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Buying guide: how to choose a security camera

A security camera is chosen on what it actually captures, day and night, and on what it costs to run around the clock. Resolution, night vision range, smoothness and power use set models apart far more than their looks.

What to check

Image resolution This criterion measures the total megapixels captured by the camera. The higher it is, the sharper the image stays when zooming in on a face, a plate or a detail after the fact. Across recent market listings, the weakest models sit around two megapixels, the median is close to four, and the best reach eight. The site’s score places each camera on this scale: a high score points to footage that remains usable even when enlarged. Market median: 4 MP
Night vision range This criterion measures the distance at which the camera can make out a scene in the dark. Since most intrusions or suspicious activity happen at night, this range shapes how useful the camera really is once the sun sets. Market figures show a wide spread: around ten metres for the weakest models, thirty metres at the median, and up to sixty metres for the best rated. A high score signals extended night coverage, useful for watching a whole garden or driveway. Market median: 30 m
Smoothness of motion This criterion measures how many frames the camera captures each second. Poor smoothness makes movement look jerky, which makes it harder to identify someone walking quickly past the lens. Market benchmarks range from fifteen frames per second for the weakest models to thirty frames per second at both the median and the best rated, showing a ceiling reached fairly early. A high score guarantees crisp motion, without frozen frames or blur. Market median: 30 fps
Power consumption This criterion measures the maximum power drawn by the camera while running, in watts. Here, lower is better: an economical camera costs less to keep running non stop and generates less heat, which matters for a device meant to stay on day and night. Market figures range from twenty one watts for the most power hungry models to three point three watts for the most efficient, with a median of six point six watts. The site’s score reflects this efficiency: the higher it is, the lighter the load on the electricity bill. Market median: 8.6 W
Installation and everyday use A camera also depends on where it will be mounted: indoors or outdoors, wall or ceiling fixing, cable power or battery. Checking the field of view and the wireless range beforehand avoids surprises after installation. Simple upkeep, such as regularly cleaning the lens and checking the mounting, keeps image quality intact over time, especially outdoors where dust and weather build up.

Benchmarks based on 30 recent market listings, collected on 1 October 2026.

What you get for each budget

Under €30

At this price level, cameras often sit closer to the weaker benchmarks for resolution and night vision range, which suits occasional monitoring or a small space.

€30 to €90

This tier gathers cameras closer to the median for resolution, night vision and smoothness, offering a good balance between image quality and power use.

Over €90

Above this threshold sit the best rated models for resolution and night vision range, sometimes paired with well controlled power consumption.

Frequent mistakes

Choosing only on resolution while ignoring night vision range, even though most incidents happen after dark.
Overlooking power consumption for a camera meant to run continuously, which adds up on the electricity bill over time.
Forgetting to check the field of view and mounting location before buying, which can leave blind spots.
Underrating smoothness when identifying someone in motion, especially near an entrance or walkway.