Cloud Security Camera Solution under $2000

Hi All,

Looking for a cloud-based security camera system for a small Juice Bar.

Requirement
1. Should be able to upload videos to the cloud and be available for at least 7 days for free.
2. Should be easy to use. e.g. Mobile apps etc.
3. Cameras should be wireless.

After a bit of research, I found the Netgear Arlo Pro to be a good choice. But would like to see what else do you guys recommend. Thanks for your help.
http://www.harveynorman.com.au/netgear-arlo-pro-4-camera-kit…

Comments

  • +1

    I have 4 Arlo wireless cameras and an Arlo Q (which is wireless in a sense also, only requiring a power point) and my Lord these things are annoying. When they work they can be pretty decent, but they just fail in different ways so often.

    I use them in my home and can only imagine how frustrated I would be if an important business related recording (i.e. theft) didn't record properly (i.e. pixelation, delayed recordings, live view not working). And I have an strong and speedy local wireless network too (multiple Ubiquiti devices)

    I honestly don't have experience with any other setups but definitely do not recommend you go for Arlo/Arlo Q cameras. Netgear support and their community forum are trash also.

    • Thanks a ton for your reply. They have managed to put decent paid reviews as well. Will wait for others suggestions.

    • I'm using Arlo as well for the last 12 months, actually find it pretty decent. I haven't had any of the problems you have said, I have tried other wireless systems and none of them have been as good (swan, uniden). I have the 2 camera system, amazing the things it has recorded over the time. The only issue is the batteries are expensive, which you are going to get with any wireless camera. I definitely recommend going through the settings to tailor it to what you need

      • Hi Mikinoz,

        Are you using Arlo Pro?

        • +1

          No just the first gen, the arlo pro looks good i was thinking about getting the harvey norman special. Only concern is it might be a bit heavy on the batteries

  • Anyone has experience with these cameras? If yes, Between Swann and Xiaomi IP Cameras, which one is better? Or you recommend anything else

    • just a few question,

      1. Should be able to upload videos to the cloud and be available for at least 7 days for free.

      if you found a such a free service, let us all know :) no such a animal exists.
      All the cloud options are subscription services, best you can do is make your own wireless NAS.

      1. Cameras should be wireless.

      Most IP cameras can do wireless these days, but how you going to power the cameras?

      • Hi There, Thanks for your comment. I'm not an expert in these things. But here is what I have found on the internet.

        Question 1.
        Here is a link to Amazon Product for Arlo Pro 4 that talks about 7 days free cloud storage. Also on Harvey Norman website there are videos that say the same.
        https://www.amazon.com/VMS4430-Indoor-Outdoor-Security-Camer…

        Product description
        Arlo Pro is a 100% wire-free indoor/outdoor security camera with rechargeable batteries and audio and can be added to any Arlo base station system. Arlo Pro includes rechargeable batteries, motion and sound-activated alerts, 2-way audio, a 100+ decibel siren, and 7 days of free cloud HD video recordings. Arlo covers every angle to help keep you safe and protected.

        I think it is not a mandatory option. I was impressed by their videos but they have got bad reviews. So would like to go with a nominal cloud subscription service.

        Question 2.
        Will have dedicated power point available for each camera. Only one camera will be outside the shop. But will be powered with USB line as well.

        • Yep you are right, they offer 7 days of trigger recording for free. Most others use subscription services.
          I got hickvision camera on POE. I had to use my own NAS. But they are durable weather proof cameras tho.

          For your needs, Arlo Pro would be fine.

        • @boomramada: What do you mean by POE?

        • @UglyPanda:

          POE - Power over ethernet cable, so you can use network cable for data and power the device same time.
          Very useful when you putting a cam somewhere there is no power point.

        • @boomramada: Thanks for the info. Just checked the websited and found that the camera you are talking about is 3MP. Arlo Pro Camera says "Video resolution-Configurable up to 1280 x 720". Don't know how to compare these values :(

          I think basically what I want is a better quality video with cloud option. Happy to pay for cloud service. Power option is there. The Arlo Pro looks like someone can just grab the camera from outside and run away at night.

          Do you still think Arlo Pro is the best option for me?

        • +1

          @UglyPanda:

          Compare resolution,
          http://www.hkvstar.com/technology-news/camera-resolution-com…

          1280 x 720 is about 1MP, not that great on moving targets, sometimes difficult to identify faces.

          For outdoor, I use http://www.hikvision.com.au/Products_accessries_760_i33397.h…
          These comes with night vision, number plates recognition, etc.
          If you need more than one, you probably need to purchase a NVR (to record video).

          Sorry I don't know any cloud solutions, unless you make your own.

          For me, Netgear Arlo is like a toy security camera, when you don't have a power point. Or keep your eyes on kids or something.

        • @boomramada:
          I think I found a solution. Would you please have a look and share your thoughts?

          AngelCam
          https://intercom.help/angelcam/angelcam-ready-cameras/tutori…

          Can buy 4 Hikvision cameras and connect them to AngelCam. No need of any NVR. Just internet is enough it seems.

        • @UglyPanda:

          Sorry, not sure about angelCam, look like you need to update the firmware of the cam as well?
          and bit pricy tho.

          https://www.angelcam.com/pricing

          Why don't you use a NVR, they not that expensive, then remote store it, if you worried about it get destroy?

          by the way, you can buy Chinese hacked version of hickvision half price from aliexpress as well.

        • @boomramada:

          Your solution sounds really good. My worry was if stored in the shop then in the case of a theft, the thieves will take the NVR with them as the first thing. But if we can store it remotely then it's just great.

          Is this a good NVR?
          https://www.diysecuritycameras.com.au/hikvision/hikvision-ds…

          How to store remotely?

        • +1

          @UglyPanda:

          Well you can get that if you going with the POE option, where you can power the cam via network cable.

          Most of those Hikvision cameras has trigger features on events, which can notify people via mobile app (free and easy to use) or save clips or image to ftp/email.
          I think that is the way to go, if someone destroy the hardware in the shop.

          So you can setup a ftp server with static ip at home, so trigger image and video will store there. Or some email account.

          You can use the NVR to record HD continuous videos if you wish, such as to track shop lifting etc.

          I'm just a hobbyist, for pro security strategies, you can ask from a pro as well :)

  • Hi , Are you still in the market for a CCTV Solution or have you since found something ? I do have some options available.

    Thanks Mark
    Fermax Aust.

    • Thanks Mark,
      Done for the shop but will be again in Market for our house in 1.5 months time. Would you please share the details of what option are you proposing?

  • +1

    +1 on arlo pro. I just hope they get to improve the batteries. I am loving everything, the video quality, talk2cam feature, etc.I just hope they get to improve the battery life :/

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