Cameras used to be simple devices. You plugged them in, they recorded video, and that was it. Today, Wi-Fi cameras do so much more, taking on many roles, such as providing security, helping you monitor your baby, pets, loved ones, and enabling smart home automation.
With so many features available today, it can be hard to find a Wi-Fi camera that best fits your needs. So we created this quick breakdown to help you figure out which features you need and find the best camera for you.
Motion and Sound Detection
Why You Want It: You need to know what’s happening the moment it happens.
Dogs in the trash. Kids in the cabinets. Broken windows. There are plenty of reasons why motion and sound detection can help you.
Whether you’re in the other room, at work, or away on vacation, these handy alerts can help you take action when something happens.
Two-Way Audio
Why You Want It: You want to be able to talk to people and pets at home.
On the off chance someone breaks into your home, you can use it to confront them. Of course, you can also use it to tell your kids to stop jumping on the bed.
No matter what it is, two-way audio lets you tap a button and talk to whoever happens to be on the other end.
Pan/Tilt/Zoom or PTZ
Why You Want It: You want to see the whole room and/or the best spot for the camera has a limited view.
Unless your home is oddly shaped, most Wi-Fi cameras only have a field-of-view that’s wide enough to view the whole room from the corner.
With a PTZ camera, you can just about place it anywhere you want and still get a good view of any room and zoom in on the details.
Full HD 1080p
Why You Want It: You need to see the fine details.
On the off chance someone breaks into your home, you’ll want a good idea of what they look like and what they were wearing.
Although a 720p is still HD, a full HD 1080p camera can provide the details you need to help figure out exactly what is happening.
Automation
Why You Want It: You want to set your camera on a schedule and/or want to add to your smart home.
As nice as cameras are, you don’t always want them on and recording. (After all, it’s hard to throw a surprise party for someone when they can see where everyone’s hiding).
With automation, you can use your camera’s software or pair it with IFTTT to have them turn off or on based on where you are, what time it is, and more.
Voice Control and Voice Casting
Why You Want It: You don’t want to disturb your baby or you’re comfortable and don’t want to get up.
Babies can wake up if you even walk by their door or crack it open. With voice control and voice casting, you can ask your voice assistant to show you the camera in your baby’s room.
You can also use Alexa or Google Assistant to turn cameras off or on in case you’re not near your phone or have your hands full.
Need a Camera With These Features? Look for a D-Link Wi-Fi Camera
We have a great lineup of cameras to recommend, including our DCS-8300LH, which received a CNET editor’s choice award this August.
Carissa Blegen says: Hi Wayne,
If you have forgotten your Wi-Fi password and it is not saved on any...
