7 Outdoor Security Cameras Kit - Recommendations Please

tik tok on 09/10/2025 - 15:36
Last edited 09/10/2025 - 15:50

I am after a security camera kit recommendation and perhaps some guidance. While the title says kit, that is just me saying, I want to have one app to be able to see/download videos, which I think depends on the storage capabilities. Anyway,

My requirements:
7 outdoor security cameras.
5 of which need to be able to patrol/pan and tilt
2 cameras with about a 130 degree coverage
All these 7 points are under wi-fi coverage, have a hard wired power source, no ethernet.
Resolution: ~2k with night vision

Budget of about $1000ish

Storage:
1) Local SD cards in each of the cameras - could be ok as long as I have a single app/web interface that lets me see/download videos.
2) A single storage hub with a sizeable SD card (to hold a couple of days of footage) - could be tucked away somewhere in the house. Though I recognise this is a single point of failure - but I am not too sure on what other cost effective options I have.

Ideally, would have wanted these cameras to record 24x7 into the cloud but that's not possible without expensive memberships. I have the Arlo system indoors so I can appreciate the benefits of cloud storage - and 7 days of free storage is more than enough. No rush - can wait till Black Friday/Christmas if that means better deals.

Electrical & Electronics Security Camera

Comments

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  • theHMASfriendship on 09/10/2025 - 16:27
    -4

    7 cameras? I recommend a security guard

    • tik tok on 09/10/2025 - 18:00

      I have eliminated one of my requirements to detect and alert if someone's drowning in the pool. Would your recommendation be to get an AI powered camera or to hire a life guard?

  • boomramada on 09/10/2025 - 16:52

    24/7 recoding probably good if you running a legal or illegal business.

    Do some maths, 7x24x7 for 30 days at 1080?
    https://www.seagate.com/au/en/video-storage-calculator/

    About 70Tb?

    • tik tok on 09/10/2025 - 17:55

      For 24×7 continuous 1080p recording, plan around 1 TB per camera per month (H.264) or 0.5 TB per camera per month (H.265).

      You are close, just off by a zero. Its about 7 TB a month. Its not even going to need that as I can schedule a clean up every 7 days. But I hear you. I have had very poor experience with motion sensing cameras - Arlo, being the point in case. Records after a few seconds of detecting motion - absolutely useless to detect a persons face.
      Edit: The link you mentioned also confirms the ~7TB requirement https://imgur.com/a/qzaLl5G

      • boomramada on 10/10/2025 - 08:39

        Records after a few seconds of detecting motion - absolutely useless to detect a persons face.

        I've been using Google and Ring and haven't tested Reolink yet. They are way better at notifying and don't need to go through hours of footage.

        As part of home security, you need instant notification, not in a week. You are not here to check someone stealing money from the till.

  • geekcohen on 09/10/2025 - 21:25

    All these 7 points are under wi-fi coverage, have a hard wired power source, no ethernet.

    Why can you not have ethernet?

    I could propose a solution, but it would likely require a budget increase and some compromise on your part. My solution would not fit into the $1000 budget and would be hardwired POE solutions.

  • 7ekn00 on 09/10/2025 - 23:53

    $1000 either go with an Arlo equivalent, or up the budget :/

    My solution would not fit into the $1000 budget and would be hardwired POE solutions.

    Same ;)

    But if it's just for Tik Tok videos in a Tik Toc house, plenty of Arlo equivalents :P

  • pc007 on 10/10/2025 - 00:32
    +1

    Reolink

    • geekcohen on 10/10/2025 - 05:32

      100% what I am thinking, but the OP needs to increase their budget and really consider POE.

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