A stitch in time saves nine they say, but choosing a wrong set of bullet cameras can totally ruin your security setup, thereby leaving a loophole to your video surveillance system. SCR is a one stop resource place where you can get a detailed information about best bullet cameras.
What is a bullet camera?
A bullet camera is a type of video camera that took its name from the cylindrical or bullet like shape. It is sometimes called a lip stick camera. Due to the shape and aesthetic of the camera, it is generally used in outdoor application such as walkways, entrances, and driveways.
A Bullet style camera can be installed via wire or wireless, and can either work as a standalone device, or be connected to a network video recorder (NVR).
Bullet camera’s work begins from spotting possible threat before you are able to view it on the security monitor. Bullet camera is your eyes on target. How well an image is seen on the security monitor is directly proportional to the quality of the bullet camera.
They are used mainly outdoor due to the special housing, which is tightly packed to keep out external objects such as dust, liquid, or moisture from inward penetration in order not to damage the internal circuit.
What are the requirements to look for when buying your first bullet camera?
– Field of View / Viewing Angle
This refers to the angular range in degrees that you can focus the camera on without distorting the image. When focusing close up, you can generally see a wide angle of view. If the focus is distant, the angle of view is smaller or narrower.
The first requirement in choosing the right bullet camera for your outdoor application, is to determine how wide a region of interest is. A wide angle lens is preferable when covering a wide area within a short distance.
– Lens Size
Lens plays a vital role in a CCTV camera, and this is what determines the focal length of a given CCTV camera. For instance, a bullet camera with a fixed lens of 3.6mm will cover wider area than a camera with 4mm. The lesser the focal length, the wider the image captured.
– Camera Image Sensor
There are two major types of image sensor, charged coupled device (CCD) and complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS). Both chips has a normal size of 1/4″, 1/3″, or 1/2″. As a rule of thumb, the larger the size, the higher the quality of the image produced and the higher the price.
The standard size for consumer CCTV camera is 1/3 inch which produces more detailed information than the 1/4 inch.
– Weather Resistance
It is important to get your requirement right before going for a bullet camera for your driveways or front yard. A good bullet camera should have a minimum of ingress protection 65, first digit which stands for level of protection against solid objects, and the second digit which stands for level of protection against liquids.
– Video Compression
This is also an important requirement in selecting the right bullet camera. It is better to choose a camera with an efficient video compression algorithm such as H.264, H.264+, H.265, or H.265+ as this can have a direct impact on your video storage drive.
The video compression does not apply to analog camera because it does not have a web server, the video stream is processed and encoded directly on the DVR.
– Onvif Interoperability
Onvif plays a key role in the CCTV industry particularly amongst IP equipment manufacturers. Onvif tries to provide and promote standardized interfaces for effective interoperability of IP-based physical security products, such as IP cameras and network video recorders.
– Night Vision Distance
The distance a bullet camera is able to see at night, should also be a major requirement in selecting a security camera. This will help in capturing image according to the distance available on the camera.
– Image Resolution
Image resolution which is always the first feature mentioned by the manufacturer, is very important when buying a bullet camera. The minimum standard should be 720p, but the higher the camera resolution, the larger and better the image.
Our Top 5 Best Bullet IP Cameras
SCR is ready to take you on another ride, to analyse and review the best bullet camera you can trust for your home or business video surveillance system. Sit back and relax as we begin.
Top 1 – Amcrest Ultra-HD 4K (8MP) Outdoor Bullet PoE IP Camera
Amcrest as a reputable CCTV brand in the industry is responsible for sleek design products yet very powerful. Therefore they made it to the top in this category. All Amcrest video surveillance systems are do it yourself and user friendly.
Amcrest is innovative in their product design and it is very glaring that they are winning the market with affordable video surveillance products. Their products are irresistible due to the new generation technology used in them.
Amcrest makes sure they spend months, even years, in developing and testing each product before it is released to the market to ensure it works as it should. This is a very thoughtful idea from Amcrest to ensure they maintain their top position amongst their counterparts.
They also ensure they follow up with firmware updates to enhance features, simplicity, reliability and security.
Amcrest Ultra-HD 4K (8MP) outdoor is more than just a camera, it can be used as a standalone device, all you have to do is connect the camera to the Amcrest cloud or Synology network attached storage. After their easy set up, you are set to record all that matters to you.
Main Features of Amcrest Ultra-HD 4K Bullet Camera
- Ultra HD 4K Resolution
- Wide Angle Lens
- Multiple Video Compressions
- Infrared Night Vision
- Multiple Storage Options
- Motion Detection
- IP67 Weatherproof & Vandal proof
- Mobile Viewing
Breakdown of the features / Overview of the product
This is an amazing outdoor security camera amongst its counterparts on the market that features 4k equivalent to 8 megapixels. The 2160p ultra HD resolution on Amcrest is able to deliver high-quality footage with a Sony Starvis sensor, and the Ambarella chipset built into it.
The camera captures stunning images during the day and night with the power of 4K Ultra HD image sensor at 15 fps. The camera can also be adjusted to capture images at a lower resolution.
Amcrest has a flip function which can be used to rotate the image into four different angles i.e. 0°, 90°, 180°, and 270°.
Image noise affects image quality of a security camera in poor lighting conditions, but Amcrest uses 3 dimensional digital noise reduction (3D DNR) technology in order to filter the noise during the night. Image noise is inevitable with security cameras, but 3D DNR can take care of that.
The camera uses a cutting-edge night vision technology to get a crystal clear picture even in total darkness. Amcrest camera has 2 Infrared LEDs which transmit infrared rays in a frequency which is invisible to the human eye, provides an amazing 131 feet of night vision range.
The viewing angle of 112° made Amcrest Ultra-HD camera to be relevant on the market. It employs a shorter focal length of 2.8mm which is able to capture wide area within a short distance. This type of camera is suitable for parking lots, driveways, and front yard due to this wide angle.
Amcrest Ultra-HD IP uses multiple video compressions to give user the flexibility to choose the best available option of video compression technology to record video. Amcrest 4K IP camera is backward compatible with H.264+ or H.264 using Onvif NVR.
The latest video compression H.265+ on Amcrest IP PoE camera makes it to efficiently process a large files, without using much hard drive or cloud storage space.
There are multiple storage options available for Amcrest Ultra-HD camera. It can record to Amcrest cloud, microSD card, Amcrest NVR, FTP server or network attached storage. Whichever option you choose, Amcrest will manage the storage efficiently.
With motion detection, you can customize your own region of interest, and receive alert notifications through email or push notifications via mobile app any time movement is detected. This will help you to keep in touch with your home or business.
Nothing is more important than a camera’s ability to survive in all weather conditions. Amcrest Ultra-HD is built to stand against harsh weather, and its operation is never impacted. The enclosure is tightly sealed to make sure that dust particle and any form of liquid can penetrate the camera’s electronic parts.
We are very impressed to see Amcrest using ingress protection 67 for the camera enclosure, which cannot be damaged by hot temperature such as 60°C. The 6 is used for intrusion protection which means Amcrest outdoor camera is protected against dust that may harm equipment. The number 7 is used for moisture protection which also means it is equally protected against strong water jets and waves.
Mobile viewing allows user to stay connected with their home or business remotely. It allows to livestream or even playback the recorded video footage of past events with the help of the Amcrest View Pro mobile app. This app is available for free in both iOS and Android stores.
Amcrest Ultra-HD IP PoE outdoor camera is backed by a 1 year product warranty beginning from the original purchase date, and a 1 year parts replacement. Lifetime technical support is also available to all Amcrest customers.
Pros
- Amcrest bullet camera has vivid and clear colors.
- The PoE simplifies the whole installation process.
- One of the best image resolution on the market so far.
- Supports many storage options including microSD up to 128GB.
- The camera wire is hidden inside the base.
- Amcrest has an enhanced 16x digital zoom.
- Amcrest tech support is responsive.
- Amcrest Ultra-HD can be used as standalone and it supports Android and iOS platforms.
- The camera feels sturdy and the build quality is irreproachable.
- Affordable price for these amazing features.
Cons
- The camera is available only in black.
- Motion detection seems crafty to setup.
- The IP camera does not come with PoE injector or power adapter.
What’s in the box?
- 1 unit of Amcrest Ultra-HD 4K (8MP) PoE Bullet IP Security Camera Black (IP8M-2496EB)
- 1 unit of Manual CD
- A Quick Start Guide
Top 2 – GW Security 5MP HD-IP Varifocal Zoom PoE Camera
GW security strives to provide the best solution that fits consumer’s needs. With 9 years of experience in the industry, GW security has been able to come up with high tech products to stay relevant on the market. GW security provides high-quality video surveillance solutions at reasonable and affordable prices.
The GW security IP PoE camera enables the user to manually adjust the focal length from 2.8mm to 12mm. This means the camera is simply varifocal. Changing the focal length of the camera also affects the field of view. The more the increase in the focal length, the lesser the field of view and the narrower the viewing angle becomes.
The camera uses the latest H.265 video compression technology, to minimize the storage size used during video recording by using a low bit rate.
The camera can be used outdoor and indoor. It can be used as standalone or connected to a GW security network video recorder. Since GW security camera is an Onvif compliance product, it can be easily integrated with any other Onvif conformant devices.
Main Features of GW Security 5MP Bullet Camera
- Varifocal Lens
- Night vision of up to 120ft
- Motion Detection
- Ultra HD of 5 MP Resolution
- 3D-DNR
- Supports Onvif
- Wide Dynamic Range
- IP66 Weatherproof
Breakdown of the features / Overview of the product
Varifocal lens gives the user the opportunity to increase or decrease a given lens from its original focal length value. It means that the lens can be manually altered from its original wide angle lens, to a narrow view in order to capture object from a far distance.
Another important feature of GW security bullet camera is the night vision. It can capture a clear and bright image up to 120 feet, in no light condition. The 42 infrared LEDs cast the illumination needed by the camera image sensor without blowing out the image.
Motion detection allows you to receive notification when movement is detected. You can draw a pattern using the grid in the motion detection interface to mark your region of interest. Whenever movement is detected in this marked area, a push notification is sent to the mobile app or an email, and alarm recording will begin.
Motion detection also allow you to save storage drive from recording blank footage every time.
The ultra-HD image resolution of 1920p offers highest performance by rending stunning pictures and videos during the day and night at 15 fps.
3D-DNR is a third generation technology to reduce the image noise on CCTV security cameras during low light conditions. The 3D-DNR filters the image before it is even recorded.
GW security camera is an Onvif conformant, it can be connected with GW security NVR, Onvif NVR, network attached storage, or an FTP server.
Wide dynamic range is a feature to balance light structure on a camera’s image, i.e. the under-exposure and over-exposure of light over an image. GW security camera employs WDR to render a balanced image that gathers more information.
This GW camera has a tight aluminium enclosure which keep-out the presence of rain, moisture, and dust from entering the security camera. The ingress protection 66 rating gave users the assurance of safety from any kind of harsh weather.
GW security 5MP HD-IP varifocal zoom PoE camera comes with 1 year limited warranty with free lifetime technical support, and also 1 year parts replacement.
Pros
- GW security camera delivers crisp images and videos (1920p).
- The PoE makes it easier to connect the camera to the NVR.
- It is affordable.
- GW security IP PoE camera is a Do it yourself device that does not require a technician.
- Tech support is helpful.
- GW security Ultra-HD camera can work as a standalone, be connected to GW NVR, connected to FTP server, or NAS.
- The P2P app is very intuitive and it is available for download in both Android and iOS app store.
- The bullet camera is backward compatible with H.264 Onvif NVR.
Cons
- The camera does not have a built-in mic nor support audio microphone pickup device.
- GW security camera does not have any slot for microSD.
- The IP camera does not come with PoE injector.
- No provision for proprietary cloud storage option.
- Camera does not come with power adapter.
What’s in the box?
- 1 unit of GW 5MP Super HD Bullet Camera
- A Quick Start User Manual
Top 3 – Onwote 5MP HD Audio IP PoE Outdoor Security Camera
Onwote brings great value and complete security solutions to the smart home market by focusing on probity and personal relationships, to enhance the customer experience.
Onwote 5MP IP PoE camera works between the temperatures of -20°C to 60°C.
It adopts 5MP super HD image sensor to deliver crispy images during the day, and night in 88° field of view.
Despite the tons of features Onwote IP PoE camera has, it keeps a very affordable price.
With Onwote IP PoE camera, you can take video surveillance security to a new level with the built-in audio microphone, which can be used to enhance your video surveillance capability. The audio microphone is effective from 15 feet range.
The bullet security camera uses a PoE, which provides both data and power through the same network cable path.
Main Features of Onwote 5MP Bullet Camera
- Multiple Working Solutions
- Night vision of up to 100ft
- Motion Detection
- 5 MP Super HD Resolution
- 3D-DNR
- 24/7 Reliable Recording and Easy Remote Access
- IP65 Weatherproof
- H.265 video compression technology
Breakdown of the features / Overview of the product
Onwote IP PoE camera has multiple working solutions, this is what makes it popular on the market. Onwote camera is versatile, it can readily integrate with Onvif conformant 5MP PoE NVRs such as LaView, Hikvision, EZVIZ, GW, Amcrest, Lorex, Dahua, or Samsung.
Onwote IP PoE camera can deliver up to 100 feet in night vision. The infrared cut filter flips when the light falls below the visible spectrum for the camera image sensor, and the 2 array infrared LEDs activate to provide illumination. Whether there is good or poor lighting in the environment, Onwote camera does not depend on that.
Motion detection is a good feature when planning to buy a CCTV camera. An algorithm is used to capture activities, this can also be used to conserve the video storage used in the NVR, NAS, or cloud. Instead of long hours of watching empty video footage, you only record useful videos.
Onwote PoE camera has the latest image sensor and chipset to deliver dazzling images and videos. The resolution of 5MP 1944p is twice the size of 1080p. It can provide a detailed wide frame.
The 3D DNR technology on Onwote camera will remove the image noise that arises during the night vision on the camera. 3D DNR will try to filter the grainy pictures where possible.
With 24/7 reliable recording options, you get to choose your favorite choice of recording. Either by recording to the NVR or finding solace in the cloud by enjoying the first 30 days for free.
The ingress protection 65 rating is enough to keep out foreign objects from penetrating the camera. It also makes Onwote IP PoE camera to be highly resistible to harsh weather.
Easy remote access enables the user to carry their home or business on their hand. The P2P mobile app is available for users to download in Android and iOS stores.
Onwote uses the new video compression technology to encode the video stream. Since the video is processed at the camera web server, this way, the video files will be efficiently managed using the lowest available bit rate.
Pros
- Onwote IP PoE camera has a built-in audio microphone.
- The PoE make it easier for a single network cable to be used to transmit power + data.
- It is very cheap and affordable.
- Very straightforward guide.
- Tech support is proactive.
- Mobile app is intuitive.
- Camera is backward compatible with H.264.
- The Infrared LEDs are super bright, making the night time almost like a daylight.
Cons
- Onwote security camera does not support microSD.
- The IP camera does not come with PoE injector.
- Camera does not come with power adapter.
- The mobile app only support iOS 8.0 and above.
What’s in the box?
- 1 unit of 5MP Super HD Weatherproof Night Vision PoE Camera with Audio
- 1 unit Cable Waterproof Lid for Mounting
- 1 unit Mounting Hole Template
- 1 unit CD (Quick User Guide + Software)
- A Quick User Guide
Top 4 – Reolink 4MP Super HD IP PoE Outdoor Security Camera
The 9 years’ experience gathered by Reolink made them to understand the market and their consumers. Reolink products are reliable, affordable, and use the latest technology.
RLC-410 is one of the top selling IP PoE cameras on the market, it can work from temperature of -10°C to 55°C.
RLC-410 records directly into microSD card, Reolink NVRs, Onvif NVRs, FTP server, or NAS. The 80° field of view is enough for Reolink to capture closed to wide view with the focal length of 4mm.
This bullet camera also captures amazing black and white pictures in total darkness. The infrared distance can cover up to 100 feet with good infrared illumination.
Main Features of of Reolink 4MP Bullet Camera
- 1440p Super HD Resolution
- Smart Movement Alert
- 100 feet Night Vision
- Remote Access
- IP 66 Weatherproof Rating
- Built-in Audio Mic
Breakdown of the features / Overview of the product
Unlike the regular 720p and 1080p resolutions, RLC-410 has 1440p super HD image resolution which is able to produce much details on the captured frame. There is no need to strain eyes over a captured image anymore, 1440p offers a better digital zoom without impacting the image quality.
Smart motion alert lets you create motion detecting zones and adjust the sensitivity, in which you would receive a push notification via the installed app whenever it is triggered by movement. Creating motion detection zones is better than receiving false alerts every time the motion is being triggered.
Reolink RLC-410 is able to capture 100 feet night vision distance in pitch black condition. The infrared lighting never wash off the image. You do not need to install special lighting to record at night, RLC-410 already has it taken care.
Remote access lets you keep in touch with what you cherish most. Installing the mobile app on your smartphone and you would be able to remotely check on your home or business at any time. This requires to have a working internet in your home in order to upload to the P2P server.
All bullet cameras are given ingress protection rating which is the ability to withstand all the weather conditions. Reolink RLC-410 is not left out. The camera enclosure which is made with strong aluminium is sealed closely to prevent moisture, dust or any form of liquid from getting into the camera. The IP 66 rating ensures RLC-410 against any dangerous weather.
This bullet camera from Reolink has a built-in audio microphone to capture the surrounding sound. This feature may be illegal in public areas such as offices, car rentals, hotels or any commercial place according to Federal Wiretap act. You need to check your local or state law regarding recording audio conversation before you can use this feature.
Reolink RLC-410 is fully backed by a 2 year limited warranty and parts replacement.
Pros
- Built-in audio microphone.
- The PoE is made easier to connect the camera directly to NVR without additional cabling.
- Easy installation and setup.
- Lifetime technical support via email.
- Mobile app is easy to work around with.
- Supports up to 64GB microSD
Cons
- This Reolink model does not support Reolink cloud.
- The IP camera does not come with PoE injector.
- Camera does not come with power adapter.
- Only support H.264 video compression technology.
What’s in the box?
- 1 unit of Reolink RLC-410
- 1 unit of Waterproof Lid
- 1 unit of 1M Network Cable
- 1 Pack of Screws with Allen Wrench
- 1 unit of Philip Head Screwdriver
- A Quick Start Guide
- 1 surveillance Sign
- 1 Mounting Hole Template
Top 5 – SV3C ProHD 4MP IP PoE Outdoor Bullet Security Camera
SV3C rounded up our Top 5 best bullet IP camera. A baby company with 5 years’ experience is actually doing fine in the industry. It is a hi-tech company that specialises in making intelligent and security home devices such as PoE IP cameras, wireless IP cameras, household DIY Cameras.
This bullet camera can operate under the temperature of -20°C to 60°C. This means it is built in order to work in extremely cold and hot weather.
The camera employs H.265 video compression technology to stream video files either to the cloud or NVR, using less bit rate.
SV3C gives every user the opportunity to enjoy the first 30 days of free cloud storage. It is a good point for users who only want to use this camera as a standalone device.
Main Features of SV3C ProHD 4MP Bullet Camera
- Super HD 4MP Resolution
- 265 Video Encoding
- Smart Motion Detection
- IP 66 Rating
- Cloud Storage
- Night Vision Up to 65 feet
Breakdown of the features / Overview of the product
SV3C IP PoE camera uses super HD 4MP resolution image sensor to capture bright videos during the day and night. 1440p provides enough information which allows you to digitaly zoom in the frame without loosing too much of the image quality.
The IP PoE camera has a new H.265 video compression technology to stream videos to NVRs, NAS, FTP server, or cloud storage without using large bandwidth.
Smart motion detection allows the user to setup the detection zone, by marking the exact area they want the motion detection to be triggered if movement is detected.
SV3C IP PoE camera enclosure is tightly built to keep out water or dust from penetrating the camera. The camera has the IP 66 rating and is built to survive any weather condition.
For users who are just planning to buy only one bullet camera, they can use it as a standalone. You can connect it to an FTP server or stream directly to the cloud, and enjoys the first 30 days for free after which you can subscribe to any package of your choice.
This bullet camera from SV3C produces a sharp black and white image during the night and can see up to 65 feet in complete darkness thanks to the 36 pieces of infrared LEDs.
Pros
- Sharp and clear images even at distance.
- The camera has a sturdy casing.
- Easy installation and setup.
- Tech support is ready to walk you through.
- The camera comes with power adapter.
- Mobile app interface is great and easy to use.
- Free cloud storage for the first 30 days.
- Overall, the camera is very cheap and comes with great features.
Cons
- SV3C IP PoE camera does not support audio mic.
- The IP camera does not come with PoE injector.
- It does not support microSD
What’s in the box?
- 1 unit of SV3C ProHD 4MP IP PoE PTZ Outdoor Security Camera
- 1 unit of 2M Network Cable
- 1 unit of Power Adapter
- A Quick Start Guide
- 1 unit of Waterproof Lid
- 1 Pack of Screws including Allen Wrench
Final Advice
Just like we said earlier, choosing a wrong type of bullet or outdoor cameras can create a loophole in your video surveillance system.
You need to know exactly what you want to achieve with each camera before you go for it.
We clearly highlighted the technical specifications for each cameras in our comparaison table, in order for you to quickly see the difference. At SCR we do our best to help you take the right decision in your buying process and we believe you would have learnt one or two things from this article.