Zoom Security Cameras: Wireless & PTZ Options for Outdoors

Zoom security cameras let you get a closer look at faces and license plates from a distance. But not every zoom camera can actually deliver those details, especially once the object is 40 feet away or more.

Today we'll be showing you the different types of zoom security cameras and how to get the best CCTV cameras with zoom lenses that give you a clear picture of distant details day and night.

What's the Type of Zoom Security Camera?

Zoom security cameras usually have 2 types: Security camera with optical zoom and digital zoom.

If you want a short answer for the best outdoor zoom security camera solution, optical zoom is the way to go and here is why:

Security camera with optical zoom

Optical zoom security cameras use the moving parts inside the lens itself to bring objects closer. That means you get real, added detail when you zoom in, not a blurrier picture.

For example, the Reolink RLC-823S2 has a 16X optical zoom. It still records at its full 8MP resolution at maximum zoom. Optical zoom moves the lens itself, instead of cropping and stretching the image the way digital zoom does.

Security camera with digital zoom

Digital zoom security cameras, by contrast, narrow the apparent angle of view of images, and then crop the areas outside the margins.

So the image will be blurred in a way that you can not make out anything useful out of it if you zoom in too closely, and that’s why many users consider the digital zoom as a fake function.

To understand the differences easily, you can just consider optical zoom as looking through binoculars, while digital zoom is similar to enlarging images on your computer screen.

Note: Keen to learn more about optical and digital zoom? Get the full details here: Zoom Security Camera: Optical VS Digital.

What's the Type of Optical Zoom Security Camera?

So optical zoom security camera is better at reading the far-away plate number and recognizing faces, but there is still a decision to be made among this type of zoom IP camera:

Manual varifocal zoom, motorized zoom, or PTZ (pan, tilt & zoom) security cameras, which one is better?

Manual Zoom Security Cameras

Security cameras with manual varifocal zoom enable you to adjust the zoom level, but you have to do it manually. That’s to say, you have to adjust the zoom level by taking out of the camera’s waterproof enclosure.

Sometimes you may even need to climb a ladder to reach the camera for adjusting the zoom level of the outdoor zoom security camera.

Note: Reolink's current outdoor lineup has moved away from this design entirely. Every outdoor zoom camera Reolink sells today, including the picks below, uses a motorized zoom instead. You adjust it from the app, not a ladder.

Motorized Zoom CCTV Cameras

To make things easier, the motorized type of zoom security camera enables you to adjust the zoom level remotely. You can zoom in or out to view the images via the on-screen controls on the security camera client software or app.

Mind that it’s advised to use the zoom security camera with the manufacturer customized app to make sure the zoom function is enabled in the software and work properly without any compatibility issues.

Outdoor Pan Tilt Zoom Security Cameras

The pan tilt zoom security camera not only allows you to optically zoom in for any details captured, but also greatly expands its field of view with pan and tilt function.

These cameras are fully motorized, so you can adjust the view in any direction without touching the camera. The Reolink RLC-823S2, for example, pans a full 360° and tilts up to 90°. It zooms in up to 16X, all from the app.

What’s Your Choice

Obviously, it’s not convenient for you to adjust the zoom level of manual varifocal zoom security cameras, especially the outdoor zoom CCTV cameras you mounted to the wall or ceiling.

Motorized optical zoom and pan tilt zoom CCTV cameras offer you easier adjustment of zoom with remote control on the security camera software.

So when you are looking for zoom security cameras, always go for motorized optical zoom or PTZ types.

Best Zoom Security Cameras: 4 Top Picks

Below are 4 popular zoom security cameras you may take a look at. All of them offer 4K or higher resolution and strong zoom for long range surveillance, and each suits a different setup: PTZ, wireless, fixed outdoor, or panoramic plus PTZ.

Best PTZ security camera: RLC-823S2

This Power over Ethernet (PoE) PTZ camera is one of the strongest in Reolink's zoom lineup. It pans a full 360° and tilts up to 90°, with a genuine 16X optical zoom, tied with the OMVI X16 PoE for Reolink's highest right now. Even at full zoom, it still records at its full 8MP resolution, since optical zoom doesn't degrade the image the way digital zoom does.

Key features:

• 4K resolution captures crisp video day and night
• 16X optical zoom, matching Reolink's highest current zoom level
• IR night vision up to 260ft (80m) in the dark
• Built-in spotlights add color night vision when you need it
• Person, vehicle, and animal detection with auto-tracking
• IP66 waterproof rated, suitable for outdoor use

Best wireless zoom security camera: Argus Track

Argus Track is a 4K dual-lens hybrid zoom security camera. Its pan, tilt, and 6X hybrid zoom capabilities enable flexible adjustment of the camera's view, while color night vision ensures visibility in low-light conditions, enhancing security around the clock.

With support for both 5GHz and 2.4GHz dual-band Wi-Fi, the camera ensures reliable connectivity and optimal performance. Its solar/battery-powered design allows for convenient installation and continuous operation, making it ideal for outdoor surveillance applications.

Key features:

• 4K resolution captures crisp video day and night
• 6X hybrid zoom keeps distant details clear
• Dual-band Wi-Fi (5GHz/2.4GHz) for a stronger connection
• Person, vehicle, and animal detection with auto-zoom tracking
• Solar or battery powered, install anywhere without wiring
• IP65 weatherproof rated, suitable for outdoor use

Best outdoor zoom security camera: RLC-811A

This outdoor zoom IP camera has an auto-focus lens with a viewing angle that adjusts from 31° up to 105°. With 5X optical zoom, you can zoom in on far-away objects or zoom back out for a wider view. You do it all without moving the camera.

Key Features:

• 4K resolution gives you high quality images day and night
• 5X optical zoom allows you to see far-away details clearly
• IP67 waterproof rated, suitable for outdoor use
• Motion tracking or 24/7 continuous recording with an NVR

Best dual-lens panoramic zoom security camera: OMVI X16 PoE

The OMVI X16 PoE pairs a 16MP dual-lens panoramic camera with a 4K 8MP PTZ camera in one full-metal body. The panoramic lens watches the whole scene, while the PTZ lens zooms in up to 16X on whatever matters. You can also tap any spot in the panoramic view and the PTZ lens turns to it.

With SyncTrack, the panoramic lens detects a target and hands it to the PTZ lens, which follows and zooms in on it, even after it leaves the panoramic view. AI runs locally on the camera, so you can search recorded video by typing a description, without a subscription.

Key features:

• 24MP total clarity from a 16MP panoramic camera plus a 4K PTZ camera
• 16X optical zoom for distant faces and license plates
• 180° panoramic view with no blind spots in the main scene
• SyncTrack auto-tracking from panoramic lens to PTZ lens
• Local AI video search, virtual fences, intrusion and loitering alerts
• Infrared and color night vision with 9 built-in spotlights
• microSD up to 512GB, Reolink NVR, or FTP/NAS, with no subscription for local storage
• IP66 waterproof rated, with ceiling, wall, and corner mounting

All these zoom security cameras can be accessed via iPhone or Android smartphones, PC, Mac, etc. And you can receive app push notifications and email alerts when there are motion events. For the PoE models (RLC-823S2, RLC-811A, and OMVI X16 PoE), you can build a zoom security camera system with an additional network video recorder for storage. Argus Track stores footage on a microSD card instead.

FAQs

What is the best zoom security camera?

It depends on what you need to watch. There is no single best zoom camera for every home or property.

• Wide area with long-range detail: The RLC-823S2 pans 360° and has 16X optical zoom.
• One camera for the whole scene plus close-ups: The OMVI X16 PoE pairs a 180° panoramic lens with a 16X optical zoom PTZ lens and tracks activity automatically.
• No power outlet nearby: Argus Track runs on solar or battery and has 6X hybrid zoom.
• A single fixed outdoor view: The RLC-811A has 5X optical zoom with no moving parts to adjust.

What is an optical zoom security camera?

An optical zoom security camera uses a motorized lens to bring distant objects closer. Because the lens moves instead of cropping the image, it keeps its full resolution when zoomed in. That is why it can show faces and license plates that digital zoom turns into a blur.

How much optical zoom do I need?

It depends on how far away the subject is and how wide the area is. A higher zoom like 16X suits large yards, driveways, and long distances. A lower zoom like 5X is enough for a fixed view of a smaller area. If you also need wide coverage, a PTZ or panoramic plus PTZ camera lets you see the whole scene and zoom in on demand.

Can home security cameras zoom in?

Yes. Security cameras can zoom in with optical zoom, digital zoom, or a mix of both. Optical zoom uses the lens to bring distant objects closer without losing detail, while digital zoom crops the image and gets blurrier the more you zoom. Zoom is especially valuable for identifying faces, license plates, and suspicious activity in larger areas such as yards, driveways, and storefronts.

What are the downsides of super zoom cameras?

The maximum aperture of a super zoom lens often becomes smaller at longer zoom ranges, which can reduce low-light performance. Cheaper super zoom lenses may also produce more visible lens distortion, while high zoom levels can make camera shake more noticeable without image stabilization or a stable mounting setup.

Conclusion

When investing in a zoom security camera, consider your specific needs, such as range, installation environment, and desired features. Our top picks cover the main setups. The RLC-823S2 is the pick for a 360° PTZ view with 16X optical zoom. The OMVI X16 PoE adds a 180° panoramic lens beside its 16X PTZ lens, so one camera shows the whole scene and zooms in on what matters. The RLC-811A gives you 5X optical zoom in a fixed outdoor camera, and Argus Track is the wire-free option with 6X hybrid zoom. Prioritize the model that fits your surveillance requirements, and choose a camera that can deliver clear, detailed visuals day or night.