TL;DR: Quick Summary
✅ Indoor cams = best for privacy & coverage inside your home
✅ Outdoor cams = weatherproof & deter intruders at gates and doors
✅ Choose based on location, lighting, and coverage area
✅ In Singapore, heat & rain make IP66-rated outdoor cams essential
✅ Mix both types for full protection
📚 Table of Contents
❓ What’s the Main Difference?
Indoor and outdoor CCTV cameras are built for different environments:
Indoor Cameras: Designed for inside your home or office. Lightweight, discreet, and often with features like two-way audio.
Outdoor Cameras: Built to withstand rain, heat, and tampering. Often larger, with protective housing and night vision.
🏠 When Should You Use Indoor Cameras?
Use indoor CCTV cameras when you need to monitor activities inside your home or shop.
Best For:
Living rooms and entrances
Elderly or child monitoring
Office interiors or storerooms
Pros:
Compact and discreet
Typically cheaper
Easier to install (no need for weatherproofing)
Cons:
Can’t withstand outdoor elements
Limited field of view compared to outdoor models
Visual Tip:
Use a small dome camera in your living room — discreet but effective.
🏡 When Should You Use Outdoor Cameras?
Outdoor cameras are ideal for protecting external entry points and deterring crime.
Best For:
Main gate or corridor
Driveways and car porches (landed homes)
Condo balconies or back doors
Pros:
Waterproof, weatherproof (IP65–IP67 rated)
Designed to handle heat, rain, and glare
Visible deterrent against intruders
Cons:
Usually more expensive
Requires proper cabling or Wi-Fi range
Bigger in size, more visible
Visual Tip:
A bullet camera above your HDB gate can catch parcel thieves and entry footage clearly.
📊 Comparison Table: Indoor vs Outdoor CCTV
| Feature | Indoor Camera | Outdoor Camera |
|---|---|---|
| Usage | Inside rooms, hallways | Gates, porches, yards |
| Weatherproofing | ❌ Not needed | ✅ Yes (IP65–IP67) |
| Installation | Simple (plug & play) | May need drilling or external cabling |
| Visibility | Low-profile | Highly visible (deterrent) |
| Durability | Lower | Built for rain/heat |
| Price Range (SGD) | $60–$150 | $100–$300+ |
🛡️ Do You Need Both?
Yes — most Singapore homes and businesses benefit from a hybrid setup:
Indoor cam for general monitoring, evidence, and privacy
Outdoor cam for deterrence and early detection at the gate
Example Setup for a 4-Room HDB Flat:
1 Dome cam inside main door
1 Bullet cam facing corridor or letterbox area
Example for Landed Property:
Bullet cams for driveway, back gate, and front porch
Dome cam in foyer or living room
📍 Best Camera Placement in Singapore Homes
| Property Type | Recommended Setup |
|---|---|
| HDB Flat | Dome inside main door + bullet at corridor |
| Condo | Indoor wide-angle for foyer + outdoor cam at balcony |
| Landed House | Bullet cams at gate + PTZ cam at backyard + dome inside entrance |
🤔 FAQs
Q: Can I use an indoor camera outside if I shelter it?
Not recommended — indoor cams are not sealed against humidity and may fail during heavy rain.
Q: What does IP65 or IP67 mean?
It refers to waterproof rating. IP65 = protected from water spray. IP67 = protected even during submersion.
Q: Can I use outdoor cams indoors?
Technically yes, but they may be bulky and more expensive than needed.
Q: Do I need a license to install outdoor cameras?
No license is needed for private property, but avoid pointing at neighbours or public areas unnecessarily.
👨🔧 Need Help Choosing?
At AIDC Technology, we help Singapore homeowners select the right mix of indoor and outdoor CCTV cameras for full protection. Whether you’re in an HDB, condo, or landed property, we offer:
Free on-site consultation
Layout planning with blind spot analysis
Government-compliant camera placement
📍 Book a Free Consultation
📞 Call us: +65 6740 0255
📧 Email: sales@aidc.com.sg
🔗 Schedule Now
✅ No obligation. Just expert advice tailored to your space.
🔗 Related Posts
FAQ
While DIY installation is possible, a professional installer ensures proper camera placement, wiring, and reliable setup—especially for business or large properties.
Yes, most CCTV systems offer mobile apps or cloud services that let you view live or recorded footage from anywhere using your phone.
Yes, most modern cameras come with infrared (IR) night vision or color night vision. Always check the night vision range (e.g. 10m–30m).
Most systems stop recording during power cuts unless they are connected to a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) or backup battery. For critical setups, it’s recommended to have backup power.
As of 2024, most HDB flats no longer require approval for corridor-facing CCTV, as long as it does not capture neighbours’ private areas.
Yes, if your shop is located in a commercial condo or mall, you may need MCST or landlord approval, especially for exterior cameras.
You can start with a free on-site survey by contacting a licensed provider. This helps ensure the setup fits your layout and budget. Reach out to AIDC Technology at +65 6740 0255 or email sales@aidc.com.sg to schedule a no-obligation visit.
Most systems store footage for 7 to 30 days, but this depends on your business needs and the storage capacity of your NVR or cloud system.
A basic home CCTV system typically costs between $600 and $1,300 for 2 to 4 cameras, depending on the camera type and installation scope.
Commercial CCTV systems usually range from $1,200 to $5,000+, depending on the number of cameras, layout, and storage requirements.
Yes, CCTV is commonly used in retail stores. You should notify customers that recording is in place using signs at entry points.
Key features include HD clarity, night vision, mobile access, motion alerts, and secure video storage.
CCTV signage should be visible and placed at entry points to inform people they are being recorded.
DVRs (Digital Video Recorders) work with analog cameras, while NVRs (Network Video Recorders) are used with IP cameras and offer better resolution and remote access.