A quality police body camera typically starts at around $100 and can exceed $500, depending on the camera’s capabilities. Video resolution, battery life, storage capacity, and features like night vision all influence the price.
Costs also go up with advanced technology such as GPS, live streaming, or motion detection. Additionally, departments must consider ongoing expenses for software, training, and data storage.
Keep reading to find out what drives the cost and what to look for when choosing the best body camera for law enforcement.
What Makes the Price Different?
The cost of a police body camera depends on what it can do.
- Video quality matters. A camera with clearer video usually costs more.
- Battery life affects price too. Some can run for 12 hours or more.
- Storage is also a big factor. More space for videos means higher cost.
- Durability makes a difference. Tough cameras that can handle rain, drops, or heat are priced higher.
- Some cameras have extra features like GPS, night vision, or live streaming. These can raise the price fast.
So, how much does a police body camera cost? It really depends on these things.
How Much Do They Usually Cost?
Axon: Axon is known for clear video and cloud storage.
- Low-end : Around $75 – $300 (often found used or refurbished)
- High-end: Can range from $400 – $900+ per camera, often with subscription fees for their Evidence.com platform, which can add significant long-term costs.
Wolfcom: Wolfcom offers night vision and live stream options.
- Low-end: Around $125 – $300
- High-end: Can range from $799 – $2500+ for cameras and docking systems. They also offer monthly communication packages that add to the overall cost.
BOBLOV: BOBLOV is A more affordable choice with decent features.
- Low-end: Around $30 – $80
- Mid-range: Around $80 – $200. This price range seems to be their more common price point for models with features like night vision and decent storage).
- Higher-end (with 4K, GPS, and larger storage): Can reach up to $200 – $300 or slightly more for their most feature-rich models.
Each brand has its own style, price, and features.
Factors That Affect Body Camera Cost
Several things can change the price of a body camera. Here’s what to look for:
Video Quality & Features: Cameras with HD or 4K video cost more. Add features like night vision or a wide-angle lens, and the price goes up.
Battery Life & Storage: Longer battery life means more recording time. Some have built-in memory, while others let you add SD cards. More storage usually means a higher cost.
Durability & Design: Tough cameras that are waterproof, dustproof, or built to handle drops cost more. Smaller, lightweight ones are often more expensive too.
Brand & Warranty: Well-known brands like Axon or Wolfcom charge more, but they often offer better support and longer warranties. That can be worth it for long-term use.
Other Costs to Think About
The camera price isn’t the only thing to plan for, you’ll also need to think about:
- Software to upload and manage video files.
- Cloud or physical storage for hours of footage.
- Training so officers know how to use the gear.
- Upkeep, like battery changes or fixing broken cameras.
All these add up. When thinking about the price of a police body camera, it’s smart to include everything- not just the camera.