Buy Webcam Security Cameras? You Need to Read This Post First

Off-the-self webcam security cameras are commonly known as IP CCTV cameras, which are almost the easiest web based security camera system type.

This type of Internet home security camera systems is accessed directly over a network connection, which can be linked directly to your mobile phone, PC, Mac, etc. thanks to the P2P technology.

Another type of network based security cameras is turning the computer webcam into a video surveillance camera with the third-party software.

If you wanna keep tab on your kids, pets, or front porch, garage, etc. from afar with the plug-and-play Internet security cameras, you'll get top 3 picks here. And if you are a DIY lover, you can turn your laptop or computer webcam into a security camera with the step-by-step guide here.

1. Plug-and-Play Webcam Security Camera: Top 3 Picks for Your Home & Business

Webcam security cameras typically include 3 main types: wire-free battery powered webcam monitors, traditional WiFi webcams, & PoE webcam surveillance CCTV cameras.

You can check the 3 best webcam security camera systems for your home and business security. All of them are under $130 with no any subscription fees and with free shipping.

The recommended 3 types of webcam security cameras are extremely easy to install and set up. They all come with free software for you to access the remote online web-controlled security cameras with your PC, Mac, iPhone or Android mobile phones.

1. Reolink Argus 4 Pro Battery Powered Webcam Security Camera

Reolink Argus 4 Pro home IP webcam security camera detects motion events with the sensitive PIR motion sensor. You'll get much more accurate motion alerts compared with other types of motion activated webcam IP security cameras.

Some wireless web-enabled security cameras may need you to connect the WiFi multiple times before functioning. This camera, however, will connect to your home router automatically after the initial setup. The Internet connection is fast and smoothly, so you don't need to worry about the connection failure.

You can check the review video of this wireless home surveillance web camera (shared by a customer).

You can view more smart features of Reolink Argus® 2 wireless webcam security camera in the below chart.

Reolink Argus® series got featured in over 40+ top-tier media, and was praised by the editors who've tested, and got a lot of "4 stars" or "5 stars" reviews from people for its innovative design and outstanding features.

2. Reolink RLC-810A PoE Webcam CCTV Security Camera

RLC-810A webcam security camera can be plugged directly into your home router with a Cat 5 or 6 PoE cable. You can access the motion detection webcam security camera with your PC, Mac, iPhone or Android smartphones both locally and remotely.

This webcam surveillance monitor can be connected to an NVR for 24/7 video recording. You can locate the motion videos or fast forward/rewind the recorded videos when connecting the NVR to a TV or your PC.

You can view the video of this web-accessible security camera (shared by a customer).

You can discover more features of the web-enabled surveillance camera below.

A customer who bought this RLC-810A webcam IP security camera posted a review on Amazon, stating as below:

This camera has paid for itself. We were burglarized and thanks to footage from this camera the local police department caught the guy that did it. Got my PS4 back! Thanks Reolink for a solid product at an amazing price. The officer said it was the best video footage they had every received and it was instrumental in catching the guy.

3. Reolink CX410W Wireless Remote Webcam Security Camera

RLC-410W is one of the best wireless Internet webcam security cameras. The dual-band WiFi design, 4MP high definition and other smart features make this WiFi webcam security outperform its rivals.

You can simply make the wireless motion-capture web security camera work by powering it. You can just access the outdoor & indoor webcam IP camera with 3 simple steps: install the client or app, scan the QR code of the camera, and get live streaming.

You can also check more excellent features of this WiFi webcam security camera in the below chart.

Dig Further into Internet Webcam Security Cameras

Internet-accessible security cameras are a kind of video cameras that transmits data over the LAN or the Internet. Web-enabled security cameras allow you to connect to the Internet via a broadband network and view live streaming remotely with your smart devices.

Some home web surveillance cameras require a physical cable to work, while others are wireless and transmit the data over WiFi or radio frequency.

Webcam IP security cameras normally come with free client and smartphone app, which enables you to configure the cameras on your PC, Mac, mobile phones, etc.

In terms of computer built-in or external webcam video cameras, you need the third-party software to set up the cameras to make them function. The setup process would be much more complicated than the IP surveillance camera type.

There are 3 main types of Internet security cameras that are popular in the market.

• Wired network security cameras: The wired security cameras connects to the broadband modem or router via a RJ45 or Ethernet cable. This connection way is almost the fastest and most stable way, removing the chances of signal interference.
• Wireless webcam security cameras: This type of wireless security cameras sends and receives the data over WiFi, without using a physical wire to connect to the router. These cameras are much easier to install and re-locate compared with the wired type.
• 4G webcam security cameras: This type of security cameras is undoubtedly the easiest Internet security camera type. The cameras are equipped with cellular transmitters themselves, typically operating over the 3G/4G cellular data. They don't even need the router to be in place. In other words, you can access the cameras remotely even without Internet connection.

3. How to Use Your PC or Laptop Webcam as a Security IP Camera

You can turn your computer webcam into a security camera with the suitable webcam surveillance software. When you DIY a CCTV surveillance camera with your computer webcam, you need to keep your Windows PC or Mac running all the time.

You can download the below popular free web camera software for your laptop, Windows or Mac computer to DIY a webcam security camera.

• iSpy
• Yawcam
• SecuritySpy

Now please follow the below steps to convert your webcam into a security camera with premium or free software (here we take iSpy software as an example).

1. Place the USB or wireless webcam in the place you want to monitor. If you use a USB webcam, make sure that the cable is long enough to connect your webcam to your computer.

2. Download and install the iSpy web-based security camera software to your Windows or Mac computer.

3. Add the local webcam to this monitoring software, and name the camera. Remember to check the Camera Active box to turn on the laptop or computer webcam.

4. In Edit Camera menu, you are gonna see 6 options in this panel. You can enable the functions you want based on your specific needs.

5. Go back to the home screen, and turn on your camera. Now you can view the live streaming!

We've got a post the covers every detail about making a security camera with a webcam. This post is written by Reolink senior tech editor, who is also a DIY lover. You can check this post on how to set up security cameras with webcam.

Please note that the software you use to turn the webcam into the surveillance camera is free to use, but some of its advanced features, such as remote monitoring, are premium. You need to pay monthly fees for more advanced functions, which would be a great budget in a long run.

With the same money, you can buy a professional and high-quality easy-to-use wired or wireless webcam security camera system.

4. Webcam Spy & Hacking: Linked to Our Daily Life

Can people really spy on me through my laptop or smartphone camera?

The answer will surprise and worry you.

Webcam spy is a serious issue. Victims of webcam hacks have seen images and videos of themselves – regularly in states of undress or in compromising situations. Those malicious hackers even publicize the victims' images and videos on the Internet.

Those hackers typically use the Trojan horse malware to hack into your webcam to spy on you. This malicious code is hidden within seemingly innocent files. Once you download the file, you open your door to the hackers.

You should secure your laptop or computer webcam by running some solid anti-virus software. If you are using an external USB or wireless webcam, the easiest way for you to prevent webcam spying and hacking is to simply unplug it.

In terms of webcam IP security cameras, the above recommended webcam security cameras are secured by SSL, WPA2-AES, and SSL-TLS-enabled encryptions. With the multi-level secured encryptions, these security cameras are almost impossible to be hacked. You don't need to worry about that your webcam videos are intercepted and invaded by crackers.

FAQs

Can I use my webcam as a motion detector?

Yes, you can use your webcam as a motion detector by utilizing specific software designed for this purpose. Programs like Yawcam, iSpy, and Zone Trigger can turn your webcam into a motion-sensitive security camera. These tools detect motion by comparing changes between video frames and can send alerts or start recording when movement is detected.

Is webcam a real time camera?

Yes, a webcam is a real-time camera that captures and streams live video to your computer or over the internet. It allows for real-time communication and interaction.

Conclusion

Webcam security cameras can be a good choice for enhanced security in your properties. If you have any questions about webcam security cameras, or any ideas you want to share with us, please leave them in the comment below!