what camera to use

[Frank1012]

Hi

I'd like to get an Arlo camera to point out 2 windows to look at the snow load on my roof, but also see the surrounding ground etc.  Would an arlo indoor essential camera work for this purpose?  Does the camera have the same long distance view as the indoor/outdoor options?

Thanks for any help

[StephenB]

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@Frank1012 wrote:

I'd like to get an Arlo camera to point out 2 windows to look at the snow load on my roof, but also see the surrounding ground etc.  Would an arlo indoor essential camera work for this purpose?  

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An outdoor camera isn't suitable if you need motion detection.  The outdoor models all use passive infrared (PIR) sensors, and those sensors generally doesn't work through glass. The indoor models use image processing, and often will detect motion at greater distances than the outdoor ones.

A couple of factors to keep in mind - 

• reflections off the windows can get in the way, especially at night.
• similarly, any frost or condensation on the glass will of course be a problem.

You could also consider mounting a cameras outside the windows at those locations.  If you do that, I suggest making sure you can (safely) reach them from the open windows.

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@Frank1012 wrote:

Does the camera have the same long distance view as the indoor/outdoor options?

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If you are just talking about focus/depth of field, then both indoor and outdoor cameras are fine for this.  They are fixed-focus to infinity.

The field of view for the indoor cameras is 130 degrees.  Some of the outdoor cameras have a wider field of view.  I suspect 130 degrees is enough for what you are wanting to do.