Camera security system

[harryjr]

I've been doing research and am now more confused than when I started. So I need input from people smarter than me.

Looking for a camera security system to monitor the yard when on the road and yard and RV when home.
1. Wireless to the home wifi.
2. 4K with night vision.
3. Solar to extend the battery life. Becoming less fond of ladder climbing.
4. Motion detection.
5. Notification and ability to live monitor and review history on cell phones.
6. Would prefer not to have a monthly subscription, contract, or cloud storage. Niece got really burned on her father's ADT acccount when he died. "Dad died? Too bad. You now own the contract and the balance."

Am I looking for the unicorn system?

There seem to be a lot of 4 camera (decent quality?) systems in the $600-$800 range. But which one? Lorex, Blink, Aosu, Eufy, Wyze. The reviews on each are all over the place.

Any input appreciated.

[pconroy]

I have about four or so Wyze cameras around the house and two Blinks. The Wyze checks off 1, 4, 5 and 6.

The Wyze 3 I have tops out at 1080p, not 4K but is more than adequate for me. And doesn't hog the WiFi.

I ran power to the corners of the house so I don't need Solar/Battery.

Night vision is over-hyped IMHO, so I just have some motion sensing LED floods instead. Much mo' better, IMO.

The other nice thing about Wyze is the price. I can usually pick up a Wyze camera here for under $20 when they go on sale. Toss a good brand microSD card in them. I do not do the subscription.

[OnTheGo]

We have a Lorex system and are more than satisfied with it. We use ours as you described wanting to use yours.

Edit: All four of our external cameras (2 WiFi, 2 wired) have survived 2 major hurricanes and some other lesser ones. We like the quality.

[SloPoke]

I suggest that you have 3-5 professional companies come out and give you an estimate. We are on our 4th generation of camera systems and learned a lot of things "not to do". Our first lesson was about "wireless cameras"... Today we don't have any, all are POE (Power over Ethernet). The cabling is a downside, but solves many other limitations like power to the camera for night IR illumination on long and cold winter nights. WiFi is also a shortcoming as thieves can buy "blockers' almost anywhere.

Look for a system that you can grow into, add cameras to cover more areas and advanced features you will eventually want and use. Our system is made by InVid, is the Paramont series, well worth the investment.

[Dom101]

I use a Blink system. You can have wired or wireless. The batteries in the wireless system have lasted two years so far and still going strong. The nice thing about blink, is that you can pay for a subscription or monitor with just a usb stick. I am sure you could also hookup the wired cameras with solar also

[SouthCo]

Very happy with my Lorex system. No subscription. I don't care for wireless so mine is hardwired via POE. I ran ethernet from the cameras back the NVR (network video recorder) myself. If you deal with he upfront hassle of running ethernet, you don't have to worry about solar/batteries or interference. Mine are 4k cameras with night vision that works pretty good. I have the app on my phone so I can watch the cameras live or I can look at the tv hooked up to the NVR. As SloPoke said getting a system you can grow is nice. My NVR has 16 ports. I started with 4 cameras and added a few a year later.

[2024Jayco26M]

Originally Posted by harryjr

Looking for a camera security system to monitor the yard when on the road and yard and RV when home.
1. Wireless to the home wifi.
2. 4K with night vision.
3. Solar to extend the battery life.
4. Motion detection.
5. Notification and ability to live monitor and review history on cell phones.
6. Would prefer not to have a monthly subscription

Eufy has everything you're looking for and more. Very happy with it.

[LuckyDuck]

I just purchased Tapo (made by TP Link) and love them. They are rechargeable with as much as 300 days between charges. But they make a version with solar panels, too. They meet all the criteria you described with an awesome app. You can purchase cloud storage but I bought micro SD cards to store enough video while we’re on trips. Super easy setup and the app has great options, like lower resolution to save battery, voice communication with camera, spotlight etc. The build quality is excellent.

I got mine on Amazon for a little over $200 for three but check their website for specials.

[2024Jayco26M]

Originally Posted by harryjr

There seem to be a lot of 4 camera (decent quality?) systems in the $600-$800 range. But which one? Lorex, Blink, Aosu, Eufy, Wyze. The reviews on each are all over the place.
Any input appreciated.

Look at Eufy 4k Ultra HD Solar packages. Great video, audio, and many options to customize your setup.

[Superseneca]

I use Wyze 4 cameras. Inexpensive and work great on wifi. They are plug in so no battery stuff to worry about. Work good in cold weather as well.

[poohbear]

Originally Posted by Dom101

I use a Blink system. You can have wired or wireless. The batteries in the wireless system have lasted two years so far and still going strong. The nice thing about blink, is that you can pay for a subscription or monitor with just a usb stick. I am sure you could also hookup the wired cameras with solar also

My same experience with blink. It just works. You can sometimes catch the blink cameras on a sale at lowes

[wjadma]

I have 5 blink cameras. Two in the house one in the living room and one in the basement ( to keep an eye on the sump pump) and the other three out side. Two facing the front and back doors. One on my shed facing the driveway. You have to watch where you aim the outdoor cameras so you don't get nuisance alarms by moving branches. Make sure you buy the optional storage stick. Otherwise you can't save the clips. I put all the cameras within reach of a step ladder. I'm not a fan of climbing ladders either

[joe w]

Originally Posted by wjadma

I have 5 blink cameras. Two in the house one in the living room and one in the basement ( to keep an eye on the sump pump) and the other three out side. Two facing the front and back doors. One on my shed facing the driveway. You have to watch where you aim the outdoor cameras so you don't get nuisance alarms by moving branches. Make sure you buy the optional storage stick. Otherwise you can't save the clips. I put all the cameras within reach of a step ladder. I'm not a fan of climbing ladders either

I have the same Blink (coincidence) setup as you, living room, basement sump, and 3 outdoors. Thus far my outdoor batteries (energizer lithium's) are going on three years and still test good! I've never had a reception issue.

[vcb]

I use ring cameras doorbell and 4 cameras around my house you can set to talk to intruders your self or it will do it for you instead .

[woodc12603]

I am happy with the Arlo cameras.

[pconroy]

[ Where did I put that tin-foil??? ]

Bear in mind that there is some concern about the TP-Link (and other Chinese brands) branded cameras "phoning home" as well as having exploitable flaws.

Whatever you get, always follow the instructions. Especially the ones that mention changing the default user and password.




Yes - I'm aware that most (if not all) of these are made in China. What you're after is where and how well the firmware is made.

[soonergypsy]

I installed REOLINK looking at your requirements the options for your needs.
I installed a POE system with a recorder. I am going to at a WIFI solar camera this spring.
Likes-No monthly fee-push notification via text and or email-access to system anywhere I have internet access-Ability to intergrade multiple types if networks into the system (WYFY,POE,ETC), Camera focal points, angels, extra-Price point

[Iadave]

Strongly recommend using wired power on all cameras. Batteries (Arlo) have to be charged occasionally, and you will be disappointed with solar power. Wifi cams are fine these days. You will likely not benefit from 4K unless you invest in a higher end system. Wyse cameras, in my case look good in the daytime but have gone hazy at night. Recommend more cameras both inside and outside. Many systems today can be accessed via internet without a subscription just research your choice before purchase.

[Cookiejar]

Had ADT and they finally priced themselves out of sight (even without cameras) and their customer/monitoring service was prone with unreliability. Switched to Simplisafe and very happy. Excellent price, reliable components (3 years now), quick/responsive/knowledgeable customer service. Easily expandible/modified. Started with the monitoring service but dropped it after 6 months. My system checks all your boxes except cams are 1080, not 4K, which has not been a problem IMHO. I have 2 wireless outdoor cams; batteries are rechargeable and need recharging every 2-3 months, depending on triggering intensity. Considering adding solar power to the cams (Amazon has compatible panels cheaper than Simplisafe, which are already very reasonably priced). What I really like is that the system "beeps" my iPhone every time someone pulls into the driveway and/or approaches the door. That's why I was comfortable dropping their remote monitoring. Camera sensitivity is also adjustable for sensitivity and extent of view-field. When we're away, I know when our mail is delivered and when my neighbor takes it in and when/who delivers a package. Camera recordings are kept (cloud) for 30 days and can be viewed in more close-up view if necessary. Hope this helps. Safe travels.