Security Cameras

Protect business facilities, employees, assets, and operations with network security cameras designed for professional video surveillance. Hummingbird Networks offers IP security cameras for business, enterprise, campus, retail, warehouse, education, hospitality, and multi-site environments, with options for indoor and outdoor surveillance, high-resolution video, infrared night vision, cloud management, local video storage, analytics, and Power over Ethernet connectivity.

Modern security cameras are increasingly part of the IT network rather than isolated surveillance systems. IP cameras can connect directly to Ethernet infrastructure, receive power through PoE, integrate with centralized video management platforms, and provide authorized users with remote access to live and recorded video.

Choosing the right security camera requires more than comparing resolution. Camera form factor, field of view, lens type, mounting location, lighting, night vision, weather resistance, video retention, storage architecture, network bandwidth, PoE requirements, management platform, and analytics should all be considered when designing a surveillance system.

Shop Business & Enterprise Security Cameras

Network security cameras capture video and transmit it across an IP network for viewing, recording, analysis, and management.

Depending on the camera and surveillance platform, capabilities can include:

• High-definition and 4K video
• Indoor and outdoor surveillance
• Infrared night vision
• Wide-angle coverage
• Panoramic and fisheye video
• Fixed and varifocal lenses
• Optical zoom
• Motion detection
• Video analytics
• On-camera storage
• Network video recording
• Cloud management
• Remote video access
• Power over Ethernet
• Audio capabilities on supported models

Available capabilities vary by manufacturer, camera model, management platform, software, licensing, and deployment architecture.

What Is an IP Security Camera?

An IP security camera, also called a network camera, is a digital video camera that connects to an Internet Protocol network.

Unlike traditional analog CCTV cameras that send video over dedicated analog cabling, IP cameras communicate through Ethernet and network infrastructure.

This allows compatible cameras to integrate with network switches, PoE infrastructure, video management systems, cloud platforms, storage systems, and other IT resources.

IP-based architecture can make surveillance easier to scale because cameras can become managed network devices within the organization's broader infrastructure.

IP Cameras vs. Analog Security Cameras

IP and analog cameras use different architectures for transmitting and managing surveillance video.

Traditional analog surveillance cameras typically transmit video to a digital video recorder using dedicated video cabling. IP cameras digitize video at the camera and transmit it across an Ethernet network.

Network cameras can provide advantages such as:

• Higher-resolution video options
• Ethernet connectivity
• Power over Ethernet
• Centralized network management
• Flexible video storage architectures
• Remote access
• Integrated analytics
• Scalability across multiple locations

The appropriate architecture depends on existing infrastructure, surveillance requirements, retention needs, management preferences, and budget.

PoE Security Cameras

Power over Ethernet security cameras can receive electrical power and network connectivity through Ethernet infrastructure.

PoE can simplify surveillance installations by reducing the need for a separate electrical outlet at every camera location.

A typical PoE camera deployment connects cameras to compatible PoE network switches. The switch supplies power while also carrying video and management traffic across the network.

PoE surveillance deployments should account for:

• Camera power requirements
• Switch PoE standards
• Total switch PoE budget
• Ethernet port capacity
• Cable distance
• Network bandwidth
• UPS backup requirements

When multiple cameras share a switch, the combined power requirements of every connected PoE device should be considered when sizing the switch.

Indoor Security Cameras

Indoor security cameras can monitor offices, hallways, entrances, retail spaces, schools, healthcare facilities, warehouses, lobbies, server rooms, and other interior environments.

Camera selection should consider mounting location, field of view, ceiling height, lighting, image detail requirements, aesthetics, and the activity being monitored.

Common indoor camera applications include:

• Entrances and exits
• Reception areas
• Hallways
• Retail floors
• Cash handling areas
• Warehouses
• Server rooms
• Equipment rooms
• Common areas

Outdoor Security Cameras

Outdoor security cameras are designed for surveillance locations exposed to environmental conditions.

They can monitor:

• Building entrances
• Parking areas
• Loading docks
• Perimeters
• Outdoor storage
• Campus walkways
• Vehicle entrances
• Remote facilities

When selecting an outdoor camera, evaluate the manufacturer's environmental specifications, operating temperature, enclosure rating, mounting options, lighting conditions, night vision requirements, and exposure to weather.

Outdoor network cameras may also require appropriate outdoor-rated cabling, surge protection, grounding, weather-protected connections, and network infrastructure.

Dome Security Cameras

Dome cameras place the camera assembly inside a dome-style enclosure and are widely used for professional indoor and outdoor surveillance.

The compact form factor can work well for ceiling and wall installations while providing a relatively discreet appearance.

Dome cameras can be useful for:

• Offices
• Retail locations
• Schools
• Hallways
• Entrances
• Commercial buildings
• Outdoor building surveillance

Capabilities vary significantly between dome camera models, so buyers should compare resolution, field of view, lens type, night vision, environmental rating, storage, analytics, and mounting requirements.

Bullet Security Cameras

Bullet cameras use an elongated enclosure that can provide a visible and easily aimable surveillance presence.

They are commonly used for outdoor and perimeter monitoring where the camera needs to point toward a defined area.

Common applications include:

• Parking lots
• Building exteriors
• Loading docks
• Driveways
• Property entrances
• Perimeter surveillance
• Longer-range viewing areas

Some bullet cameras include varifocal or optical zoom capabilities that provide additional flexibility when framing a scene.

Panoramic & Fisheye Security Cameras

Panoramic and fisheye cameras are designed to capture a very wide field of view from a single mounting location.

These cameras can be useful in environments where broad situational awareness is more important than concentrating the camera on one narrow area.

Potential applications include:

• Open offices
• Retail spaces
• Large rooms
• Building entrances
• Warehouses
• Common areas
• Outdoor gathering areas

Depending on the camera platform, software can provide different viewing modes or digitally transform panoramic video to make portions of the scene easier to review.

Fixed-Lens Security Cameras

A fixed-lens camera uses a lens with a predetermined focal length and field of view.

Fixed lenses can simplify camera selection and installation when the surveillance area and mounting location are already well understood.

The field of view should be reviewed before installation because changing the framing generally requires repositioning the camera rather than adjusting the lens focal length.

Varifocal Security Cameras

Varifocal cameras allow the focal length to be adjusted within a specified range.

This gives installers greater flexibility when determining exactly how wide or narrow the final field of view should be.

A varifocal lens can be useful for:

• Entrances
• Parking areas
• Loading docks
• Long hallways
• Building perimeters
• Areas where mounting distance varies

Some network cameras provide remotely adjustable zoom or focus capabilities depending on the model.

Security Camera Resolution

Camera resolution determines how many pixels are available to represent the captured image.

Higher resolution can provide additional image detail, which may improve the ability to digitally zoom into recorded video or distinguish objects within a scene.

Common security camera resolutions include:

• 1080p Full HD
• 4 MP
• 5 MP
• 8 MP
• 4K Ultra HD
• Higher-resolution panoramic formats

Resolution should not be evaluated alone. Lens quality, field of view, lighting, frame rate, compression, sensor performance, camera placement, and viewing distance all affect usable image quality.

4K Security Cameras

4K security cameras can provide approximately 3840 x 2160 video resolution on compatible models.

The additional pixels can provide greater recorded detail than lower-resolution video when other imaging conditions are comparable.

4K cameras can be useful for locations where detailed surveillance is important, but higher-resolution video can also increase network bandwidth and storage requirements.

Organizations should consider camera resolution together with retention requirements, frame rate, compression settings, network capacity, and storage architecture.

Megapixels & Security Cameras

Megapixel ratings describe the approximate number of pixels produced by a camera's image sensor or output image.

A higher megapixel count can provide additional detail, but it does not automatically make one camera more appropriate than another.

For example, a lower-resolution camera positioned correctly with an appropriate field of view may provide more useful surveillance footage than a higher-resolution camera mounted too far away or aimed at too broad an area.

Camera placement and scene design should therefore be considered alongside resolution.

Security Camera Field of View

Field of view describes how much of the scene a camera can capture.

A wide field of view can cover a larger area, while a narrower view can place more of the available image detail on a specific target area.

The appropriate field of view depends on what the camera needs to accomplish.

For example:

• A lobby may benefit from broad coverage.
• A doorway may require more concentrated detail.
• A parking lot may require several cameras with overlapping coverage.
• A panoramic camera may provide situational awareness across a large open area.

Infrared & Night Vision Security Cameras

Many business security cameras use infrared illumination to capture usable images in low-light or dark environments.

Infrared LEDs illuminate the scene using wavelengths outside normal human vision, while the camera sensor is designed to capture the reflected infrared energy.

Infrared night vision can be valuable for:

• Parking areas
• Warehouses
• Building exteriors
• Entrances
• Loading docks
• Storage facilities
• Unoccupied facilities after hours

Infrared range varies by camera model and should be compared with the distance between the camera and the area requiring surveillance.

Day & Night Security Cameras

Day and night cameras are designed to operate across changing lighting conditions.

Compatible cameras may use technologies such as infrared illumination, IR cut filters, low-light image processing, or other imaging features to transition between daytime and nighttime surveillance.

When surveillance is required around the clock, evaluate both daytime image quality and low-light performance rather than selecting a camera based exclusively on daylight specifications.

Security Camera Frame Rate

Frame rate measures how many video frames a camera records or streams each second.

Higher frame rates can produce smoother motion, while lower frame rates can reduce bandwidth and storage consumption.

The appropriate frame rate depends on the activity being monitored.

Areas with rapid movement may benefit from higher frame rates, while lower-activity environments may not require the same video frequency.

H.264 & Video Compression

Network cameras use video compression to reduce the amount of data required to transmit and store surveillance footage.

H.264 is widely used by network security cameras, while other compression technologies may also be available depending on the camera platform.

Compression settings can influence:

• Video quality
• Network bandwidth
• Storage consumption
• Retention duration

Organizations should balance image quality requirements with available network and storage capacity.

Cloud-Managed Security Cameras

Cloud-managed security cameras allow authorized administrators to manage compatible cameras through a centralized cloud platform.

Depending on the solution, cloud management can provide:

• Centralized camera configuration
• Remote live video access
• Recorded video review
• User administration
• Camera health monitoring
• Multi-site management
• Analytics
• Software and firmware management

This architecture can be especially useful for organizations managing cameras across many branches, stores, offices, schools, or other distributed locations.

On-Camera Video Storage

Some network security cameras include local storage within the camera itself.

On-camera storage can reduce dependence on a separate recorder for primary video retention, depending on the surveillance architecture.

The amount of retained footage depends on factors such as:

• Storage capacity
• Resolution
• Frame rate
• Compression
• Motion-based versus continuous recording
• Video quality settings

Organizations should determine retention requirements before selecting camera storage capacity.

Cloud Video Storage

Cloud video storage can provide off-site retention for compatible surveillance platforms.

Depending on the system, cloud archive services can supplement local camera storage, provide additional retention, or help preserve important video outside the physical location being monitored.

Cloud storage requirements should be evaluated according to desired retention duration, licensing, bandwidth, camera compatibility, security requirements, and the surveillance platform being used.

NVR Security Camera Systems

A Network Video Recorder, commonly called an NVR, records and manages video from compatible IP security cameras.

NVR-based architectures can provide centralized local video storage and management for multiple network cameras.

Organizations considering an NVR should evaluate:

• Supported camera count
• Camera compatibility
• Storage capacity
• Video retention
• Recording resolution
• Network bandwidth
• Remote access
• Redundancy requirements

Not every modern camera platform requires a traditional NVR. Some architectures use on-camera storage, cloud management, dedicated video consoles, or combinations of local and cloud storage.

Security Camera Video Retention

Video retention describes how long recorded surveillance footage remains available before it is deleted or overwritten.

The appropriate retention period depends on organizational requirements, storage architecture, camera settings, operational needs, and any applicable policies or regulations.

Retention is affected by:

• Camera resolution
• Frame rate
• Compression
• Number of cameras
• Continuous or motion-based recording
• Available storage

Retention requirements should be established early because they can significantly influence surveillance system design and cost.

Security Camera Analytics

Modern network cameras can provide video analytics that help organizations interpret surveillance footage and identify relevant events.

Capabilities vary by camera and management platform and can include motion-based analysis, object detection, activity search, people or vehicle detection, and other intelligent video functions.

Analytics can reduce the amount of footage personnel need to review manually by helping users narrow their search to relevant activity.

Organizations should verify the exact analytics included with each camera and whether particular capabilities require software, licensing, cloud services, or additional infrastructure.

Motion Detection

Motion detection allows compatible cameras or video management platforms to identify changes or movement within the monitored scene.

Motion information can be used for alerts, event search, recording policies, or other surveillance workflows depending on the platform.

Camera positioning and configuration are important because environmental movement, lighting changes, vehicles, vegetation, and other factors can influence motion-based events.

Security Cameras with Audio

Some network cameras include microphones or other audio capabilities.

Audio can provide additional context to surveillance footage in appropriate environments, but organizations should evaluate applicable laws, regulations, policies, and privacy requirements before enabling audio recording.

Audio capabilities vary by camera model and should not be assumed based on video specifications alone.

Vandal-Resistant Security Cameras

Some cameras are designed with enclosures intended to provide additional resistance to physical impact or tampering.

Vandal-resistant construction can be useful for cameras installed in publicly accessible locations, schools, transportation environments, retail locations, exterior areas, and other places where equipment may be exposed to physical contact.

Review the manufacturer's impact and enclosure specifications when vandal resistance is an important requirement.

Weather-Resistant Security Cameras

Outdoor cameras can carry environmental ratings indicating their resistance to dust, moisture, and other environmental exposure.

An IP environmental rating should not be confused with the term IP camera. In an environmental rating, IP refers to ingress protection, while IP camera refers to Internet Protocol networking.

Always review the manufacturer's specific environmental rating and installation requirements for the intended location.

How to Choose a Security Camera

Start with the surveillance objective and physical environment rather than choosing cameras based only on resolution.

Determine What You Need to See

Identify whether the camera needs broad situational awareness, detailed identification, entrance monitoring, perimeter coverage, parking surveillance, indoor monitoring, or another specific purpose.

Choose the Camera Location

Determine whether the camera will be installed indoors or outdoors and whether it will mount to a wall, ceiling, pole, building exterior, or another structure.

Evaluate Field of View

Determine how much of the scene the camera must capture and how much detail is required within that area.

Select the Appropriate Resolution

Higher resolution can provide additional detail but can also increase storage and bandwidth requirements.

Evaluate Lighting

Consider daylight, artificial lighting, low-light conditions, complete darkness, backlighting, reflections, and other lighting challenges.

Determine Night Vision Requirements

If the camera must operate in darkness, verify infrared or low-light capabilities and the effective range for the monitored area.

Determine Storage Requirements

Decide whether video will be stored on the camera, an NVR, another local system, in the cloud, or through a combination of storage methods.

Determine Retention Requirements

Establish how long recorded footage should remain available and calculate the storage capacity required to support that retention period.

Plan Network Connectivity

Determine Ethernet port requirements, PoE requirements, bandwidth, VLAN design, switching capacity, and uplink capacity.

Evaluate Management

Consider whether cameras will be managed locally, through dedicated video management software, or through a centralized cloud platform.

Consider Future Expansion

Plan for additional cameras, higher resolutions, longer retention, new locations, and increased analytics requirements where appropriate.

Security Camera Placement

Camera placement can be just as important as camera specifications.

A high-resolution camera cannot provide useful detail if it is mounted too far from the target area, obstructed, pointed into strong glare, or positioned at an unsuitable angle.

Common camera locations include:

• Building entrances and exits
• Reception areas
• Parking lots
• Loading docks
• Hallways
• Cash handling areas
• Warehouses
• Server rooms
• Equipment rooms
• Perimeters

Organizations should also consider privacy and applicable legal requirements when determining camera placement.

Network Bandwidth for Security Cameras

IP cameras use network bandwidth to transmit video and management traffic.

Bandwidth requirements depend on:

• Number of cameras
• Resolution
• Frame rate
• Compression
• Video quality settings
• Viewing activity
• Storage architecture

A surveillance deployment with dozens of high-resolution cameras can create substantial aggregate traffic, making switching and uplink capacity important considerations.

Network Switches for Security Cameras

PoE network switches can provide both Ethernet connectivity and electrical power to compatible security cameras.

When selecting a switch for camera deployments, evaluate:

• Number of PoE ports
• PoE or PoE+ requirements
• Total PoE power budget
• Port speeds
• Switching capacity
• Uplink bandwidth
• VLAN support
• Management capabilities
• Redundancy requirements

The PoE budget is particularly important because every connected camera contributes to the total amount of power the switch must provide.

Network Segmentation for Security Cameras

Security cameras are network-connected devices and should be considered as part of the organization's overall cybersecurity architecture.

Organizations may place surveillance equipment on dedicated VLANs or network segments and control communication between cameras, management systems, user networks, servers, and external services.

Segmentation can help organizations apply more specific security policies and reduce unnecessary communication between surveillance devices and unrelated systems.

Camera network design should be coordinated with the organization's broader network security policies.

UPS Backup for Security Cameras

Network cameras can stop recording if the network switches powering them lose electricity.

Connecting camera switches, recorders, network appliances, and other critical surveillance infrastructure to appropriately sized UPS systems can help maintain operation through certain short-duration power interruptions.

Backup power requirements should account for the total load of the surveillance infrastructure and the amount of runtime required.

Security Cameras for Offices

Office surveillance can monitor entrances, reception areas, hallways, equipment rooms, loading areas, and other important spaces.

Businesses may prioritize discreet camera designs, centralized management, remote access, video retention, and integration with existing PoE network infrastructure.

Security Cameras for Retail

Retail security cameras can provide surveillance across entrances, sales floors, checkout areas, stock rooms, loading areas, and exterior spaces.

Retail organizations with many locations may benefit from centralized camera management that allows authorized teams to monitor camera health and access video across multiple stores.

Security Cameras for Warehouses

Warehouses can require surveillance across large spaces with high ceilings, aisles, loading docks, inventory areas, entrances, and exterior yards.

Camera design should consider mounting height, field of view, lighting, required image detail, night vision, network connectivity, and environmental conditions.

Multiple camera types may be required to provide both broad situational awareness and detailed coverage of specific operational areas.

Security Cameras for Schools & Education

Education surveillance can include entrances, hallways, common areas, exterior spaces, parking areas, and other authorized locations.

Schools and campuses may need centralized management, role-based access, scalable storage, multi-building networking, and camera infrastructure that can be managed by existing IT teams.

Security Cameras for Healthcare

Healthcare organizations can use video surveillance for authorized security monitoring across entrances, public areas, parking facilities, equipment areas, and other appropriate locations.

Camera placement and video access should be designed with applicable privacy, security, organizational, and regulatory requirements in mind.

Security Cameras for Hospitality

Hotels and hospitality environments can require surveillance across entrances, lobbies, corridors, parking areas, loading areas, exterior spaces, and other common areas.

Multi-site hospitality organizations may benefit from centralized camera administration and remote access for authorized security and management personnel.

Security Cameras for Multi-Site Organizations

Organizations operating many locations can face additional surveillance management challenges.

Centralized or cloud-managed camera platforms can help authorized teams manage cameras across:

• Retail stores
• Branch offices
• Schools
• Healthcare facilities
• Restaurants
• Warehouses
• Distributed commercial properties

A centralized architecture can reduce the need to manage every surveillance location as an isolated system.

Cisco Meraki MV Security Cameras

Cisco Meraki MV cameras provide network video surveillance within the Meraki cloud-managed ecosystem.

The current Meraki MV portfolio available from Hummingbird Networks includes camera designs for different surveillance applications, including dome, bullet, and panoramic models with indoor and outdoor options.

Depending on the model and licensing, Meraki MV deployments can provide capabilities such as:

• Cloud-based management
• Centralized multi-site administration
• On-camera video storage
• Remote video access
• Video analytics
• Motion-based search
• High-resolution video
• Infrared night vision
• PoE connectivity

Meraki MV can be especially useful for organizations already using Meraki networking infrastructure or organizations that want centralized cloud management across distributed surveillance locations.

Meraki Dome Cameras

Meraki MV dome cameras are available for business and enterprise surveillance applications requiring compact network camera designs.

Current Hummingbird Networks inventory includes outdoor-capable Meraki dome cameras with high-resolution and 4K-capable options.

Dome models can be useful for entrances, offices, schools, commercial buildings, exterior areas, and other locations where a compact camera form factor is appropriate.

Meraki Bullet Cameras

Meraki MV bullet cameras provide directional surveillance for locations where a clearly defined viewing area is required.

Current models available from Hummingbird Networks include high-resolution outdoor bullet cameras with infrared night vision and 4K-capable options.

These cameras can be suitable for parking areas, building exteriors, loading docks, entrances, and other outdoor surveillance locations.

Meraki Panoramic Cameras

Meraki MV panoramic cameras provide wide-area surveillance from a single camera location.

Current Hummingbird Networks inventory includes Meraki MV93-series panoramic fisheye cameras designed for outdoor-capable network surveillance.

Panoramic cameras can be useful for large rooms, open spaces, entrances, common areas, and other locations where broad visual coverage is valuable.

Meraki Cloud Archive

Meraki Cloud Archive provides cloud-based video retention options for compatible Meraki MV camera deployments.

Cloud archive can supplement the surveillance architecture by preserving video in cloud storage for the selected retention period.

Available archive terms and licensing should be matched to the organization's camera platform, required retention period, and surveillance policies.

Ubiquiti UniFi Security Cameras

Ubiquiti offers network surveillance cameras within the UniFi ecosystem for business, professional, and other compatible surveillance deployments.

The current Hummingbird Networks catalog includes UniFi camera options in dome, bullet, compact, indoor/outdoor, infrared, and high-resolution configurations.

Depending on the camera and UniFi Protect infrastructure, deployments can provide centralized video management, local recording, remote access, camera monitoring, and other surveillance capabilities.

Ubiquiti Dome Cameras

UniFi dome cameras provide compact surveillance options for wall or ceiling installations.

Available models can include high-definition video, infrared illumination, vandal-resistant designs, and PoE connectivity depending on the camera.

Dome cameras can be useful across offices, retail locations, hallways, commercial buildings, and other indoor or outdoor locations supported by the specific model.

Ubiquiti Bullet Cameras

UniFi bullet cameras provide directional network surveillance for indoor and outdoor applications depending on the camera model.

Available configurations can include high-resolution and 4K video, optical zoom, infrared capabilities, and flexible mounting options.

Meraki vs. Ubiquiti Security Camera Architecture

Meraki and Ubiquiti both provide network-based surveillance ecosystems, but their management, storage, licensing, hardware, and deployment architectures differ.

Rather than choosing solely by brand, organizations should compare:

• Camera requirements
• Management architecture
• Video storage
• Retention requirements
• Licensing
• Analytics
• Existing network infrastructure
• Multi-site requirements
• IT administration preferences
• Budget

The appropriate platform depends on how the organization wants to operate and manage its surveillance infrastructure.

How Many Security Cameras Do I Need?

The required camera count depends on the physical property and surveillance objectives rather than building square footage alone.

Begin by identifying important monitoring areas such as:

• Entrances and exits
• Parking areas
• Hallways
• Reception areas
• Loading docks
• Inventory areas
• Server and equipment rooms
• Exterior perimeters

Then determine the field of view and image detail required at each location.

Some large spaces may be covered by wide-angle or panoramic cameras, while locations requiring detailed identification may need dedicated cameras with narrower fields of view.

Planning a Business Security Camera System

A successful surveillance deployment should be designed as a complete system rather than as a collection of individual cameras.

Planning should address:

• Camera count
• Camera type
• Resolution
• Field of view
• Indoor and outdoor locations
• Night vision
• PoE requirements
• Network switching
• Network bandwidth
• Video storage
• Retention
• Management
• User access
• Cybersecurity
• Backup power
• Future expansion

Planning these components together can help avoid insufficient PoE capacity, inadequate network bandwidth, storage limitations, blind spots, and other common deployment problems.

Build a Complete Network Video Surveillance System

A complete IP surveillance deployment can require more than cameras.

Supporting infrastructure can include:

• PoE network switches
• Ethernet cabling
• Fiber uplinks
• Transceiver modules
• Video storage
• Cloud archive licensing
• Camera mounting hardware
• UPS backup power
• Network security
• Racks and network infrastructure

The cameras, network, power, storage, and management platform should be planned together to support reliable surveillance operations.

Why Buy Security Cameras from Hummingbird Networks?

Selecting business security cameras involves balancing image quality, coverage, storage, networking, management, environmental requirements, analytics, and budget.

Hummingbird Networks helps businesses and organizations source network security cameras and supporting IT infrastructure for new surveillance deployments, camera upgrades, multi-site rollouts, and network modernization projects.

Customers can turn to our team for:

• Business and enterprise IP security cameras
• Indoor and outdoor network cameras
• Dome and bullet cameras
• Panoramic security cameras
• High-resolution and 4K camera options
• Infrared and night vision cameras
• Cloud-managed surveillance solutions
• PoE networking infrastructure
• Video storage and related licensing
• Product selection and compatibility assistance

Whether you need several cameras for a small office or a centrally managed surveillance platform across many locations, Hummingbird Networks can help you evaluate cameras and supporting network infrastructure based on your deployment requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions About Security Cameras

What is an IP security camera?

An IP security camera is a digital surveillance camera that connects to an Internet Protocol network. Video, management traffic, and other data can travel across Ethernet network infrastructure rather than dedicated analog video cabling.

Is an IP camera the same as a network camera?

Yes. The terms IP camera and network camera are commonly used to describe surveillance cameras that communicate over an IP network.

What is the difference between an IP camera and an analog camera?

An IP camera digitizes video and communicates across a network. Traditional analog cameras transmit analog video to recording equipment using dedicated video connections. The architectures differ in cabling, recording, management, scalability, and available features.

What is a PoE security camera?

A PoE security camera can receive electrical power through its Ethernet connection from compatible Power over Ethernet equipment. This can allow one Ethernet cable to provide both network connectivity and power.

Do security cameras need a PoE switch?

PoE cameras require a compatible source of Power over Ethernet, which can be a PoE network switch or another supported power source such as a PoE injector. For multi-camera business deployments, PoE switches are commonly used.

How much PoE power do security cameras need?

Power requirements vary by camera. Check each model's maximum power consumption and supported PoE standard, then verify that the network switch provides the appropriate standard and sufficient total PoE budget for all connected devices.

What is the best resolution for a business security camera?

There is no single resolution that is appropriate for every location. Resolution should be selected according to field of view, distance, required image detail, lighting, bandwidth, storage, and retention requirements.

Is 4K better than 1080p for security cameras?

4K provides more pixels than 1080p and can provide additional image detail under suitable conditions. It can also require more bandwidth and storage. The appropriate resolution depends on the surveillance objective and overall system design.

What is the difference between a dome and bullet security camera?

Dome cameras use a compact dome-style enclosure and are common for ceiling and wall installations. Bullet cameras use an elongated enclosure that makes the viewing direction more apparent and can be useful for targeted outdoor or perimeter surveillance.

What is a panoramic security camera?

A panoramic camera captures a very wide field of view and can provide broad situational awareness from a single mounting location. Fisheye lenses are commonly used for panoramic surveillance.

What is a varifocal security camera?

A varifocal camera has an adjustable focal length that allows the field of view to be changed within a specified range. This can provide greater installation flexibility than a fixed-lens camera.

Do security cameras work in complete darkness?

Cameras equipped with compatible infrared illumination can capture video in very low-light or dark conditions within their supported IR range. Performance varies by camera and environment.

What does infrared night vision mean?

Infrared night vision uses infrared illumination that is generally outside normal human vision to illuminate a scene for a compatible camera sensor.

How far can a security camera see at night?

Night vision distance depends on the camera's infrared illumination, lens, sensor, mounting, environment, and the size and reflectivity of the objects being viewed. Compare the manufacturer's specified IR range with the actual surveillance distance.

Can security cameras record audio?

Some network cameras include microphones or other audio capabilities. Organizations should verify the exact camera features and consider applicable laws, policies, privacy requirements, and consent requirements before recording audio.

Do IP cameras need an NVR?

Not necessarily. Some camera systems use an NVR, while others can use on-camera storage, cloud services, dedicated surveillance appliances, or combinations of these approaches.

How long can security camera video be stored?

Retention depends on available storage, number of cameras, resolution, frame rate, compression, recording mode, and other settings. Cloud services can also provide defined retention periods depending on the platform and subscription.

Do security cameras use a lot of network bandwidth?

Bandwidth consumption varies with resolution, frame rate, compression, camera count, video quality, viewing activity, and storage architecture. Large high-resolution surveillance systems should be included in network capacity planning.

Should security cameras be on their own VLAN?

Many organizations place cameras and other surveillance equipment on dedicated network segments or VLANs so they can apply specific access and security policies. The appropriate design depends on the organization's network and security architecture.

Do security cameras need a UPS?

A UPS is not required for every deployment, but backup power can help cameras, PoE switches, recorders, and supporting network equipment remain operational through certain power interruptions. Required runtime depends on organizational needs.

What are cloud-managed security cameras?

Cloud-managed cameras use a cloud-based management platform for functions such as configuration, monitoring, user administration, remote access, and other surveillance operations. Video storage architecture varies by platform.

Do cloud-managed cameras store all video in the cloud?

Not necessarily. Cloud management and cloud video storage are separate concepts. Some cloud-managed cameras can store video locally while using the cloud for management, while compatible platforms may offer optional cloud video retention.

What are Meraki MV cameras?

Cisco Meraki MV cameras are cloud-managed network security cameras designed to operate within the Meraki management ecosystem. Available models include different form factors, resolutions, storage capacities, environmental designs, and surveillance capabilities.

What are Ubiquiti UniFi security cameras?

Ubiquiti UniFi security cameras are network surveillance cameras designed for compatible UniFi Protect deployments. Camera capabilities and management requirements vary by model and surveillance architecture.

Which security camera brand should I choose?

There is no single camera brand that is appropriate for every surveillance deployment. Consider camera types, image requirements, management, storage, licensing, analytics, existing network infrastructure, deployment scale, environmental requirements, and budget.

How many security cameras does my business need?

The required number depends on the physical property, surveillance objectives, camera field of view, required image detail, entrances, parking areas, interior spaces, blind spots, and other monitoring requirements. A camera layout should be planned around specific surveillance objectives rather than square footage alone.

Can Hummingbird Networks help me choose security cameras?

Yes. Hummingbird Networks can help businesses and organizations evaluate security cameras based on indoor or outdoor use, resolution, field of view, night vision, form factor, video storage, PoE, management, analytics, networking, and deployment requirements.

Shop Security Cameras for Business & Enterprise Surveillance

Build a network video surveillance system with IP security cameras designed for indoor, outdoor, business, enterprise, and multi-site environments.

Whether you need dome cameras for interior spaces, bullet cameras for outdoor surveillance, panoramic cameras for wide-area visibility, 4K cameras for additional detail, or cloud-managed cameras for distributed locations, Hummingbird Networks can help you identify surveillance equipment and supporting network infrastructure for your physical security deployment.