Security systems play an important part in keeping people safe, be they at malls, office parks, schools, or anywhere else. Homes need just as much protection, particularly due to the wide threat landscape. Commonly, burglary and home invasion are amongst the biggest reasons that people choose to enhance their home security, but a good system doesn’t necessarily have to be reserved for disasters. You might simply want to keep an eye on what is going on in and around your home throughout the day, and equipment such as cameras enable that. 

At SwitchBot, we make Smart home security systems with innovative designs built to protect, and our Pan/Tilt and Indoor Cameras play a vital role in ensuring this. Both cameras serve different purposes to meet different home security needs. So, what are the differences, and which is right for you? Read on.

What Is the difference?

Pan/Tilt Camera: 

The rotational abilities of the SwitchBot Pan/Tilt Cam allow you to see every inch of the space it is made for, meaning you never miss a thing. Other key features include:

  • 360° rotation horizontally and 115° vertically
  • Automatic detection and set detection zones
  • Motion tracking
  • Smart notifications
  • Advanced Privacy Mode 
  • Night vision
  • HD 1080p video
  • Two-way Audio
  • Voice command compatible
  • Cloud Storage

Indoor Camera:

The most notable difference between the two cameras might be the more compact and lightweight size of the indoor camera. Because (as the name suggests) the SwitchBot Indoor Camera is made to be used indoors, the small size makes it less noticeable and easier for you to place anywhere. But it has other advanced features that make it the ideal indoor camera, these include:

  • HD 1080p video
  • Receive Instant Mobile Alerts
  • Intelligently detects motion
  • Customize activity zones
  • Two-way Audio
  • Privacy Mode
  • Instant notification
  • Smart integration with Amazon or Google Assistant
  • Cloud Storage

Compare with similar items

DifferenceIndoor CamPan/Tilt Cam
1Input5V⎓1A5V⎓2A
2Definition1080P1080P
3Two-way Talk
(Voice volume adjustment)
4Infrared Lamp Bead850nm IR LED ×6850nm IR LED ×8
5Motion Detection
6Human Detection
7Area Detection×
8Push Notification
9Motion Tracking×
10Private Mode◯(Hide Lens)
11Third-party Video Speaker Monitor
12Micro-SD Card Storage
13Cloud Storage Service
14Preset Point×
15Cruse×
16Favorite Site×

Both cameras are equipped with high-resolution 1080P video definition, making for crisp and clear views of what is happening. As well as two-way talk, which allows you to hear and communicate with any personnel in the space. They both have reliable motion detection capabilities, picking up the slightest movement in their areas of focus.

Which Camera Is Right for You?

In an ideal world, you would have both (and you can), but it really just depends on your needs. On one hand, the Indoor camera fulfills several in-house purposes, from a baby monitor (to keep a friendly eye on your little ones) to pet watching, as well as all other monitoring needs inside of your home, and during installation, you can assign the camera to your preferred room.

On the other hand, the Pan Tilt is ideal for any space you would like a full view of as opposed to one that focuses on a single spot. This allows you to have a more centralized view of the house, should you please.

A few must-have features necessary for any Smart camera, and provided by both the Indoor Cam and the Pan/Tilt Cam include:

  • Wireless connectivity – This removes the need for internet wiring
  • Smartphone app – So you can access the cameras, whenever, from wherever, with no hassle
  • Motion-activated monitoring – Meaning as soon as the camera sensors detect motion, you can begin tracking the source in real-time
  • Energy efficiency (Who doesn’t love an environmentally friendly cam?)
  • Easy setup – The installation process alongside the app accessibility makes them simple to acquire and use, but powerful 

Final Thoughts

Nothing has to go wrong for you to consider improving your home security. If anything, SwitchBot cameras give you control and peace of mind, and in the case that something does happen awareness. Finding the right camera does not have to be a difficult choice. Simply assess your needs, consider your location, and make a well-informed decision.