Best Budget Outdoor PTZ Dual-Lens Security Cameras of 2024

Dual-lens security cameras started to become popular last year and I’ve tested a few cameras on my YouTube channel. There are two types of Dual-Lens cameras, 180° or more wide viewing angles where both lenses give a panoramic view.

Then we have the other type that I will talk about in this article, which is the Dual-Lens PTZ camera. They usually come with one wide-angle lens and one telephoto lens and what lens the camera records with depends on what zoom is being used.

Some Dual-Lens cameras only record one file while others may record one file from each lens. The benefit of having a camera that records with both lenses at the same time is that you will always have one zoomed-in view for example if you are monitoring a gate, and then one recording with a wide angle overview. The drawback is that the camera will need more storage since it records two files instead of one.

So in this article, I will list the Best Budget PTZ Dual Lens Security Camera 2024 that I have reviewed.

Best Overall Dual-Lens PTZ Security Camera

Reolink Trackmix

This is a really nice camera that records in 4K with its wide-angle lens and 1080p with its Zoom lens. And what’s unique about this camera is that it has two different ways to auto-track Humans and Vehicles. The first tracking option it works just like a regular camera when tracking an object by Pan and Tilt. The second option the camera will stay in position and the wide angle lens will record a panoramic view while the telephoto lens will track digitally within the camera’s field of view.

The built quality is good, the housing is metal but the top part and the bracket are made of plastic. You can use the camera with Reolink NVRs or just use a Micro SD card for local storage. This camera also supports ONVIF so you should be able to connect the camera to most brand NVRs or software.

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Best Night Vision Dual-Lens PTZ Security Camera

Ezviz C8PF

After comparing all the cameras side by side, the Ezviz C8PF has the best night vision in my opinion. This camera only records in 1080p and in the daytime it might lack some sharpness but at night it’s actually decent. This camera uses one 2.8mm lens and one 12mm lens but unlike some of the other cameras, this one records with both lenses at the same time.

Unfortunately, this camera does not support auto-tracking or ONVIF. What it does support is two-way audio so you can talk and listen through the camera and AI human detection. And I think the motion detection worked well on this camera, I didn’t receive many false alarms when I tested it.

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Best Budget-Friendly Dual-Lens Camera

Boavision Dual-Lens Security Camera

If you are on a tight budget and looking for an affordable Dual-Lens camera I would recommend this camera from Boavision. This camera uses one 2.8mm wide-angle lens and one 12mm telephoto lens. It only records one file so it does not record with both lenses at the same time. And what lens it records with depends on what zoom is being used. And the best image quality you will have at 1x and 4x zoom anything in between is done digitally.

This camera can record in full color at night using the built-in spotlights and of course, it can also record using infrared lights for black-and-white night vision. Built quality is not as good as the Reolink Trackmix for example, this camera feels much cheaper and is all made of plastic.

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Another Affordable Dual-Lens PTZ WiFi IP Camera

Blurams 3MP Dual-Lens PTZ IP Camera

This is another cheap camera that you can buy for under $60 on Amazon. It records only one file and it uses one 4mm lens and one 12mm I don’t think its enough difference between the two lenses, and I think a 2.8mm as a wide angle lens would have been a better choice.

The camera does support auto tracking but it’s not really something I would recommend using since it’s not very reliable. It also supports preset points so you can move the camera quickly to a new position. It comes with built-in spotlights for full-color night vision as well as infrared lights for black-and-white night vision. Supports two-way audio and up to 128GB Micro SD card.

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Comparison Table

IP PTZ cameras are traditionally spherical in shape, and this is mainly because they are meant to be completely mobile. Either the network camera itself (the sensor and camera mechanism) has been designed to take the shape of a sphere, and held so that it can pivot accordingly, or the camera is structured more traditionally and cased in a spherical protective bubble where it can tilt, pan and zoom and take images from within the shield.

IP cameras with night vision capabilities come with built-in LED lighting to enable object visibility in dark settings, or at night. For outdoor surveillance, specifically, in places without artificial lighting, night vision cameras may come in handy.

Some IP cameras can only pan and tilt but not zoom. The two functions will usually be enough if the area you want to cover is small, like, say, your living room. However, if you want to cover a large area such as a shopping mall, an IP camera with the zoom function will be more effective.

PTZ IP cameras are typically controlled using remote systems. Users can do an initial configuration to have the camera moving and rotating in a certain predetermined pattern or do it manually using a keyboard or mouse-controlled interface. The angle of the lens can also be manually controlled, and this facilitates automatic position adjustment of the camera.

• User does not need to be close to the camera to operate it.

• Requires little maintenance after it has been installed (except for regular cleaning of course).

• Has 360-degree mobility. This way, it can detect and track objects as they move in the covered area as long as the target object is within lens range.

Factors to Consider When Purchasing a PTZ IP Camera

If you’re looking for a PTZ IP camera for outdoor surveillance, you need one with night vision, a weatherproof enclosure, miniature architecture for “outsider” visibility reasons, and vandal-proof capability for fortification in high crime areas.

Each form factor has its own benefits, and the brand you opt for should cover all your surveillance requirements. Would you prefer a dome-shaped or an inconspicuous mini-dome camera? A wireless option or just an ordinary corded PTZ IP camera? You know your place and specifications best.

When weighing different camera alternatives, you need to be sure of the detail level you want to see in your images. For wide-area surveillance, you need a higher resolution, of course, as this will allow you to view even the furthest of images in relatively great detail.

Another factor that affects a camera’s resolution is its field of view (FOV). This is the viewable expanse of a given scene taken by the camera and is sometimes referred to as the angle of coverage or angle of view. A small FOV generally leads to the target object appearing smaller than it would in a fairly larger FOV.

The type of lens featured in the camera will also have an impact on resolution and field of view alike. A lens with a low focal length number will bring about a wide field of view but less magnification while a higher focal length number will provide more magnification.

PTZ IP cameras, just like ordinary cameras, come with different resolution capabilities, and if you choose a high-resolution one, you also need to choose a high-resolution megapixel lens so that the resolution required to produce a clear and detailed image can be maintained. If you combine a high-resolution camera sensor with a less powerful lens, then your images will not be as detailed and crisp as you may desire.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What key features should I look for when choosing a PTZ camera?

A: When choosing a camera, there are several features you should consider, including high resolution, weather resistance, motion detection, night vision, and ease of setup. You may also want to consider the type of lens (fixed or varifocal), optical zoom, and storage options, as well as advanced features such as remote management, analytics, and integration with other security systems.

Q2: What are the best cameras for commercial or business use?

A: When it comes to IP cameras for business use, you may want to look for cameras with higher resolution and advanced features such as remote management, analytics, and integration with other security systems. Some popular options for businesses include Dahua Technology, Hikvision and Axis Communications. When choosing a camera for business use, it’s important to consider the specific needs of your business and the areas you need to monitor.

Q3: How can I access live footage from my camera?

A: Accessing live footage from your camera is simple and convenient. All you need to do is use the app or software provided by the manufacturer to access the live video feed from your smartphone, tablet, or computer. This allows you to keep an eye on your property from anywhere, at any time, and respond to any potential security threats in real time.

Q4: How do I set up the camera?

A: Setting up an outdoor camera can vary depending on the specific model and manufacturer. However, the basic steps typically include connecting the camera to your home or business network, downloading and installing the app or software provided by the manufacturer, and configuring the camera’s settings. Some cameras may require additional steps, such as mounting the camera, running the power cable, and connecting it to a power source. It’s recommended to carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions and guidelines for a successful setup.

Q10: Do they come with built-in storage?

A: Some IP cameras come with built-in storage, such as microSD cards, while others may require a separate storage solution. It’s important to consider the type of storage you require, as well as the camera’s maximum storage capacity, before purchasing. Some cameras may also offer cloud storage as an alternative, allowing you to store and access footage securely online.

Q6: What is the average lifespan of an outdoor PTZ IP camera?

A: The average lifespan of an outdoor camera can vary depending on several factors, such as the quality of the camera and its components, the frequency of use, and exposure to environmental conditions. However, most cameras have a lifespan of several years, with some cameras lasting up to 10 years or more. To extend the lifespan of your camera, it’s essential to follow the manufacturer’s maintenance and storage guidelines and to use the camera in a suitable location that provides protection from extreme weather conditions.

In conclusion

Installing a PTZ IP surveillance camera system is the 21st-century way of watching over your precious assets and ensuring your family is safe from ill-minded intruders whenever you’re away from home. There are numerous brands out there, and while all of them may sport similar ads, only a few will perfectly meet your unique specifications.

Before you decide on a model, study your house or yard first and know what you really need from a surveillance camera. Outdoor cameras will always be more sophisticated than their indoor counterparts, and will consequently command higher costs.

Similarly, cameras for large spaces will cost differently from those designed for smaller areas. The bottom line here is to avoid paying for the extra unnecessary functionalities featured in different PTZ IP surveillance camera models by knowing your space and purchasing a system that gives no less or more than you need.

In case you’re not really sure about your needs, above are four of the best PTZ IP cameras the industry has to offer in 2024. Some of them may lay claim to more features and less price per unit compared to other mainstream alternatives out there, but that’s actually why they are on the list. Make a deep scrutiny of the features, weigh their prices, and choose the one that will give you maximum utility.

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