List of Lowest Cost Outdoor IP Cameras 2013

Recently, a member asked for the lowest cost outdoor IP cameras, observing accurately that the range in price between manufacturers was significant. So we surveyed 10 manufacturers including Axis, Bosch, Sony, Avigilon, ACTi, Vivotek and more to figure this out, asking them for their lowest cost camera that was at least IP65 and 720p. [Note: this is the first output of our new Manufacturer Input system.]

Lowest Cost Models

Below are the least expensive models from each manufacturer that responded, and cameras that support resolutions higher than 720p are noted:

• Wodsee WIP-CC100 IR Dome: ~$40 [link no longer available] Street Price
• Dahua (Q-See) QCN-7001B IR Bullet: ~$200 Street Price
• ACTi D71 dome: ~$230 Street Price
  
• Lilin LR7022X bullet: ~$240 Estimated Street Price (1080p/15fps)
• Hikvision DS-2CD2032-I IR bullet: ~$260 Street Price
• D-Link DCS-2332L [link no longer available] wireless cube: ~$280 Street Price
  
• Vivotek IP8366W wireless cube: ~$280 Street Price
• Avigilon HD Micro Dome 1MP: Estimated ~$280 Street Price
• AXIS M2014-E Bullet Camera: ~$370 Street Price
  
• March MegaPX WDR NanoDome [link no longer available]: ~$415 Street Price (1080p/30fps)
• Bosch NDC-274-PT [link no longer available] dome: ~$460 Street Price (1080p/30fps)
  
• IQinVision Alliance-mx 720p dome: ~$600 Street Price
  
• Sony SNC-DH160 dome: ~$850 Street Price

Competitive Analysis

While the 4 lowest cost options given here are relatively close in price (between $230 and $280), form factor and features vary between them. ACTI, Lilin, and D-Link are all true day/night cameras with built-in IR illumination, while the Avigilon HD Micro Dome is color only. 

On the other hand, the price variance amongst the offerings ranges more than 3x, with Sony and IQinVision being particularly steep.

Also, Avigilon Micro Dome and the Axis M2014-E are different, consisting of a remote camera head with main unit, connected via a short cable. All other models are standard dome, bullet, or cube form factors.

Further Information

Aside from the lowest cost models listed above, some manufacturers offered further information:

• Axis: While the M2014-E was Axis' lowest cost model, they also offered options in other form factors. The Axis M1114-E is their lowest cost fixed box camera (MSRP: $649 USD / Street: ~$650). The Axis M3114-VE is their lowest cost fixed dome (MSRP: $549 USD / Street: ~$525). The Axis P1214-E is their lowest cost covert/pinhole (MSRP: $499 / Street: ~$450). Like the M2014-E, all of these models are color only.
• D-Link: While the DCS-2332L cube was the lowest cost model from D-Link, they offered additional options in different form factors. The DCS-2310L [link no longer available] was their lowest cost wired network cube camera (MSRP: $329 USD / Street: ~$250). The DCS-7010L [link no longer available] was their lowest cost bullet camera (MSRP: $389 USD / Street: ~$350). Both of these cameras offer PoE, while the DCS-2332L does not.
• Vivotek: Like D-Link, their lowest cost model was a cube camera. Vivotek's next lowest is the IP8332 bullet at ~$320 USD.
• Bosch informs us the NDC-274-PT is scheduled to ship in July 2013.

Other Manufacturers

We want to add other manufacturers so if you have any suggestions or any specific models to add, feel free to leave a comment!