, especially if you are not tech-savvy. And, by the way, get ready to deal with many alarm videos—even bugs and rain can trigger the alarm. These are the two main disadvantages of this model, which in my opinion, are not critical and certainly do not spoil the overall positive impression.

SV3C SD7W-5MP-HX will give you the advantage of placement flexibility. It is the best wireless PTZ outdoor camera that captures sharp images and keeps the things that matter under control.

Key specs

  • Video capture resolution: 1920×2560, 25fps.
  • Pan: 355°.
  • Tilt, up/down: 45°/45°.
  • Zoom, optical/digital: 20x/-.
  • Connectivity: wireless (2.4Ghz Wi-Fi), FTP, DC power port.

Pros

  • 5MP video quality with great night vision capabilities.
  • 20x optical lens with autofocus to keep track of suspicious objects.
  • IP66 weather resistance rating for prolonged use in harsh weather conditions.

Cons

  • May be hard to set up.
  • The alarm gets easily triggered.

REOLINK E1 features

Meet another smart camera with high-end features like auto tracking, motion detection, two-way audio, and wireless control—REOLINK E1 Outdoor. This 5MP camera with color night vision lets you see full-color images even at deep night. With a 355-degree pan and 50-degree tilt, the lens rotates to give you a full view of the setting.

REOLINK E1 specifications

This is a Wi-Fi-enabled camera supporting both 2.4 and 5 GHz. It also has a mobile app that allows you to access settings, watch videos live, or get alerts.

An example of REOLINK E1 image quality

REOLINK E1 video quality

The 1/2.7″ CMOS sensor operates at 20 fps. But I wish this camera had a higher frame rate for better tracking fast-moving objects. The 3x optical zoom delivers an optimal level of magnification but may be insufficient to see smaller details from farther away. Also, REOLINK E1 Outdoor has H.264 compression standard that delivers good video quality at substantially lower bit rates. However, compared to H.265 used in SV3C SD7W-5MP-HX, this is an older video coding technology, so—less efficient.

An example of REOLINK E1 night vision mode image quality

REOLINK E1 night vision feature

With REOLINK E1 Outdoor, you will meet your basic needs in outdoor surveillance. So, thanks to wireless control, smart features, and high video quality, you will ensure your property is under control.

Key specs

  • Video capture resolution: 2560×1920, 20fps.
  • Pan: 355°.
  • Tilt, up/down: 50°/50°.
  • Zoom, optical/digital: 3x/-.
  • Field of view, horizontal/vertical: 48°-90°/37°-68°.
  • Connectivity: wireless (2.4Ghz/5Ghz Wi-Fi), FTP, DC power port.

Pros

  • Wireless camera with 2.4 and 5 GHz bandwidth.
  • Records videos in 5MP and compresses to H.264 standard.
  • A wide view field with color night vision.

Cons

  • 20fps may be insufficient for capturing fast-moving objects.
  • You may not get the desired level of magnification with 3x zoom.

JideTech P1 Plus-5X-8MP

JideTech P1 Plus-5X-8MP features

The JideTech P1 Plus-5X-8MP camera features a 2.7-13.5mm lens that captures video in 8MP resolution. It has only IR night vision that allows you to detect objects at a distance of up to 98 ft. One pleasant surprise with the camera is that it supports three streams, at different resolutions and refresh rates, instead of the usual two like in REOLINK E1 Outdoor. With the 355-degree pan and 90-degree tilt, you can cover the desired area. Another wonderful bonus—5x zoom for better detailing.

JideTech P1 Plus-5X-8MP specifications

And now, let’s look at advanced features. The autofocus is finicky and refocuses whenever I adjust the zoom or repoint it to a new location. The detection technology is available, which is a good thing but it has a flaw. It will detect even a parked vehicle and trigger an alert.

An example of JideTech P1 Plus-5X-8MP image quality

JideTech P1 Plus-5X-8MP video quality

As for the provided software, it is user-friendly and meaningful. But it definitely lacks the tracking feature. Also, notifications are not reliable. You may get a whole batch of alerts that were relevant a week ago.

An example of JideTech P1 Plus-5X-8MP night vision mode image quality

JideTech P1 Plus-5X-8MP night vision feature

All in all, JideTech P1 Plus-5X-8MP is a good camera for outdoor use. It has basic features that work like a clock to ensure you keep an eye on your property when you are away. But this product is not without minor flaws.

Key specs

  • Video capture resolution: 3840×2160, 30fps/1920×1080, 60fps.
  • Pan: 355°.
  • Tilt, up/down: 45°/45°.
  • Zoom, optical/digital: 5x/-.
  • Connectivity: PoE, DC power port.

Pros

  • Quality video in 8MP resolution for high clarity.
  • Supports three streams at once.
  • 5x zoom for sharp close-up images.

Cons

  • Autofocus refocuses after changing the location or zooming in.
  • Detection technology will trigger an alert even for the parked car.
  • Alert notifications are not reliable.

FAQ

How to install and use an outdoor PTZ camera?

To successfully install the outdoor PTZ camera, I recommend following these steps.

  1. Select a location for your camera that provides a clear view of the area and place it at a height that provides an optimal viewing angle but is also accessible for maintenance.
  2. Mount the camera. Use the mounting hardware included with the camera to secure it in place.
  3. Connect the camera to a power source and your network using Ethernet cables or Wi-Fi, depending on the camera’s connectivity options.
  4. Configure the device using the camera’s software or web interface.

How to maintain an outdoor PTZ camera?

To get the utmost visibility, it is essential to properly maintain the outdoor camera. First, make sure you clean it regularly. Take care of the lens to get rid of debris and other dirt. Make sure you use a soft, lint-free cloth not to damage it. This will also help you keep spiders and bugs away. Check the mounting hardware for any signs of wear or damage. Do the same with cable connections. You may also want to check the camera’s firmware to update it when new versions are released. Finally, run regular tests to ensure the camera operates properly.

Can I use an outdoor PTZ camera for indoor surveillance?

Yes, you can use an outdoor PTZ camera to monitor the indoor situation. But since outdoor cameras have weather-resistant and night vision properties, they can be unreasonably expensive to use indoors.

How long do PTZ cameras last?

Theoretically, an outdoor camera can last as long as 10 years. But only on condition of proper maintenance and friendly environmental conditions. The device’s quality should also be considered when defining how long the camera will last.
Related articles
our rating | 23 Mar 2023 Best Auto Tracking Security Camera Reviews Best Auto Tracking Security Camera Reviews
our rating | 22 Mar 2023 Best Bird Box Camera Reviews Best Bird Box Camera Reviews
our rating | 13 Mar 2023 Best PTZ Camera For Church Reviews Best PTZ Camera For Church Reviews
our rating | 6 Mar 2023 Best PTZ Camera System Reviews Best PTZ Camera System Reviews

If you click a link on this page and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

About Peter Thierry
Want to read more like this?