The Best Outdoor PTZ PoE Camera With 2K Resolution
Best PTZ IP Camera
People are looking for the best cameras with the most straightforward controls and top features. And that is where the debate for the best outdoor PTZ PoE camera gets most heated.
PTZ cameras have certain features which place them among the most suitable systems for surveillance. Their automatic pan, tilt, and zoom let you capture outdoor environments like your porch, garden, or backyard without manually controlling the system.
It will track moving subjects, zoom in without losing quality, and scan large areas. Then there's the PoE which stands for Power Over Ethernet, and works by letting the camera use one cable — usually a cat5 Ethernet cable — for power and connectivity.
This option satisfies people who love a clean setup. Also, it boosts the network efficiency of the surveillance camera more than what WiFi offers because wired connections transmit signals faster and have no objects blocking the waves.
If you plan to use multiple outdoor surveillance cameras, PoE PTZ devices should top your preference list. With these devices, you don't suffer the restriction of shooting from a stationary position when interconnected — you can extend the PoE cable to about 328 feet from the power source.
Several brands of outdoor PTZ cameras are advertised daily. Getting the most suitable one may be a problem due to these many options. We have tested several alternatives, so you don’t have to, and we have picked the best outdoor PTZ PoE camera systems in this guide.
Buyer’s Guide
Considerations Before Purchasing a PTZ PoE Camera for Outdoor Use
Different brands offer unique features; however, don’t fall for the marketing gimmicks or let FOMO make you buy the latest gear if that’s not what will give you the best results. Instead, ensure you buy one that solves your needs. Before going to the camera store, prioritize getting the best options for these four features.
Camera Resolution
Field of View
Night Vision
Mobile Application and Remote Access
Reviews of PoE PTZ Cameras for Outdoor
Hikvision DS-2DE2A404IW-DE3
The Hikvision DS-2DE2A404IW-DE3 shoots 2K resolution videos with 2560 x 1440 pixels. The unique resolution provides sharper videos than the more common 1080p resolution systems, yet it doesn’t lead to huge video files. Add that to a 4MP shooter, and you get clear coverage even when using the digital zoom.
The pan, tilt, and zoom feature of the Hikvision DS-2DE2A404IW-DE3 makes it an excellent POE PTZ camera. It has a 4x optical zoom capacity and a pan range of 0° to 330° with a preset speed of 100° per second. The camera tilts 0° to 90° at similar speeds.
You can power the camera with a 12V/DC cable or Power over Ethernet. Transmitting power and data through that cable saves the cost and time needed to sort connectivity and power transmission separately — two core aspects of videography.
Having tested many surveillance cameras, the night vision of Hikvision's DS-2DE2A404IW-DE3 outdoor PTZ PoE camera was a standout performer. The camera works impressively under low light situations, allowing me to watch my property at night. When I needed to identify something, I barely needed to turn on my spotlight or infrared LEDs for illumination, as the software does a decent job on its own.
The camera’s infrared light illuminates as far as 65 feet, making viewing more area after bedtime easier due to clear footage. But before choosing PTZ cameras with only infrared light, know it may not be enough.
When I used infrared light to view my surroundings with one of the cameras I tested, I noticed that it was ineffective for reflective objects like glass. So, the DS-2DE2A404IW-DE3 with night vision software added to its spotlight and infrared is better than most for low-light shots.
Pros
- It guarantees relatively easy installation.
- The camera is small and has a modern-looking design that lies flush with the wall where it is mounted.
- It has low power consumption.
Cons
- Sometimes the camera lags for seconds or minutes; it may not capture specific movements.
- The camera does not pan up to 330° as the specifications claim.
- It does provide enough support in case users face problems with the camera.
Lorex LNZ44P4B
Not many PoE PTZ outdoor camera systems offer the capabilities of Lorex LNZ44P4B. I am impressed by the camera's 2K super HD video resolution, which produces clear and concise images. Hence, I rate it as an excellent system to keep you, your family, and your properties safe.
The Lorex LNZ44P4B PoE camera's PTZ features ensure you keep an eye on all areas of your house, eliminating the possibility of an intruder entering your space undetected. The camera has an impressive 355° rotation with a tilt range of 90° and pan speed of 100°. It has a 4x optical zoom lens and a 16x digital zoom.
With the LNZ44P4B, you can rest assured that every area of your house is under surveillance. You can seamlessly control the camera's pan, tilt, and zoom functions using your computer, smartphone, NVR, or Tablet.
The camera's PoE feature also ensures a relatively easy setup with fewer cables (just one Ethernet cable labeled category 5), which will excite people who hate clutter. It also reduces the chances of power surges damaging your camera, as the Lorex LNZ44P4B gets its power from one source. Those looking to connect the camera to more devices in other locations will appreciate the scalability of the Lorex LNZ44P4B’s PoE.
One feature that makes Lorex LNZ44P4B one of the best PoE PTZ outdoor camera systems is its night vision. I was impressed by the camera's clear images in low light situations. Regarding picture quality and object recognition in low light, this device will allow you to spot movements and identify objects around your neighborhood at night.
Pros
- The camera comes with a mount, screws, and a Cat5 cable to make installation seamless.
- It is not easily affected by weather due to its IP66-waterproof design.
- The camera's focus and PTZ functions are fast, providing an excellent user experience.
Cons
- The camera's app leaves a lot to be desired.
- Lorex does not offer timely support to users facing challenges with the camera. Sometimes it takes a long time to get in touch with the company's support person.
- It does not resist non-weather-related wear-and-tear for as long as I expected.
Lorex LNZ44P12B
The Lorex LNZ44P12B PTZ IP camera outdoor PoE enthusiasts love covers every inch of an outdoor area due to its pan and tilt range. The camera has a 360° pan range and a tilt of 0° to 90°. The 12x optical zoom lens alternates with 16x digital zoom to guarantee noise-free images when you zoom in to get a better view of a subject. Furthermore, you can seamlessly control the pan, tilt, and zoom functions of the Lorex surveillance camera through your NVR, PC, smartphone, or tablet.
You are assured of clear footage of your surroundings in low-light conditions. This Lorex camera can see in the dark as far out as 220 feet. Since it produces 2K resolution videos, expect clear images, whether at night or daytime.
Lorex offers a relatively straightforward setup thanks to its 100-foot Ethernet cable connection. If needed, you can extend the video signal to about 300 feet with the CAT-5E Ethernet cable. Also, extending the connection beyond 300 feet is possible using your NVR with PoE plus switch.
Pros
- The camera is small and has a modern-looking design that lies flush with the wall where it is mounted.
- The camera's vandal-proof design makes it difficult for thieves to break or take off its housing. It helps the camera run even under rough handling.
- Excellent customer support and flexible installation process.
Cons
- You must log in as an admin before using the camera's PTZ features.
- It does not have the auto-tracking capability.
- The camera's recent updates do not have an HD view, only a standard definition view.
Uniquesecurity DS-2DE2A404IW-DE3
The Uniquesecurity DS-2DE2A404IW-DE3 is a high-quality PoE PTZ camera outdoor lovers use because of its powerful 4MP shooter. This device records videos at 2K resolution, guaranteeing video footage with no grain or blurry scenes.
One feature of the Uniquesecurity camera which I find interesting is its true WDR with a 120dB level. This feature uses hardware and software tweaks to capture better images in varying lighting.
For instance, if a person walks into a dimly lit hall from outside, it is essential to capture the person's face, hairstyle, and every possible detail for security reasons. Having these details makes the identification of an intruder simpler.
The Uniquesecurity has an impressive PTZ feature that ensures it covers every corner of an area, eliminating blind spots. The camera has a pan range of 355 degrees, configurable speed ranging from 0.1° to 100° per second, and a 100° per second preset speed. Furthermore, the camera has a 0° to 90° tilt range, configurable speed from 0.1° to 100° per second, and a 100° per second tilt speed.
This device’s PoE connection solves power problems by eliminating the need to charge the system's battery regularly. The PoE cable keeps the camera connected to your local network, ensuring you maintain remote control of your device. It also supports three streams for live streamers to transmit video data.
Pros
- It comes with various detection features — video tampering detection, motion detection, object removal detection, audio exception detection, etc.
- It has programmable privacy masks for users who want to hide any area from view.
- The device allows you to view up to 20 live channels simultaneously.
Cons
- The audio feature of the camera picks up too much noise.
- The design with the camera lens hanging below leaves the camera exposed to external damage.
- It does not have the auto-tracking capability.
