If you are familiar with wireless network protocols and security, then you must have heard about ONVIF cameras, or perhaps it would be more correct to say ONVIF compatible cameras.
Well today, I will be sharing my top picks for the 5 best ONVIF cameras in 2022 with you.
Now, before we move on to reviewing the cameras, let’s take a bit of time to understand the regulations and protocols of modern security systems and why most IP security cameras today are ONVIF compliant.
In my earlier articles, I have shown you the best places to put security cameras around your house. Whether you are installing cameras indoors or outdoors, they all capture, record, and transmit data via a shared network.
- Now, traditional CCTV cameras transmit video data for surveillance via a special signal to a monitor also known as a Closed Circuit Television or CCTV. This is a closed security system that shares data to one source via power and network cables.
- On the other hand, an IP camera or an Internet Protocol camera captures surveillance images or footage and transmits it via a Network Ethernet link.
- IP cameras use PoE or Power over Ethernet, thereby eliminating the need for any power cables.
- Since the transmission of data is powerless, you can add any number of cameras to cover as much ground as possible.
- These cameras use the cellular network, Wi-Fi, or LAN for connectivity.
So far, so good. Now that you know a bit more about IP cameras, let us now move and explore ONVIF.
What is ONVIF?
ONVIF or Open Network Video Interface Forum is a pan-global forum and protocol that enables different security devices and surveillance cameras from diverse manufacturers and origins to work together perfectly.
The reason why ONVIF is so important is that it represents a standard network protocol that can facilitate communication across a wide array of security devices.
However, before ONVIF, every manufacturer and company would define its own protocols. As a result, the VMS or Video Management Companies were forced to limit the number of devices and companies that they could support. This also had an impact on the end-users as they had to check device compatibility and the video-sharing functionalities before setting up any kind of surveillance system, whether at home or at the office.
This is exactly what makes ONVIF so pertinent. It’s an open forum that makes it easier to integrate with and provide support to IP cameras.
Well, I think you get the picture now. For this article, I will be reviewing the top 5 picks for the best ONVIF compliant cameras in 2022.
Let’s get down to it, shall we?
My Top 5 Picks for the Best ONVIF Cameras in 2022
As mentioned above, here are the top 5 ONVIF IP cameras that you should consider investing in 2022.
Installing these cameras both inside and outside your property can boost your home security by up to 90% as you can survey your property 24×7, including remote monitoring and getting real-time alerts in the wake of any suspicious activities.
| Device Name | Key Specs | Price | Check on Amazon |
| My Top Pick: Reolink 4K PoE ONVIF Camera | -Equipped with smart human and vehicle detection. -Requires only 1 network cable to transmit images due to the power over Ethernet or PoE technology. -Transmits high-quality, 4K Ultra HD videos. – Shoots out real-time alerts. -Offers multiple recording options, including SD card storage. -IP66 Weatherproof -Has night visions and also a mic for audio recording. | $84.99 (after discount) |  |
| The Popular Choice: ANNKE C800 4K Ultra HD PoE Security Camera | -Captures high-quality images with its superior 4k Ultra HD clarity. -Has night vision and an in-built microphone with noise-canceling technology for recording clear audios. -Advanced human and vehicle detection along with IP67 weatherproof-rating. | $109.99 | |
| The Smart Choice: Hikvision 4MP Dome Camera with Optical Zoom | -Comes with intelligent video analysis that monitors a scene to detect any tampering, intrusions, or missing objects. -2K HD Video Resolution-IP66 Weatherproof rating. -Easy and quick installation. -Enables live monitoring from anywhere. -Is suitable for commercial as well as residential use. -Comes with pan, tilt, and motorized zoom functionality. | $178.00 | |
| Best Outdoor Camera: Amcrest UltraHD 4K (8MP) Outdoor Bullet PoE IP Camera | -Ultra High 4K video with stunning resolution. -Low-light capability and night vision up to 98 feet. -Offers remote video storage subscription services where you can securely store your surveillance on the cloud. -Comes in heavy-duty IP67 weatherproof casing. -Allows you to monitor your property via the Amcrest App on your smartphone or watch surveillance footage from your laptop using Amcrest Surveillance. | $104.99 | |
| Best Budget Buy: REOLINK PTZ Security Camera Outdoor 5MP | -Smart motion detection alerts users to any suspicious people or vehicles loitering around their home or store. -Allows you to record time-lapse videos. -Works with Google Assistant. -Requires just 1 Ethernet cable to transmit both data and power. -High-quality 5MP camera and in-built microphone that also captures ambient sounds. -Offers flexible video storage via micro SD card, FTP server, or Reolink NVR. | $54.99 | |
So, these constitute the best ONVIF camera list. We will now take a look at the various factors that were taken into consideration while shortlisting these cameras.
Pro-Tip: While installing any outdoor cameras or even mailbox security cameras, do not forget to check your state or area’s legal regulations and requirements. You should know what is allowed and what borders on violating your neighbor’s privacy and the law. In case you feel that a neighbor’s camera is intruding on your privacy, then read this post on how to block neighbor’s security cameras.
Generally speaking, you can install a camera that surveys your property. At the same time, its vision range should be limited only to your property and should cover absolutely no part of any surrounding property.
Key Factors To Watch For in an ONVIF Camera
There are several factors that must be taken into consideration while getting a good ONVIF camera for your property.
I will make your task easier by listing down all the points that you need to keep an eye out for while selecting the best ONVIF camera. I will also be explaining what makes each of these factors so critical in making that decision.
Image and Video Quality
As mentioned above, the entire purpose of installing a home security camera is to capture high-quality images and videos of your property to keep an eye on your home and its surrounding environs. The footage captured by the camera also plays a critical role in identifying suspects in case of a robbery or attempted intrusion.
Additionally, today’s smart cameras are also equipped with smart human and vehicle detection. This feature allows them to send alerts whenever they detect any suspicious activity around your property, including any suspicious person or loitering cars, etc.
So I kept an eye out for cameras with high-quality cameras and smart motion detection while shortlisting my top picks for the best ONVIF camera list.
Installation
As a home security expert, I am not overly fond of cameras or any other security devices that have complicated installation steps or require extensive wiring and drilling. My philosophy when it comes to selecting security cameras is the simpler they are to use, the better.
That’s why I factored in ease of installation while analyzing my top picks. Most of the cameras on the list are quite easy to install and some are even capable of drawing power and transmitting images via a single cable.
Night Vision
While 62% of burglaries occur during the day, this still leaves a pretty large number of robberies that occur during the night. Therefore, when springing for a high-tech camera, always make sure to check that it has night vision empowered by IR or infrared technology.
Night vision is essential to detect any suspicious activity in the dark and also to record any wrongdoing in the dark. For me, night vision is a must-have feature in any home security camera, especially the outdoor ones.
Remote Surveillance and Alerts
One of the perks of having a smart home security system is the ability to monitor your home and property from anywhere in the world.
This is why I recommend my clients to get ONVIF IP cameras that make it easier to transmit and share data across the globe. The cameras mentioned above offer you the option to monitor your property remotely via an in-house smartphone app or by installing a smart surveillance system on your tablet or laptop.
Many smart home security cameras also send you direct alerts, notifying you in real-time about any suspicious activity around your property or home.
Vision Range
Apart from image and video quality, the vision range of the cameras is also an important factor as it can determine whether your security devices are able to effectively cover all the key entryways or vulnerable spots in your home.
In my experience, all cameras whether they are being installed indoors or outdoors should be placed at a higher vantage point that allows them a complete view of a certain room or section of the property.
While it’s quite important to get your camera placement right in this regard, it’s also equally important to get a high-quality camera with an extended vision range. For example, most experts including me recommend that an indoor camera should have a range of at least 20 feet (including night vision), while an outdoor camera should have a night vision range of at least 40 feet.
Storage
It’s critical to have a proper system to store, backup, and delete your surveillance footage, especially in the event of a break-in or robbery. In such circumstances, you need the surveillance footage to successfully identify the culprit or identify the vehicle in which they made their escape.
So it becomes important to have multiple storage options where you can save your surveillance footage and access it later. These include cloud storage and even downloading the footage to a micro SD card.
Weather Protection
Another critical factor that you must always consider before buying an outdoor camera for your home and property is its weatherproof rating. As your outdoor cameras are positioned to survey your property from the outside, they are exposed to extreme weather conditions, including high and low temperatures, moisture, winds, etc.
Therefore, you need to opt for cameras with a sturdy and weatherproof shell casing. The way to ensure this is to check the IP or Ingress Protection rating for your device. An IP67 or IP66 rating means superior weather and water protection that translates into a longer lifespan for your home security device.
Audio
Most of the cameras on my list have an in-built microphone for capturing and recording ambient sounds around your home.
A few models may even have two-way audio that allows you to address visitors at the door or even talk to your pets and family at home when required.
5 Best ONVIF Cameras in 2022: In-Depth Analysis
While I have already listed down my top 5 picks for the best ONVIF cameras and their key features in the table above, I will now analyze and review each security device in greater detail.
Reolink 4K PoE ONVIF Camera
The Reolink 4K PoE ONVIF Camera is at the top of my ONVIF camera list due to its high-quality footage that doesn’t pixelate even upon zooming.
Its superior vision range also means that the camera can cover up to 100 feet even in dim light. You can also review the surveillance footage in real-time via the Reolink app on your phone.
Key Specifications:
- Night Vision: 18pcs Infrared LEDs that cover an area of up to 100 feet.
- Viewing Angle: 87°
- Audio and Video Quality: The home security camera offers 4K Ultra HD videos.
- Waterproof/Weatherproof/Dustproof Rating: IP66
- Real-Time Alerts: Upon detecting any danger or suspicious activity, the camera sends real-time alerts to your smartphone.
- Seamless PoE Installation: Another major point in favor of this PoE ONVIF camera’s efficiency is that it can transmit video and draw power via a single network cable.
- Smart human and vehicle motion detection helps it detect the presence of humans and vehicles from other objects to detect threats and send alerts to you in real-time.
- Storage: The camera allows you to record videos on a micro SD card of up to 256 GB.
The ANNKE C800 4K Ultra HD PoE Security Camera
This ONVIF camera is quite popular among homeowners and small business operators alike due to its incredible range of features and enhanced functionality.
The camera also comes with smart IR technology that removes both underexposed and overexposed images to generate clearer night time images with clear details and balanced light.
Key Specifications:
- Night Vision: The camera is equipped with EXIR2.0 tech that absorbs light to offer crystal night vision up to 100 feet.
- Viewing Angle: 123°
- Audio and Video Quality: The camera comes with an in-built noise-canceling microphone and takes amazing quality 4K UHD pictures with the Sony sensor.
- Waterproof/Weatherproof/Dustproof Rating: IP67
- Real-Time Alerts: Instant push notifications and email alerts are shared with snapshots to apprise you of any suspicious activity around your home.
- The camera’s smart human and vehicle detection reduces false alarms created by wind, rain, or lighting, etc.
The Hikvision 4MP Dome Camera with Optical Zoom
I must confess that this camera counts among my favorite smart security devices as it packs an amazing array of features to help you protect your home better.
Among my top favorites are face detection, intrusion detection, and line crossing detection features that trigger an alarm upon detection of any suspicious people or activities.
As the cameras also detect unclaimed baggage and object removal along with region entrance and exit detection, they are a great security option for stores, malls, parking lots, and other public buildings.
Key Specifications:
- Night Vision: Up to 65 feet
- Viewing Angle: 109° rotating field of view
- Audio and Video Quality: The camera comes with the options for pan, tilt, or motorized zoom. It also comes with IVS or Intelligent Video Analysis that monitors coverage area for an attempted intrusion or any missing objects. It also has intelligent noise reduction to drown out unnecessary background noise along with two-way audio.
- Waterproof/Weatherproof/Dustproof Rating:
- Real-Time Alerts: You can view both recorded video and live stream on-demand via Hikvision NVR, FTP, or Blue Iris.
- You can also enjoy live streaming and instant alerts via the Hik-connect app.
The Amcrest UltraHD 4K (8MP) Outdoor Bullet PoE IP Camera
The Amcrest Outdoor Bullet IP Camera is another ONVIF compatible camera that gets me excited due to its veritable smorgasbord of features.
Equipped with IVS or Intelligent Video Surveillance, the camera allows you to set a virtual boundary line or even an intrusion area. In the event of a breach, the camera automatically shoots a notification to your smartphone, alerting you to the presence of any suspicious persons or vehicles.
Another thing that I love about the camera is the Amcrest Cloud app that allows you to view footage from up to 16 cameras simultaneously using its multi-view feature. This feature makes this a good option for commercial or large-scale properties.
Additionally, you also get notifications anytime your camera goes offline for any reason. The fast response times in combination with its flexible storage options and smart compression technology, place this smart security device fourth on my ONVIF camera list.
Let’s explore its full range of features below.
- Night Vision: Up to 98 feet
- Viewing Angle: 105°
- Audio and Video Quality: UltraHD 4K/No Audio
- Waterproof/Weatherproof/Dustproof Rating: IP67
- Real-Time Alerts: Sends motion detection alerts directly to your computer or mobile phone with options to playback and record.
- Storage: You can store UltraHD footage to a 256 GB MicroSD card.
The REOLINK PTZ Security Camera Outdoor 5MP
Another winner from REOLINK, the last camera on my list packs a whole host of functions into a smart ONVIF-compliant camera.
The camera also records time-lapse surveillance videos and comes with smart motion detection and a PoE camera with a single Ethernet and power cable.
The camera is also capable of providing a live stream for up to 12 users and can even stream directly to your Chromecast-enabled smart TV.
- Night Vision: Up to 100 feet
- Viewing Angle: 80°(horizontal) and 42° (vertical)
- Audio and Video Quality: In-built microphone that also picks up ambient sounds.
- Waterproof/Weatherproof/Dustproof Rating: IP66
- Real-Time Alerts: The in-house app offers real-time alerts along with live feed and playback options.
- Storage: Surveillance footage can be saved in a MicroSD card (256GB), NVR, or FTP server.
FAQs
Q1. Do all IP cameras support ONVIF?
Answer – While most IP cameras from leading manufacturers are ONVIF compliant, many choose not to highlight it as they want consumers to subscribe to their exclusive network protocol subscription service.
You need to conduct proper research and take a closer look at the specifications of each IP camera to determine whether it’s ONVIF-compliant or not.
Q2. How do I know if my camera is ONVIF?
Answer- It’s always better to verify that your camera is ONVIF-compliant before buying it. You can confirm that the camera works through ONVIF by calling the company’s customer service and asking them directly.
Alternatively, you can also check for ONVIF compliance by going through the camera’s description and specifications or by reading the accompanying documentation.
Q3. Is ONVIF the same as RTSP?
Answer- RTSP or real-time streaming protocol deals with how the surveillance cameras share and stream the footage and the audio it records for security purposes.
On the other hand, ONVIF is an open sharing protocol that allows different security devices to share and exchange information with each other to streamline data sharing between various devices of different make and manufacture.
Most ONVIF-compliant security cameras allow streaming using the ONVIF as well as other stand network protocols.
My Final Say
I hope that you found my ONVIF camera list helpful and that the detailed analysis given above can help you make a smarter decision when picking the best ONVIF camera for your security needs.
The above list includes some truly spectacular cameras with great night vision and a plethora of additional features that work to boost your security system, whether it be for your home or office.
Smart features like live streaming and real-time alerts ensure that you can keep an eye on your property from anywhere in the world while also keeping your peace of mind.
Are there any specific security issues that you would like me to discuss next? Please let me know in the comments below.
I have been a security guy throughout my life. For the last 30 years, I have been making homes safer and hence, putting people at ease. Even on the other side of age, I get fascinated by how technology and simple hacks can make a whole lot of difference to the overall security of the house.
