Distance covered by Camera

Hi @tracygkash,

While there are no official limits to how far out our SimpliCam's can see, there are a few things you'll want to take into consideration. The primary factor here would be the resolution of your SimpliCam. The first version of the SimpliCam (model SSCM1) was sold until September 2020 and has an HD resolution of up to 720p. The subsequent version of the SimpliCam (model SSCM2) has been sold since September and has a Full HD resolution of up to 1080p.

In addition to the resolution of the SimpliCam, another big factor here would be the quality of the internet connection. If the SimpliCam is too far away from the router or if it doesn't get enough upload speed (we recommend at least 2 Mbps per camera), the picture quality may not come out at its best. Another factor is since this camera will be looking through a window, you'll have to make sure that the glass is clean on both sides while keeping in mind that a screen may also impede the camera's view somewhat.

Regardless, if you already have a SimpliSafe camera, we recommend quickly plugging it in in that location to see if it will suit your needs. If you don't already have a camera, we have a full, money-back guarantee that allows you to return any equipment purchased from us within 60 days, no questions asked.

SimpliSafe Social Team
SimpliSafe Home Security

@@tracygkash, I would want to add that if you are planning on using the built in motion sensor, it is very, very limited in coverage. My experience with the Simplicams indoor (I have 3 of them) is to not even use the motion sensor in the camera and rely on motion sensors in the rooms where the cameras are.

Can the camera zoom in and how far, like say a license plate from a passing car or faces?

Hi @r86rap1,

While the SimpliSafe app does allow for the use of pinch-to-zoom, there is no optical zoom on either the SimpliCam or the Video Doorbell Pro. This means that while you will be able to zoom, the image will start to get pixelated.

SimpliSafe Social Team
SimpliSafe Home Security

@to all, I would like to update and refine my comments earlier in this thread about the motion sensor built into the SImplicam.  My so called "grand cats" are visiting this week and, to my surprise, the capabilities and performance of the motion sensors in the Simplicams have dramatically improved! Both cats made multiple appearances on all three cameras throughout the night in stunning detail, and if I might add, from all angles!  

Hats off to the SS software dev team as it appears they worked to improve this function and achieved it in remarkable fashion.  To Simplisafe Sr mgt: another missed opportunity to toot your own horn.  I am sure the marcom dept can find the time to make sure that when this occurs you tell customers about it!

Thank you SS dev team!

For starters, a 1080p camera is roughly 2MP if that helps put things in perspective.

Also, the OP mentioned by a window. Not sure if that means through a window but, if so, then it will have poor to nonexistent motion detection looking through the window, and the night IR illumination probably will give just a bunch of glare/reflection off the glass.

When talking security cameras and what you need, to do it right one really needs to understand what you want to accomplish. In more "trade lingo" there is something referred to as DORI distance. DORI stands for Detect, Observe, Recognize, Identify.

Detection - The detection level allows for reliable and easy determination of whether a person or vehicle is present.

Observation - The observation level gives characteristic details of an individual, such as distinctive clothing, while allowing a view of activity surrounding an incident.

Recognition - The recognition level determines with a high degree of certainty whether an individual shown is the same as someone that has been seen before.

Identify - The identification level enables the identity of an individual beyond a reasonable doubt.

So, to know if a camera will do what you want you first have to know what it is you really want to accomplish. Do you just want to see that something happened and have a rough idea of what went down (D), or do you want to identify a license plate or a face beyond reasonable doubt (I), or something between (O, R).

We know that the 1080p camera should be ~2MP resolution so if we knew the camera lens focal length we could come up with approximate DORI distance specs for the SS cam.