Security camera buying guide – find the best security camera for your home or cottage

Once you clarify the intended use for your surveillance camera, you're guaranteed to find the right device for your needs. Our expert, Teemu Pirkkala from the Verkkokauppa.com store, helps explain the choices between different options. Do you want a static or rotating camera? Cloud or local storage? How will the camera be powered—plugged in or battery-operated? What about the internet connection? Is it for indoor or outdoor use, or perhaps for a summer cottage? Most importantly, what can you get with a small, medium, or large budget? Finally, we'll cover what you need to know about privacy and security when purchasing a surveillance camera. If you're planning to buy a camera but aren't sure what to consider, read this guide!

Rotating or static surveillance camera?

If the monitored area is small or you only want to watch a specific spot, like the front door, an affordable static camera is sufficient. A rotating (motorized) camera allows you to monitor a wider area—you can pan the camera via an app or set it to follow a specific pattern. Most modern cameras can also track motion automatically. You can also get a wide view with dual-lens cameras that cover a vast area without a separate motor.

Storage—cloud or local?

When buying a camera, consider whether cloud storage is enough or if you want to store footage yourself. In the latter case, you can get an NVR recorder to store footage or save it to a computer. Regardless of your choice, you usually need a memory card so the camera can record and send video and photos to the app or cloud. Footage is stored on the card until it's full, after which most cameras overwrite the oldest material.

Cloud storage:

• Free or paid, depending on the manufacturer.
• Budget cameras typically use manufacturer cloud storage or save only to the app, while premium cameras offer local storage options.
• A simpler, more convenient option—usually built directly into the manufacturer's app for easy setup.
• Limitations: retention time, number of cameras, and storage space are limited. Limits can usually be removed with a monthly subscription.
• Cloud storage doesn't offer the same privacy as local storage, as your recordings are held by a third party.

Local storage:

• Footage is saved to a separate computer or NVR—the camera and recorder must be on and connected.
• Significantly higher storage capacity than cloud options.
• Recordings can be customized for your specific needs.
• You maintain control of the material, ensuring privacy.

Indoor surveillance cameras

Indoors, cameras are useful for more than just deterring burglars—for example, in pet households where a dog might suffer from separation anxiety. Two-way audio is particularly helpful here, allowing you to get the dog's attention if they're misbehaving. Many cameras feature both a microphone and a speaker, so you can also hear what's happening in the home.

• Power: Indoor cameras are usually powered via a wall outlet, but if no outlet is nearby, a battery-powered camera is the best option. Batteries last well indoors as they aren't exposed to freezing temperatures.
• Internet: Indoor cameras connect via WiFi or Ethernet cable. If using a wired connection, consider a PoE camera, which receives both data and power through a single Ethernet cable.
• Image quality: FullHD resolution is usually sufficient for home use, as indoor distances are short and spaces can be adequately lit.
• Lighting: If your home's lighting is insufficient, cameras with built-in illumination are available.

Outdoor security cameras

Outdoor security cameras are typically installed to monitor yards for intruders or visiting wildlife. Because they are built to withstand the elements, they are generally larger than indoor models. Due to Finland's varying weather conditions, outdoor cameras face more challenges than indoor ones, particularly regarding power supply and internet connectivity.

• Power supply: Powering outdoor security cameras isn't always as simple as it seems. While the cameras are weather-resistant, most power adapters are not and require a dry, preferably warm environment. If such a space isn't available near the camera, you can opt for a battery-powered security camera or a PoE security camera, where an Ethernet cable provides both power and internet. Battery life is a key consideration for cordless models; manufacturers' estimates are based on minimal activity in optimal conditions—not, for example, in sub-zero temperatures where batteries drain much faster.
• Internet connection: To monitor footage in real-time and receive motion alerts, you'll need an internet connection. If your indoor router is close to the camera, the Wi-Fi range might be enough. If not, you can get a security camera with a mobile connection. These have a SIM card slot and require a separate mobile subscription from an operator, which adds a monthly cost. Alternatively, the aforementioned PoE camera provides both data and power but requires an Ethernet cable connection.
• Image quality: Image quality is even more important for outdoor cameras than indoor ones, as the goal is usually to identify visitors. For outdoor use, the optimal resolution is higher than Full HD (1080p).
• Lighting: Lighting also affects image quality, especially for clear night-time footage. Cameras use either visible white light or infrared. Both have pros and cons. Bright light is visible to intruders, potentially scaring them off before they can take anything. Infrared light is invisible to the human eye, making the camera harder to detect—potentially helping catch a thief by recording their face unnoticed. However, infrared image quality and color reproduction don't match the level of visible light, and the range is shorter.