PoE Indoor Cameras: Can’t-Miss Top Picks, Installation Guide and Bonus Tips

When you type "PoE indoor cameras" into the search box, you may see so many results: fixed-lens or varifocal ones, bullet, dome, or PTZ PoE indoor security cameras from different brands. Which type or brand should I choose? How to install and run PoE cameras inside my house or business?

In this post, we will discuss the basics of PoE indoor cameras and give you detailed instructions about how to set up and run indoor PoE IP cameras with a practical installation guide and bonus tips below.

How do PoE Indoor Cameras Work?

Indoor security is a top priority for all homeowners, and PoE indoor security cameras have emerged as a revolutionary solution to address this concern. PoE indoor cameras use Power over Ethernet technology to provide an efficient and seamless surveillance solution.

These devices receive power and data through a single Ethernet cable, eliminating the need for separate power cables. When connected to the proper Ethernet cable, PoE indoor cameras can get power and Internet connectivity simultaneously.

Top Picks of PoE Indoor Camera

To help you pick out the best indoor PoE security cameras, we will share some top picks below with all the wanted features.

Most Cost-Effective Compact Indoor PoE Camera: Reolink RLC-842A

With its advanced features, such as 4K Ultra HD resolution, night vision up to 100 feet, and smart motion detection, Reolink RLC-842A ensures clear and detailed footage day and night. The built-in spotlight and siren help deter potential intruders, enhancing your home's safety.

Thanks to PoE technology, this model stands out for its ease of installation. And you can control and access it remotely through the Reolink app, making your daily monitoring hassle-free. Primarily for indoor use, the RLC-842A provides reliable surveillance to protect your property with its compact appearance.

Here is a video sample about how to set up RLC-842A. Please review the detailed steps and learn to enjoy all its advanced features.

Bang for Buck Indoor PoE PTZ IP Camera: Reolink RLC-823A

Are you looking for top-notch indoor security? Designed for indoor and outdoor use, Reolink RLC-823A offers exceptional features to safeguard your home. With its 4K Ultra HD resolution, you'll enjoy crystal-clear video quality, ensuring you never miss a detail. The advanced night vision capability provides clear footage even in low-light conditions.

What sets the RLC-823A apart is its smart motion detection technology. You will receive instant alerts on your phone whenever any movement is detected. This camera can keep you informed and in control at all times. The camera's sleek design blends seamlessly with your interior decor, making it a discreet yet powerful addition to your security setup.

The video below is captured by an RLC-823A PTZ PoE IP camera, showing its clear images even under harsh weather.

16MP Dua-lens PoE Security Camera: Reolink Duo 3 PoE

Duo 3 PoE is a stellar choice with its impressive 16MP resolution, capturing a panoramic 180-degree ultra-wide view in a single frame. The flexibility it offers in recording—be it motion-triggered, scheduled, or continuous 24/7—ensures you never miss a beat. And two-way audio and built-in sirens not only enhance surveillance but also allow for interactive monitoring.

Duo 3 PoE will be displayed at 2024 Reolink CES in January. At the same time, other Reolink new products will be on display at CES, so stay tuned!

Practical Installation Guide for PoE Indoor IP Cameras

PoE indoor cameras feature easy installation since they get power and transmit videos through only one Ethernet cable. You can set up PoE indoor security cameras within minutes with the step-by-step guide below.

Step 1. Choose the Best Positions to Install Indoor PoE Cameras

An ideal position contributes to the better performance of your indoor PoE security cameras. When selecting installation positions, take the following 3 points into your account.

1. Install PoE indoor cameras in high or open areas. Corners or indoor objects may block a camera's field of view, resulting in poor image performance, especially for the PTZ PoE indoor IP cameras. You can install cameras on the ceiling or in high places to avoid such situations.
2. Avoid pointing indoor PoE IP cameras directly to light sources. Indoor environment is full of light sources, which may significantly impact cameras: vague or even overexposed images. A helpful solution is to avoid facing PoE indoor cameras towards or near any light sources.
3. Think twice before setting up indoor PoE security cameras behind glass/windows. Glass may reflect IR (infrared light) given out by the cameras when they work at night. If so, image quality will decline, thus resulting in unfavorable images and videos.

Step 2. Arrange the Cables of Indoor PoE Security Cameras

After choosing the ideal installation positions, you must arrange PoE indoor camera cables in advance with the following steps.

1. Look for a central position to place your router or NVRs.
2. If you want to avoid exposed cables, drill holes large enough on walls or ceilings to run several wires simultaneously.
3. Correspondingly, you need to drill holes near places where you are planning to install PoE indoor cameras.
4. Attach the cables with fish tape to fish indoor PoE security camera cables.
5. Run PoE indoor security camera cables to the destination, and you are ready to install your cameras!

Step 3. Mount PoE Indoor Cameras on Walls, Ceilings, or Other Selected Positions

Now you can mount your indoor PoE cameras with the video installation guide below. You can mount them on the walls, ceilings, or other locations. But the installation process may start with drilling holes and planning the wiring work. Check the video below:

Step 4. Supply Power for PoE Indoor Cameras

Your PoE indoor CCTV cameras are ready to work with a stable power supply. You are recommended to run your cameras within a range of 330ft. Otherwise, the camera power supply and data transmission will be unstable, dramatically harming indoor PoE security cameras.

Step 5. Set Up Your PoE CCTV Indoor Cameras

With advanced P2P network technology, you can painlessly set up your PoE indoor security cameras. All you need to do is type a unique id number (UID) and password to a P2P security camera software, and then you can enjoy easy remote viewing and effortless video playback.

Meanwhile, you can also change PoE indoor camera settings, such as motion detection sensitivity and detection range, to suit your needs better.

Bonus Tips: How to Run PoE Indoor IP Camera

Apart from the installation guide above, we have collected some feasible tips to run PoE indoor security cameras better.

1. Choose Dome PoE Indoor Cameras If You Are Looking for Low Profile Ones

Some friends or visitors may feel uncomfortable with conspicuous PoE indoor cameras since they want to avoid constant surveillance.

To avoid such cases, you can choose low-profile PoE indoor cameras like dome-style, smaller, and less conspicuous cameras to monitor your living room and other interior areas.

2. Be Careful to Convert PoE Indoor Cameras to Weatherproof Outdoor Cameras

If you are not a pro in the security camera field, we don't suggest you convert PoE indoor cameras to weatherproof outdoor cameras on your own. This is a demanding task requiring professional knowledge and skills.

Instead of doing the transformation yourself, we suggest purchasing PoE cameras with IP waterproof ratings. Then you are free to install PoE cameras indoors or outdoors.

3. Choose PoE Indoor CCTV Cameras That Work with Existing Security Systems

To maximize the effectiveness of your currently using NVRs or security systems, you are suggested to choose indoor PoE cameras that are compatible with your existing systems.

Note that some security systems only work with cameras of the same brand. So when planning to expand your systems, look for PoE indoor cameras from the same manufacturer. Doing so allows you to upgrade your security camera systems easily and budget-savingly.

4. Choose Suitable Wires for PoE Indoor IP Cameras

PoE indoor cameras require only one Ethernet cable to transmit data and receive power. They work perfectly with Cat 5, Cat 5e and Cat 6 cables.

Mind that indoor cables may not be as waterproof as outdoor cables. Remember to prepare water-resistant wires to run your PoE IP cameras outdoors.

FAQs

Are PoE indoor cameras suitable for both homeowners and renters?

Yes, PoE (Power over Ethernet) indoor cameras suit homeowners and renters. These cameras offer a flexible and convenient solution for indoor security, regardless of your housing situation. PoE cameras can be easily installed and don't require complex wiring setups, making them ideal for renters who want to enhance their security without making permanent changes to the property. Homeowners can also benefit from the reliability and advanced features of PoE indoor cameras to ensure the safety of their homes and loved ones.

What are the benefits of using a PoE indoor camera?

Using PoE indoor security cameras offers several benefits. Many PoE indoor cameras boast high-definition resolution and ensure that every detail is captured with remarkable clarity. Since these cameras utilize Ethernet cables for power and data transmission, you can simplify the installation process and save on purchasing additional power supplies and cables. Furthermore, modern PoE indoor cameras come equipped with some smart features, like remote access and motion detection, which can give users peace of mind when they are away from home and the office.

Can I access my PoE indoor cameras when I'm not at home?

The answer is yes. Most PoE indoor cameras have remote monitoring features. In real-time, you can access live footage from their PoE indoor cameras through a dedicated app or PC client. But you need to ensure that the place where you stay has a stable Internet connection.

Conclusion

With their high-resolution clarity, easy installation, and other advanced features, PoE indoor security cameras offer a comprehensive way to safeguard your home and loved ones. However, a few aspects should be considered when installing PoE indoor cameras inside your place.

Do you prefer wired PoE indoor cameras or wireless ones? What do you think about PoE indoor cameras? Please share this article with your friends and discuss it in the comment section below!