In this article, we will look at the best cameras for Synology Surveillance Station.
Before we look at the best cameras for Synology Surveillance Station, I want to be completely clear that there is not a single camera that is best for all situations. We will quickly look at some of the differences and some of the important information that you should take into consideration when comparing security cameras, but please keep in mind that a well-rounded system will have multiple different types of cameras for detection/observation and identification.
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Please keep in mind that Synology Surveillance Station is licensed per camera. Two licenses come free (two total cameras), but you may have to purchase more.
Best Cameras for Synology Surveillance Station
Before we look at the best cameras for Synology Surveillance Station, I want to explain a few points that you should take into consideration:
- The focal length of a camera directly impacts its field of view. That means that a 2.8mm camera will excel in detection (as it has a greater field of view), but may have identification issues from distances. On the other hand, a 3.6mm, 4mm, or 6mm focal length lens will provide greater identification, but a smaller field of view, meaning it will have a harder time with detection.
- Purchasing a camera with a larger field of view and covering entrances/important areas with a camera that has a longer focal length for identification is a great option. If you aren’t sure which focal length is best, purchasing a varifocal camera is a great option.
- Budget is a huge part of the equation when it comes to security cameras, but there are significant differences between budget cameras and slightly more expensive cameras in overall performance.
- The cameras being recommended are compatible with Synology Surveillance Station.
- All cameras below are power over ethernet (POE). If you don’t have a POE switch, please check out our article on the best 8-port POE Switches.
- The higher the resolution of the camera, the more storage space it will take up. Please check out our article on the best surveillance hard drives if you are interested in upgrading!
The cameras that I am recommending below are cameras that I personally own and have tested extensively, though that doesn’t mean they are the only cameras you can/should use.
Loryta IPC-T5442TM-AS
The Loryta IPC-T5442TM-AS is one of my favorite overall cameras. Without getting too deep into the specs, this is a 4MP camera that excels in low-light conditions. Most cameras are good (or at least functional) during the day but have a tough time at night. However, the Loryta IPC-T5442TM-AS is exceptional at night and is very good during the day as well.
- 2.8mm/3.6mm/6mm Fixed Focal Length
- H264+/H265+ Encoding
- 2688 x 1520 Resolution
- Does Not Support Color Night Vision
- Power over Ethernet (POE)
- Junction Box for Waterproof Installations
Click here to purchase the Loryta IPC-T5442TM-AS on Amazon
EmpireTech IPC-T5442T-ZE
The EmpireTech IPC-T5442T-ZE is basically the same camera as the Loryta above, but it has a varifocal lens that allows you to pick the exact field of view. This is a great option for people who aren’t sure which focal-length lens to buy. This will allow you to go from 2.7mm to 12mm and dial in the exact field of view needed.
- 2.7mm-12mm Varifocal Lens
- H264+/H265+ Encoding
- 2688 x 1520 Resolution
- Does Not Support Color Night Vision
- Power over Ethernet (POE)
- Junction Box for Waterproof Installations
Click here to purchase the EmpireTech IPC-T5442T-ZE on Amazon
EmpireTech IPC-Color4K-T
The EmpireTech IPC-Color4K-T is an 8MP 4K camera that is exceptional in low-light performance and supports color night vision. It has two built-in LED lights that turn on at night (or by schedule) which helps the color night vision by illuminating the area that the camera is focused on.
- 2.8mm/3.6mm Fixed Focal Length
- H264+/H265+ Encoding
- 3840 × 2160 Resolution (4K)
- Color Night Vision
- Power over Ethernet (POE)
- Junction Box for Waterproof Installations
Click here to purchase the EmpireTech IPC-Color4K-T on Amazon
EmpireTech IPC-Color4K-X
The EmpireTech IPC-Color4K-X is an extremely similar camera to the EmpireTech IPC-Color4K-T above, though it’s a bullet camera as opposed to a turret camera. This is an incredible low-light performer due to the LED lights that put off tons of light.
- 2.8mm/3.6mm/6mm Fixed Focal Length
- H264+/H265+ Encoding
- 3840 × 2160 Resolution (4K)
- Color Night Vision
- Power over Ethernet (POE)
- Junction Box for Waterproof Installations
Click here to purchase the EmpireTech IPC-Color4K-X on Amazon
ANNKE NCD800
The ANNKE NCD800 is the most interesting camera on this list because it is an amazing detection camera. It has two 4MP lenses that combine for a full 180-degree field of view. If you have a central location where you can mount this camera, you will be able to detect everything due to the 180-degree field of view. Just make sure there aren’t any areas that will block the field of view.
This is my favorite camera for Synology Surveillance Station as it functions like two separate cameras (providing a 180-degree field of view) but only consumes one license! Two of these cameras will provide the same functionality as four total cameras (while saving two licenses).
- 180-degree Field of View (2 x 4MP)
- H264+/H265+ Encoding
- Color Night Vision
- Power over Ethernet (POE)
Click here to purchase the ANNKE NCD800 on Amazon
Conclusion: Best Cameras for Synology Surveillance Station
This article looked at the best cameras for Synology Surveillance Station. As mentioned above, there are more budget-friendly options, though they will sacrifice quality in low light which all of the cameras above perform exceptionally in. The cameras above are also extremely easy to set up in Synology Surveillance Station.
Thanks for checking out the article on the best cameras for Synology Surveillance Station. If you have any questions on the best cameras for Synology Surveillance Station, please leave them in the comments!
