A Guide to Choosing the Right IP Cameras for Your Surveillance NAS
Of all the ways to make the most of a NAS in your home or business environment, few are as useful as implementing a surveillance system. Alot of people might have purchased a NAS for backup, for multimedia editing, for Plex Media Server or just for streaming over DLNA. However, all of those tasks are only going to be accessing the NAS for a fraction of the time, whilst it remains on 24×7. So, given the affordability of network cameras (you can pick some up for as little as £30) and the fact that most modern NAS brands include a surveillance software (some being remarkably enterprise in feel too), it almost becomes a no brainer to use the system for CCTV at home, shop or office. Today I want to discuss the important buying factors when choosing cameras for your surveillance NAS setup, as well as important setup factors to consider (camera licenses, IP camera compatibility and the software itself). Let’s begin.
Useful Tip – Is the IP Camera you are looking at not on the official NAS compatibility list? If it is an ONVIF supported camera, then there is a very high chance it will be usable by compatible with your NAS, but it may mean that a few hardware features of the camera are not accessible to the NAS Surveillance software.
NAS IP Surveillance and Camera Licences
Why do you need to pay for more licences? Well, the surveillance software is included with your NAS and has no subscription fee for consistent use. It is a 24/7 and 52 weeks a year program and requires a large degree of support externally from your device to be fully accessible and reliable online at all times. Unsurprisingly, the more cameras you use, the larger the load and therefore to subsidise this and keep costs low for those that just need lite service, additional camera licences above the ones included with your NAS purchase are on a paid basis. Most Synology and QNAP NAS arrive with 2-4 Licences (as well as 8 cameras licences for QNAP QNR Pro currently) included with your device, which unless you are taking Network Attached Surveillance very seriously will be enough for basic home needs. However, if you want to expand your NVR NAS camera availability further you are of course able to purchase more licences. You can buy QNAP and Synology licences:
Synology Surveillance Licences
Most Synology NAS include 2 Camera Licenses |
QNAP Surveillance Licences
QNAP NAS include 2/4/8 Camera Licenses (QVR Pro or Surveillance Station Depending |
Once again though – ONLY buy NAS IP Camera Licenses if you think you will 100% need them, as it can get quite expensive once you start getting more and more cameras on your network.
Useful Tip – Any QNAP NAS with an available USB port can also allow you to connect pretty much ANY USB Webcam and using the QUSBCam software available in QTS.
Surveillance IP Cameras and NAS Compatibility
If you know all about IP cameras or are too impatient to read through the blurb, you can skip right ahead and below is the recommended cameras for PTZ, Optical Zoom, Nightvision, etc. All the cameras below are compatible with the following NAS Surveillance and NVR software (at the time of writing):
- Synology Surveillance Station
- QNAP Surveillance Station
- QNAP QVR Pro
- Asustor Surveillance Centre
- MIlestone Surveillance for WD NAS (Check, as Support, may have changed)
If you want to see how each NAS brand handles Surveillance, then you will be pleased to hear that I have made numerous video setup guides and reviews. Below are first-time setup guides and software overviews for the Synology Surveillance Station, QNAP QVR Pro and Asustor Surveillance Center applications. (Click the video title to open it in a new tab)
However, if you want to test out the software for yourself and find out if a NAS is the right surveillance solution for you, then below you can test out demos of the popular Synology Surveillance Station surveillance platform, as well as the QNAP QTS and QVR Pro CCTV software. Bear in mind that these are demos that are being accessed remotely, so their performance might not be exactly the same as a NAS Surveillance platform that your set up in your own home or office network.
Synology Software Online Demo – https://demo.synology.com/en-uk/surveillance
QNAP Software Online Demo – https://www.qnap.com/en-uk/live-demo
Asustor Software Online Demo – https://www.asustor.com/en/live_demo
So, now you know more about NAS Surveillance, how a number of the bigger brands handle Surveillance on their platforms and have had a good look at the software itself available on each system. Let’s discuss the IP cameras that are compatible with each NAS brand.
Useful Tip – If you are looking at a Synology NAS PURELY for Surveillance, look at their dedicated DVA or NVR range for more included Camera Licences by default. If you are looking at a QNAP Surveillance NAS, look at 64bit x86 CPU based NAS (Intel or AMD) as it means the NAS will have QVR Pro support and 8 Camera Licenses in QTS.
Recommended NAS IP Cameras and Key Camera Features
Here are the key software and hardware considerations you will need to know when buying IP cameras for your NAS. You may not need them all, but there is probably one of two that are key to your Surveillance NAS setup.
IMPORTANT – The Recommended IP Cameras for NAS below are based on best VALUE, as I know a lot of people will purchase IP cameras for home/shop/small office use. There are ALOT of more enterprise cameras out there from brands like AXIS that are pretty much EXCELLENT at everything and compatible with most QNAP or Synology NAS systems, but they also cost about 10x as much as the likes of Reolink, Annke, Edimax, Hikvision and more. So, I am recommended cameras below based on being the best for their features AND their affordability. The subject of IP Cameras and NAS is a really tricky one to stay on top of. Despite my best efforts, the near-weekly firmware updates that are rolled out by both Synology and QNAP on their own operating platforms, the individual Surveillance software and the cameras themselves, can easily lead to a once compatibility camera not being supported. The pain is that the failure in compatibility is sometimes not even a performance halt or the camera suddenly falling off your available capture device list in the software – once it appears on the available camera list in the software, it will sometimes stay there regardless – possibly switching to a ONVIF class camera (kind like a default driver visible device). This matter is further compounded when I produce an update for you guys that lists cameras I have tested that work, that 6 months later 30-40% are no longer supported! I can only give you advice on this one based on my own experience, links to my existing articles and a little personal advice.
IP Cameras with PTZ and Optical Zoom
Recommended IP Cameras for NAS that Support Pan, Tilt and Zoom (PTZ)
- Reolink E1 Pro security cameras captures super HD videos in the resolution of 2560×1440 (4 megapixels), the eight infrared LED lights bring you excellent night vision up to 40ft.
- Plug it in. Connect the wifi camera to 2.4 GHz or 5Ghz WiFi. Up and running in minutes. Rotate 355° horizontally and 50° vertically. See every corner of your home with easy pan and tilt control on Reolink software.
- This indoor camera supports both 2.4GHz and 5GHz dual-band WiFi. the 2T2R MIMO antennas ensure a strong signal for reliable network performance. Support Alexa/Google Assistant. Control your pet camera hands-Free with your voice.
- 24/7 monitoring when connected with Reolink NVR. Save motion clips to a micro SD card (up to 64 GB) and Reolink Cloud for double insurance for 7-days, for free. (Micro SD Card and NVR isn’t included)
- You can remotely see live-streaming via free Reolink software on iOS or Android phones, Windows PC or Mac. With built-in mic and speaker, you can hear and speak through the wireless camera.
MegaPixel and why it is Important in NAS in IP Cameras
Recommended High-Quality Rated IP Cameras for NAS
- Human/Vehicle Detection with Smart Alerts: This PoE IP camera can identify people and vehicles in terms of their shapes, which minimizes the unnecessary alarms such as animals or shadows. It can also specify the type of detection when sending motion alerts to you. You can know what happened by just glancing at the phone screen.
- 4K Ultra HD Videos: This PoE security camera jumps from 5MP to 4K (8MP) Ultra HD. It is 1.6X clearer than 5MP and 4X clearer than 1080p. Details you see around home or store will be reproduced perfectly in live streaming and playback.
- Faster and Simplified PoE Installation: Thanks to the power over Ethernet (PoE) technology, this outdoor bullet camera can transmit videos and get power via only one network cable. You can install this camera quickly and easily for a reliable connection.
- Time-Lapse to See the Day in a Minute: This surveillance camera supports to record time-lapse videos. You can keep tracking of your 3D printing, see the whole construction process in a few minutes, or capture beautiful views from sunrise to sunset. It is easy to use and fun to share with friends. (Time lapse only works on Reolink App.)
- 2 Years Warranty – Users are provided with a 30-day money-back guarantee and 2 years warranty. Simply contact Reolink tech support, and we will replace any defected or broken products.
NightVision Support on IP Cameras
Recommended IP Cameras for NAS that Support NightVisIon
- Up to 8MP high resolution and Max. 3840×2160@20fps image ~ Using video compression technology, high compression ratio, and the processing is very flexible, Support H.265, H.265+, H.264+, H.264, ultra-low bit rate
- Progressive scan CMOS, captures moving images without jagged edges ~ Support DC12V & PoE (802.3af) ~ Support on-board storage, up to 128 GB ( NO Card ) ~ Support Face Detection
- Support a pair of input and output audio, support voice intercom( NO Built-in mic) ~ High-efficiency infrared lamp, long service life, irradiation distance of up to 100FT ~ 2.8 mm fixed lens, 102° horizontal field of view
- ICR infrared filter automatically switches to achieve true day and night monitoring ~ Support three streams ~ IP67-class dust and water proof design, IK10-class Impact Protection, high reliability
IP Cameras with Motion Tracking
Recommended IP Cameras for NAS that feature Motion Tracking
- HIGH PERFORMANCE, REAL-TIME, TRUE HD – Experience magnificent full-HD 1080P video at 30fps with enhanced low light capability utilizing the Sony Exmor IMX323 image sensor and Ambarella S2LM chipset. Extra-wide 90° viewing angle as well as remote pan/tilt and digital zoom allow you to cover more ground and keep more of what matters to you safe. Works with Alexa through AmcrestCloud. 360° Pan & 90° Tilt.
- 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 for Windows and MAC (included) or Blue Iris Professional. Works with Amcrest Cloud remote video storage, MicroSd card, Amcrest NVRs, Synology and QNAP NAS, FTP, Pale Moon and Sea Monkey Browsers, IE, Safari, Firefox 49.0 and Chrome with Amcrest Web View Extension.
- DAY OR NIGHT, QUALITY ASSURED – Featuring a Sony Exmor 1/2.9” 2.07MP image sensor and built-in IR LEDs this WiFi camera achieves industry leading 1080P nightvision up to 32 feet. Not all 1080P WiFi IP cameras are built the same and our Texas based team with over 10 years of IP camera experience has guaranteed the out-performance of this camera by using the highest quality components in order to deliver the ultimate best in class 1080p pan/tilt WiFi camera experience.
- SECURE CLOUD VIDEO BACKUP – The optional Amcrest Cloud remote video storage subscription service allows you automatically store your videos off-site in a third-party location hosted and secured by Amazon AWS. This way if something happens to your local PC/NVR/SDcard/NAS, the footage will be safely recorded in a secure off-site location and accessible to you through a web-based Flash interface for PC (Windows & MAC) (Chrome/Firefox/Safari/Edge) and AmcrestCloud smartphone app.
IP Cameras with Heat Detection
Recommended IP Cameras for NAS that Support Heat Detection
- 【5MP Ultra HD resolution IP audio bullet camera】–At the center of this security camera is a cutting edge 5MP image sensor. This sensor is capable of recording 5MP video, which is especially important for security camera footage. listen-in audio, extreme weather capabilties, a heavy duty metal housing, and more.
- 【Easy PoE installation】–These security cameras only need a single Cat5e ethernet cable to connect it to a compatible NVR. This cable provides video transmission, power to the camera, a stable network connection, and installation flexibility up to 300ft* (as the cameras do not need to be plugged into a nearby power source).
- 【Expanded coverage with built in microphone】–The built-in microphone will add a whole new level of security monitoring.This feature can provide you with more information (such as voices) should an incident ever occur. It will also help provide more insight into key events, even if they occur off-screen.
- 【Heat Sensing&Protection 24/7】–Heat & motion-based PIR detection reliably captures & records activity, with fewer false triggers & reliable push notifications.Know what’s happening at any hour with powerful night vision up to 130ft/40m, a wide 90° viewing angle, a built-in microphone & the choice to mount indoors or outdoors
- 【All-weather security cameras】–Mother Nature is no match for your security cameras. Rated IP66, they can endure anything from torrential downpours to freezing snowstorms. So go ahead and place them where you need them most.
IP Cameras that Claim to be WaterProof
Recommended IP Camera for NAS that is WaterProof
- 5MP PoE Camera Outdoor 190FT NIGHT VISION: 2560×1920 Super HD, this IP surveillance outdoor camera supports190ft long range night vision in dark, ideal for large areas like parking areas, garage, backyard, front yard, etc.
- Free App and Remote Access: Work with Google Assistant, the 5mp PoE security cameras can live stream to your TV in real-time using simple voice-activated commands. Rich feature and functions in Reolink free apps for iPhone, Android, Windows PC, Mac with no subscription fee, intuitive and easy to navigate with your Reolink PoE security camera systems.
- PTZ Security Camera: Pan-tilt-zoom camera with cruise 360˚ pan, 90˚ tilt, 4x optical zoom, PoE with one cable and easy wiring, no blind spots left for this weatherproof commercial-grade surveillance camera and wired security camera system.
- MOTION DETECT and ALERT: This PTZ IP camera has flexible motion detection (set detection zone, schedule detection time and adjust sensibility), real-time and accurate movement alert via app push notification or email. Automatically upload motion-triggered image capture and recording FTP server is supported.
Facial Recognition Supported IP Cameras
Recommended IP Cameras NAS that Support facial recognition
- ★【HD Video Resolution】Ultra HD 5MP picture quality 1944(H)x2600(V) at 18 frames 2.8-12mm 4X motorized zoom lens with H.265 video compression and advanced 3D dynamic noise reduction technology
- ★【Built-in POE】- With this Power over Ethernet (POE) camera, it only needs a network cable connected to the POE switch, which makes the installation more convenient
- ★【Two-ways audio real time communication】Build-in microphone and speaker,G.711A codec standard Anti-noise technology make sure the voice more clearly. After setting the motion detection area, when motion is detected, the camera will have the alarm sound. You can set sirens / warnings / even custom sound warning intruders
- ★【Onvif Compatibility】Support RTSP, multi-language. Remote watching by PC(IE, firefox, Chrome browser) and smartphone (IOS, Android). Compatible with 3rd party software: iSpy, VLC Player, and Blue Iris to watch video. Support onvif protocol GB/T28281, compatible with Hikvision, XM, Dahua, Amcrest NVR. Can’t wokr with MAC.OS
- ★【Best service】Will this Camera work with my NVR? Camera is compatible with onvif 2.4, generally speaking, it is possible to work with NVR supporting ONVIF
Reolink C2 Pro NAS IP Camera Review |
SimCam 1 Smart Camera Review |
Early Guide to Synology & QNAP NAS Cameras |
Heimvision HM203 Budget IP Camera Review |
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I have Nas at Home and want to connect IP camera from to that So how do it?
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Thankyou
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I have Nas at Home and want to connect IP camera from to that So how do it?
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I get synology surveillance station authenticate please check user name and password even tho password is correct i even tried making new user.
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I can not find surveillance station in package center.
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Hello, thanks for the video, very usefull. Can i make with this setup a video surveillance for 3 separate shops , and use it as center at my home?
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hi,recently,I trying to with yours video and playing nas,i have a a problems about how to put surveillance(app) into asustor portal as a icon just as yours at 16:37,thanks a lot!
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which nas has the best surveillance app . can you do a comparison video?
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New Asustor user: Is it as easy on a Mac? I’ve tried installing the Surveillance Center app and I cannot get passed the ‘Install app’ pop-up. When I download and install the app nothing major happens and I am in the centre of the maze – not able to go any further! Arrgh!
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The software allows configure private masks in ptz and static cameras?
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how could i add Surveillance into Portal ?
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its this type of guy that give me hope for the human race
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the camera license thing isn’t an issue on frigate, right?
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Thank you for your great Videos, thumbs up! Question: if you have more than one NAS – lets say one principal and one for backup, can you use the 2 free licenses per NAS (Syno) with lets say 4 cameras? or must all point to one NAS? And its possible to mix like NAS and Synology for the Cams? thank you. KR
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Thks
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Excellent video. The bit about the seagulls in particular.
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Nicw video.
We had the Synology rs3614xs+ but it got damaged due to liquid intrusion early this year.
Which device would you recomend. Something with similar features would be great. Thanks.
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What application on truenas would you recommend for security? I’m looking to have four 8K at either 30 or 60 FPS cameras
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I just wanted to say thank you. Over the past couple of years I’ve been working on setting up my NAS in some fairly complex ways and I always seem to find myself stumbling across your videos, and I’ve never been disappointed. You provide a bias-free opinion on all products I see you speak about, and you really seem to do your research. Thank you for being here, so much. Your work is appreciated.
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Thanks!
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I have Qnap 231P and tried to use Surveillance Station but something delete all the time my records files. I have low disk space left about 40GB free, but this should not happen. my “record_nvr” folder all the time is gone after few minutes.
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What to do to extend cameras for more? licence you need to pay more ?
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Very useful video. I want to add cameras at my home. However, I do not want to scrub through hours of video to find events. Looks like I can do this with surveillance station. Any suggestions on which NAS to get for a 4 camera setup. I will be using 4k cameras connected to ethernet. The NAS will be dedicated to surveillance.
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I GUESS it’s was a NECESSARY INVESTMENT….
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Can you tell me if it is possible to connect 2 cameras (POE) and a Modem/router to the nework port of my Synology DS218+ Nas using an Ethernet Switch | Ethernet Splitter?
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BlahBlahBlah
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I’ve recently been going through all the Synology video’s again as I decided to look to an alternative to running a computer 24/7 for another product. The Synology interface is still a little antiquated compared to the one I had been using, but it is perfectly usable. It will be good if Synology combine timeline into the live view. The big thing here though is energy saving. As I run the NAS anyway, shutting off the computer will be a but energy saving and the Synology is a good option.
I tried an external Dahua NVR, but it couldn’t do everything I wanted, one of the big things was recording low res 24/7 and switching to high res on an alert. Synology can do that.
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Can my cameras be on a separate network from The NAS device? Can I use my home Nas to monitor cameras at my business if both have high-speed fiber connections?
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This should be mandatory for people to watch before asking questions!
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I’m kinda amazed there isn’t an open source protocol for this. It seems simple enough to feed multiple data streams into a single server.
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nice video
but tell me, what is a good camera.
that is what I am looking for, not for all the talk around it.
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Thank you so much
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Nice video, thanks from Morocco
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You got a LOICENSE for those cameras?
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Does Surveillance Station effect the overall speed of the system, for say Windows SMB and for Plex? Would running 4x cameras at 8MP at 20FPS slow it down? That’s one thing I’m trying to understand, one side of me says to get the NAS to do it, the other side says it will slow the system down and then the HDDs are spinning 24/7, rather than just a dedicated NVR drive spinning and the NAS can sit quietly until needed for file sharing/plex/kodi.
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May I ask, when you are adding the camera IP address and username and password, is it the username and password for your NAS profile or the camera?
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Good vid but You keep saying there are lots of things you can do but don’t say how to do them, You say you can stream an area on a camera as a separate stream, but didn’t say how to do it, I would like to know how to do it?
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Hi, is it possible to connect the cameras directly to a poe switch and then to one of the lan ports of the 1520+? Ty
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How do u connect a poe camera to synology nas ds1019+? The damn thing has almost NO ports. Lol
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a medium expensive couple of camera compatible with qnap?
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Excellent video!!
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Very helpful video thanks! I had a Unifi Video NVR on an old PC and my new Synology NAS is replacing it. Unifi Video as a product/service is basically dead. I had terrible trouble getting my Bullet G3 camera to talk to surveillance station. A reset of the camera resolved it though and all is working now. Anyone else migrating their cameras from another system. Reset your camera settings. Don’t be like me and spend hours wondering why it’s not working. Anyway Surveillance Station sure seems pretty impressive to me!
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Excellent video! Thank you!!
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Is it possible for you to do a video for Wyze cameras with Wester digital Mirror cloud?
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