Outdoor Camera

Shred

I'm looking to pickup an outdoor camera and I really like the features of the Nestcam; I don't even mind the subscription, but the one thing putting me off is that it's purely cloud based. The one time my internet drops is when someone will be up to no good. I already have a nest thermostat and will most likely be picking up a couple of their smoke/Co2 alarms so interoperability with those would be nice. What I'd be looking for is:

100-180 degree FOV (to cover a double driveway, I'll likely add a second for the back garden later on)
Wired LAN (standard separate mains supply), not a deal breaker but preferred
1080P
Cloud is ok once there is some sort of backup to SD card or something in the event of internet access being unavailable
Budget - €100-200
I'm not interested in cheap cameras with shoddy image quality.

There's lots of cameras out there but I'm just looking to see if anyone has one or knows of one that fits the bill?

Stoner

Shred wrote:

100-180 degree FOV (to cover a double driveway, I'll likely add a second for the back garden later on) Wired LAN (standard separate mains supply), not a deal breaker but preferred 1080P Cloud is ok once there is some sort of backup to SD card or something in the event of internet access being unavailable Budget - €100-200 I'm not interested in cheap cameras with shoddy image quality.

You should post this on the home security forum too.

The budget might be a bit light though as you want an external unit and you might need a bit more kit behind it if you want to use it with no internet connection, some have built in local storage and some nas drives can run them too if you have one

Shred

Yeah I've been thinking about whether I should go for something more traditional. But I suppose I'm looking for the best of both worlds - IoT device and all the benefits of that including easy to self install, going to the cloud but with a flash backup in the event of loss of service. I think it does make sense for captures to be sent to the cloud rather than permanently to local storage that can be either destroyed or removed if a break in occurs. But I suppose NAS/local storage can be used with a script used to upload to cloud storage at regular intervals.

Dr_Bill

The Ubiquiti UniFi video camera's are excellent. The UVC-G3 which offers 1080p video and excellent daytime and night time performance, you will need either a PC running all the time or a NVR unit. If you have an old PC its a pretty cheap solution which you can scale later.
I got fed up with the cheap chinese units out there that didn't work very well. I can access the cameras remotely on a smart phone and see what is happening or view recordings which is very handy if there is an alert via email or an alarm activation. It is easy to setup and push recordings to the cloud using 3rd party apps.

Shred

Cheers, I'll take a look at that.

jones

Nest cam outdoor?

Shred

jones wrote: »

Nest cam outdoor?

As per the OP:

Shred wrote: »

I really like the features of the Nestcam; I don't even mind the subscription, but the one thing putting me off is that it's purely cloud based.

10-10-20

I grabbed one of these:
http://www.ucam247.com/indoor-outdoor-day-night-wireless-security-cameras

Video quality is good.
Night mode is very good.
Does Wifi or wired.
Has an SD card slot in-camera.
Has an app for live-view and NVR view. (the app isn't the best design ever, but functional)
Also can be bought with a mini NVR based on a mini-SD card.

As I wasn't a big fan of the app, what I did was set it up to write to a Plex server (NAS) and Plex then sends the streams to wherever I am.
It's writing out two streams - one continuous and the other is 'on-event' (motion detection).
Plex then handles the formatting of the historical streams and it's pretty handy as you can install it on random TV's and connect back to your home for peace of mind (don't forget to logout afterwards!).

I'll get another for my front door soon.

Stoner

Check the ring camera too

IK09

Ive been researching these extensively for the last month so hopefully can be of some help to you. So far I have looked into;

NOTE: I do not own any of the following, I have not bought any of the following, I have no ties or conflict of interest with any seller or link I have provided. I am in the market just like you.

(i) Netgear Arlo
(ii) Netgear Arlo Pro
(iii) Netgear Q
(iv) Canary Home Security Cam
(v) Canary Flex HSC
(vi) Withings Home Securty Cam
(vii) Samsung Smart Cam
(viii) Yale Smart Living Cam
(ix) Nest Cam
(x) Blink Cam

If it is an outdoor camera you are looking for that rules out the Netgear Q, Canary Homes Security Cam, Withings, Samsung, Yale, and Blink (although Blink have the XT camera coming soon...supposedly). Blink is also ruled out due to it not having night vision on their standard camera.

Wires and drilling holes is something I am avoiding like the plague. If its going to be in my smart home it better run wireless. The Nest Cam was ruled out for me based not just on this but the added running costs of multiple cameras on a subscription basis. Neither Nest nor Canary Flex allow any other kind of storage other than cloud.

Canary Flex runs wireless and has a rechargeable battery, as does the Arlo.

Field of View;
Canary Flex - 116 degrees
Nest - 130
Arlo - 130

Picture Quality;
Canary Flex - 720p.
Nest - 1080p.
Arlo 720p.

I assume that the slightly lower image quality of the Canary and Arlo is due to them being wireless and trying to preserve battery life.

Cloud Storage is something that I really was not enamoured by either. The Canary Pro is water/weather proof but still only supports cloud storage, as does Nest.

Storage;
Canary - 24-hour shared video history with free video downloads (if you have 2 cameras, that means 12 hours each)
Nest - 3 hours of playback for free ( BUT you can’t download video on free plan which is ridiculous imo)
Arlo - 7 day video playback for free with up to 5 cameras or 1GB memory. PLUS with the new Arlo Pro Base Station you can connect a USB or Hard Drive to store your videos locally.

***I have an entirely irrational fear that one of the Cloud Storage based companies will either kick the bucket, or stop supporting the service and would leave me with a load of expensive junk that cannot be used.

I understand your persuasion towards Nest as you are looking for compatibility with your Thermo, however, I feel that in order to get the most from a Nest Cam, you need to pay the subscription fees. This seriously turns me of the Nest Cam, fair enough if they gave the option of local storage but they dont, personally I dont like having my hand forced by yet another company creating yet another monthly subscription fee in a world ruled by monthly subscription fees.

For me, having researched the above options, the Arlo/ Arlo Pro is the best option. The solution that seems best for my needs and may suit yours also, is buying the Arlo Pro Base Station (doing this drastically reduces the cost as the new Arlo Pro Cameras are very expensive). This will allow you to connect both Arlo & Arlo Pro (and Netgear Q) Cameras, offers a Cloud Storage solution, and offers local storage of your videos.

You can find the Arlo Pro Base Station from the link below. Just make sure it is the ArloPRO Base Station you purchase, as the previous Netgear Arlo Base Station does not support local storage of your video.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Station-Wire-Free-Cameras-VMB4000-NETGEAR/dp/B01NAVCUAU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1493890176&sr=8-1&keywords=arlo+pro+base+station

The main difference I can see between the Arlo Camera and the Arlo Pro Camera is that the Arlo Pro can be recharged via a Micro USB.
The Arlo Camera require a CR123A battery. There are both disposable and rechargeable CR123A batteries on the market.

Here's a link for a single Arlo Camera;
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00TDNYNXA/ref=twister_B01MXHXVLT?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

You will work out slightly over budget, but in my opinion you will be getting the best value for money, the most hassle free setup, and the lowest monthly subscription fee if you even need one.

Just on a slightly off topic inclusion, when I am looking into smart tech or home products, the first place I check to see if they have a review is Majestechs. He does youtube reviews on all things smart home and is extremely insightful. Link below to his channel.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUnPu9bBZGPjiPUN6IoA2LQ

* I have not yet researched the Ring Doorbell or Ring Pro and to be honest I dont think I will be.

frash

Netamo Presence hasn't been mentioned yet

Bit out of budget but nice design for outside - looks more like a light than a camera
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Netatmo-Presence-Outdoor-Security-Recognition/dp/B01LY7NQ8D

MaceFace

Another option that won't be cheap to start but may be more economical and useful long term is a Synology NAS.
They come with 2 (?) free licenses to Surveillance Station and are compatible with a huge number of IP cameras.
So, you may spend 500 quid on a NAS but you get everything great about a world class NAS and you can add a couple of security cameras at any stage. You can buy more licenses if you wish.
It really is excellent...

Shred

Thanks for all of your suggestions folks, due to recent 'budgetary constraints' I can't make a purchase just yet but there's certainly some food for thought here.

ctlsleh

Anyone look at Motorola focus 73 with pan and tilt....?

garion

IK09 wrote: »

Ive been researching these extensively for the last month so hopefully can be of some help to you. So far I have looked into;

NOTE: I do not own any of the following, I have not bought any of the following, I have no ties or conflict of interest with any seller or link I have provided. I am in the market just like you.

(i) Netgear Arlo
(ii) Netgear Arlo Pro
(iii) Netgear Q
(iv) Canary Home Security Cam
(v) Canary Flex HSC
(vi) Withings Home Securty Cam
(vii) Samsung Smart Cam
(viii) Yale Smart Living Cam
(ix) Nest Cam
(x) Blink Cam

If it is an outdoor camera you are looking for that rules out the Netgear Q, Canary Homes Security Cam, Withings, Samsung, Yale, and Blink (although Blink have the XT camera coming soon...supposedly). Blink is also ruled out due to it not having night vision on their standard camera.

Any thoughts on the Blink XT now that it's actually been released? https://blinkforhome.com/pages/blink-xt-outdoor-camera

Some very good reviews, seems to be great value for what you get.

http://asecurecam.com/blink-xt-outdoor-security-camera-review/

http://asecurecam.com/homeboy-vs-blink-vs-butterfleye/

beanian

new foscam outdoor camera looks decent
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Foscam-FI9928P-Wireless-Notifications-Waterproof/dp/B071YVL4ZS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1497197424&sr=8-1&keywords=fi9928p

Spocker

garion wrote: »

Any thoughts on the Blink XT now that it's actually been released? https://blinkforhome.com/pages/blink-xt-outdoor-camera

Some very good reviews, seems to be great value for what you get.

http://asecurecam.com/blink-xt-outdoor-security-camera-review/

http://asecurecam.com/homeboy-vs-blink-vs-butterfleye/

I'll be buying one soon (they are showing as Sold Out atm) to add to my existing Blink system, I'll post here when I get it.

bk

beanian wrote: »

new foscam outdoor camera looks decent
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Foscam-FI9928P-Wireless-Notifications-Waterproof/dp/B071YVL4ZS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1497197424&sr=8-1&keywords=fi9928p

Be careful, Foscam cameras wide open to hacking:

https://arstechnica.com/security/2017/06/internet-cameras-expose-private-video-feeds-and-remote-controls/

BigEejit

I thought of going down the wireless outdoor web enabled cameras from nest, arlo, dlink etc. However the cost was quite high and the I knew the battery replacement would drive me nuts. I got a dlink poe switch, 3 x Hikvision poe cameras (and external cat 6 to connect them) and a small fanless computer from aliexpress for less money than this (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Arlo-Smart-Home-Wire-Free-VMS3330-100EUS/dp/B00TDNYNN0?th=1) and no recurring costs.
There is lots of free NVR software, on linux there is zoneminder, feature rich and free. On windows there is milestone xprotect essential (free up to 8 cameras), no push notifications though. However this does not really bother me, after getting notified for the tenth time that the neighbours cat walked past the door the shine soon goes on that feature.

I got a 4th camera recently https://www.aliexpress.com/item/2016-infrared-gun-waterproof-network-camera-DS-2CD2035-I-replaceDS-2CD2032F-I-and-DS-2CD2032-I/32734056693.html (selected premium shipping) and it was shipped from London! got it a week after placing the order.

I have a vpn into my network for remote viewing, anyone can do this with a raspberry Pi (http://chasingtech.net/wp/2017/01/03/pivpn-create-your-own-vpn-for-your-home-network/)

dloob

BigEejit wrote: »

I thought of going down the wireless outdoor web enabled cameras from nest, arlo, dlink etc. However the cost was quite high and the I knew the battery replacement would drive me nuts. I got a dlink poe switch, 3 x Hikvision poe cameras (and external cat 6 to connect them) and a small fanless computer from aliexpress for less money than this (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Arlo-Smart-Home-Wire-Free-VMS3330-100EUS/dp/B00TDNYNN0?th=1) and no recurring costs.
There is lots of free NVR software, on linux there is zoneminder, feature rich and free. On windows there is milestone xprotect essential (free up to 8 cameras), no push notifications though. However this does not really bother me, after getting notified for the tenth time that the neighbours cat walked past the door the shine soon goes on that feature.

I got a 4th camera recently https://www.aliexpress.com/item/2016-infrared-gun-waterproof-network-camera-DS-2CD2035-I-replaceDS-2CD2032F-I-and-DS-2CD2032-I/32734056693.html (selected premium shipping) and it was shipped from London! got it a week after placing the order.

I have a vpn into my network for remote viewing, anyone can do this with a raspberry Pi (http://chasingtech.net/wp/2017/01/03/pivpn-create-your-own-vpn-for-your-home-network/)

I run those same hikvisions and would also recommended them.
I have a synology NAS which can record from them and send push notifications when you get motion in certain areas etc.
I also don't let them on the internet, you hear too much about bad security in ip cameras, remote viewing is via VPN.

Spocker

garion wrote: »

Any thoughts on the Blink XT now that it's actually been released? https://blinkforhome.com/pages/blink-xt-outdoor-camera

Some very good reviews, seems to be great value for what you get.

http://asecurecam.com/blink-xt-outdoor-security-camera-review/

http://asecurecam.com/homeboy-vs-blink-vs-butterfleye/

Got a couple of these from the States, not available in the UK yet. 1 worked great at my front door, alerting when the postman comes, the other has very poor Sync signal, even when located right beside the module, so had to be RMA'd.

One nugget of information I did discover is that the US/EU sync modules work on different frequencies, and you can't mix and match devices

ozmo

Maplin have some setup and running in their stores -

Its worth seeing as some of their cameras with identical resolution specs have huge differences in quality.

Of course well overpriced - but you can order same models online much much cheaper if required.

ctlsleh

dloob wrote: »

I run those same hikvisions and would also recommended them.
I have a synology NAS which can record from them and send push notifications when you get motion in certain areas etc.
I also don't let them on the internet, you hear too much about bad security in ip cameras, remote viewing is via VPN.

Which HikVision cameras did you get? have you tried their WiFI enabled ones?
I think they need PoE which isnt easy to put in place in an existing building, especially for a camera for the front door in a 2 story house which is why is was thinking Arlo, but im intrigued to understand a better way to do this, espeically the DIY version, as its considerably more fun......

let me know your setup and any advise as i start this exciting journey of research and hopefully final execution.....

dloob

ctlsleh wrote: »

Which HikVision cameras did you get? have you tried their WiFI enabled ones?
I think they need PoE which isnt easy to put in place in an existing building, especially for a camera for the front door in a 2 story house which is why is was thinking Arlo, but im intrigued to understand a better way to do this, espeically the DIY version, as its considerably more fun......

let me know your setup and any advise as i start this exciting journey of research and hopefully final execution.....

It was the Hikvision DS-2CD2042WD-I it's a POE model.
I haven't tried any wireless cameras I found the wifi signal strength was pretty low were I wanted cameras so I wanted to go wired and ideally POE so only one cable was needed.

Third_Echelon

I have the Canary home camera in my apartment. Video quality is very good and they have just introduced the two talking feature which is nice. The included siren and ability to call police directly from the app are very good features also.

I had a break-in last week and it caught the two guys that entered my apartment. Sound was crystal clear. The only thing was that Canary were having issues with their cloud service that day, and it was only able to record around 1 minute of a 3 minute robbery. It has never done that before and it was just my luck that it did in fact happen on the day that my apartment was burgled!

With that in mind, I still think that it's a great product. I'm interested in adding the Canary flex perhaps as well in the future.