Smart Security Camera Suggestions

RangaWal on 04/05/2019 - 08:51

I currently have several Google Home devices, and 2 Nest Protect smoke alarms. I'm looking to get some cameras for home security, and can't decide what to get. I'd like these cameras to also have spotlight/floodlight incorporated (but am willing to buy a light separately if necessary), have some level of cloud recording, and remote notification/viewing. I'd prefer not to have to pay for cloud recording, but if I have to, so be it.

I'm hoping not to hard-wire these, and rely on battery and wifi (I have a strong Unifi wifi network).

I'm thinking the Nest cameras might be the easiest integration, but it appears they don't have battery options. I like how the Arlo have free subscription for up to 5 devices (7 days should be long enough).

Any other options/suggestions?

Home & Garden Security Camera

Comments

  • ShermanBicarb on 04/05/2019 - 09:17

    I went with 2x Unifi Cameras. What I liked about them:
    * I dont have to pay for cloud service - they store approx 30 days of continuous recording on my drive
    * plays nicely with my other unifi products (switch and WAPs)
    * they run off PoE

    • RangaWal on 04/05/2019 - 09:26

      I really like my Unifi network, but hard-wiring cameras will be virtually impossible for my situation.

      I'm still torn between cloud and local storage, both have pros and cons.

  • Densor on 04/05/2019 - 09:32

    I've got a Uniden Xlight above the front door. I cannot fault it. Plenty of settings to stop false alarms. It has a SD card for recording but also supports cloud recording. Wifi connectivity is good, but it is powered by a long USB type cable which I was able to get into my garage.

    It has a built in floodlight which means you'll never be able to battery power it. It records several seconds before the light comes on which my means it gets the person as soon as they enter the area. Picture quality is good day and night.

    It also supports Google home. I can ask Google to show front camera on Sony TV and it automatically connects thru the Chrome cast and displays. I've got the app on two phones and two tablets which works well. Notifications are within seconds.

    Got mine from the Good Guys during the last 20% off for $159. Bing Lee had it for $151 during their 20% off ebay sale. Found the original Dahua model on Aliexpress for $115.

  • mbck on 04/05/2019 - 11:42

    I got the Uniden Guardian solo cam. no complaints so far. Easy to install, easy to use the app. Quite sensitive (ie, certain movement triggers it), but you can adjust the sensitivity.

  • trankillity on 04/05/2019 - 21:38

    I'm also interested in this. Obviously with a Google-based household, the prefernce would be Nest while an Amazon/Alexa-based household, the choice would be Ring - but both are quite expensive (base product and ongoing cost), so was looking at alternatives. Would love the Unifi NVR system as I have full Unifi networking, but it doesn't talk to Google, so couldn't easily be cast to any other device. I've heard really good things about Wyze Cams from all the podcasts I listen to, and they're currently working on Google integration so I may start there. I've also heard Arlo are about to release a doorbell to pair with their existing camera setup which interests me.

    • RangaWal on 04/05/2019 - 22:00

      The Wyze cams look a lot like the Xiaomi cameras, which are great but have horrible software. Maybe Wyze have bought the hardware and fixed the software? I'd consider them, but no battery versions.

      Don't Arlo already have a doorbell? https://www.arlo.com/au/products/arlo-doorbell/default.aspx

      • trankillity on 04/05/2019 - 22:28

        Pretty sure I read somewhere that they're releasing a video version :)

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