Which Meraki Camera Should I Buy?

Cisco Meraki’s MV smart cameras are simple to deploy, easy to manage, and packed with smart features, all without the need for NVRs or complicated infrastructure.

Whether you’re securing a small shop, monitoring office floors, or rolling out a multisite deployment, there’s a Meraki MV camera that fits the job. But the lineup can get a little confusing.

This guide breaks down the MV camera models, use cases, key features, and how to pick the right one for your environment.

Why Choose Meraki Smart Cameras?

Meraki cameras are different from traditional CCTV systems:

• No NVRs or DVRs required - footage is stored onboard
  

• Encrypted video at rest and in transit
  

• Cloud-managed via the Meraki dashboard
  

• Edge-based analytics like object detection and motion search
  

• Optional cloud archive if you want offsite backup

With MV, you get smart security without the usual overhead.

Quick Overview: Meraki MV Camera Families

Onboard Storage: No NVR Required

Every Meraki camera stores footage locally using solid-state storage, from 128GB to 1TB, depending on the model. You can view and scrub through footage directly in the dashboard.

If you want longer retention or offsite backups, you can optionally license Cloud Archive (up to 365 days of storage in the cloud).

Model Breakdown and Recommendations

🏪 Small Shops and Offices

Use: MV12

• Compact indoor dome camera
  

• Fixed lens, 1080p resolution
  

• Great for entrances, meeting rooms, reception areas

💡 Best choice for general-purpose indoor coverage with smart features.

🧠 Larger Indoor Spaces with Zoom Needs

Use: MV22

• Varifocal lens for zoom and flexible placement
  

• Ideal for halls, large open-plan offices, warehouses

💡 Use this when you need to tweak field of view post-install.

🌀 360° Indoor Monitoring

Use: MV32

• Fisheye lens for panoramic coverage
  

• Mount on ceiling for full-room visibility

💡 One camera can replace multiple — perfect for lobbies or open-plan areas.

🛡️ Outdoor Zoom and Detail

Use: MV52

• Telephoto lens with 4MP sensor
  

• Designed for monitoring gates, perimeters, car parks

💡 Use this when you need to see faces or number plates from a distance.

🌧️ General Outdoor Coverage

Use: MV63

• Fixed wide-angle lens
  

• Small, simple bullet form factor
  

• Weather- and vandal-resistant

💡 Go-to for general surveillance outside buildings or entry points.

🔄 Outdoor 360° Coverage

Use: MV93

• Fisheye lens with dewarping
  

• Wide coverage without moving parts
  

• Great for car parks, courtyards, or open outdoor areas

💡 Covers more space with fewer cameras. Ideal for large, open sites.

Smart Features Built-In

All MV models include:

• Motion search – quickly find events by movement
  

• Object detection – people, vehicles, loitering detection
  

• Smart overlays – zones, counting, and activity maps
  

• API integration – build custom dashboards or automation
  

• Audio recording – optional, toggle per camera

You can also create video walls in the dashboard for live monitoring.

Licensing and Cloud Archive

You’ll need an active Meraki license per camera:

• MV Enterprise (standard features, local storage)
  

• MV + Cloud Archive (adds 30, 90, 180, or 365 days of offsite backup)

If you don’t need a cloud archive, the Enterprise license is enough, even for motion search and smart features.

🔍 Bonus: Try the Meraki Camera Site Survey Tool

Not sure where to place your cameras or which model fits best?

Cisco Meraki has a free Camera Site Survey Tool that lets you simulate camera placement and field of view in real environments. Just upload a floor plan or map, pick a camera, and test coverage virtually.

🎯 Try the tool here

Great for planning before you buy or checking if you need fewer cameras than you think.

Final Thoughts

Meraki smart cameras are a great option for businesses that want enterprise-grade security without the complexity. Whether you’re fitting out a single site or managing hundreds of locations, Meraki’s approach to video surveillance scales easily, and it looks good doing it.

Here’s a quick recap:

📦 Not sure which one’s right?

Get in touch with The Networking Nerds - we’ll help you pick the right cameras and licenses for your space.