Home Security Cameras

[craig11152]

I'm thinking of installing some outdoor home security cameras . Probably 3 or 4 would would suit my needs
I know hardwired is likely my best bet but I am getting too old to run shit through my attic and drill down through walls.
So I guess I am looking at battery powered.
I don't think I am a good candidate for solar panels where I would install them. I don't know for sure because I don't know how much direct or indirect sun they might need.
I am OK paying a modest monthly fee for cloud storage or OK buying my own home storage unit.

Looking for any suggestions based on personal experience. Anything you like or don't like.

[ZenithCKLW]

I utilize Arlo's doorbell cameras. Between the two doorbells with their wide range view, I have set up a pretty decent view of the yard and areas someone could potentially approach, minus a few spots I'm not too concerned about. With my existing secure wifi for the video connection, I pay $10 for cloud storage for the recorded video with access from the Arlo mobile app or website. I think they offer free plans if you only want a live feed and no recording. This setup allowed me to utilize existing wiring for the power, and not have to deal with batteries or install wiring for the video and maintain the video record (like a DVR) myself. Before I went with this option, I checked out some "local" system options, where I had to wire it, install it, and maintain the software myself on premises; I said no way, and went with the cloud options.

I am mostly satisfied with this, although the temperature extremes we can experience in Michigan hurt the computerized hardware a bit more than just a normal doorbell would be hurt and I had to figure out how to repair or replace. I was able to salvage the doorbell camera, but I would also like a standalone camera that sits on a windowsill pointed out that I can easily replace batteries or plug in to a standard electrical outlet without being damaged by weather.

This may be a bit of a reach, but probably still related to give some context. I have 3 indoor smart water sensors that connect to my wifi and alert my phone through the app as well as an audible siren. They operate on 2 AAA batteries and they just sit there monitoring 24/7 on wifi. I can go probably 2 years on those 2 AAA batteries. Not sure how comparable a constant video feed would last on batteries like that, but I'm not a fan of security products with only a USB-rechargeable battery where you might have to remove the installation and take the device out of commission while it recharges.

Solar panels still just charge and recharge those same batteries, which will degrade over time. With regular, replaceable batteries, you still have to pay attention to replace them when they're drained, but at least you can conveniently change them immediately and get back to your day without having to remember to remove the charger and potentially reinstall the camera later. In my opinion, that's inconvenient for a security system (times however many cameras you have). Also, those USB rechargeable batteries degrade over time, especially in very hot or very cold temperatures, so good luck replacing them.

If you're going with the battery option, I recommend you stick with devices that are AA/AAA/C/D/9V, but otherwise, I would recommend powering it with existing wiring if you can and use wifi for the video.

[TC Talks]

I have always praised Reolink for it's reliability to cost ratio. They have a ton of products.

[craig11152]

I appreciate the feedback gentlemen.

[MegaHertz]

We have Reolink. Solar powered. Doorbell? I don't know; we have them in three spots in the front of our house. Didn't break the bank and I can watch from wherever I'm at and I can get alerts when something moves.

[bmw]

My vote goes to Reolink as well. They're one of the few companies that makes cameras that record to local storage (Micro SD) and do NOT require you to set up a cloud account. They also make a wireless centralized DVR (called the Home Hub) which is very reasonably priced.

[MegaHertz]

Yes, I forgot. The micro SD is a H*** help, too.