What wireless camera do you use at home?

[TheSiege]

I am thinking of getting a couple, just for monitoring when I am not at home. I am leaning toward

https://www.ubnt.com/unifi-video/unifi-video-camera-micro/

Since I have their AP. But I am wondering if there is something better at that $100 price point or lower

Thoughts on decent wireless cameras?

 

[skyking]

ubnt are proprietary. That always chaps my hide. I go with axis for most wireless.

 

[Red Squirrel]

Don't do wireless, do POE wired. You need to run UPS power to it anyway. Wireless just adds an unnecessary attack surface. RF jammer for example.

I find it annoying that almost all cameras are wireless now, it's hard to find the good ones without paying an arm and a leg. Wireless only makes sense for devices that need to move around.

 

[luv2liv]

i have yet to see some good wireless sec cam. POE is the best option it seems and the good and cheap ones are from HikVision.
in fact, i just caught a lousy neighbor not cleaning after his dogs at 10pm. will post video of it later so you can see how good hikvision does with low light.

 

[skyking]

Moving around is not the primary reason for using wireless.
Some of the best views of your home come from outbuildings, looking back at the home. if you have power in the shed, detached garage, pumphouse, etc, you are good to go. Another reason is not having to perforate your structure to run the POE.
All that said I refer wired anything over wireless anything as well.
I use Axis cams because they will work with many different DVR systems, as opposed to UBNT and some others that are stuck on their proprietary and expensive software.

 

[RossMAN]

I'm happy with my Foscam C1 for the following reasons:

1) Cheap, found it on sale for $50 with free shipping.
2) Doesn't require expensive cloud recording *cough* Dropcam *cough*
3) microSD slot
4) Wireless
5) Easy to setup, even an idiot (like me) could set it up. Download the app, scan QR code, register, login and you're done. No wireless or networking stuff to hassle with.

However the best bang for your buck is the Laview Panda for $100 (clone of this very popular camera), buy a Blue Iris license and you've got an awesome setup that doesn't break the bank.

 

[Svnla]

I do like wired better but I do not have my own place yet and I do not want to upset the roommate/owner.

 

[RossMAN]

I do like wired better but I do not have my own place yet and I do not want to upset the roommate/owner.

100% agreed especially PoE, wired > wireless whenever possible.

My Foscam C1 was a starter then I gradually upgraded to LaView/Hikvision, Dahua, Lorex, Swann, etc.

 

[Imp]

None. While I can see the use for one, I'm too lazy to set one up and pay for it. Nest (formerly Dropcam) with the online storage interests me most though.

I'm also moving towards having very few possessions so good luck, have fun to thieves and fires.

 

[Capt Caveman]

2 Foscam FI9821W V2 for indoors and a Foscam C1 that I use in the window to view the front door and an IPCC-7210W PTZ 15 feet up outside on a corner of the house that covers both sides of my backyard. All work great with no issues.

 

[RossMAN]

None. While I can see the use for one, I'm too lazy to set one up and pay for it. Nest (formerly Dropcam) with the online storage interests me most though.

Do you have any unused smartphones or tablets? They don't have to be activated, just plug them in and use WiFi.

http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/how-to-build-a-security-camera-network-out-of-old-smartphones/

http://ip-webcam.appspot.com/

https://www.my-alfred.com/

 

[Imp]

^^That's creepy.

I put a post-it over my laptop's webcam to give you an idea of how paranoid I am.

 

[Charmonium]

Wireless is fine for indoors but you will need a very strong wifi signal and even then, you're probably going to get some lags and glitches. It should however be more than adequate for normal monitoring.

I think most cameras do this now but verify that it has motion detection built in to the camera. Software detection means it going to factor in any reception issues into determining if anything moved.

For outdoor monitoring, I would go with wired/PoE. I have an old Lorex system that is hard wired and there really isn't any substitute for getting that kind of crisp clear signal.

Snaking wires isn't as big of a deal as you might think. It's mainly a matter of practice and technique. And if you have soffit vents, you shouldn'thave to drill though any walls to run your lines.

 

[luv2liv]

and here's a clip from my Hik Vision DS-2CD2032-I
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e8k3frOrCKs

 

[TheSiege]

I guess what I need is one good outdoor camera, and one for indoors, the indoors one is fine being wireless. I am a single parent so I need one inside because my 6 year old is a lot to handle for my 13 year old and occasionally I need to leave them alone while I go to work for a couple hours.

 

[TheSiege]

Wireless is fine for indoors but you will need a very strong wifi signal and even then, you're probably going to get some lags and glitches. It should however be more than adequate for normal monitoring.

I think most cameras do this now but verify that it has motion detection built in to the camera. Software detection means it going to factor in any reception issues into determining if anything moved.

For outdoor monitoring, I would go with wired/PoE. I have an old Lorex system that is hard wired and there really isn't any substitute for getting that kind of crisp clear signal.

Snaking wires isn't as big of a deal as you might think. It's mainly a matter of practice and technique. And if you have soffit vents, you shouldn'thave to drill though any walls to run your lines.

I am an electrician by trade, snaking wires is nothing new to me

 

[skyking]

^^That's creepy.

I put a post-it over my laptop's webcam to give you an idea of how paranoid I am.

I am setting up a pair of phones like that to put back up cameras on my travel trailer. it is too long/too many walls for direct wireless to my tablet so I will use a repeater near the front of the trailer.

 

[ControlD]

I'm planning on ordering a 3-pack of the Blink HD cameras next week. That is a true wireless solution. No power wire, no Ethernet cable. Those will be indoor use. I am still looking for a good outdoor POE solution.

 

[Svnla]

100% agreed especially PoE, wired > wireless whenever possible.

My Foscam C1 was a starter then I gradually upgraded to LaView/Hikvision, Dahua, Lorex, Swann, etc.

How do you like Lorex and Swan? I ask because Sam's Club does have those two brands as wired and wireless cameras/security systems and I am not sure about their quality/features/functions.

 

[xgsound]

If you're going to spend $200+ consider this.
My boy got this from Costco a year ago for $499. There return policy can't be beat. 8 1080P analog BNC59 cameras with DVR. Excellent night vision and very good image. IP (POE) systems are better but are twice the money.
We added a $5 fan inside for silence and can easily switch the lenses for around $6 each for from 10 to 80 feet of zoom. Ask here if you want more specific info.

link to cameras: http://www.costco.com/Lorex-8-Chann...with-130'-Night-Vision.product.100218592.html

Video of the 720P (1080P is sharper) 16 camera version. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e9XFmIVfvnQ

Forums for lots more info:
http://www.ipcamtalk.com/
http://www.cctvforum.com/index.php

 

[IBMJunkman]

I have 3 Foscams watching driveway, front and back of house. 2 are wifi and one is wired. All connected to a dedicated Intel NUC computer running BlueIris software with a 32" TV as a monitor. All 3 record when motion is detected. I have discovered there are 3 different cats doing nocturnal tours of my property.

The front and back cams have speakers and the BlueIris software sounds an alarm when motion is detected. I love seeing the delivery people jump.

The monitor is 2 feet to the right of my primary TV. I see what is going on most of the day.

 

[Red Squirrel]

That sounds like a nice setup, I eventually want to have cameras around all the property too and have a monitor somewhere + recording, but I also don't want people to think I'm super paranoid. I need to find some small POE cameras that won't be huge eye sores and make the house look like a government building. I'd just run the wires through the soffits then have EMT conduit going down a wall and to the basement. Idealy at least one camera would face the conduit in case someone tries to cut it. Ok maybe I am paranoid. I just like the piece of mind, that's all. Low on my list of expense priorities though. By the time all is said and done I figure it would cost me a few grand for a good wired setup. Probably want it to upload to an online server too if it detects a security breach.

 

[RossMAN]

How do you like Lorex and Swan? I ask because Sam's Club does have those two brands as wired and wireless cameras/security systems and I am not sure about their quality/features/functions.

I only have experience with Swann specifically this kit which was on sale for $249 @ Fry's. Now that you mention Sam's Club they have the same kit for $100 less but OOS online. It was easy to setup, I had to call support once which was based in the Philippines and they were knowledgeable and helpful.

In addition to Sam's Club, I would also check out Frys B&M and CostCo which have a good selection of Swann gear.

As xgsound suggested here are some great resources, lurk or register. Make sure to state your budget, how many cameras, wired/wireless, the obvious stuff.

http://www.ipcamtalk.com/
http://www.cctvforum.com/index.php

My next purchase will be an outdoor weatherproof dome, so far the Hikvision DS-2CD2732F-IS is my first choice.

 

[OutHouse]

I have 3 Foscams watching driveway, front and back of house. 2 are wifi and one is wired. All connected to a dedicated Intel NUC computer running BlueIris software with a 32" TV as a monitor. All 3 record when motion is detected. I have discovered there are 3 different cats doing nocturnal tours of my property.

The front and back cams have speakers and the BlueIris software sounds an alarm when motion is detected. I love seeing the delivery people jump.

The monitor is 2 feet to the right of my primary TV. I see what is going on most of the day.

which WIFI Foscams do you have installed? Ive been watching youtube videos on how to set these up and im amazed how easy it is. the Lorex system i have suck hairy balls. to get my current system on the web i have to use skype and use it like a webcam.

this system is so much better thanks for posting it and the PTZ camera are 89 bucks. totally doable.

 

[IBMJunkman]

The driveway cam is a FI9805P fixed outdoor cam. The front and rear are FI9831W indoor cams mounted outdoors. They are mounted under the eaves and somewhat protected by the structure. They have functioned thru heavy weather with no problem.

The only problem with the FI9831W cams are birds like to sit on them. Lots of poop. The top is dome shaped so I cut a ball in half, put 3 inch screws thru it pointing up and glued it to the cam with a dab of silicon. No birds roosting now.

When I was testing the setup for the driveway cam I used a FI9831W which can patrol. My neighbor put a note in my mailbox complaining. I had never actually had the camera pointed at his house. I took it down and ordered the 9805.

To view the cams using an Android or iOS device you have to open a port on your router and subscribe to a DNS service. The latter needed because your ISP can change your WAN address without notice. Foscam does supply the service if needed.