I'm in the process of building out a TP Link "Deco" mesh Wi-fi network. We're looking for security cameras to watch our house and out-buildings. (We're just as concerned about coyotes as crackheads. ) Ideally, some need to be wi-fi, some need to be wired. Don't really care about pan and tilt, but wide angle/zoom might be useful. We also need a recorder for all of them that can run on a local computer, but is accessible from other devices (phones, tablets) that are also connected to the Wi-fi. We do not want to put anything on "the cloud", although external access over the internet would be useful, too. Obviously, I'll need to secure it. Does NOT need to be compatible with Alexa, Siri, or any other electronic nanny.
Does anyone have any recommendations? Or even "dis-recommendations"?
I would look into Lorex kits. They used to be owned by Flir and they have a huge variety of cameras. I use their 4K, POE cameras that are powered from the ports on the NVR. The cameras have 2 way audio, a bright LED light that you can trigger via pressing a button on the app or trigger when it see's motion in a defined area, and a built in a siren that you can trigger manually or again automatically trigger through a motion or masked zone in the picture. They also use a technology similar to Axis cameras where the camera uses every bit of minimal light in the evening to keep the picture in color mode rather than change to black and white. If there is zero light then the infrared illuminators come on and you have that standard black and white, night vision picture.
They do have some wifi cameras but I have not used them yet.
Check out Wyze to see if they might have something you'd like. I have several of their older Wyze Cam v2. They were very inexpensive at the time. I use them more as monitoring devices than as a security system. I've been very happy with them. Wyze has greatly expanded what they now offer.
My only first hand experience is with Ring, but I don't think that would fit your needs. There are a lot of options for robust IP cameras out there and big spinning hard drives are cheap, now.
Hiseeu 10CH 2K NVR Wireless Security Camera System Outdoor Indoor, AI Human Detection, 2-Way Audio, 3MP Solar Powered Cameras with Color Night Vision, IP66 Waterproof, 1TB Hard Drive preinstalled
I have an older model but it does everything I need it to do. its all contained at home, works without internet access and the batteries charge with a Solar panel. No wires to hook up.
------------------ Dr. Ian Malcolm: Yeah, but your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn't stop to think if they should. (Jurassic Park)
Thanks for all the info, guys. I've also received several "offline" recommendations for Blink or Wyse stuff.
I've been thinking about this, some more. What I'm currently leaning toward is an "app based" NVR as opposed to a separate piece of hardware. I plan on adding a separate remote USB HDD just for the collection of video. (Seems like overkill, but terabytes are cheap, these days, so...) I'll welcome any comments regarding the perceived/observed advantages or disadvantages of either one, as well as any recommendations. (Also remember that I care nothing about "the cloud", although remote access from a phone is something I need.)
Also, I found the cameras that I had been looking at, a few months back. Anyone ever heard of Amcrest? They seem to have a large assortment of products, and fairly decent reviews on most of their stuff. Just an example... https://www.amazon.com/Amcr...H43-W/dp/B0964G2X8B/
I believe I looked at them first, was concerned about the battery life and the data on the camera instead of streaming back to the NVR. If you do get them expect to add a solar panel for around $25 to keep from having to take them down or swap batteries.
The Hiseeu I use have incredible battery life, adding a solar panel they never go dead.
Originally posted by Raydar: Also, I found the cameras that I had been looking at, a few months back. Anyone ever heard of Amcrest? They seem to have a large assortment of products, and fairly decent reviews on most of their stuff. Just an example... https://www.amazon.com/Amcr...H43-W/dp/B0964G2X8B/
So Amcrest is a rebrand of Lorex cameras. They are both owned by Dahua who makes both Lorex and Amcrest cameras so basically you're buying the same camera, just with different names on the camera body.
So Amcrest is a rebrand of Lorex cameras. They are both owned by Dahua who makes both Lorex and Amcrest cameras so basically you're buying the same camera, just with different names on the camera body.
Hah! Good enough. Thanks for that!
Now all I need to do is figure out what I want in terms of a NVR. (Desktop app vs hardware.)
Originally posted by Raydar: Now all I need to do is figure out what I want in terms of a . (Desktop app vs hardware.)
Hardware.
Most NVR NAS etc uses less power to run plus most are small and easy to hind only needing some airflow to cool them. I had WD Wordbook "NAS" w/ 1 1TB drive On 24/7/365 for 10+ years and uses less power then standard light bulb. Sat on top of high cabinet out of view. Some Routers w/ USB can use HD/SSD that can be target for some cameras too.
PC apps eat power because PC has to be Full On all the time only letting monitor(s) to sleep. Then add how often to you have to restart the PC or other programs because have problems... Example: Most web browsers eat memory over time even when don't have many windows/tabs you see. But use Process Explorer etc and they use huge amount of memory and stay there until closed. Then other programs don't have enough real memory to run right even tho Windows say nothing.
[This message has been edited by theogre (edited 08-01-2023).]
) 
