Security cameras are an unavoidable necessity. They deter criminals and help law enforcement in the investigation of a crime. However, choosing which model best suits your home or business can be challenging, with the numerous options and models available on the Australian market.
Below, we simplify that process by covering some of the best surveillance cameras available. We'll start with a quick summary of our top picks, then deep-dive into individual product reviews before discussing a buying guide to help you make a more informed decision.
Our Top Picks
In a hurry? No problem. Here are the best three security cameras in Australia:
![](https://www.experteasy.com.au/blog/content/images/2022/09/google-nest-cam-1.png)
Google Nest Cam
Best overall security camera with 130° field of view, IP54 waterproof rating, 1080p resolution, 6x digital zoom, and HDR night vision.
![](https://www.experteasy.com.au/blog/content/images/2022/09/arlo-pro-4-wire-free-security-camera.png)
Arlo Pro 4
Best outdoor security camera with 160° field of view, IP65 waterproof rating, 2K resolution, built-in alarm, and local and cloud storage support.
![](https://www.experteasy.com.au/blog/content/images/2022/09/xiaomi-mi-360-security-camera.png)
Xiaomi Mi 360 Home
Best corded electric indoor security camera with 115° field of view, IP65 waterproof rating, 2K resolution, and infrared night vision.
Top 8 Security Cameras for Australian Homes and Offices
Let’s take a closer look at the ins and outs of each option to help you identify the ideal fit for your home or business. Our review and analysis offer a comprehensive overview of what to expect: features, pros, and cons.
1. Google Nest Cam
Best Overall Security Camera
![Google Nest Cam](https://www.experteasy.com.au/blog/content/images/2022/09/google-nest-cam-1.png)
Power source: Battery powered
Waterproof rating: IP54
Resolution: 1080p
The Google Nest Cam is an excellent security camera for use indoors and outdoors. It is a battery-powered security camera that also offers video recordings and event video history, which is accessible on the Google Home app. However, to store more than the free three-hour period Nest Cam provides, you must subscribe to Google's Nest Aware subscription, which offers up to 60 days of stored event history and other features.
Google's Nest Cam rotates at 130° diagonally and offers a 6× digital zoom. It features a 1080p HD video camera with night vision and a motion alert system to distinguish faces. Nest Cam also features two-way audio communication, allowing you to converse with visitors or family.
Being IP54, it is weather-resistant, offering protection against dust and water splashes. However, it is not fully waterproof and can be damaged if immersed in water or exposed to heavy rains. The high-end security camera is compatible with Google Assistant and Amazon's Alexa-enabled devices. You get a 12-month warranty, a power adaptor, and a charging cable.
Pros
- Easy to install
- Convenient remote surveillance
- Rotates and offers 6x digital zoom
- Two-way audio communication for conversating
- Night vision with HDR
Cons
- Requires subscription for 24/7 video storage
2. Arlo Pro 4
Best Outdoor Security Camera
![Arlo Pro 4 Wire-Free Spotlight Camera](https://www.experteasy.com.au/blog/content/images/2022/09/arlo-pro-4-wire-free-security-camera.png)
Power source: Battery powered
Waterproof rating: IP65
Resolution: 2K
Arlo Pro 4 is Arlo's best-selling security camera model. It's completely wireless and comes with a rechargeable battery, so you can mount it anywhere without worrying about its proximity to the nearest electrical outlet. Combined with a waterproof lens and IP65-certified weatherproof housing, the Arlo Pro 4 is an excellent device for outdoor security.
The surveillance camera also supports local and cloud storage with an Arlo Smart subscription, which you must renew to maintain its smart features. The camera on the Arlo Pro 4 has smart motion detection, motion tracking, and colour night vision functionalities. It also has a customisable alarm system that triggers when specific rules are met. And like most security cameras on our list, the Arlo Pro 4 is compatible with Google Assistant and Amazon's Alexa.
Arlo's Pro 4 security camera uses two-way audio to speak to visitors. Its notification system lets you personalise your alerts and create custom activity zones for relevant notifications. Home and office owners can choose between one and four camera models.
Pros
- Easy to install
- Robust build quality
- Built-in alarm
- Supports local and cloud storage
Cons
- Cloud service requires subscription
3. Ring Stick Up Camera
Best Security Camera for Alexa
![Ring Stick Up Cam Battery](https://www.experteasy.com.au/blog/content/images/2022/09/ring-stick-up-camera-battery.png)
Power source: Battery/PoE/Solar
Waterproof rating: IPX5
Resolution: 1080p
The Ring Stick Up Camera has three variations: the Stick Up Cam Battery, Stick Up Cam Elite, and Stick Up Cam Solar. While these variations have similar specifications, they have different power sources. The Stick Up Cam Battery is battery-powered, while the Elite and Solar models use Power Over Ethernet (PoE) and solar panels, respectively.
For the battery-powered model, you choose between a battery pack that requires intermittent replacement or a standard power outlet that offers an uninterrupted power supply. But whichever you choose has all the essential features to stay safe: motion-activated notifications, 1080p HD video, colour night vision, and two-way talk with noise cancellation.
You also get record and capture functionality, people-only mode, live preview, and compatibility with Amazon's Alexa and Ring App. Ring's Stick Up Cam rotates to 130° diagonally, 110° horizontally, and 57° vertically. You get a 12-month limited warranty with theft protection on purchase.
Pros
- Versatile mounting options
- Works with Google Assistant and Alexa
- Has motion-activated notifications
- Offers wide field of view for better coverage
- Ring app and camera connect seamlessly
Cons
- Two-way talk not very audible
- Limited features without subscription
4. Eufy Anker eufyCam 2C Pro
Best Security Camera for Apple Homekit
![Eufy Anker eufyCam 2C Pro](https://www.experteasy.com.au/blog/content/images/2023/12/eufy-anker-eufycam-c-pro.png)
Power source: Battery powered
Waterproof rating: IP67
Resolution: 2K
The Eufy Anker eufyCam 2C Pro comes in a 3-camera kit, a home base, and a sleek white design that seamlessly blends into any home environment. Its metal construction adds a premium touch, and the compact dimensions make it easy to mount securely. The surveillance camera also offers a 2K resolution with clarity and detail and features a 180-day battery life per charge.
Eufy's security camera features a smart detection zone and night vision. Its wireless design eliminates the need for complicated wiring, and the HomeKit integration streamlines control through the Apple ecosystem. More impressively, the surveillance device uses AES-128 data encryption to ensure the privacy of your footage during transmission and storage.
The EufyCam 2C Pro also seamlessly integrates with Amazon Alexa, providing complete control over your surveillance system. The two-way audio feature enables real-time communication with anyone approaching your home. This, combined with a weatherproof rating of IP67, exceptional battery life, and commitment to privacy, makes the EufyCam 2C Pro an excellent investment.
Pros
- Apple homekit compatibility
- Up to three months of local storage
- Easy to customise detection zones
- Advanced AES-128 data encryption
Cons
- Pricey
5. Xiaomi Mi 360 Home
Best Indoor Security Camera
![Xiaomi MI Home Security Camera](https://www.experteasy.com.au/blog/content/images/2022/09/xiaomi-mi-360-security-camera.png)
Power source: Corded electric
Waterproof rating: IP65
Resolution: 2K
The new Xiaomi Mi 360 is an innovative and effective solution for a secure, worry-free home. The device has many useful functionalities. For starters, the camera on the Mi 360 security device is a 2K ultra-clear HD camera, which allows it to screen and capture high-quality and detailed images. It also includes an F1.4 aperture lens and night vision technology for great details in low-light environments.
You can set up the surveillance device easily by scanning a QR code on your phone. Its moveable lens allows for a complete 360-degree view of your home. The device also has two-way communication capabilities that support two-way real-time voice calling and smart motion detection.
If you want an economical option that doesn't compromise quality, choose the Xiaomi Mi 360. It's a great indoor security camera with essential technological features, support for remote viewing on multiple devices, 16× speed playback, and a MicroSD card slot that supports between 16GB and 64GB storage cards.
Pros
- Easy to set up
- Good for indoor use
- Playback video footage via app
- Good quality infrared night vision
- Supports MicroSD card storage
Cons
- Limited motion detection controls
- Doesn’t support cloud backup
6. Reolink RLC-811A
Best Power Over Ethernet (PoE) Security Camera
![Reolink RLC-811A](https://www.experteasy.com.au/blog/content/images/2023/12/reolink-rlc-811a.png)
Power source: Power Over Ethernet (PoE)
Waterproof rating: IP66
Resolution: 4K
The Reolink RLC-811A is a high-quality PoE bullet security camera with advanced recording technology. It transmits videos and provides power without a local wall outlet in the same spot as the camera, providing greater flexibility and multiple camera placement options.
You can use the camera with the Reolink app/client, which features a built-in siren and spotlight. The app's live view loads quickly and allows you to pause, take a snapshot, listen in, or record the view. Likewise, you can change the quality of the live view from full resolution to balanced or fluent.
In addition to its high-quality resolution, the Reolink RLC-811A offers time-lapse functionality, two-way audio, motion detection, full-colour night vision with a spotlight of up to 30 m, and a 5× 5-optical zoom that allows you to adjust the camera’s field of view.
Pros
- Quality video streaming
- PoE offers multiple camera placement options
- Live view loads fast on the app
- Compatible with Google Assistant
- Expandable microSD card storage
Cons
- Has a narrow field of view
7. Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Pro
Best Floodlight Security Camera
![Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Pro](https://www.experteasy.com.au/blog/content/images/2023/12/ring-floodlight-cam-wired-pro.png)
Power source: Hardwired
Waterproof rating: IP56
Resolution: 1080p
The Floodlight Cam Wired Pro can monitor and protect large areas. It offers HD video, a powerful alarm, two-way talk, and automated recording. The camera has motion-activated floodlights that illuminate your home and act as a deterrent to potential intruders and thieves. Coupled with customised motion zones and a 140-degree viewing angle, the camera ensures excellent nighttime protection.
Ring's Floodlight Cam Wired Pro features a 110-decibel siren and two-way talk to help chase away intruders. The surveillance camera also works with the Ring app, which allows you to control it from your tablet or phone. Through the app, you can customise the settings to receive accurate motion detection alerts, change essential security options, and save videos.
The Floodlight Cam also features 3D motion detection with radar technology. It lets you customise motion zones up to 9 m away to detect when someone steps onto your property. The camera is also compatible with Alexa.
Pros
- Motion-activated floodlights
- Quality colour night vision
- Sharp HDR 1080p video quality
- Sends accurate motion alerts
- Reliable motion tracking
Cons
- Limited features without subscription
- No support for Apple HomeKit and Google Assistant
8. EZVIZ CB8 3MP
Best Pan-Tilt-Zoom (PTZ) Security Camera
![EZVIZ CB8 3MP](https://www.experteasy.com.au/blog/content/images/2023/12/ezviz-cb8-3mp.png)
Power source: Battery powered
Waterproof rating: IP65
Resolution: 2K
The EZVIZ CB8 3MP is an advanced pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) security camera for outdoor use. It features a wide-angle lens with a 340-degree pan and 65-degree tilt capability for a comprehensive view of your home. The PTZ design works with the 2K resolution to provide high-quality pictures with striking details.
The EZVIZ CB8 surveillance camera features colour night vision, and built-in spotlights provide vivid colour imaging in the dark. You also get a smart human detection feature that automatically triggers tracking and recording when it detects motion and a prompt EZVIZ App notification of any break-ins. The security camera is compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant.
The EZVIZ CB8's 210-day battery life is remarkable for a wireless security camera. The 10400mAH battery capacity ensures uninterrupted surveillance and an excellent two-way talk feature. The device's alarm and spotlights provide immediate on-site deterrence when it detects a moving person.
Pros
- PTZ design has no blind spots
- Incredibly long battery life
- Provides great colour imaging at night
- Spotlights and an alarm with a siren provide active defence
- Has superior weather protection
Cons
- Liable to high command latency
Our Review Process
![Our Security Camera Review Process](https://www.experteasy.com.au/blog/content/images/2023/12/our-security-camera-review-process.png)
Our extensive search, review, and evaluation of the best security cameras in Australia involved hours of research and testing. Our team of experts then shortlisted our final eight recommendations.
We also considered expert reviews, consulted various customer reviews (positive and negative), and researched camera specs and industry standards. Other important things we looked at include:
- Wired vs. wireless setups
- Ease of camera and smartphone app setup
- Responsiveness of the smartphone app
- Compatibility with smart home systems
- Image and video quality during the day and at night
- Reliability in detecting motion
- The ability to alert the user in a timely manner
- Ease of customisation and smart features
Battery-powered models received extra credit in our rankings. However, we couldn’t ignore the impressive performance and reliability of some high-quality PoE and hardwired security cameras.
Wireless vs. Wired Setup?
While wireless security camera setups are easier, non-WiFi security setups are more reliable and have more advanced features. Most wired options also beat wireless security cameras in one way or another. However, there are excellent, high-quality wireless options as well. You can choose from many more wired types.
If you want a wiring setup, consider hiring a local company that offers security camera installation services; many electricians also provide this service. Unlike wireless setups, which require little expertise, you may need the assistance of a professional to ensure that your security cameras are set up correctly with wired camera options.
Best Security Camera Buyer’s Guide
![How to Choose the Best Security Camera](https://www.experteasy.com.au/blog/content/images/2023/12/best-security-camera-buyers-guide.png)
It is crucial to know what to look for when choosing the best security camera for your office or home. This section covers the most essential tips for selecting the best option.
#1 - Storage Options
Where is your video footage stored? Most security cameras on the market have local storage, which is usually free. However, some brands, like Arlo and Ring, use cloud storage, which requires a subscription.
#2 - Indoor/Outdoor Capable
Another important consideration is the indoor and outdoor setup. If you plan to set up your camera outdoors, you need a reliable, weatherproof model that can withstand weather elements like rain and snow. Nowadays, cameras are designed for both indoor and outdoor use.
#3 - Performance Features
Does the security camera offer the performance features you’re looking for? There’s much to consider, including the smartphone app, image quality, and field of view.
#4 - Smartphone App
If you want to control your security camera remotely, look for one with a smartphone app. The app allows you to set up the camera and maintain its functions. Surveillance apps provide instant alerts whenever the camera detects something on your property.
You can also customise your camera settings from its dedicated smartphone app. For example, you can set specific motion detection zones to notify only when necessary, use two-way audio, and set off the alarm to chase away intruders.
#5 - Image Quality
High-security camera resolution (i.e., the number of pixels the camera can display) translates to superior image quality. The most basic resolution is 720p, which can be slightly fuzzy and may not offer the best image quality.
The subsequent best resolution for providing good image quality is 1080p, the most popular option in security systems. However, cameras with a higher resolution than 1080p, like 2K and 4K, provide a nice sweet spot between image quality and sharpness.
However, note that in addition to resolution, image quality can also be affected by the frame rate, field of view, and light sensitivity, which are equally important factors to look for.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about security cameras in Australia.
How far can security cameras actually see?
Security cameras have a visual range of 3 to 21 metres. However, this range can be affected by several things, such as focal length, field of view, optical zoom, resolution, night or day, encoding software, and line of sight. For superior coverage, make sure your choice of security camera offers the best of all the aforementioned features.
Are wired or wireless security cameras better?
In terms of connectivity, wireless cameras connect to Wi-Fi and can store videos online for remote access. But wired options store videos onsite; thus, you have to access them physically. As for power supply, wired cameras never run out of power, while the battery-powered wireless options tend to have a limited battery life.
Can a security camera be hacked?
Anything that’s connected online can be hacked, and security cameras are no exception. The good news is that most security cameras have reliable encryption technologies to prevent hacks. This helps protect video footage in the cloud storage.
Here's what we recommend to prevent your surveillance camera from getting hacked:
- Only buy security cameras from reputable brands
- Have a secured Wi-Fi network
- Use strong passwords for your smartphone app and camera
- Always ensure the firmware of your Wi-Fi router and camera is up to date
![](https://www.experteasy.com.au/blog/content/images/2024/08/best-ring-doorbells-australia.png)
Summary
As mentioned earlier, security cameras are necessary for surveilling homes and businesses. We hope our guide helps you find which cameras best suit your security and privacy needs.
Remember to check the device's reliability, features, and brand to ensure you're getting good value for your money. Before deciding, we recommend considering your priorities for the device.