Bj's Surveillance Cameras: What You Need To Know

BJ's Wholesale Club offers a range of surveillance cameras and security camera systems. The selection includes wired and wireless security cameras, 4K security camera systems, doorbell cameras, HDD DVR security camera systems, and more. With a variety of brands and features to choose from, BJ's provides its members with well-made products at incredible prices.

Wired security camera systems

There are various wired security camera systems available on the market, offering different features and specifications to suit diverse needs and budgets. Some of the prominent brands in this space include Swann, Arlo, Night Owl, and ANNKE.

Swann, for instance, offers a wide range of wired security camera systems suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. Their products vary from 4-channel to 16-channel systems, with camera counts ranging from 4 to 16, and they offer features such as two-way audio, 4K UHD resolution, and up to 2TB HDD for video storage.

Arlo, on the other hand, provides wired security cameras that can be used indoors or outdoors, with features like 2K resolution, automated privacy shields, and smart Wi-Fi connectivity.

Night Owl specializes in wired security camera systems with high-resolution capabilities, offering products with 2K or 4K resolution, two-way audio, and up to 2TB DVR storage.

Another popular brand is ANNKE, which offers wired security camera systems with AI capabilities for human and vehicle detection. Their systems support remote access, smart playback, and email alerts with images, and they provide a range of camera configurations to suit different needs.

Surveillance cameras

BJ's Wholesale Club offers a range of surveillance cameras and security camera systems for its members at discounted prices. The selection includes wired and wireless security cameras, as well as 4K security camera systems, doorbell cameras, HDD DVR systems, and rechargeable security camera options.

Some of the surveillance camera systems available include the Lorex Fusion 4K 16 Channel 2TB Wired NVR System with 4 Bullet Cameras, 2-Way Audio, and AI Detection; the Defender Sentinel 8-Channel 4-Camera 4K Metal Security System with 1TB HDD NVR, Color Night Vision, and Human Detection; and the Night Owl 2-Way Audio 20 Channel 10 Camera 1080p DVR Security System with 1TB Hard Drive.

BJ's also offers standalone IP security cameras, such as the Lorex 2K Pan-Tilt Outdoor Wi-Fi Security Camera with a 64GB SD Card and the SimpliSafe Indoor 1080p HD Security Camera.

The wholesale club provides its members with a diverse range of products, including electronics, housewares, athletic equipment, food, health, and beauty supplies, all at discounted prices.

Standalone IP security cameras

An IP camera is a digital security camera that uses IP address-based computer networks to send data. They can transmit digital data, including video, sound, alarms, and motor movement controls, over a single network cable. This makes them a good choice for standalone surveillance as they simplify the equipment setup and provide the added benefit of digital control of features inside the camera.

IP cameras have small computer chips that give them an advantage over HD security cameras. They can operate independently without a centralized recorder, or they can be integrated with other cameras and a network video recorder (NVR) to create a comprehensive security system.

At CCTV Camera World, our IP cameras have internal web servers that can be accessed remotely via web browsers, mobile apps, PCs, or Mac software. This allows for direct remote viewing without recurring cloud storage costs. Our cameras function as standalone devices on a local network, avoiding third-party servers.

For remote access, you can view, manage, and playback recorded footage over the internet by adding the camera to an app or software. Our cameras with SD cards have a microSD slot for internal storage, making them economical for standalone surveillance. The storage capacity of the SD card determines how much video or snapshot data it can store.

To set up a standalone IP security camera, you will need to follow these general steps:

• Power the IP camera using a PoE injector or a PoE switch.
• Connect the camera to your local computer network.
• Access the camera using a web browser, mobile app, or PC/Mac software.
• Set up a recording schedule and configure the camera's settings according to your requirements.
• View and manage the camera's footage and data using the chosen device or platform.

By following these steps, you can effectively utilize a standalone IP security camera for your surveillance needs without incurring additional cloud storage costs.

Wireless security cameras

Battery Life:

The battery life of a wireless security camera is crucial, as you don't want to be constantly charging it. Look for cameras with long-lasting batteries that can go months without needing a recharge. Some cameras, like the Blink Outdoor 4, offer an impressive two-year battery life. Solar-powered cameras are also an option, with built-in or separate solar panels keeping the battery charged.

Storage Options:

Smart Home Compatibility:

If you have a smart home ecosystem, ensure the camera you choose is compatible. Many cameras work with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, while Apple HomeKit support is less common. The Arlo Pro 5S, for example, works with Alexa, Google Home, and Samsung SmartThings but does not support Apple devices.

Motion Detection and Object Recognition:

Motion detection is essential, but you also want a camera that can distinguish between people, vehicles, and animals. Google's AI detection, for instance, can identify packages and familiar faces with a subscription. The Reolink Argus 4 Pro uses smart AI detection to identify people, vehicles, and pets, reducing false alarms.

Night Vision:

Look for cameras with night vision capabilities, whether it's infrared or colour. Some cameras, like the Ring Stick Up Cam Pro, offer colour night vision with HDR for clearer footage.

Field of View:

A wider field of view is better, as it allows you to monitor a larger area with fewer cameras. The Arlo Pro 5S offers a 160-degree viewing angle, while the Google Nest Doorbell has a 145-degree field of view.

Privacy and Security:

Check the privacy policy of the camera brand and ensure they have a good reputation for fixing security breaches and protecting user data. Ring, for instance, has made changes to its policy regarding police access to user footage, now limiting it to emergency situations only.

Arlo Pro 5S:

The Arlo Pro 5S is our top pick for a wireless security camera. It offers a long-lasting battery, 2K resolution, 12x zoom, colour night vision, and broad smart home compatibility. The camera also has a built-in spotlight and siren, and you can opt for cloud storage or local storage with the Arlo SmartHub.

Ring Stick Up Cam Pro:

The Ring Stick Up Cam Pro is a portable wireless camera that can be mounted or placed on a table. It offers high-quality two-way audio, 3D motion tracking with a "Bird's Eye" view, and colour night vision. Video storage requires a Ring Protect plan subscription.

Blink Outdoor 4:

If you're looking for a camera with excellent battery life, the Blink Outdoor 4 is a great choice. It boasts a battery life of up to two years and includes features like two-way audio, infrared night vision, and motion zone control. It also comes with a Sync Module 2 for Wi-Fi connections and local storage.

Google Nest Indoor/Outdoor Cam:

The Google Nest Indoor/Outdoor Cam is easy to install and maintain, with a magnetic connection for simple adjustments. It offers HD video, night vision, and two-way audio. Google provides three hours of free cloud storage, and the camera works with both Alexa and Google Assistant.

Arlo Pro 3 with Floodlight:

The Arlo Pro 3 is a great floodlight wireless camera, offering 2K resolution, colour night vision, and a wide 160-degree viewing angle. It works with Apple Home with the purchase of an additional SmartHub. Keep in mind that the floodlight can quickly drain the battery.

Eufy SoloCam S230:

The Eufy SoloCam S230 is a solar wireless camera with a built-in solar panel for convenient charging. It offers 2K resolution, a 600-lumen spotlight, motion detection, and object recognition without a subscription. Storage requires a separate microSD card.

4K security camera systems

When choosing a 4K security camera system, it is important to consider the features that enhance security and deter crimes. For example, smart motion detection with AI capabilities can accurately detect and distinguish between people, animals, vehicles, and packages. Other features such as built-in security lighting, sirens, and two-way audio can also help to deter intruders and improve overall security.

There are several reputable brands that offer 4K security camera systems, each with its own unique features and specifications. Here is an overview of some of the top options:

Lorex

Lorex offers a wide range of 4K security cameras, including wired and wireless options. Their 4K Dual-Lens Wi-Fi Camera stands out for its ability to capture a 180-degree panoramic view without distortion. The camera also features smart security lighting, a siren, and motion detection. Lorex cameras can be easily integrated with smart home platforms such as Alexa and Google Home. While Lorex provides a large selection of cameras, their customer support is limited, and their app could use some improvements.

Swann

Swann offers a more affordable alternative to Lorex, with clear night vision and accurate motion detection. Their PRO-4KMSB 4K outdoor camera uses infrared-powered night vision to see up to 150 feet in total darkness. The camera also employs infrared-powered motion detection to reliably detect human, animal, and vehicle movement. Swann cameras are wired and require a BNC cable for installation. While they offer crystal-clear image quality, their viewing angle is more limited compared to Lorex.

Arlo

Arlo's 4K security cameras, the Arlo Ultra and Arlo Ultra 2, offer impressive video quality thanks to their high dynamic range (HDR) feature. The cameras can digitally enhance lighting to balance out glare and shadows. The Arlo Ultra also provides a versatile 180-degree maximum field of view, which can be adjusted to 120 or 155 degrees. Arlo cameras are battery-powered and easy to set up, but they require a subscription to access AI features and cloud storage.

Nest Cam (wired)

The Nest Cam (wired) is not a true 4K camera, but it comes close with a 4K image sensor and HDR technology. It captures crisp, lifelike videos and is one of the few indoor cameras with facial recognition. The camera integrates with the Google Home app and offers features such as Familiar Face Alerts. However, it lacks a built-in security light and local storage, and it requires a subscription to access activity zones.

When choosing a 4K security camera system, it is important to consider factors such as video quality, artificial intelligence, ease of use, installation, mobile app performance, smart platform integrations, and cost. While 4K cameras offer superior image quality, they also come with higher hardware costs, increased bandwidth usage, and higher video storage space requirements. Therefore, it is essential to weigh your specific needs and budget when making a decision.

Frequently asked questions