Outdoor security cameras can be helpful in many areas where indoor cameras don’t have the right weatherproofing, night vision, zoom capability, or vandal resistance.
There are many different types of use cases for outdoor security cameras. Parking lots, light poles, garages, entrances/exits of buildings, and perimeter fence lines are just some of the use cases involving the need for outdoor-rated security cameras. In most use cases, outdoor cameras are found in the form of standard domes, bullet-style, PTZ, multisensor, fisheye, and mini cameras.
When producing a physical security design for a building, it’s important to note which cameras will be indoors or outdoors. Placing an outdoor camera indoors is okay; however, putting an indoor camera outside can yield issues such as water damage (with the manufacturer warranty being voided in those scenarios).
Verkada is designed to be simple to use, secure, and scalable. With advanced features like facial recognition, license plate recognition, cloud remote management and AI-powered analytics, Verkada offers over 48 security cameras to choose from. All Verkada products seamlessly integrate with one another for a completely unified security system.
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Indoor VS Outdoor Security Cameras
When comparing the differences between indoor and outdoor cameras, outdoor has numerous advantages to indoor cameras. A few key technical advantages are listed below and would be things to consider when evaluating the proper model for the use case.
Weatherproofing: Most outdoor cameras are IP66 or IP67 rated to prevent water and dust ingress. At a minimum, IP66 is dust-tight, and water from heavy seas or powerful jets shall not enter the enclosure in harmful quantities.
Temperature Capability: Outdoor cameras usually have built-in heaters that allow the cameras to operate anywhere as low as -40°F. Heaters generally activate when it is below freezing to keep the internal hardware of the camera functioning during cold weather.
Vandal Resistance: An ‘IK’ rating is given to electronic components (such as security cameras) to rate the impact energy (joules) to different striking materials. It’s common for security cameras to have anywhere between an IK08 to an IK10 vandal resistance rating.
Night Vision: All outdoor cameras have some form of IR illuminators mounted on them that activate at night when the scene is below a pre-set LUX value. A ‘lux’ value is a measurement of the intensity of light falling on a surface. Indoor cameras usually have IR illumination as well; however, most outdoor cameras will have a much greater range than indoor ones. For example, Verkada’s CB62-TE Telescopic bullet camera has up to 50 meters of IR range, whereas outdoor domes like the CD63-E have a maximum of 40 meters of IR range. IR range is handy for identifying people, vehicles, and objects in the dark, especially if there is little to no ambient lighting.
Zoom Capability: Bullet cameras and PTZ cameras, two form factors that are common in outdoor applications, have a much greater zoom capability than dome cameras, which are commonly found indoors.
License Plate Recognition (LPR): LPR cameras are standard in outdoor applications and can be enabled on Verkada’s Bullet camera line. LPR is useful in scenarios with choke points for vehicles entering or leaving a facility. LPR cameras can also be used to alert security when the cameras spot a license plate of interest.
Top Outdoor Security Cameras
When evaluating outdoor camera models, it’s essential to pick the right model for the use case. For example, a use case that requires the best zoom capability will require a PTZ camera, while a use case that requires the most precise image in rain/snow/sleet will require a Bullet camera. Below are some key technical specifications for the best outdoor security cameras.
CB62-E Outdoor Bullet Camera: This camera is perfect for mounting on building entrances, poles, parking lots, and areas where there are high levels of rain/snow.
- 4K image quality
- 3x Optical Zoom
- 30M of IR range
- IP67 weather and IK10 vandal ratings
- License plate recognition and vehicle analytics
CP63-E Outdoor PTZ Camera: This camera is best for any scenario where you need to zoom as far as needed (for example, fence lines for people detection, helicopter landing pads at a distance, freeways/highways with lots of vehicle traffic, and stadiums/arenas with many people.
- 4K image quality
- 32x optical zoom
- 100M of IR range
- IP66 weather and IK 10 vandal ratings
CD63-E Outdoor Dome Camera: The CD63-E camera is best for any scenario where you need crystal clear 4k video quality. It’s also perfect for mounting above doorways, entrances, and exit doors due to the smaller form factor. Also useful for mounting on poles, trailers, and drive-through window/exits in parking lots.
- 4K image quality
- 2x optical zoom
- 40M of IR range
- IP66/67 weather and IK10 vandal ratings
Outdoor Camera Installation and Setup
Installation Tips:
- Conduct a site walkthrough of the outdoor location
- Take into consideration:
- Mounting location (pole, corner of building, near door),
- Power requirements (solar power, hardline run, etc.)
- Mounting hardware (pole mounts, arm mounts, corner mounts, pendant caps, parapet mounts, conduit, etc.)
- Cable run distance and how cable will be routed internally inside building to the outside
Ensure you have the right tools:
- Ladders and/or boom truck/lifts depending on mounting height
- Drills and associated drill bits, phillips head screw driver, caulk (if needed)
Run CAT 5/6 cable(s) first
- Pre-stage cameras into your Command Organization via QR code or by redeeming in bulk via Order #.
- Plug in/mount cameras according to the instructions inside the box. Ensure you are correctly installing the cable gland cover for the camera according to the instructions in the box (see below for instructions specific to cable glands).
- Once the camera receives power and connectivity, it will conduct its first firmware update.
- Once firmware update is complete, use Verkada’s mobile app (on iOS and Android) to aim/position the camera for best viewing based on the environment.
Ensure the camera is watertight:
Some new outdoor Verkada camera models allow installers to size the cable gland correctly depending on the cable size used.
For example, the CD63-E includes two cable gland options. One is for cable sizes 6.5-7.5mm, and one is for 5.0-6.5mm. This ensures the gland can sit as tight as possible around the cable to keep water from seeping into the camera.
The CD63-E also includes a latch that must be screwed over the gland to secure the connection and ensure water can’t get inside the camera via the cable hole/opening.
Prevent Condensation with Desiccant Packs
All outdoor Verkada cameras (except bullet and fisheye cameras) include a desiccant pack that must be placed inside the camera during installation.
Desiccant packs help absorb moisture and reduce condensation inside the lens bubble of the camera. They are useful in environments where the weather is humid. If a desiccant pack is not installed, you can expect to see a foggy camera image during certain times of the day or certain times of the year when it is more humid.
Verkada desiccant packs come in pouches. Once they are opened, they can be placed inside the designated area inside the camera’s inner shell where it says ‘Attach desiccant here’.
Why Verkada? Experience Seamlessly Unified Security
When it comes to protecting your property, outdoor security cameras are your first line of defense. Verkada’s modern, fully integrated security cameras set the gold standard for organizations of all sizes, offering cutting-edge AI security, hassle-free management, and future-proof technology. Here’s why Verkada is the top choice for businesses, schools, public agencies, and enterprises looking for scalable, reliable, and intelligent outdoor security.
- High-resolution sensors (up to 4K)
- Wide dynamic range (WDR) for challenging lighting conditions
- Edge-based processing for real-time analytics
- Onboard storage (up to 365 days of continuous recording)
- No NVRs or DVRs required
- Automatic firmware and software updates
- Unlimited users and cloud archiving
- 10-year warranty on all cameras
- 24/7 expert support
- Low-bandwidth impact on your network
- Integrations with 3rd party products
All Verkada cameras seamlessly integrate with other Verkada products like Access Control, Environmental Sensors, Visitor Management, Connectivity (Cellular Gateways), Alarms, and Intercoms.*
Trusted by over 30,000 Customers
Customer Story: Blackcomb Helicopters
For over 35 years, Blackcomb Helicopters soared across Western Canada with the majestic Coast Mountains of British Columbia as its backdrop. Managing a fleet of twenty helicopters and a dedicated team of sixty aviation professionals across seven main bases, the company carries out missions that include adventure tourism, search-and-rescue, heli-skiing, construction, film, mining, fire-fighting, and specialized industry support.
Positioned in critical locations, Verkada cameras aid in logistical planning and safety assessments, particularly in challenging weather conditions.
Chris Haslock, Director of Operations, empowers his team to conduct live investigations from a single vantage point with CP52-E Pan-Tilt-Zoom (PTZ) cameras, which provide dynamic coverage of aircraft operations and vast environments across the mountainside of British Columbia. The vandal-proof IK10 and weather-resistant IP66 ratings withstand extreme conditions, while the wide-angle 360-degree pan, 220-degree tilt, and 28x zoom capture crisp details from afar, such as the writing on a helicopter wing.
“We’re super impressed with the quality of the cameras, the easy installation, and the ability to interface with it through a web browser and the app on your phone.”
Customer Story: City of Las Vegas
With Verkada, Michael Sherwood, Chief Innovation Officer, has increased situational awareness across public spaces and responsiveness to emergency scenarios. At the same time, he leverages actionable insights from the Verkada platform to enhance efficiency across sites and departments
With over 2.5 million cars recorded in Nevada, Sherwood has significant ground to cover. Verkada’s LPR and notification systems help secure parking lots around-the-clock, while Person of Interest alerts against known or repeat offenders provide a discretionary layer of caution and security.
“We use Verkada in two ways: typical and atypical. In the typical security use case, Verkada helps protect our people and public places. In the atypical use case, we leverage Verkada’s computer vision technology to optimize spatial planning and operations.”
Verkada’s outdoor security cameras offer unmatched performance, durability, and intelligence. With cutting-edge features like AI-powered analytics, remote access, and seamless integration, our cameras provide a complete security solution for any outdoor environment.
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Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the highest security camera resolution available?
- Security cameras today can offer resolutions as high as 4K, providing extremely clear and detailed images, which are beneficial for identifying faces and license plates.
Is it better to have wired or wireless security cameras?
- The choice between wired and wireless security cameras depends on your needs. Wired cameras often provide more reliable connections and higher resolution images, making them ideal for permanent installations 12. Wireless cameras offer easier installation and flexibility, suitable for temporary setups or locations where running cables is impractical.
What should I consider before installing outdoor security cameras?
- When installing security cameras, consider factors like optimal placement for coverage, network connectivity for cloud-based systems, and ease of integration with existing security measures to enhance overall effectiveness.
Is 1080p resolution is good enough for outdoor cameras?
How do I protect my outdoor camera from theft?
What is the range of outdoor security cameras?
What are some key hardware features of outdoor security cameras?
- Key hardware features include a weatherproof design (with an IP rating), vandal-resistant rating (IK08-IK10), and IR illuminators.
Can I run outdoor cameras using a battery?
- Yes. However, it’s important to ensure the battery is being charged by a source such as a solar panel to ensure the battery does not drain and shut off the camera (and other peripherals).
What is the highest outdoor waterproof rating for a Verkada camera?
- Verkada offers up to IP67 rated cameras.
What is the highest vandal resistance rating for a Verkada camera?
- Verkada offers up to IK10 rated cameras.
What are some ways to get connectivity/power to an outdoor camera that is mounted on a remote pole?
- Solar panels, batteries, and cellular modems (like Verkada’s GC31-E gateway) can be used with a cellular data plan.
Do cameras need a cover when placed outdoors?
- It depends on the model used. Verkada bullet cameras have built in hoods that prevent rain/show from building up on the lens. However, if a dome camera is used, then a proper dome hood should be installed with the camera.
How long does the average security camera store footage?
- The duration for which a security camera stores footage can vary, but many systems, like those offered by Verkada, can store footage for up to 365 days directly on the camera, depending on the settings and storage capacity.