Outdoor security cameras

[Homerboy]

Sadly, crime is starting to rise into my neighborhood, and I figure it's as good of a time as any to get some IP cameras and install them.

I'm not looking for anything special - just simple cameras, that can record back to a home server. I'd install 2 most likley -- front and back door (covers yard too). They'd have to be able to withstand harsh Wisconsin weather. Wireless seems to be the default.

As for recording, do most cameras come with software? Is there preferred 3rd party options? I don't want to record 24x7 so motion detection on the recording software would be ideal.

Thanks in advance.

 

[mizzou]

For what its worth, I've been impressed with Ring. I thought it was kitschy but from the results I've seen it does it's job pretty well.

 

[Homerboy]

For what its worth, I've been impressed with Ring. I thought it was kitschy but from the results I've seen it does it's job pretty well.

Pretty sure that doesn't record except with monthly cloud subscription?
The thought of having a batter operated device bugs me too. Lots of traffic where these cameras would be located so the motion would be recording a lot. Not to mention I'd think the Wisconsin winters would suck that batter dry a lot fast than their estimated battery life.

 

[mizzou]

If you want something very temporary while you figure out a hardwired solution, get some game cameras (Turn OFF any flash), and try them out. Those can sometimes record in video as well. Just hide them real well when nobody's looking or secure them to a place you cannot easily remove them.

 

[boomerang]

I don't have an answer for you but something to consider is that if you have to run power to the cameras you might want to consider POE cameras.

 

[Homerboy]

I don't have an answer for you but something to consider is that if you have to run power to the cameras you might want to consider POE cameras.

Yeah -- POE would be ideal if I was running these on Cat5. I'm going to stick with wireless network for them as one will go on the detached garage so getting ethernet there wouldn't be worth it. Ironically, on the one that will go on the front door, getting power to it is trickier than running ethernet to it.

Seems most cameras are POE too (except for the super cheap ones)

 

[NutBucket]

If you have an existing doorbell then Ring (and likely other products) are powered by the existing transformer. Something to think about.

 

[Aikouka]

A coworker of mine uses Blue Iris with his cameras, and he seems to really like it. The software isn't free, but it's a one-time purchase.

I've been tempted to do something like that with a PoE-based setup, but given that I can't find out how to access my upper area without installing my own access door, I'd have to run cables along the outside wall starting at a low point in the crawlspace. That just seems to be asking to have them cut unless I run them out the back (harder to access), and use conduit to make it far harder to tamper. Hah, I think I just solved the problem that had been plaguing me for a while with that project. An inadvertent thanks, @Homerboy Although, I may have to be careful about cable length if I try to wrap around to the front.

 

[microAmp]

http://www.hikvision.com/us/Products_1_10505_i8712.html
I got my folks one of these, the one they have is you use a microSD card and just use Ethernet for power. You connect straight to the camera to view the video.

 

[IndyColtsFan]

I know people don't generally like cloud recording, but consider this - if someone breaks into your home, they could steal your computer and with it, all the video you recorded.

I currently use a network of Blink cameras in and around my house and I plan on supplementing them with Foscam at strategic places. I have them all tied into SmartThings and they automatically arm when SmartThings detects that my wife and I leave our geofence. It works pretty well but sometimes the Blink camera can be a little slow to trigger recording on motion - I'm working to resolve that issue.

 

[Homerboy]

I know people don't generally like cloud recording, but consider this - if someone breaks into your home, they could steal your computer and with it, all the video you recorded.

I currently use a network of Blink cameras in and around my house and I plan on supplementing them with Foscam at strategic places. I have them all tied into SmartThings and they automatically arm when SmartThings detects that my wife and I leave our geofence. It works pretty well but sometimes the Blink camera can be a little slow to trigger recording on motion - I'm working to resolve that issue.

Well stealing my home server would be a pretty impressive feat - its in the basement. Under a stairwell, bolted into a rack and weights close to 80lbs I'd figure.
The break-ins around here (4+ blocks away) have tended to be crash and grabs. Breaking in the back window, grabbing valuables within site and bolting. Honestly, I think the cameras will be used more of a deterrent than ACTUALLY needing footage (though it will be fun to see what my teenage kids are up to...)

What's interesting is with our cameras at work (I manage 16+ of them), the "motion" is detected by the server not the camera itself. The camera is constantly feeding the serer and the server decides when to record motion. You can even set it to "record" X number of seconds before and after motion. THAT'S the type of functionality I'm hoping for....

 

[Aikouka]

What's interesting is with our cameras at work (I manage 16+ of them), the "motion" is detected by the server not the camera itself. The camera is constantly feeding the serer and the server decides when to record motion. You can even set it to "record" X number of seconds before and after motion. THAT'S the type of functionality I'm hoping for....

That's how it works with Blue Iris too. You set zones for each camera that you want it to watch.

 

[lykaon78]

I've been exploring the same and have been looking at Ubiquiti's products. I've had great luck with their wireless access points but I can't speak to their camera lines.

Just throwing out options for you.

 

[bigi]

I've been running Arlo Pro. All works fine. Batteries last long time for 2/2 out/in door setup.
Auto recording works well and they offer 1 week cloud storage for free. Many options can be set up and/or adjusted.
Overall, I recommend this highly. Now, they do have Arlo Pro 2 which have even better resolution.

 

[bfun_x1]

One of the things I like about a doorbell camera is the angle of view it gets. It will get a direct shot of peoples faces when they come to the door. I tried mounting cameras in other places but the angle was always off. Tops of heads and side profiles aren't as useful.

I always thought those battery powered cameras would be a good idea for the yard. They'd be an easy way to get a faraway perspective of the whole house.

 

[Homerboy]

One of the things I like about a doorbell camera is the angle of view it gets. It will get a direct shot of peoples faces when they come to the door. I tried mounting cameras in other places but the angle was always off. Tops of heads and side profiles aren't as useful.

I always thought those battery powered cameras would be a good idea for the yard. They'd be an easy way to get a faraway perspective of the whole house.

camera on my doorstep would cover entire front yard and sidewalk - so it'd be a good deterrent for any shenanigans not only at my doorstep, but front yard and adjacent properties as well.
Still really struggling to find the right camera...

 

[Omegachi]

My Arlo system is awesome. I setup everything in <30 minutes and its cloud recorded. I can even view footage from work. Battery life on the pro is pretty good, way better than the original arlo cameras that uses 123 batteries.

Like what bigi said, the Arlo Pro 2 is out and the resolution is pretty good.

 

[soulcougher73]

I got one of these. Seems to do the trick keeping people away from my house.....

 

[Greenman]

I got one of these. Seems to do the trick keeping people away from my house.....

Well that's a stupid idea, you'd end up shooting up your neighbors house. It obviously needs to be a flame thrower.

 

[paperfist]

What I want to know is if the only way to view doorbell cameras is with your phone? My phone isn't always attached to my hip so it would be nice if there was a way to have a small remote screen to view.