The best compact cameras for home video surveillance

The IP camera of the Ukrainian brand GreenVision is one of the most affordable models on the market with support for the PTZ function. Thus, the 2.8 mm lens available here (92° visibility) can be remotely rotated and tilted horizontally and vertically, tracking everything that happens in the room.

Thanks to the built-in Wi-Fi module, GreenVision GV-165-GM-DIG30-10 PTZ is suitable for use at sites where repairs have just been completed or there is no possibility of laying a wired Internet network at all. Plus, if necessary, you can quickly change the location of the model, including hiding the compact body (dimensions 70x70x110 mm) from prying eyes.

The camera is equipped with an entry-level matrix (physical dimensions 1/4"), but at the same time supports a resolution of 3 MP, that is, 2304x1296 pixels, which is slightly superior to the still most popular FullHD format. For night time or other poor visibility conditions, there is IR illumination with a 10-meter range, and thanks to the light sensor, the transition to the appropriate (black and white) shooting mode occurs automatically.

Motion detection and audio track recording (there is a microphone) are complemented by a feedback speaker. Other standard features today include recording an archive on a memory card (with a capacity of up to 128 GB), access to online viewing from a smartphone or PC, and remote control from the iCSee mobile application. Note that while the latter’s ratings on the App Store are quite high, owners of Android devices sometimes note that its operation is not the most correct and stable. Another disadvantage of the model is the lack of a LAN port. But in any case, in the budget segment, GreenVision GV-165-GM-DIG30-10 PTZ is a worthy solution without anything extra “on board”.

The Tenda brand video camera is equipped with motorized optics, which allows you to remotely control the rotation and tilt of the lens. So, horizontally the model can provide full coverage, and vertically - 155 degrees (raises by 90 degrees and drops by 65). The user has access to different patrol modes (including customizable), plus support for the auto-tracking function for an object is announced.

The Tenda CP7's compact form factor (103x88x88mm) complements the practical base. It provides 3 installation options - regular desktop, ceiling or wall.

The camera is equipped with a 4 MP matrix, which allows shooting with Quad HD resolution (2560x1440 pixels). In complete darkness, the IR illumination is automatically activated, for which the range is stated to be 12 meters (quite enough for most rooms).

Among the very advanced functions, we highlight the intelligent recognition of the silhouette of a person in the frame and setting up an area of interest. Separately, it is worth mentioning the support for two-way communication and active protection with light and sound alarms. In addition to just a siren, you can also create up to 3 options for personal audio messages (for example, in a store this could be a warning that there is video surveillance in the sales area).

Both a Wi-Fi module and a LAN port are offered for data transfer. You can store the video archive on memory cards (up to 256 GB) or in the cloud. Flexible work settings, remote patrolling, access to online images and video archives are provided through the proprietary TDSEE mobile application. It is quite simple and understandable, but, as some users note, it is not very stable (crashes, glitches, etc. occur). Overall, the Tenda CP7 is an excellent PTZ camera for the money.

A representative of the 2023 Tapo line from the TP-LINK brand, it is a network camera at the intersection of the entry-level and mid-price segments. It is intended for indoor use, has small dimensions (87x85x118 mm), but can offer decent functionality.

TP-LINK Tapo C211 offers simple synchronization with a smartphone (via Wi-Fi), a stable mobile application and the ability to integrate into the Google Home or Amazon Alexa smart home eco-system. The latest feature allows you to control the camera’s operation with your voice - interacting with assistants of the same name. To store the archive, both a memory card slot (up to 512 GB) and the proprietary Tapo Care “cloud” are offered.

The model is a PTZ camera with remote control for pan (360 degrees) and tilt (114 degrees). As a result, one device can cover an entire room and even “follow” a moving object. In addition to motion detection itself, the camera detects a person in the frame, and can also recognize not just a voice, but a child’s cry. The last option, together with two-way voice communication, will certainly be useful to young parents. In addition, by setting up an area of interest, tracking can be limited to only the area you need (for example, a child’s crib or playpen).

When uninvited guests are detected, the model is capable of activating an audible alarm - a siren with a volume of 88 dB. And to increase confidentiality and protect personal data, certain parts of the frame can be hidden from video recording (for example, the screen of your monitor).

The camera is capable of broadcasting and recording video in 2304x1296 pixels at 30 fps (15 fps is set by default). To work in low light conditions, there is an IR illumination that reaches 9 meters.

One of the disadvantages is the lack of a LAN port, which is available in most competitors. Otherwise, TP-LINK Tapo C211 is a balanced choice for home video surveillance, providing simple and comfortable operation.

The mid-budget security camera of the Xiaomi brand differs from the younger model C300 in the presence of a 4-megapixel CMOS matrix. It allows you to shoot videos in 2.5K format, that is, Quad HD, increasing image detail and the visibility of small details in the frame. For working in the dark, a backlight with a wavelength of 940 nm is proposed, which does not have a visible red glow.

The viewing angles of the Xiaomi Smart Camera C400 are quite standard, but thanks to the PTZ function, even one model can provide coverage of an entire room. Thus, the camera supports 360-degree horizontal lens rotation and 106-degree tilt. in a vertical plane.

For quick initial setup and subsequent interaction with the model, it is suggested to install the Xiaomi Home application on your smartphone. Full integration of the camera is possible both into the proprietary eco-system and into smart homes based on Google Home and Amazon Alexa, which, among other things, provides support for voice control.

A noise-canceling microphone with a range of up to 5 meters from the camera is responsible for superimposing high-quality sound on the video track. And thanks to the built-in speaker, a feedback option is also available. Not just motion detection is declared, but human recognition to minimize cases of false positives. Plus, the mentioned PTZ function makes it possible to carry out tracking (monitoring people in the frame).

Separately, it is worth highlighting two options for storing the archive (on memory cards or in the cloud), the possibility of ceiling fixation of the case, and the presence of a Wi-Fi module operating in 2 frequency ranges. True, a wired Internet connection is not provided here. If this is not critical for you, then the Xiaomi Smart Camera C400 is a very interesting choice for your home, office, or small store.

The desktop camera of the Imou brand is made in a compact form factor (dimensions 106x77x77 mm) and is characterized by a relatively low weight (about 200 grams). It is intended for indoor use, but it does not have to be the comfortable environment of an apartment or office. Imou Ranger 2 4MP can be used in unheated rooms (frost resistance up to -10 ° C), and a good level of protection against dust and moisture IP55 allows it to be placed, for example, in industrial facilities and/or near water.

The camera is equipped with a 4 megapixel matrix that supports shooting in 2560x1440 pixels at 25 frames per second. It is complemented by optics with a fixed focal length of 3.6 mm and horizontal viewing angles of 93°. Thanks to the electric drive, the lens supports PTZ function - panning and tilting (in the range of 85 degrees), that is, even one device will “look” into almost every corner of the room. It is also worth highlighting the 8x digital zoom and IR illumination with a range of up to 10 meters.

Motion detection, which is common today, is complemented by tracking of identified targets and sound detection, including alerts about abnormal noise. There is also a speaker that provides both two-way communication and an audible alarm (siren) to scare away uninvited guests. The privacy feature deserves special mention: with one click in the mobile application, the lens lowers and does not record your personal life.

For ease of connection, there is both a LAN connector and Wi-Fi with a coverage area of up to 50 meters (without obstacles). There are also different options for storing video archives - on a Micro SD card and in cloud services.

Imou Ranger 2 4MP is a functional and quite secure (for indoor use) IP camera.