The cold weather is coming, and you’re probably thinking about getting a new security camera. If so, you’ll want to make sure that it can stand up to the harsh Canadian climate!
This blog post will break down the best security cameras for winter in Canada and how they compare with each other.
To start with, you’ll want to know that:
There are a variety of security camera types, each of which has its own pros and cons. Generally speaking, longer-range cameras will be more expensive than other types.
If you’re going to use your security camera outdoors, look for IP66 or IP67 certification – these certifications denote resistance to external elements such as dust and water.
Unlike indoor security cameras, outdoor cameras will not be able to connect to a nearby router for internet access. Instead, they will need their own web server that you can access via the internet.
In general, the more expensive security camera models will be able to store video on an external hard drive as well as record video directly onto a MicroSD card.
Finding the best security camera for Canadian winter is difficult because many manufacturers’ marketing materials are misleading or downright incorrect. But hopefully, these tips will point you in the right direction
The most important thing to consider is the features that you want in your camera. You’re going to have a hard time finding long-range security cameras with true 1080p HD resolution and weatherproof IP66 or IP67 ratings. However, there are many decent 1080p budget security cameras that do work well in Canadian winter conditions.
For comparison purposes, I’ve broken down these features into different groups:
- Video Resolution & Frames per Second (FPS)
- Image Quality & Sensor Type
- Connectivity Options & Viewing Angle
- Power Supply Options, MicroSD storage, and Hard Drive Storage Option.
Some other important factors to consider are: Whether the camera is expandable (we can connect multiple cameras) Do we really need that many features? How easy they are to install. This is especially important if you have pets or small children.
Some security cameras are specially designed for cold weather. In Canada, weather can actually drop from a steamy 40 to 45 degrees Celcius to an extra icy -50 or colder with the windchill during winter. As Canadians, who are used to extreme temperatures; your smart home devices may not be. That’s why it’s so important to choose a weather-resistant camera with the right IP rating for your province.
Since you’ll be using your security camera outdoors, it will be exposed to the elements. You may wish to choose a camera model that comes with a very high IP rating so that moisture will not affect its functioning. However, this may make the camera more difficult to install.
Let’s move onto our top 5 highly recommended outdoor security cameras for winter in the Canadian region
Top 5 Best Outdoor Security Camera for Extreme Cold in Canada
1. Reolink 8CH 5MP PoE Home Security Camera System
Do you want to get more control of your home and feel safer during the snowy seasons? The Reolink 8CH 5MP that comes with an eight-channel wireless system has the perfect solution for you. This powerful camera is designed to give you high-quality videos and a wide-angle view for motion detection.
This camera also uses PoE for power over ethernet, which makes installation a breeze. With an IP66 rating, this camera can withstand harsh weather conditions such as rain, wind, and ice, and its robust metal housing is rust-resistant, which means you can install it outdoors without any worries.
This IP camera comes with four wired security cameras. They are equipped with powerful 5MP resolution, and the Wi-Fi 2.4GHz wireless transfers all video to your smartphone or computer. The four cameras are mounted on a sturdy metal bracket, which is easy to set up.
With this system, not only can you put four surveillance cameras outside your house to watch over it, but they can also withstand the extreme cold in Canada, heavy gusts, and rains. The housing is constructed with high-quality metal, and the installation is simple. The cameras also offer a wide view to fit all your needs.
Reolink’s 8CH 5MP PoE Security Camera System allows you to view your camera feeds on your phone or computer. It can connect to your Wi-Fi network, and you can watch it live or set up recording schedules. With mobile monitoring, you can keep track of anything that happens at home without having to be there.
Reolink’s 8CH 5MP PoE Security Camera System has a Working Temperature range of-10°C +45°C (14°-113°F) and It is also compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for voice control.
2. Arlo Pro 3 Wireless Security System
Arlo Pro 3 is a brilliant security system for your home. With three times the coverage, it’s never been easier to monitor and protect your property with HD video streaming motion-activated alerts, night vision cameras, and weatherproofing even in the harshest of conditions. Your Arlo Pro 3 is also compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for voice control.
Wireless connectivity – requires a Wi-Fi connection to the Arlo app or browser (not included) on your mobile device or desktop to access, view, and control your system. 1x 3.5mm female input for connecting audio device (not included).
2K at 30fps – Video is streamed in 2K high definition video at up to 30 fps over 2.4GHz Wi-Fi or wired Ethernet. 2x optical zoom – Extends up to 3x with built-in digital zoom and 6x with a paired camera.
Indoor/outdoor – home security camera system with motion, sound, and vibration sensors for indoor/outdoor use. Both sets of cameras must be plugged in. See the Specs tab for more info on the operating temperature range.
Night vision – Infrared LED night vision up to 26ft/8m allows you to keep watch over what matters most, day or night.
Arlo Pro 3 Wireless Security System has a Working Temperature range of-10°C +45°C (14°-113°F) and It is also compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for voice control.
3. The Nest Cam IQ Outdoor
The Nest Cam IQ Outdoor is the best cold weather camera and reviews for this camera confirm it. If you are experiencing extreme weather changes, i.e. the unusually cold temperature in winter, and you are looking for home security, this is your camera. It is the most durable and reliable outdoor camera.
The camera sells itself as the “first line of defense” for your home. Considering that it’s weatherproof, tamper-proof and whatever the weather, video quality won’t be an issue, it gives you confidence in its ability to do what needs to be done with Home Security.
The Nest Cam IQ camera can also detect a person or movement up to 15 meters away and send you a click on your phone. An add-on feature, Nest Aware can even recognize a face.
The camera has a 4k sensor, has a 1080p HD supervisor that can transmit clear close-ups and up to 12x digital zoom, and a built-in microphone with noise and echo cancellation. It can also record snaps from the last 3 hours of activity.
Other features include strong Wi-Fi connectivity, clear night vision with infrared LED light, and a secure and locked-down mount that is impossible to tamper with.
Nest Cam IQ Outdoor has an IP66 rating. This means that the camera is protected against high-pressure water jets and heavy dust. The camera has an operating temperature range of -40° to 113°F (-40 to 45°C).
4. Defender 4k Ultra HD Security Cameras
Defender 4K Ultra HD Security Cameras offer night vision protection with advanced infrared technology. It is a completely wireless camera, with no need for cords or electrical outlets and it has motion detection which can record any sudden movement without being visible to the human eye.
The 4k video quality offers vivid and clear images of all that happens in your home so you can monitor and see what’s happening at all hours of the day. You can watch the live stream of these cameras from your mobile devices, so if you’re on the go you can see what’s happening at home, even if you’re outside.
These cameras are weatherproof for outdoor use, as well as being weather resistant, which has been tested to work during the cold weather conditions in Canada. It is also vandal-proof and crash-proof. This set includes 6 cameras so that you can properly monitor your home and keep it safe.
We tested the Defender 4K DVR system. This wired IP camera setup comes with 4 bullet cameras streaming in 4K Ultra HD at a resolution of 3840 x 2160. They are IP67 rated and operate in temperatures ranging from chilled to -40°C to frying with eggs on the pavement +60°C.
Martin used the cameras in 40-degree heat and he will update his review with information on how they hold up in cold weather once temperatures drop.
All clips can be viewed on the Defender 24/7 app. You can see a live feed, zoom in on your feed and have all your clips recorded continuously without using a cloud service. You can also save clips to your phone.
One of the best features of the Defender 4K cameras is that you don’t need an internet connection to use them. They can just record straight to your DVR and you can watch clips that way.
5. Amcrest UltraHD 4K (8MP) Outdoor Security IP Turret PoE Camera
Along with its top-notch weather resistance, the Amcrest has some impressive features. It has a 4K video resolution (also known as Ultra HD) and the night vision range goes up to 50 meters, which is a nice line of sight.
With a weather rating of IP67, the Amcrest 4K Turret is the best-protected security camera on our list against things like wet, cold, dust, and even heat, and as such it works well during the winter period in Canada. Regardless of the weather, you don’t have to worry about this camera going offline.
However, it does not have two-way audio.
What is the best Security Camera IP rating for Canadian Winter?
A weatherproof camera designed to stay outside in a Canadian winter must have an IP rating of at least IP65, IP66, or IPX6. This rating means that your smart camera is dust and splash-proof. The higher the number, the stronger the jet of water your camera can withstand. The weatherproof rating signals the security camera could work well in a harsh environment, and no natural elements like heavy rain, intensive snow, or dust could interfere in your camera’s performance.
Things to consider before a security camera that can stand cold weather in Canada
The first specification which is important for cold weather is the camera’s ability to withstand moisture. There are 3 major categories in which a camera can be affected by moisture:
On the market today, there are many cameras that have an IP rating of 65 or higher, meaning that they can stand up to water, dust, dirt, and other contaminants. These cameras would be perfect for harsh climates such as extremely cold weather.
Another factor to consider is the camera’s ability to withstand temperatures below freezing. Most cameras which are made for the outdoors will have an articulation range of -10°C (14°F) to 60°C (140°F). Some more expensive cameras will be able to resist higher temperatures, but this is more common in professional security cameras.
If you are planning to use your camera in freezing temperatures, it is very important to keep in mind that most cameras will shut down when exposed to extremely low temperatures (-10°C or lower). However, there are some cameras that will function at very cold temperatures.
In fact, most professional cameras like the Defender 4K Ultra HD Security Cameras can be used in temperatures as low as -30°C (-22°F), and some even have the ability to resist even colder temperatures of -50°C and below.
To prepare your camera for extremely cold temperatures, one must make sure that the battery is fully charged. This will ensure that your camera does not run out of power while you are outdoors.
Also, make sure to use the correct type of batteries; some cameras use lithium-ion batteries, which will not function in very cold weather conditions. These cameras use lithium primary batteries instead. If you are unsure what type of battery your camera uses, it is best to purchase the correct kind before taking your camera into freezing weather.
