9+ Best Camera for ZoneMinder | Unrivaled Guide 2024

Looking for the best NVR? This guide will help you find the right recorder for you, understand the terminology, and get the recorder at the best price.

NVR stands for Network Video Recorder, a device that serves as the hub of a network security camera system. It serves as the storage and review point for the video surveillance system, so there is no need to subscribe to a remote service to store video.

This means that it usually requires a camera connected via a Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) cable (see our guide to the best PoE cameras (opens in a new tab)) and at least one hard disk.

Retailers often offer NVRs in multiple bundles with different camera types, the number of cameras, and hard disk capacity. Some all-in-one kits are a real bargain; the only drawback is that the product names are confusing.

Best Camera for ZoneMinder

It is an ONVIF IP CAMERA that works with ONVIF-enabled NVRs and third-party video surveillance software such as Blue Iris, Ispy, Security Spy, Zoneminder, and Synology. It also has a slot for a hard disk. It also has a microSD card slot (up to 128 GB, cards sold separately) to store images and video locally for playback anytime, anywhere via a smartphone app, eliminating the need to purchase third-party NVR or video surveillance software.

AUDIO POE CAMERA with built-in microphone and speakers allows you to hear and talk to people in the monitored area in real-time. Since audio can be recorded at the same time as video, security is assured. An audio alarm can be set to alert intruders when motion is detected.

Best Camera for ZoneMinder | Comparison Table 2024

Best Camera for ZoneMinder | Reviews 2024

How To Choose The Best Camera for ZoneMinder | Ultimate Guide 2024

How to Use This IP Camera

Choosing an IP camera is difficult. If you are new to the market, we recommend that you first read IP Camera Basics, a collection of frequently asked questions about IP cameras.

All of the cameras recommended in this article are DIY cameras that do not rely on the cloud or even the Internet. None of them are crippled by manufacturers to charge a monthly fee.

I recommend sticking with one brand for convenience and maximum compatibility, but thanks to the ONVIF and RTSP standards, you can mix and match, as I did with my DIY home security camera setup.

And if you start with one of these cameras, you can always continue to use them in future installations that also support open industry standards like ONVIF and RTSP.

If I am new to DIY, how do I choose an IP camera?

I have created the EasyDIY/ProDIY framework to help you choose the best system for your needs.

EasyDIY:

Discover the best all-in-one security camera system with Smart Security.

DIY.

Looking to start with one camera to cover it all and then expand with an NVR or NAS NVR? Excellent!!! That’s how I started. Choose a camera with internal storage (SD card slot) from the recommendations below.
Want to start with a NAS as an NVR and feel free to add IP cameras later? Great!!! Any of the recommended cameras below will do. Go to the recommended sites below.

How do I choose which IP cameras are compatible with my existing NVR?

If your existing NVR does not support ONVIF, choose an IP camera of the same brand as your NVR.
If your existing NVR supports ONVIF, any of the recommended cameras below will work.

Advantages of the Best Camera for Zoneminder

Definition of Capabilities

It is helpful to create an entry in the camera capabilities table for each camera model used. To show only those features that are supported by the camera, indicate which features are provided by the camera. Since multiple features may be supported, the entries in this table should reflect the actual functionality of the camera; ZoneMinder includes several examples that can be used “as is” or “with modifications”.

Command Scripts

Normally, ZoneMinder cannot be used to send commands to a camera or receive responses from a camera. Scripts defined in the control capability translate action requests from the web interface into a standard set of commands. Many cameras may require a new set of hands. If control commands exist in other applications, the scripts act as a “glue” layer between ZoneMinder and those commands.

The control and capability elements of ZoneMinder are not intended to support all cameras from the outset. Many cameras will require some level of development.

Monitor Controls

The short event list area turns into a control area when you click on the “Controls” link at the top of the window.

This is when the system is defined as having a controllable monitor. This window will display exactly what you have just specified. Typically, there will be a pan/tilt control area and one or more auxiliary controls such as zoom and focus. If there are predefined media, a section will appear at the bottom of the window. Clicking on the appropriate graphic will send commands to the camera via a control script during monitor control. It may take some time for the camera to respond.

The control arrow will usually respond to where you point it. For cameras with different pan and zoom speeds, placing the cursor near the indicator point will invoke a faster speed. Clicking on the base will bring them together at a slower speed. Clicking between the arrows will stop the current activity. You can use a for pan/tilt control and a for zoom and focus power.

In browsers that support streaming images directly, you can now click on the image itself for certain controls, such as mapped movement. Using this method, you can direct the camera to the part of the image you are interested in. It is also possible to control relative motion by clicking on a portion of the image.

and the direction is determined by the distance from the center. Since it is difficult to determine the direction near the center of the image, the active area begins a short distance from the center. This results in a “blind spot” in the middle of the image.

Capacity Check

Check that there is an entry in the capability table of the camera used by ZoneMinder that specifies whether it supports PTZ control. To do so, select “Edit” in the Control Type selection box on the Control tab of the Monitor Setup dialog. A new page will appear with a summary of existing features.

Edit an existing capability by selecting ID or Name, or click the Add button to add a new capability.

Control Scripts

Controlling cameras with ZoneMinder requires control scripts or an appropriate application; ZoneMinder comes with sample scripts that can be used as-is or as a basis for further development. Control scripts are executed atomically.

That is, actions from the web interface are executed and no status information is maintained; ZoneMthis. does not understand the status of the camera from a control perspective, so if your protocol requires status information, you must ensure that the script maintains it.

When writing custom control scripts, you must make sure that they are compatible with the settings that ZoneMinder will send.

If you already have a script or application that controls the camera, the ZoneMinder control script will translate the parameters passed to it into a form understood by the existing application. In order to support the activated protocol, the parameters passed in the script must be modified into equivalent protocol commands. You can expect statements that match the control capabilities defined above.

How to Choose an NVR System

Choosing an NVR requires you to think about the core of your security system, and your choice will depend on whether you are starting from scratch or already have cameras to connect. Either way, if you make the right choice, you can add or replace cameras and hard drives for years to come.

Storage bays.

One hard drive is enough to store several days’ worth of footage, but two or more will allow you to maximize storage in different RAID configurations or create live backups.

Camera Connections.

If your NVR has a built-in network switch, you can connect directly to the camera. Otherwise, a separate Ethernet switch is required.

PoE.

Look for a connection that can power the camera using PoE (Power Over Ethernet).

Camera Compatibility.

Cameras from major manufacturers are generally compatible as long as they support the ONVIF standard, but there is no guarantee that AI functions will be supported by software from other manufacturers. There are more reasons to look for bundled products.

Operating System.

While the major manufacturers develop their own software, there are several Linux-based systems that allow companies that are not as enthusiastic to develop their own NVRs.

Trade Sanctions.

In the U.S., Lorex, EZVIZ, and HikVision have been banned by the government from purchasing products. This is the first step toward banning some new products (although existing devices remain available). The U.S. government claims that the company is associated with Chinese government surveillance and violates human rights. Regardless of the rationale, if you are building a system, it may be wise to look for brands that are still on store shelves when you want to complete your system.

FAQs

What camera to use for ZoneMinder?

Axis cameras are a good choice, but they are expensive; Hikvision cameras are of modest quality and reasonably priced. In general, any ONVIF-compliant camera will work with ZoneMinder.

What can ZoneMinder do?

The software allows three modes of operation: monitoring (no recording), recording after motion detection, and constant recording.

How powerful is ZoneMinder?

There are 4 reviews of ZoneMinder. The overall average rating is 2.8 / 5 stars. Overall: Cannot build successfully on RPi3s or FreeBSD, as of the end of Q1. Overall: 2 cameras kill local network wifi.

What Camera Works Best With Synology Surveillance?

Synology Surveillance Station is compatible with a wide range of IP cameras from various manufacturers. When selecting a camera to use with Surveillance Station, there are a few important factors to consider, such as image quality, resolution, frame rate, and compatibility with the surveillance software.

Here are a few camera brands that are known to work well with Synology Surveillance Station:

1. Axis Communications: Axis offers a wide range of high-quality IP cameras that are compatible with the Surveillance Station. They provide excellent image quality and advanced features such as analytics, thermal imaging, and pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) control.
2. Hikvision: Hikvision offers a range of cameras that are compatible with Surveillance Stations, including dome, bullet, and PTZ cameras. They provide high-quality video and offer advanced features such as motion detection, alarm triggering, and remote access.
3. Dahua: Dahua also offers a range of cameras that are compatible with the Surveillance Stations, including indoor and outdoor cameras, fisheye cameras, and PTZ cameras. They offer excellent image quality and advanced features such as object tracking and intelligent video analytics.
4. Vivotek: Vivotek is another brand that is known to work well with Surveillance Station. They offer a range of cameras that are suitable for different environments and purposes, from indoor dome cameras to outdoor bullet cameras. They provide high-quality video and offer features such as infrared illumination and remote pan-tilt-zoom control.

It is recommended to check with Synology to ensure the compatibility of the camera before purchasing it to avoid any compatibility issues.

How Many Cameras Can Zoneminder Handle?

The number of cameras that Zoneminder can handle depends on a variety of factors, including the hardware and software specifications of the computer running Zoneminder, the resolution and frame rate of the cameras, and the complexity of the monitoring rules and analysis being applied.

In general, Zoneminder is capable of handling a large number of cameras on a single system, and the number of cameras it can handle can be increased by using more powerful hardware, such as a multi-core processor and additional RAM.

The official Zoneminder website lists the following guidelines for the number of cameras that can be handled on a system:

• 1 to 4 cameras for a single-core CPU with 1 GB of RAM.
• 8 to 16 cameras for a dual-core CPU with 2 GB of RAM.
• 16 to 32 cameras for a quad-core CPU with 4 GB of RAM.
• 32 to 64 cameras for an eight-core CPU with 8 GB of RAM.

These are general guidelines only, and actual performance may vary depending on the specifics of the system and cameras being used. It is recommended to consult the Zoneminder documentation and perform tests to determine the optimal number of cameras that can be handled by a specific system configuration.

How Do I Add Dahua Camera To Zoneminder?

To add a Dahua camera to Zoneminder, follow these steps:

1. Install Zoneminder: Install Zoneminder on a Linux machine or a virtual machine. Follow the installation guide on the Zoneminder website.
2. Connect the Camera to the Network: Connect the Dahua camera to the same network as the Zoneminder machine.
3. Add the Camera in Zoneminder: Log in to Zoneminder and click on “Add New Monitor.” Select “Network Camera” and enter the following information:

• Name: A name to identify the camera in Zoneminder.
• Source Type: Select “Ffmpeg” as the source type.
• Function: Select “Modect” if you want motion detection, “Monitor” if you just want to view the camera, or “Record” if you want to record the video.
• Device Path: Enter the RTSP URL of the Dahua camera. The URL should be in the following format: rtsp://[username]:[password]@[ip_address]:554/cam/realmonitor?channel=[channel]&subtype=[subtype]. Replace [username], [password], [ip_address], [channel], and [subtype] with the actual values. The [channel] and [subtype] values are optional, and you can leave them out if you want to use the default values.

4. Configure the Camera: Click on “Save” to add the camera to Zoneminder. Zoneminder will try to connect to the camera and retrieve the video stream. If the connection is successful, you will see a preview of the camera’s video in Zoneminder. You can then configure the camera settings, such as the resolution, frame rate, and motion detection zones, from the Zoneminder interface.

That’s it! You have successfully added a Dahua camera to Zoneminder. Repeat these steps for any additional cameras you want to add.

Which Camera Is Best For House Security?

The best camera for house security will depend on your specific needs and preferences. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a camera:

1. Resolution: Look for a camera with a high resolution, such as 1080p or 4K. This will provide clear and detailed video footage.
2. Field of view: Consider the camera’s field of view and make sure it can capture the area you want to monitor.
3. Night vision: If you want to monitor your house at night, choose a camera with infrared or low-light capabilities.
4. Two-way audio: Some cameras have built-in speakers and microphones that allow you to communicate with people near the camera.
5. Smart features: Look for cameras with smart features such as motion detection, facial recognition, and object tracking. These features can help you monitor your house more effectively and receive alerts when something unusual happens.
6. Easy to use: Choose a camera that is easy to install and use. Look for cameras that can be set up quickly and have a user-friendly app.

Some popular camera brands that are well-suited for house security include:

• Ring: Ring cameras are popular for their easy installation and user-friendly app. They offer a variety of models with features such as night vision, two-way audio, and motion detection.
• Nest: Nest cameras offer high-quality video and smart features such as facial recognition and person detection. They are also easy to install and use.
• Arlo: Arlo cameras offer high-quality video and advanced features such as activity zones and smart notifications. They are also weather-resistant and can be used both indoors and outdoors.
• Wyze: Wyze cameras are affordable and offer high-quality video and smart features such as motion detection and person detection. They are also easy to install and use.

Ultimately, the best camera for house security will depend on your specific needs and budget. Research different brands and models to find the one that best suits your requirements.

What Is The Difference Between A Security Camera And A Surveillance Camera?

The terms “security camera” and “surveillance camera” are often used interchangeably, but there is a subtle difference between the two.

A security camera is designed to monitor a specific area and detect any suspicious or unauthorized activity. It is typically used for a single purpose, such as monitoring a door or entrance. A security camera may have motion detection, night vision, and other features to help detect intruders or suspicious activity.

A surveillance camera, on the other hand, is designed to monitor a broader area and provide ongoing surveillance. It is typically used for a larger area, such as a parking lot or city street. A surveillance camera may have features such as pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) capability, which allows it to move and focus on different areas, and advanced analytics to help detect patterns and track people or objects.

In summary, a security camera is more focused and specific in its monitoring capabilities, while a surveillance camera is broader and more general in its monitoring capabilities. However, the terms are often used interchangeably, and the specific features of a camera will depend on the manufacturer and the intended use case.

Which Is Better Sensor For Surveillance?

When it comes to surveillance, there are different types of sensors that can be used depending on the specific use case and environment. Here are some common sensor types used in surveillance:

1. CMOS sensor: CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor) sensors are commonly used in surveillance cameras. They are known for their low power consumption and high sensitivity, which allows them to capture clear and detailed images in low-light conditions.
2. CCD sensor: CCD (Charge-Coupled Device) sensors are another type of image sensor used in surveillance cameras. They are known for their high image quality and low noise, which makes them a good choice for applications that require high-resolution images.
3. Thermal sensor: Thermal sensors detect heat signatures, rather than visible light, and can be used to detect people or objects in complete darkness or through obstructions. They are commonly used in outdoor surveillance applications, such as border control or perimeter security.
4. Infrared sensor: Infrared (IR) sensors detect infrared radiation and can be used to detect movement in low-light conditions. They are commonly used in motion detection systems, such as those found in home security systems.
5. Microwave sensor: Microwave sensors use microwave radiation to detect movement and can be used to monitor large areas. They are commonly used in outdoor applications, such as perimeter security.

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to which sensor is best for surveillance, as the best sensor will depend on the specific requirements of the application. For example, a camera used for indoor surveillance may use a CMOS or CCD sensor, while a camera used for outdoor surveillance may use a thermal or microwave sensor. It’s important to carefully consider the environment and specific surveillance needs before choosing a sensor.

How Much Ram Does Zoneminder Use?

The amount of RAM that Zoneminder uses can vary depending on a number of factors, such as the number of cameras being monitored, the resolution and frame rate of the cameras, and the settings and configuration of the Zoneminder server.

In general, Zoneminder is a memory-intensive application and it is recommended to have at least 2 GB of RAM available for Zoneminder to operate efficiently. However, the actual amount of RAM used will depend on the specific use case and can vary significantly.

It is worth noting that Zoneminder has settings that allow you to adjust the amount of RAM that it uses. For example, you can adjust the maximum amount of shared memory that Zoneminder uses, which can help to reduce the amount of RAM that it uses. However, reducing the amount of RAM available to Zoneminder can also impact its performance.

If you are planning to use Zoneminder to monitor a large number of cameras or require high resolution and frame rates, it is recommended to allocate more RAM to the Zoneminder server to ensure smooth and efficient operation.

How Much Ram Does Zoneminder Need?

Zoneminder is a memory-intensive application and the amount of RAM it needs depends on several factors, including the number of cameras, the resolution and frame rate of the cameras, and the settings and configuration of the Zoneminder server.

In general, it is recommended to have at least 2GB of RAM available for Zoneminder to operate efficiently. If you are planning to monitor a large number of cameras or need high-resolution frame rates, then more RAM may be required.

The recommended amount of RAM also depends on the specific operating system and version of Zoneminder you are using. For example, the Zoneminder website recommends at least 4GB of RAM for Ubuntu 20.04 with Zoneminder 1.35.2.

It’s important to note that the more RAM you have available for Zoneminder, the better its performance is likely to be. Therefore, it’s a good idea to allocate as much RAM as possible to Zoneminder, while ensuring that there is enough available for other applications and processes running on the server.

What Is The Maximum Distance For Ip Camera?

What Resolution Does Zoneminder Use?

Zoneminder supports a wide range of camera resolutions, including standard definition (SD), high definition (HD), and ultra-high definition (UHD or 4K).

The specific resolution used in Zoneminder will depend on the camera being used and the settings configured in the Zoneminder software. Typically, Zoneminder allows users to configure the camera resolution and frame rate for each camera individually. This allows users to adjust the settings to meet their specific needs and optimize the performance of their system.

Zoneminder can support a variety of camera resolutions, including 320×240, 640×480, 1280×720, 1920×1080, and 3840×2160. The resolution used will depend on the camera being used and the available bandwidth on the system. Higher-resolution cameras generally require more processing power and bandwidth, so it’s important to ensure that your system can handle the chosen resolution without slowing down or dropping frames.

It’s also worth noting that Zoneminder allows users to define multiple monitor profiles, which can be used to adjust the resolution and frame rate for each camera based on the time of day or other factors. This can help to further optimize the performance of the system and ensure that the cameras are operating at their best at all times.

Which App Uses Dahua Camera?

Dahua cameras can be used with a number of different apps, depending on the specific camera model and the user’s needs. Some of the most popular apps that can be used with Dahua cameras include:

1. Dahua DMSS: This is the official mobile app from Dahua Technology that allows users to view live and recorded video from Dahua cameras on their mobile devices. The app supports a variety of features, including real-time video preview, playback, and remote PTZ control.
2. iDMSS and gDMSS: These are mobile apps from Dahua’s sister company, Zhejiang Dahua Technology Co., Ltd., that are compatible with Dahua cameras. The iDMSS app is designed for iOS devices, while the gDMSS app is designed for Android devices. Both apps offer similar functionality to the DMSS app.
3. Blue Iris: This is a popular third-party surveillance software that can be used with Dahua cameras. The software allows users to monitor and record video from multiple cameras, including Dahua cameras. Blue Iris offers a variety of features, such as motion detection, alerts, and remote access.
4. Synology Surveillance Station: This is another third-party surveillance software that can be used with Dahua cameras. The software allows users to view live and recorded video from multiple cameras, including Dahua cameras. Synology Surveillance Station offers a variety of features, such as motion detection, alerts, and remote access.

It’s important to check the compatibility of the app with your specific Dahua camera model before downloading and using it.

Which Software Is Used For Dahua Camera?

Dahua Technology offers a range of software for its cameras, including both desktop and mobile applications. Some of the most commonly used software for Dahua cameras include:

1. SmartPSS: This is a desktop application that allows users to manage and view video from Dahua cameras. The software offers a variety of features, including live view, playback, and remote PTZ control. SmartPSS also allows users to configure settings for their cameras, such as motion detection and video recording.
2. DMSS: This is a mobile app that is available for both iOS and Android devices. DMSS allows users to view live and recorded video from Dahua cameras on their mobile devices. The app offers a range of features, including real-time video preview, playback, and remote PTZ control.
3. DSS Pro: This is a powerful video management software that can be used to manage multiple cameras from Dahua and other manufacturers. The software offers a range of advanced features, including video analytics, alarm management, and access control integration.
4. P2P Config: This is a desktop application that can be used to set up and configure P2P connections for Dahua cameras. P2P Config simplifies the process of setting up remote access to Dahua cameras and makes it easier to view live video feeds and recorded footage from anywhere.
5. Web plugins: Dahua cameras also require web plugins to be installed in order to view live video feeds and configure camera settings using a web browser. These plugins can be downloaded from the Dahua website and are compatible with major web browsers, such as Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox.

It’s worth noting that the specific software used for Dahua cameras can vary depending on the camera model and the user’s needs. It’s important to check the compatibility of the software with your specific camera model before downloading and using it.

How Much Mp Camera Is Best For Home Security?

The resolution of the camera is an important factor to consider when choosing a camera for home security. Higher-resolution cameras generally provide more detailed images, which can be useful for identifying people, vehicles, or other objects in the footage. However, higher-resolution cameras also require more storage space and bandwidth to store and transmit video data.

For most home security needs, a camera with a resolution of 1080p (2 megapixels) or higher is usually sufficient. This resolution provides clear enough images for basic security needs, such as monitoring entrances, driveways, or backyards. Cameras with resolutions of 4K (8 megapixels) or higher can provide even more detailed images, but they are generally more expensive and require higher storage and bandwidth capacity.

Other factors to consider when choosing a camera for home security include features like night vision, motion detection, and remote access. It’s also important to choose a camera that is compatible with the surveillance software or app you plan to use.

Is 2mp Camera Good For Cctv?

Yes, a 2MP (1080p) camera is generally considered to be good for CCTV applications, particularly for basic home or small business security needs. A 2MP camera provides a resolution of 1920×1080 pixels, which is sufficient for most general surveillance applications, such as monitoring entrances, driveways, or small indoor areas.

However, it’s important to note that the quality of the camera also depends on other factors such as the lens quality, image sensor quality, and the camera’s overall build quality. A good quality 2MP camera can provide high-quality footage with good color accuracy and detail, while a lower-quality camera may produce grainy or blurry footage that is not very useful for surveillance purposes.

If you need more detailed images, such as for monitoring larger areas or capturing fine details like license plates or faces, you may want to consider a camera with a higher resolution, such as a 4MP or 5MP camera. However, it’s important to also consider the higher storage and bandwidth requirements of higher-resolution cameras.

Which Cctv Camera Is Best For Long Distance?

Conclusion

The wide range of outdoor IP cameras listed above should give you an idea of the freedom and flexibility offered by the Pro-DIY system. Did I miss a camera that should be on this list? We look forward to your comments.

Have a nice day!