What characterises a high-quality doorbell with camera?
A good video doorbell does more than show who is at the door. It integrates camera, call button, intercom and labelling permanently and in a design-appropriate way into the entrance area.
In the solutions from Briefkasten Manufaktur, therefore, the electronics are not the only focus. Depending on the version, a precisely manufactured front is produced from brushed stainless steel V2A or powder-coated metal. Colour, dimensions, number of buttons, nameplate, house number and the position of the technology can be selected to match the building or adapted for a specific project.
This ensures the doorbell with camera does not look like an add-on, standalone device. It becomes a defined element of the façade, mailbox, doorbell post or entrance system.
Video door intercom as part of the architecture
High-quality camera modules and touch displays are most effective when the mounting frame, metal front and remaining functions form a calm, cohesive unit.
Material and individuality as the decisive difference
A video doorbell is used daily and remains permanently visible. Material quality, proportions and labelling therefore shape the entrance as much as the front door, windows and façade.
High-quality metal front
Stainless steel V2A and carefully powder-coated surfaces provide a durable, high-quality basis for the exterior. The specific ingress protection rating and suitability also depend on the installed camera system.
Colour matched to the building
Many versions are available in a RAL colour of your choice and selected DB colours. This allows the doorbell plate to harmonise precisely with the front door, window frames, façade or mailbox.
Durable labelling
Name, house number, company name or pictogram can, depending on the model, be engraved, laser-cut or realised as illuminated lettering. This appears more durable and clearer than an added sign.
Functions as required
One or more call buttons, camera, intercom, access control and electric door release can be arranged on a project-specific basis. Customer-specified technology can also be prepared for suitable installation dimensions.
Video doorbell via 2-wire, LAN/PoE or WLAN?
Not the camera alone determines the appropriate system. Existing cabling, desired indoor stations, app use and integration into the network or building automation define the technical basis.
| Connection | Suitable for | Typical advantages | Important when choosing |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2-wire bus | Renovation or new build with a suitable two-core cable | Video, audio and call signalling within a coordinated manufacturer system; existing cabling routes may remain usable depending on condition | Power supply, indoor station, electric door release and any app gateway must belong to the system |
| IP over LAN/PoE | New build, existing network cabling or demanding building integration | Stable data connection; network and power can be carried via one cable with PoE; app, SIP and automation functions depending on manufacturer | Coordinate network, PoE power, door release integration, updates and IT responsibility early on |
| IP over WLAN | Retrofit when a permanently stable WLAN and suitable power supply are available at the installation location | Less data cabling; mobile operation can be easily integrated with suitable systems | Check WLAN coverage, building attenuation, power supply and possible cloud or app dependencies |
Surface-mounted, flush-mounted, freestanding or for multiple occupants
The location determines how the video doorbell is mounted, where visitors will ring and how cabling, network and electric door release are routed.
Surface-mounted with camera
A surface-mounted solution is particularly suitable for existing façades and clearly defined mounting areas. The shallow installation depth simplifies many retrofit projects.
View surface-mounted video doorbells →Flush-mounted with camera
Flush-mounted is preferred when a particularly calm, near-surface integration is desired. Cut-out, installation depth and cable routing must match the model.
View flush-mounted video doorbells →Freestanding as a doorbell post
At the boundary of the property, at a gate or driveway a doorbell post brings camera and call button to the right operating point. Cables are routed protected through the column and foundation.
View freestanding video doorbells →Multi-family and commercial properties
Multiple flats or businesses require clear call targets, easily readable labelling and straightforward operation. Depending on the system, multiple buttons or a digital directory of residents may be appropriate.
Door intercom systems for multiple occupants →DoorBird, GIRA, COMELIT or Ekinex?
Manufacturers place different emphases. Therefore the technical system environment should be defined first and then the appropriate metal front, form factor and labelling chosen.
DoorBird IP Video
The installable D1100E Engineering Edition supports LAN and WLAN, is PoE-capable and combines 1080p video, two-way audio, night vision and motion detection for bespoke fronts.
View DoorBird solutions →GIRA System 106
The camera module combines a black glass front with a 100-degree field of view. In selected BML solutions the system is integrated into the metal front with particular precision and colour matching.
View GIRA System 106 solutions →COMELIT EU2020 and EU8020
The installable audio/video units are intended for single-piece, including customer-specific, front plates. EU2020 works with Simplebus2, EU8020 with the IP-based ViP system and PoE.
View COMELIT video solutions →Ekinex Dico IP
Dico links a SIP-based IP door station with a touch display, app and optional Delégo integration. The large glass surface is suitable for a particularly modern, flush-mounted design.
View Ekinex Dico solutions →Good visibility starts before installation
High resolution alone does not guarantee a good image. Crucial factors are field of view, mounting height, distance to the visitor, backlight and entrance lighting. The appropriate height depends on the camera module, installation location and manufacturer recommendations.
For a freestanding installation, you must also consider whether visitors will ring on foot, from a vehicle or at a gate. For app and IP systems, network quality, PoE supply and later accessibility for maintenance should also be planned.
Combine doorbell with camera and mailbox
The entrance looks particularly high-quality when the mailbox, call button, camera, intercom, house number and labelling are designed together. Instead of several individual housings, a continuous front with coordinated joints, materials and colours is created.
The combination is possible as a wall model, flush-mounted system, fence-mounted solution, freestanding mailbox or a representative mailbox post. For special dimensions and customer-specified technology we manufacture project-specific solutions.
Frequently asked questions about doorbells with camera
What is the difference between a video doorbell and a video door intercom system?
The terms are often used similarly. A video door intercom system usually refers to a coordinated system of an outdoor station, audio connection and indoor station or app. “Video doorbell” is the broader search term and can also include compact, app-only devices.
Is a 2-wire or IP video door intercom better?
That depends on the infrastructure. 2-wire systems are often interesting where suitable existing cabling exists. IP systems use LAN, PoE or WLAN and, depending on the manufacturer, offer extensive app, SIP and integration options. All components must match the chosen system environment.
Does every doorbell with camera work via an app?
No. Some systems operate exclusively with indoor stations, others require a gateway or cloud connection for app calls. In native IP systems the app may already be part of the concept. The decisive factor is the specific scope of delivery.
Can a video doorbell be made to measure?
Yes. Depending on the project, dimensions, metal surface, RAL or DB colour, number of buttons, labelling and the position of camera and intercom can be adapted. Preparations for customer-specified systems can also be provided.
Is a stainless steel doorbell with camera automatically weatherproof?
No. Stainless steel is a high-quality basis, but weather resistance also depends on the camera module, ingress protection rating, sealing, installation and location. The specifications of the specific product and the technology manufacturer are decisive.
What mounting height is correct for a doorbell with camera?
There is no universally valid height. Camera angles, manufacturer recommendations, desired image section and the usability of the call button must fit together. For driveways, use from a vehicle may also be relevant.
Can the camera be integrated into a mailbox system?
Yes. Camera, call button, intercom, labelling and access functions can, depending on the system, be integrated into a mailbox front, functional housing or mailbox post. This creates a unified entrance area.
Who should connect a video door intercom system?
Power supply, bus or network connection, electric door release and commissioning should be carried out by appropriate electrical or network professionals in accordance with the manufacturer's documentation.
Plan a video door station matched to the entrance
We combine high-quality materials with the desired camera and intercom technology – as a doorbell plate, wall solution, post or fully integrated mailbox system.
