Cameras

Two types of cameras — IP monitoring and webcams

This category contains two completely different types of devices worth distinguishing before buying. IP cameras (smart CCTV) are devices for monitoring the home and surroundings — they operate wirelessly via WiFi, record to an SD card or the cloud, detect motion and send phone notifications. Webcams are USB devices connected to a computer, used for video calls, recording and live streaming.

Indoor IP cameras — Baseus, BlitzWolf, Sonoff

For monitoring the interior of a home, flat or office we recommend:

• Baseus P1 Lite 2K — 360° pan-tilt, 2K resolution (2304×1296), IR night vision, motion detection with notifications, two-way audio, SD card up to 256 GB
• Baseus P1 3K and P1 Pro 3K — 3K resolution for detailed recordings, Pro version with an improved night sensor
• BlitzWolf BW-SHC1 and BW-SHC2 — 1080p FHD, 2.4 GHz WiFi, Tuya/Smart Life platform, Google Home and Alexa integration
• Sonoff CAM-PT2 — 2 MP pan-tilt, eWeLink, compatible with Sonoff Zigbee Bridge as part of a home alarm system
• Sonoff CAM-S2 — fixed indoor Gen. 2, 1080p, eWeLink

Indoor cameras mount on a shelf, desk or wall using the included bracket. Powered via USB cable or mains adapter.

Outdoor IP cameras — property and entrance monitoring

Outdoor cameras must be weather-resistant (rain, frost, sun) — look for models with IP65 or IP66 certification. Available:

• Baseus B1 2K — fixed outdoor, IP65, colour night vision in low light, WiFi
• Baseus S1 Pro 3K Dual — dual 180° lens, 3K resolution, for wide-field entrance monitoring
• Baseus N1 2K and N1 Plus — 2-camera outdoor sets, for complete entrance and garage coverage
• Sonoff CAM-B1P 2K — outdoor 2K with battery power, for locations without a socket — fence, gate, garage
• Choetech ASC005 — outdoor WiFi with a built-in 5 W solar panel, 5200 mAh battery, IP66, IR night vision

Choetech solar camera — no cable, no socket needed

Choetech ASC005 is the solution for locations without a power socket — a driveway gate, garden fence, gazebo. The 5 W solar panel charges the battery during the day, providing round-the-clock autonomy. In the UK, even on overcast days the panel generates enough energy to cover daily consumption in standby-with-motion-recording mode. IP66 protection guarantees resistance to heavy rain and frost.

PC webcams — Ugreen and Havit

For video calls, remote work and streaming we recommend:

• Ugreen CM831 4K — 4K 30fps, autofocus, microphone noise reduction, for streaming and content recording
• Ugreen CM825 2K — 2K 30fps, wide 95° angle, for desk video calls
• Ugreen CM647 1080p — Full HD, affordable, a great choice for Teams/Zoom
• Ugreen CM717 2K and CM778 2K with microphone — directional built-in microphone with ambient noise reduction
• Havit HV-N5082 — 1080p, wide 120° angle, low-light correction
• Havit HV-ND97 and HV-HN12G — 1080p with autofocus, monitor or tripod mount

Resolutions: FHD 1080p, 2K, 3K — practical differences

For webcams, 1080p FHD is fully sufficient for video calls. 2K (2560×1440) gives a sharper image when recording YouTube or online course content. 4K Ugreen CM831 makes sense for high-resolution streaming or video production.

For monitoring cameras, 2K delivers sharper faces when digitally zooming in, making identification easier. 3K Baseus P1 Pro and S1 Pro are top resolutions in the home camera category — useful if you want to crop the image when reviewing footage.

Smart camera features

• Motion detection with notification — push notification to your phone with a thumbnail or video clip when motion is detected. Active zone settings available.
• IR night vision — recording in darkness up to 10–15 m. Colour night vision (Baseus B1) requires minimal ambient light but produces a colour image instead of grey.
• Two-way audio — speaker and microphone in the camera. Ability to talk to a person at the door or deter an intruder via the app.
• SD card recording — local, no subscription fees. Capacity up to 256 GB (several weeks of continuous recording in detection mode).
• Cloud — Baseus and Sonoff offer optional paid cloud plans with longer recording history and advanced detection (face recognition, package detection).

Outdoor installation — IP rating, power, location

When installing an outdoor camera, check three things. First, the IP rating: IP65 means resistance to water jets from any direction; IP66 means strong stream resistance. Second, power supply: wired cameras (Baseus B1, S1) require a nearby socket. Battery cameras (Sonoff CAM-B1P) and solar cameras (Choetech ASC005) are more flexible. Third, WiFi range: an outdoor camera may be in a dead zone for the router. Use a WiFi repeater or powerline adapter with WiFi.

Other smart home devices: security sensors, smart sockets, wall switches, home automation, LED strips.

FAQ — Frequently asked questions

Indoor or outdoor camera?

An indoor camera monitors interior spaces — living room, interior entrance, nursery. An outdoor camera protects the home entrance, driveway and garden. For complete monitoring we recommend a minimum of one outdoor camera at the main entrance and one indoor camera at the front door. Baseus N1 2K sets (2 outdoor cameras) cover two entrances in one package.

How many cameras are needed to monitor a house?

For a flat, 1–2 indoor cameras are enough. For a detached house with a garden: 2 outdoor cameras (front + rear/garage) and 1–2 indoor. Baseus S1 Pro 3K Dual with a dual 180° lens replaces two standard outdoor cameras at a single entrance.

Does a solar-panel camera work in the UK?

Yes, but with limitations. In winter (December–January) with short days and frequent cloud cover, the solar panel may not generate enough energy for continuous operation. Choetech ASC005 has a 5200 mAh battery that, in motion-detection mode (not continuous recording), lasts 3–7 days with zero sunlight. In spring, summer and autumn the camera works without issues. Mount the panel at approx. 30–45° facing south for maximum exposure.