IP ratings: the spec that determines outdoor use
| IP Rating | Water protection | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|
| IP44 | Splashing water | Covered porch only |
| IP65 | Water jets from any direction | Outdoor minimum standard โ |
| IP66 | Powerful water jets | Exposed outdoor locations |
| IP67 | Immersion up to 1 metre | Very exposed, near water |
Even under a porch roof, moisture and temperature changes will destroy an indoor camera's electronics within weeks or months. Always check IP65+ before any outdoor installation.
Night vision: IR vs colour
Camera illuminates with invisible IR light. Black and white image. Works in complete darkness. Found in most budget cameras.
White LED spotlight illuminates in colour. Much more useful for identifying people. More expensive. The light can also deter intruders.
Final verdict
๐ Final verdict
Indoor camera
More affordable, discreet design, plug and play. Perfect for pets, general home monitoring.
Outdoor camera (IP65+)
Minimum IP65 required. No exceptions โ not even under a covered porch.
Porches and semi-covered areas
Still need IP65. Ambient humidity, condensation and indirect rain affect cameras without adequate protection.
Ideal setup
1โ2 outdoor cameras at access points + 1 indoor camera. Total from โฌ80โ120.