Don’t miss a thing with a smart camera!
Today we’ll be looking at a list of smart cameras that you can include in your home for optimal smart home security.
Not only do they come with standard features such as live-view on demand, 2-way audio, and motion detection, you can also opt for a camera such as the Amcrest UltraHD 4K which will provide you with an impressive 16x zoom capabilities, or Ring Video Doorbell Elite, which is both a smart doorbell and a security camera too!
So before we get into that let’s talk about what is PoE, and how it can benefit your home.
PoE
First, and foremost, PoE stands for Power over Ethernet. Meaning that PoE cameras will receive their power and transmit video through an Ethernet cable, so no need for any extra power cables!
Some of the benefits of PoE include energy savings, flexibility, and of course, an improved network connection too!
Because the PoE power cable is actually just the Ethernet cable, you won’t need an electrician in order to set up your new smart camera, thus saving you some extra money in the long run. Just make sure to get the PoE switch which connects to your router and allows you to connect multiple PoE devices, so you can opt for additional smart cameras without any issues.
Additionally, PoE security cameras will also protect your network system from under-powering, overloading, and even incorrect installation, so you can run your new smart cameras without any issues.
It’s worth mentioning that If your router is in a hard to reach the place, don’t worry as you can include an extension CAT 5, or CAT5 5 cable to extend it up to an additional 350 ft,so you can set your smart cameras anywhere both inside as well as outside your home.
In the end, PoE offers you an efficient, and reliable way to install and power your smart cameras, that will also provide you with a durable internet connection too.
So let’s get right to it, and check out some of the models you can include in your home.
Feel free to use our navigation system below to skip to any part you prefer.
Arlo Q Plus
The Arlo Q Plus can be connected via WiFi, Ethernet, or PoE offering you options to choose from when it comes to accessing the internet.
It also has an enhanced night vision technology so you will be able to clearly make out anything or anyone even in the pitch darkness, and paired up with its 130° wide-angle, you won’t miss a move with this smart device.
Additionally, this smart camera comes at a great value when purchased in a pack of two or even three, so you can add a layer of security in multiple locations in your home at a cheaper cost.
Key Features:
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Live-View on Demand – With Arlo Q Plus, you can enjoy clear 1080p HD video quality through your iOS or Android device. So now you can check in with your loved ones, or yell at your pet to get off the couch from anywhere.
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2-Way Audio – Say hi to your kids when they arrive home or warn off a potential intruder with the two-way audio features. This is a great way to communicate with anyone through your smart camera using a smart device.
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Motion Detection – Catch a potential thief in the act with Arlo’s motion sensors. As you’ll receive smart alerts straight to your smartphone whenever any activity is detected, so you will always know what’s going on at home.
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Local & Cloud Storage – In terms of storage, Arlo Q Plus offers an impressive 7-day free cloud storage that you can take advantage of, with optional continuous video & audio recording plan, as well as having upgrade options available should you want more.
However, if you can also go for the local storage option, and all you’ll need is to include a microSD card with your smart camera, as this will ensure all your footage is stored straight to its internal storage during an internet break.
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Smart Home Integration – Luckily, Arlo Q Plus is a great option for those of you who wish to integrate it with IFTTT, Samsung SmartThings, Alexa, and even Google Assistant.
Doing so allows you to take advantage of features such as voice control, and scheduling, for a more efficient smart home.
Ring Stick Up Cam Elite
Add more security to your home with the new Ring Stick Up Cam Elite. This smart camera can be placed on any flat surfaces such as walls, with the option of being set up both inside as well as outside too.
This Power over Ethernet smart camera can also be integrated with Alexa, so you can enjoy more hands-free control over your home. Things like, accessing live footage, 2-way audio and security alerts can all be done using simple voice commands, making your life a little easier.
Key Features:
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App Control – Using the Ring app, you can easily check the live feed from your smartphone from wherever you are, talk to your guests, while also receive any motion alerts whenever any activity is detected.
Additionally, by creating custom privacy zones you can also set specific areas on which you’d like to keep a closer eye on, such as the front porch or garage door.
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Alexa – By connecting your smart device with Alexa, you can enjoy hands-free home monitoring that will be both fun, and efficient too. For example, if something or someone triggers Ring’s in-built motion areas, your TITLE or Echo Show 5 device will illuminate, while also making an announcement, letting you know someone is there.
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Field of View – Having a decent field of view range is a pretty important feature for any smart home camera to have. Luckily, Ring Cam Elite has a good range of 150° horizontal, 85° vertical coverage, that will allow you to see more of your home both inside as well as outside.
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Ring Protect – The Ring Protect is an optional plan that you can include with your smart camera. It offers additional features such as video recording, snapshot capturing, and Ring alarm professional monitoring as well as exclusive discounts at Ring.com if you go for the Protect Plus Plan.
The Protect Basic with 60-day video recording comes to $3 per month/ $30 annually, while Protect Plus costs $10 monthly/ $100 annually.
Amcrest UltraHD 4K
Experience Ultra 4K resolution with this PoE smart camera. Not only does the Amcrest UltraHD smart camera offers exceptional video quality, but it also comes with enhanced low light capability, that allows you to see clearly in even the darkest conditions. It also comes with a 4.0mm narrow-angle lens, and a 88° viewing angle, for a sharper and more up-close view, so you won’t miss a thing. You can even view up to 16 cameras at one time with the Multi-View feature!
This durable smart camera is built to handle any weather conditions, so it can easily be placed both indoors and outdoors too, so you can monitor any area with ease.
Key Features:
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Smarter Security – With the Amcrest view app you’ll be able to receive alerts notifications straight to your smart device whenever any motion is caught. You can even create up to 4 custom motion zones that your Amcrest smart camera will pay closer attention to.
Additionally, using the included Amcrest Surveillance Pro for Mac and Windows, you can also record as well as playback any recorded footage, for a clearer viewing experience.
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Zoom – Take a closer look at the package thief’s license plate with Armcrest’s impressive x16 digital zoom function.
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Storage Options – Protect your saved video recordings with Amcrest UltraHD’s secure cloud video backup option. This optional storage subscription will allow you to save your recordings to a third-party location that is then secured by Amazon AWS.
This way if something happens to your PC or 128GB Class10 micro SDcard local storage, you will still be able to access it in a secure location through a web-based Flash interface for PC as well as the Amcrest Cloud app.
Amcrest ProHD 1080p
This PoE smart camera streams in clear 1080p HD resolution at an impressive 30FPS per second!
So you can enjoy crisp videos and vivid colors from wherever you are in the world, while still communicating with the postman or loved ones with its in-built two-way audio technology.
Not only that, but the Amcrest ProHD smart security camera also comes with a fluid 360° pan/tilt visibility, so it won’t miss out on crucial any spots, as well as a digital zoom that will allow you to take a closer look at anything or anyone you wish.
Key Features:
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Enhanced Night Vision – Don’t miss a thing both day and night!
This smart camera allows you to see up to 32 feet in the pitch dark with its 12 IR LED lights, so you can easily use your smartphone to check from the comfort of your bed whenever you hear a bump in the night.
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Pan & Tilt – View your entire room with Armcrest’s ProHD pan and tilt visibility feature. Paired with its impressive 360° wide-angle view and sharp video quality, there is very little you’ll miss with this smart camera.
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Free Cloud Storage – Enjoy up to 4 hours of free cloud storage with this Amcrest smart camera.
All you need to do is access your Amcrest Cloud app, or log in through your computer to see your footage through an intelligent timeline on its intuitive interface.
You can also include an optional 7, 15 and 30-day storage plans if you wish to take advantage of even more recorded footage.
Additionally, you can also use Armcrest’s local storage if you prefer, all you need to do is add an 8BG – 128GB microSD card, and you can save all your motion alerts there.
Other storage options include, an FTP server, a NAS, your local PC, or any Amcrest NVR.
Ring Video Doorbell Elite
Kill two birds with one stone with a smart doorbell, that is also a smart PoE camera too!
Even though it’s a smart doorbell, it stills come with a decent 160° horizontal, 90° vertical field of view, that gives you good coverage of your front door area.
The Ring Video Doorbell Elite has all the functions of a smart camera, such as 2- way audio, live-view on demand, motion detection, and more.
Making this the ultimate smart security device that will help to protect your from potential package thieves, while also allowing you to see who came over while you weren’t home.
Key Features:
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App Control – See who came over while you were out, and receive motion detection alerts straight to your Ring app. It can be installed straight to your iOS or Android device, and will allow you to view in 1080HD both day and night with the live view on-demand feature, comings, and goings from anywhere in the world.
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2-Way Audio – See and hear anyone through your smartphone with the two-way audio technology! So now you can easily direct your postman on where to leave your newest package, as well as warn a potential package thief away from your home!
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Voice Control – Use Alexa to enable announcements, so you can be alerted the next time your doorbell rings, or even when motion is detected.
You can also use voice commands such as, “Alexa, talk to the front door” through an Echo device to see who’s calling, and talk back.
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Storage – You can also take advantage of cloud storage by opting for the Ring Protect Plan.
If you decide to go for the optional Protect Basic to Protect Plus, you’ll have access to 60-day video recording, plus other features that will further enhance the experience at affordable rates.
Best PoE Smart Cameras — Our Thoughts
As we already mentioned, opting for a PoE connection provides you with a myriad of great benefits that will allow you to reap the full benefits of a smart security camera.
However, when it comes to the best one out there, it really depends on what you’re looking for.
The Arlo Q Plus, for example, offers you an impressive 7-day free cloud storage, with the addition of a local storage option too. So you won’t need to pay any subscription fees if you’re happy with the amount of storage you can get.
While Amcrest smart cameras are designed purely as a durable, effective and reliable security camera that will not only stand up to the harshest elements but will also provide you with a clear HD video clarity as well as an impressive zoom, so you won’t miss a thing.
Yet when it comes to our recommendation, we feel that the Ring Video Doorbell Elite with its dual function won’t let you down.
Not only does it come with great smart camera capabilities, but it will also serve you as a reliable smart doorbell that will alert you whenever you have a guest calling.
However, if it’s an indoor camera you want, Ring also has a line of indoor security cams that you can also add to your home.
Last update on 2024-04-25 at 01:02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
