Budget Indoor Security Camera Solution?

Grazz989 on 07/12/2020 - 15:42
Last edited 10/12/2020 - 00:59

Hi all,

I've got a landlord that I've caught letting himself into the house unannounced a couple times (to work on the backyard garden, supposedly).

In short, I'd like to get a basic, super cheap (<$50) camera setup that I can set up in my loungeroom (the entrance is visible from there) and skim through the footage without too much hassle. I've got absolutely zero clue on what options are out there or how they'd work. I'm tempted to use use my old laptop with a webcam running, but maybe there's a better solution?

Edit: Thanks all for the suggestions.

Electrical & Electronics Security Camera

Comments

  • brokenglish on 07/12/2020 - 15:46
    +1

    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/tag/ip-camera
    Xiaomi Mi Home 360° Security Camera $45.99 Shipped @ Gshopper Australia if you don't mind the great wall spying on you
    You can also use your old laptop or old Android.

    • Caped Baldy on 07/12/2020 - 17:04

      I'd warn against the mi home camera. I've got a bunch of issues with the one I bought.

      -Pain in the butt set up for me
      -have to constantly log in to the app
      -have to wait half a minute for the device appear as an owned device
      -doesn't push the videos to your phone so someone could disconnect the camera so no remote viewing
      -can only watch up to a week of alerts in the past

      The android device is a good option or a spare webcam.

  • life is suffering on 07/12/2020 - 15:48

    did you ask them no to come in? I would check for spy cams as well in your house. that's creepy.

  • spackbace on 07/12/2020 - 15:53
    +1

    TP-Link Kasa KC-100 - $49 ($45 @ Bing Lee

    Works with the Kasa app for later on (smart plugs, smart lights etc). Will give alerts on movement in the area, so you won't have to go through hours of footage

    All it needs is USB power to run it

    • netjock on 07/12/2020 - 15:56

      Or the C100 is $40 on ebay. c200 would be worth a look. (other comment below Amazon had a Google referral link)

      • spackbace on 07/12/2020 - 15:57

        Depends on preference of apps. I prefer just sticking to the Kasa app. Tapo need their own separate app

        • netjock on 07/12/2020 - 15:58

          Reason is Kasa has a subscription model.

    • HunterBargainHunter on 07/12/2020 - 21:40

      I like the idea but wondering how the kasa app can trigger smart lights 🤔

      • spackbace on 07/12/2020 - 22:41

        Can't trigger them based on motion in the camera, if that's what you mean?

  • jv on 07/12/2020 - 15:59
    -2

    In short, I'd like to get a basic, super cheap (<$50) camera setup that I can set up in my loungeroom (the entrance is visible from there) and skim through the footage without too much hassle.

    Entrapment ??

  • jv on 07/12/2020 - 16:31

    I've got a landlord that I've caught letting himself into the house unannounced a couple times

    I'd give them the benefit of the doubt.

    They probably just want to try on your underwear…

    • Grazz989 on 10/12/2020 - 00:57

      Nothing so exciting, unfortunately.

      Unannounced inspections, basically.

  • AustriaBargain on 07/12/2020 - 17:58

    When I was in student housing one time I was sitting in the lounge reading and the dean of housing walks in and I guess he didn't notice me because he walks straight to the fridge and starts rummaging around. When he turns around he sees me and just about has a heart attack.

  • [Deactivated] on 07/12/2020 - 18:42

    landlord that I've caught letting himself into the house unannounced

    Need to move or just let it go

    • Grazz989 on 10/12/2020 - 00:58

      Lol why would I do that?

      If I catch him on camera then I can take to the rental tribunal (ACT) alongside the other evidence of wrongdoing I have and get a fat refund on my rent.

  • viviena on 07/12/2020 - 21:23

    Dunno how this compares to the other options posted here, but we have two Lenovo cameras which work pretty well.

    https://www.jbhifi.com.au/products/lenovo-k1-smart-indoor-ca…

    Has night vision, can record locally if you pop in a micro USB, has motion detection alerts, and the cam has pretty good video quality. The app is ordinary but is easy enough to use.

  • myusername on 07/12/2020 - 21:24

    picked up one of these couple of weeks ago when they were $45

    https://www.kogan.com/au/buy/kogan-smarterhome-motion-object…

    motion tracking works really well

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