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Outdoor lights with camera
A clever combination of lighting and securityOutdoor lights with cameras are multifunctional devices: they illuminate areas brightly and safely using energy-efficient LEDs, monitor them using sensors and video, and often double as an intercom system. The outdoor cameras are connected to the home Wi-Fi network. Using a smartphone app, you can then access your camera light conveniently, wherever you are.
Lights with cameras combine two functions in a single device: lighting and CCTV. This combination is particularly practical for areas that are to be lit anyway. Instead of a separate outdoor light and an additional camera, a single installation can fulfil both functions.
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Advantages of outdoor lights with a camera and motion detector
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Depending on the product, outdoor lights with cameras offer brightness levels of around 1,000 lumens or more. This ensures that the area is well lit.
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Thanks to their Wi-Fi connection, cameras fitted with sensors immediately send a push notification to your smartphone when the motion detector is triggered.
:format(jpeg) "Two-way communication")
When the postman or guests arrive, you can make contact straight away via a partially integrated intercom system – even whilst on holiday.
Good to know: A camera light does not automatically replace every professional surveillance solution. Key factors include, amongst others, the detection range, mounting height, field of view, storage options and the required functionality.
What you absolutely must bear in mind when using outdoor cameras with lighting
Not every camera light is equally suitable for every application. The following features will help you make your choice.
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For outdoor installation, the luminaire must be suitable for the intended application. To withstand the changing weather conditions outdoors, outdoor cameras are fitted with, amongst other things, a high IP rating. The protection rating actually required for outdoor cameras depends on the specific installation location and the conditions there. Detailed information on each product can be found in the product details.
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Even a high-quality camera light can only perform to its full potential if it is positioned correctly. To ensure a clear view, you should make sure that the camera captures as much of the desired area as possible. At the same time, unfavourable viewing angles – such as looking directly into a strong light source – can impair image quality.
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Anyone wishing to store camera footage should check what storage solution is provided before making a purchase. Depending on the product, cloud services may be offered, for example. The question of how long recordings are stored and whether certain functions incur additional costs may also be relevant. Separate SD cards are often required for the local storage of video data. These are not included.
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Outdoor lights fitted with cameras are connected to the Wi-Fi network. To ensure that location-independent access works at all times, a stable Wi-Fi connection is essential not only in general but also at the installation site. Before installation, you must therefore check whether the Wi-Fi signal reaches the part of the house where the outdoor camera is to be installed.
Locations for outdoor lamps with camera
Whether a particular camera light is suitable depends very much on where it is to be used and what it needs to achieve there. In outdoor areas, the focus is often on the entrance, the property and the access paths. Indoors, on the other hand, the focus is often on video surveillance in general, which provides a reassuring sense of security at all times.
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Camera lights at house entrances and front doors combine reliable lighting with the ability to keep an eye on the entrance area. Models featuring a motion detector, a wide field of view, night vision and smartphone notifications – which can alert you when movement is detected – are particularly handy. As well as providing protection against break-ins, positioning the light by the front door allows you to communicate with visitors and the postman, whilst also providing optimal lighting for the steps and making it easy to find the keyhole.
:format(jpeg) "Driveway and garage")
Camera lights provide good illumination at driveways and along paths, whilst also detecting movement on the property. A wide field of view and sufficient range are particularly important here, to ensure that even longer distances or larger access roads are well covered. Monitoring the garage door improves protection against burglary. A wide coverage area is also essential for this. What’s more, the sensor-controlled lighting provides optimal guidance when driving into the garage or when loading and unloading in the courtyard.
:format(jpeg) "Patio and balcony")
Patio doors and all-glass fronts are often targeted by burglars. Bright lighting deters unwanted visitors whilst also serving the purpose of a standard outdoor light: security lights on patios and balconies offer a combination of atmospheric lighting and additional surveillance of the outdoor area. It is important that the camera light has a pleasant colour temperature if it is to serve as mood lighting. A warm white light colour of between 2,700 and 3,300 Kelvin is recommended.
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Burglars can approach the house from various entry points. With coverage angles of up to 180° and a range of up to 10 metres, it is generally perfectly feasible to monitor the garden using a 2,000-lumen floodlight mounted on the façade. If, on the other hand, you wish to use the camera light to monitor a side corridor, it is absolutely essential to align the camera and the sensors precisely with the area to be monitored. It is also highly recommended that you test the activation system thoroughly, simulating all possible break-in scenarios and escape routes.
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Indoors and in corridors, camera lights are particularly suitable for areas that need to be monitored either regularly or only from time to time. Integrated motion detection can help to recognise activities and trigger the relevant notifications. For indoor use, you should take a close look at the features of the app in question, check the image quality to ensure that details are visible, and adjust the field of view precisely. For example, this allows you to enjoy a reassuring glimpse of your own home whilst on holiday.
Legal requirements for the use of camera lights
The use of outdoor cameras fitted with lights is subject to a legal framework. In addition, visitors to the premises – such as postmen or guests – must be made aware, by means of signage or similar measures, that the premises are under video surveillance. Please also be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and check the local regulations.
What is allowed?
- Filming your own property
What is prohibited?
- Filming the neighbouring property
- Filming on roads and pavements
- Unauthorised filming of people
An important note: If the camera captures footage of a burglar, the video must not be posted online as a private appeal for information. The recordings must be handed over to the police.
Conclusion
Multifunctional devices for comfort & safetyA camera light can be an interesting solution when you need to combine lighting and surveillance of an area.
Whether as an outdoor light by the front door, a solution for the garage and driveway, or a smart indoor light: the key thing is that the technical specifications are suited to the specific location. You should therefore consider not only the design, but above all the light output, detection range, motion detection, night vision, protection rating, storage options and smart home functions. Here’s how to find a light fitting with a camera that suits your specific application.
:format(jpeg) "Kai")
Lighting expert at Lights.co.uk
Expert tip
Networked outdoor cameras can secure the property over a wide area. However, there are a few things I pay particular attention to: sensitive areas, including the neighbouring property, must not be captured by the cameras. Furthermore, when it comes to property surveillance, I always opt for high-quality models from well-known brands. “As well as obvious reasons such as durability, battery life, image quality and weather resistance, I can also rely on excellent data encryption and on the software being updated regularly to prevent unauthorised access.”
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