Wi Fi Security Cameras need recommendation

[Dave from Pa]

We need new security cameras.I would like a WiFi system with a 2TB hard drive and plug in to an outlet cameras, no batteries. An app that can be used to view when away and 4 to 8 cameras.I have been all over Amazon and the more I search the more confused I get.When I start reading reviews people have found fault with every one I looked at. If anyone has had any success with a particular system/make/model and willing to share it would be greatly appreciated.Our old system is no longer working and we would like to replace ASAP.

 

[SgtStone]

I am a board member at a homeowners association (HOA) where we recently upgraded the security cameras, wi-fi routers, and video software. We sync the video time stamps with the new electronic gate locks.

The routers are designed by Cisco and the software by HiK model iVMS. We run several cells of eight wi-fi cameras. I can get model numbers but I can say the new cameras are awesome compared to the old Conus outdoor box cameras. The video is so sharp, I want to apologize for gawking at poolside.

 

[JM4151]

Camera system for my home

I have a camera system that is currently using 4 cameras. I am thinking about a new system also. If I get a new system I would get at least 6 cameras and maybe even 8. I don't want anything too sophisticated because I am not computer literate. I like the new camera's that Concast is advertising but they might be too expensive for my tastes. I have an alarm system that is monitored but I don't need the cameras monitored too. Let us know how you make out, with your search.

 

[Kanewpadle]

I am a board member at a homeowners association (HOA) where we recently upgraded the security cameras, wi-fi routers, and video software. We sync the video time stamps with the new electronic gate locks.

The routers are designed by Cisco and the software by HiK model iVMS. We run several cells of eight wi-fi cameras. I can get model numbers but I can say the new cameras are awesome compared to the old Conus outdoor box cameras. The video is so sharp, I want to apologize for gawking at poolside.

I would be interested in the brand too. Just installed a professional wired 8 camera system at work. Would like WiFi for home.

 

[Skeet 028]

Me too. I live in never never land and would like to see if Hook is visiting. or maybe Peter Pan. Not too many crooks here but....

 

[coltle6920]

Depends on what kind of sophistication you need and how much money you are willing to spend or in some cases waste.

I have SimpliSafe inside the house. Their cameras are plugin and I think the system handles up to 5 cameras. Unless things have changed recently none of the cameras are made to work outdoors.The other sensors are all operated on batteries.

I use Arlo Pro2 for outside security. Multiple camera sets only provide one accessory to plugin a camera. For me batteries are not an issue. They last a long time compared to others and are rechargeable. I bought extras along with a charging unit so all I have to do is swap one for the other with no down time.My neighbor recently went to Texas and was able to view his cameras through his smartphone. I believe that Arlo supports up to 10 cameras. Videos can be saved and downloaded.

Go to a BestBuy if one is nearby. They can probably answer all your questions.

 

[bullmack]

I use Arlo Pro and Blink at two remote locations. Arlo battery life is not good enough if you do not have access to cameras for extended time periods. They can be AC powered which is the route I went. The Arlo hub can be connected to a DVR. The cams can be accessed through an app that works on a phone and your computer. Arlo resolution is 1080. The newest Arlo Pro 2 is supposed to have great resolution. I intend to add a couple of those to my setup.

The Blink cameras use AA lithium batteries and will run all winter. I'm not sure about their ability to record to a DVR. Their resolution is 720. Their app only runs off a phone or tablet and cannot be accessed through a computer. Still they are great little cameras. I have a couple of them 75' away from my router and they pickup the wifi network easily.

There are lots of sites on the net that review Smart Home devices. Just google security camera reviews and read away. I tried a Q-See system and could never get it to work. Major waste of $$$

 

[THE PILGRIM]

I comment on a cheaper, lower down the food chain than the commercial systems mentioned.
Last Christmas my kids gave me a Ring camera - light unit for my rear garage driveway area.
It’s replaced the wall mounted motion detector light.
When I finally got it installed and set up on WiFi, it really works well!
Great picture, can see it on iPhone, iPad and desktop.
So went down to Lowe’s and bought one for the front door.
Correction- I wanted to install a ceilings mount in an entryway, but find not one that would fit.
So I went for doorbell button pad replacement unit.
The camera look isn’t quite as good as the rear, it’s looking through a entryway, tunnel effect.
In any case, I say hard wire powered.
The idea of having to recharge batteries is more than I want to do!

 

[Ole Joe Clark]

We have 4 cameras on ours, and my advice is to get more cameras than you think you need. I wish I had bought 8.

Have a blessed day,

Leon

 

[Marine Corps Air]

Dave,

I would contact two or more security companies that sell and install these systems. While we "think" that we know what we want, there have been major advancements in this technology in the past ten years that includes functional and operational performance for which we probably are not aware. That happened in my case.

Is 2 TB of storage sufficient? It also depends on the number of cameras, definition, recording time, etc. Do you need the PTZ functionality? HD or 1080P? Motion Detection? Infra Red? Detection Range? Can you locate specific segments and download the video to a DVD? (For law enforcement). Continuous recording or motion activated only? Central Monitoring?

We have an Ever Focus security camera system with eight exterior cameras. I'm not happy with the placement (location) of the cameras, but given that the cameras have receptacles in our brick exterior, I'm somewhat hobbled at this time as it would cost $3-$5K to upgrade our system to today's standards.

For our internal cameras, I wanted cameras that do not require a monthly or annual subscription, don't use "The Cloud", have their own internal memory storage card, connect to my wireless router, can be configured by me, and have infra-red optics. I chose the Canon SNH C6417BNB Smart Cam (this is just an example):

[ame]https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07888HLV7/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1[/ame]

Bill

 

[Turq]

A great resource is IPcamtalk.

I bought a used computer ( cheap) that I have dedicated as my server. I am running Blue Iris software which I like a lot. You can buy a 4Tb WD purple hard drive for around $100. I have a couple of really good POE cameras Dahua, a couple of middle of the road POE cameras Amcrest, and four really (really) cheap WIFI cameras that I like a lot... Wyze. Although the Wyze are a little bit of pain to get, and keep running on Blue Iris.

A major consideration for security cameras is ironically security. They are vulnerable to being hacked. And I don't mean your camera feeds. So that should also be a consideration.

I would jump over to IPCamtalk and start reading if you want something decent. If you want something that is inexpensive, plugs in with USB, utilizes WIFI and an SD card, check out Wyze. It comes with it's own app.

 

[Nutsy13]

I use a Lorex 1080 8 camera, 2TB system (3 yrs old) . I believe the DVR is the 200 series. All hard wired, works great with my wifi, you can use the app to monitor on your phone, tablet etc.

If you buy any set-up with 4 cameras make sure the DVR is at least 8 channels so you can add cameras if needed.