In a previous article, I wrote about my ZoneMinder setup. The key to a successful ZoneMinder setup is having good IP cameras. However, since I have a lot of cameras, I don’t like to break the bank with each one. Luckily, you can find many ZoneMinder compatible cameras from $25-$75 that can provide you with a crisp HD Video.
Generally, any ONVIF-compliant camera will work with ZoneMinder. Also, cameras that provide access to an RTSP stream will work well too. Here are a few I use and/or recommend.
Table of Contents
Turret/Dome IP Cameras
Amcrest ProHD Camera
- HIGH PERFORMANCE, REAL-TIME, TRUE HD – Experience magnificent full-HD 1080P video at 30fps with enhanced low light capability utilizing the image sensor and Ambarella chipset. Extra-wide 90° viewing angle, as well as remote pan and tilt, allows you to cover more ground and keep more of what matters to you safe. Works with Amazon Alexa through Amcrest Cloud.
- SMARTER SECURITY – Receive motion alert notifications, review footage and engage in two-way communication via your smartphone with the Amcrest View app. Playback and record professionally on a PC using Amcrest Surveillance Pro or Blue Iris Professional. Works with Amcrest Cloud remote video storage, MicroSD card, Amcrest NVRs, and QNAP NAS, FTP, Pale Moon (32bit) & SeaMonkey Browsers, IE, Safari 11, Firefox 49.0 and Chrome with Amcrest Web View Extension.
Amcrest is a well-known IP Camera brand and this is an inexpensive and functional camera that works with ZoneMinder. It has pan and tilt capabilities, two-way audio, and a MicroSD card slot for local storage, although ZoneMinder can take care of all your storage needs. It also has night vision. Additionally, it has an Ethernet port in case you want a wired connection instead of a wireless one.
Amcrest Nanny IP Camera
- 1080P PAN, TILT, ZOOM WIFI CAMERA – Live streaming 1080p @30fps video. Remotely pan, tilt and zoom (PTZ) from the app or set it to auto-track and detect humans in AI mode. Built-in hardware based AI chipset with human detection function (does not rely on cloud). Records to microSD, Amcrest NVR, 3rd party software using RTSP, Blue Iris, and optional Amcrest Smart Home Cloud remote video storage (includes 1-Year Free Cloud Storage plan). Extra-wide 93° viewing angle
- BABY MONITOR SOUND ALARM MODE, SHARING & ALEXA – Turn your Amcrest Smart Home camera into an adjustable VOX monitor to view and be notified based on adjustable sound thresholds (such as baby crying, or dog barking decibel levels). You can enable this mode directly from the live-view screen of the app. Works perfectly as a baby monitor or pet / dog camera and can be shared with multiple family members so everyone can have access to the live video and recordings. Works with Alexa.
An even less expensive pan and tilt camera from Amcrest, this “nanny cam” can also be used as a general ZoneMinder surveillance camera. It has a slightly wider range of view than the ProHD model, but also with slightly less range on its pan and tilt capabilities.
TP-Link Tapo Pan/Tilt Security Cam
- 【Up, Down, All Around】This Pan/Tilt IP camera see everything across an entire room or walkway with the 360° horizontal and 114° vertical range pan/tilt field of view.
- 【Detection & Instant Notification】Get instant push notifications when motion, person or baby crying is detected, there is no additional fee to use it as a baby camera monitor. Discern from notifications that matter, so you’ll know if someone is there.
A solid offering from inexpensive smart home company TP-Link. It is ONVIF capable and features MicroSD card storage, 2-way audio, and night vision.
SV3C 5MP PTZ WiFi Camera Outdoor
- 【5MP Resolution & Color Night Vision】: SV3C PTZ WiFi cameras with high quality 5 Megapixel sensor, display image by 2560 × 1920 resolution, providing super HD footage during the day and night, much clearer than 1080P/2MP, 3MP/2K and 4MP surveillance cameras. The 5MP outdoor WiFi camera supports 3 night vision Modes, Normal night vision(Black & White), Full color night vision(Color night vision all the time), Smart night vision(Color night vision works only when motion detected).
- 【Pan Tilt & Auto Tracking】: 5MP WiFi dome PTZ camera supports rotation 355 degrees in horizontal, 90 degrees in vertical, cover all corners, has no blind monitoring area. The exterior cámara has No Optical Zoom function, just supports Digital Zoom. When the outside rotate dome camera detect moving object, the PTZ surveillance camera will keep following the moving object, custom the time length of the alarm recording, see the moving process clearly! Note, the security camera with USB power port!
This is an outdoor pan, tilt, and zoom camera that has ONVIF and RTSP capabilities to help it work with ZoneMinder. It also has a 5MP sensor allowing it to capture video at 2560×1920 resolution.
Bullet IP Cameras
Bullet cameras are great for outdoors as many of them are weatherproof, have night vision, and have wide viewing angles. Here are a few that work with ZoneMinder via RTSP or ONVIF.
TP-Link Tapo Outdoor Security Cam
- 【2K 4MP QHD & IP66】Tapo C320WS will capture every detail of what goes on outside your home with 2K QHD/4MP high resolution. Deploy your outdoor security cameras with peace of mind with a true to its name weatherproof IP66, this Wi-Fi security camera is ready for harsh particles and rain.Controller Type:Google Assistant;Amazon Alexa.Connectivity protocol:Wi-Fi.Power source type:Corded Electric
- 【Colored and Long Distance Night Vision】Dual integrated spotlights enable you to see everything that happens at night in vivid color night, and thanks to the 850 nm IR Sensor see for an extraordinary distance of up to 98 feet in the dark, making this the perfect outdoor security camera.
IP66 weatherproofing highlights this ONVIF and RSTP-capable camera from TP-Link. Also with its 2K resolution (2560×1440) you’ll get a slightly crisper picture than regular HD cameras.
SV3C WiFi Outdoor Camera
- 【Two-way Audio & HiP2P PC Software】: This 1080P outdoor security camera was updated with Microphone and Speaker, supports two-way audio. This outdoor camera allows you to communicate with people in the monitoring area when you’re away or busy. You also can connect and view this 1080P WiFi IP camera on SV3C HiP2P PC software. This 1080P wifi camera DOESN’T SUPPORT COLOR night vision!
- 【Motion Detection & Storage】: SV3C outdoor wifi camera will alert you through phone app or send one snapshot to email when motion is detected. Also, the wifi security camera supports multiple storage methods: FTP Storage, Micro SD Card(not included in the camera) Storage Up To 128GB, Local Disk and NVR. The SD card slot is on the IP camera body, remove the black cover, you will see the speaker and the card slot, see the left picture.
I have had good luck with SV3C bullet-style cameras and I have a few of them outside of my home, including this model. They’re easy to get working with ZoneMinder and have excellent night vision.
SV3C WiFi Outdoor Camera
This is a slightly different form factor bullet camera from SV3C that has many of the same capabilities as the camera above but at a higher resolution (2560×1920).
Amcrest Spotlight Security Camera
- HIGH PERFORMANCE, PRO-HD – Experience magnificent full 1080p HD video resolution at 30fps (1920×1080). This home security camera features an extra-wide 133° viewing angle allowing you to cover every angle. This deterrent camera features a built in microphone and speaker for two way audio allowing you to talk and listen to visitors.
- ACTIVE DETERRENTS – This WiFi camera is equipped with active deterrents including a boisterous 110db siren alarm and an illuminating built-in spotlight that can be triggered manually or by motion detection to scare away would-be criminals. The outdoor spotlight camera can also switch between spotlight and strobe light mode using the Amcrest Smart Home app.
This bullet-style camera features two-way audio, night vision, and can be used outdoors. Notably, it also has a spotlight. ZoneMinder can access its RTSP stream.
Other IP Cameras
Below are a few other IP cameras that come in different form factors that you may want to consider.
Amcrest 1080P Video Doorbell
- The Amcrest Video Doorbell Camera requires wired power and may utilize your existing doorbell wiring (16V-24V). If you do not have existing doorbell wiring, a seperate power supply must be purchased and is available on Amazon by searching ASIN: B08BZX29LG. Doorbell is compatible with existing traditional mechanical and electronic digital chimes to provide surveillance of all front door activity in high definition 1920x1080p resolution. This doorbell is not battery powered.
- Built in microphone and speaker allows for two-way audio and makes it easier to talk to visitors without having to get up and answer the door. Includes two interchangeable faceplates, choose from a black or silver faceplate. The Amcrest Video Doorbell Camera is RTSP stream compatible. This home security camera features an extra-wide 140° viewing angle allowing you to cover every angle.
Although this doorbell camera was slightly above our $75 threshold when writing this article, I thought I’d include it anyway. This is a good option if you are looking for a video doorbell that can work locally with ZoneMinder!
TP-Link Tapo 2K Indoor Security Camera
- 【2K High Definition】Capture every detail inside your home with crystal-clear 2K high definition video with this indoor security camera. Easily see what your baby is holding or what your pet is playing with.
- 【Secure Local or Cloud Storage】Save footage continuously on up to a 256 GB microSD card (not included) or subscribe to Tapo Care for cloud storage which saves 30-day video history and provides additional benefits such as Rich Notification, Video Summary and more.
An inexpensive stand camera is great for easy installation in your home. It has 2K video and 2-way audio as well.
Final thoughts about ZoneMinder-compatible IP Cameras
Remember, surveillance systems are a great way to improve the safety and security of your home. If you are looking to get into ZoneMinder and not pay a lot for security cameras, this list has you covered. You can also look through the official ZoneMinder documentation for other options, and you can also check out our Wi-Fi Surveillance Camera Advisor. Pick anyone from this list and add HD camera surveillance to your home.
Do you have experience with any of these cameras or others that you think I should have mentioned? If so, let me know in the comments.
Oh man this is awesome! I am returning to zm after a several year hiatus. We have a meth house three doors away and the city is doing squat about it. Thanks!
Sorry about the meth house but happy you find the information in this article helpful!