Why the wrong camera is worse than no camera
A blurry, poorly positioned camera gives you a false sense of security. When you actually need footage — after a break-in, a car park dispute, or a package theft — you want something you can actually use. This guide helps you choose correctly the first time.
Resolution: how much detail do you actually need?
Most cameras today are 1080p (Full HD) or 4K (8MP). Here's the practical difference:
- 1080p is fine for general monitoring — recognising someone you know, seeing whether a gate was left open, watching for animals.
- 4K is worth it for entry points and driveways where you need to read number plates or identify strangers. The file sizes are larger, so you'll need more storage.
For most Sydney homes, a mix works well: 4K on the driveway and front entry, 1080p on the backyard and side passages.
Indoor vs outdoor cameras
Outdoor cameras need an IP66 or IP67 weatherproof rating to handle Sydney's rain and summer humidity. All-plastic housings crack over time in direct sun — look for cameras with metal or UV-resistant housing.
Indoor cameras can be smaller and lighter, but if you're placing them in a garage or undercover area that gets hot, still check the operating temperature range.
Night vision: infrared vs colour night vision
- Infrared (IR) night vision produces black-and-white footage in the dark. It works well up to 20–30 metres and is the most common type. The IR LEDs are invisible to the naked eye.
- Colour night vision (also called Starlight or full-colour night vision) uses a larger image sensor and optional spotlights to produce colour footage at night. This is genuinely useful for identifying clothing colours, car colours, and faces.
Our recommendation: colour night vision on your front door and driveway, IR is fine everywhere else.
Storage: NVR, SD card, or cloud?
| Storage type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| NVR (Network Video Recorder) | Local, continuous, no subscription | Needs a dedicated recorder box |
| MicroSD card | Simple, self-contained | Limited capacity, cards wear out |
| Cloud storage | Accessible anywhere | Monthly subscription, privacy concerns |
For a permanent home installation, an NVR system is the most reliable. Reolink's NVR systems record continuously and store 2–4 weeks of footage on a standard hard drive.
Wired (PoE) vs wireless
This is covered in detail in our wired vs wireless guide, but the short version:
- Wired PoE cameras are more reliable, never drop off WiFi, and don't need battery changes. Best for permanent installations.
- Wireless cameras are easier to install yourself, ideal for renters or temporary setups.
What Lens Warrior recommends
We install Reolink cameras on the majority of our jobs. The reasons:
- Excellent build quality at a reasonable price point
- The Reolink app is genuinely good — live view, motion alerts, and playback all work smoothly
- Both PoE and WiFi options are available
- Local tech support
For a typical Sydney house, we recommend starting with 2–4 cameras: front entry, driveway, backyard, and one side passage. This covers 90% of the risk for most residential properties.
Next steps
Not sure how many cameras you need or where to place them? Read our camera placement guide, or get a free quote and we'll assess your property and recommend the right setup.