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Security cameras

Security cameras




Hi all,

I know this topic isn't new but my searches are not bringing up the best threads, so forgive me if there is an inclusive discussion that I just couldn't locate.

Looking for recommendations for outdoor cameras. If possible, we would like to install battery powered exterior cameras (at least one, maybe up to 3). I mention battery powered as I'd like to avoid running dedicated power. We have stopped renting our home and I will be here often enough to change/charge batteries. I am concerned about the wifi connection. One camera would be in the under-house, carport area. I know there are signal amplifiers, have you all had success with these.

Anyway, if you have these devices I'm sure you can anticipate my questions and challenges so I would appreciate all possible feedback. I have read lots of product specs and descriptions but always appreciate the knowledge of this group and your real world experience.

Thanks ahead of time.

jf


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RE: Security cameras




The house I purchased came with 2 Ring "Spotlight Cam", both outdoors but under the carport area. They've withstood a lot of spray, etc. in the approximate 2 years installed. They are battery and connect via WiFi. I recently added solar panels to them as I didn't want to haul out my ladder to reach them. Each have two batteries, which slowly recharge via USB. Thus the solar panels. They tie into a Ring Alarm system, but the previous owner used them without the alarm...the app would notify her of motion.


RE: Security cameras




Hmmmm......can’t think of one doc




RE: Security cameras




We have Arlo and love them. I use these inland so I can’t attest to their worthiness in salt environment; however, they have a nice seal and take rain without issue. Nothing on them can rust assuming you mount with SS hardware. Our furthest camera is only about 30’ from the hub as the crow flies and it connects fine. I have no experience with longer or more challenging wireless environments. A charge lasts about 8 weeks under normal motion activated recording, less if you view it in real time via the app to just see what’s going on. I would buy them again. Last I looked they didn’t have a doorbell cam on par with Ring so if that’s of interest and you’re looking for a common system then do some research. We just put one under our front porch and don’t need the doorbell cam.


RE: Security cameras




I recently replaced my outdoor spotlight in the back yard with an Amcrest motion sensing spotlight with a camera. It does require electricity and internet to function. Here is a picture taken from the camera and a link that describes it. I also have a camera in the front and one in the great room. None require a monthly service and store information on an SD card. For other outside cameras look at Amcrest POE (Power Over Ethernet). PM me if questions.




smile.amazon.com/gp/produ...


RE: Security cameras




We installed "Blink" security cameras about 2.5 years ago, all outside at our Nags Head home. We're between the highways and get plenty of salty wind. They have held up very well and do exactly what we need. I've got 5 of them, all placed to capture doorways, outdoor stairs and similar, including under the house in the carport area. They use AA lithium batteries, and I just replaced the batteries for the first time since installation, and only in the one camera that gets the most use.

The camera that is furthest from the wifi "base" is probably 40 feet away or so, and works fine with no signal booster or anything. I see that the Blink cameras now have two-way audio. We didn't have that option when we bought ours, but seems like a good feature. You can adjust video capture length, camera sensitivity, etc. We've been happy with our system.

Click to follow link...


RE: Security cameras




Great stuff from you all, thank you!

I was beginning to think this might not go as planned, I have renewed faith!

Box: 'Ya didn't weigh the chain there did ya doc?"


RE: Security cameras




Hi all,

I know this topic isn't new but my searches are not bringing up the best threads, so forgive me if there is an inclusive discussion that I just couldn't locate.

Looking for recommendations for outdoor cameras. If possible, we would like to install battery powered exterior cameras (at least one, maybe up to 3). I mention battery powered as I'd like to avoid running dedicated power. We have stopped renting our home and I will be here often enough to change/charge batteries. I am concerned about the wifi connection. One camera would be in the under-house, carport area. I know there are signal amplifiers, have you all had success with these.

Anyway, if you have these devices I'm sure you can anticipate my questions and challenges so I would appreciate all possible feedback. I have read lots of product specs and descriptions but always appreciate the knowledge of this group and your real world experience.

Thanks ahead of time.

jf

KenKesey


Take a look at Wyze, Click to follow link... they are Wifi and USB powered. I'v been running 6 of them at home for over two years now. They are cheap $25 each and work very well. You can put a 32GB card in them which will be good for about 4 days of recording. I set mine to loop over.

They do have a new outdoor camera that is battery powered Click to follow link...






RE: Security cameras




I've had great luck with Blink outdoor cameras. (An Amazon company, just like ring) There is currently no subscription plan and they work by connecting to your router. (So they need power to operate) They send the clips to your mobile device so you can save them there. They operate for up to two years on a pair of double A lithium batteries, but that will vary depending on how you use them. Mine have been up for about a year and the batteries are still good. Moderately priced and you can add cameras if need be.
I'm a satisfied customer!
(Edit: This just came in via video so I saved a screen shot of Foxy.)




RE: Security cameras




I have 5 Arlo Pro 2 cameras (now they are on Pro 4). Love them. The two I have outside were originally just run by battery since I didn't want to run electric to them. The battery life was good but didn't enjoy having to take them down and recharge. I looked into the Arlo solar panel but couldn't get enough sun and the price was way high. So I bought an long extension charging wire, not from Arlo, that would reach the camera from an indoor outlet. The wire was flat and easily went under the window so I could close it tight. All has been well for over 18 months. The image quality is excellent.


RE: Security cameras




Definitely a number of options. I like the solar idea. I also think the Wifi boost may be needed. Still doing lots of reading. Thanks again for all of the responses.


RE: Security cameras




Another vote for Blink cameras. We have had ours since 2018 and I have only had to replace the batteries in one camera once. As others said, it was the camera that records the most. We have 3 cameras. One is very close to the wifi router (most used), one is approx 30 feet away and the last is closer to 70 feet away. The farthest one has connection issues occasionally, but it is also connecting thru several interior walls of heavy paneling, drywall and an exterior cinder block and brick wall. We have the older style that have a microphone but no speaker. The newer ones have a speaker so you can talk to the person. The app is very easy to use, we have been pleased. PM me for more information.




RE: Security cameras




I have 5 Arlo Pro 2 cameras (now they are on Pro 4). Love them. The two I have outside were originally just run by battery since I didn't want to run electric to them. The battery life was good but didn't enjoy having to take them down and recharge. I looked into the Arlo solar panel but couldn't get enough sun and the price was way high. So I bought an long extension charging wire, not from Arlo, that would reach the camera from an indoor outlet. The wire was flat and easily went under the window so I could close it tight. All has been well for over 18 months. The image quality is excellent.

Robert


Our Arlos are the Pro 2 as well. We opted for them even with the 4k model being available when we purchased because for my needs, 1080p captures a good image of any wrong-doers.

A note on the battery and charging... If you go with any battery cam, get an extra battery and have it charged at all times. We bought one more battery than we have cams so that we don't have to wait for the charge. I just swap out the battery and put the low one on the charger. I can reach all of mine easily without a ladder though. If I needed a ladder... I'd figure out a way to get power to them.


RE: Security cameras




I use Blink cameras at my home as well. Very satisfied. Extremely reliable and veryeasy to set up. I'm still using the first generation with no problems. I opted for the indoor version at first; when it arrived I checked it out and it seemed very weather tight so I mounted it under my eaves. No problem at all. Not sure if the newer gen ones would be made as well but it's an easy way to bring the cost down about $20 a camera. Not sure it would be wise in a beach environment though...


RE: Security cameras




Ken, Mildred tells me you’re interested in security cameras. What ahh, what can you tell me about that?


RE: Security cameras




If you end up getting the Blink cameras, it's worth buying these camera enclosures. (Follow link to Amazon) Not only do they provide an extra element of weather protection, but the mounting stanchion affords much more flexibility than the ones that come with the cameras. They are also white which allows my cameras to match the soffit color of my house and blend in better.
(Be sure to get the model that fits your generation of Blink cameras.)

www.amazon.com/gp/product...


RE: Security cameras




Our ring camera has held up well 35 feet from the water for 2 years off off season use.




RE: Security cameras




We recently installed the Wyze outdoor. This has a base station that plugs into wall outlet and network connection. This is supposed to help maximize battery life. We are across from ocean. So far it has worked well, but I don’t have a a lot of time with the camera to tell long term. I was thinking about sharing the video as it points toward the ocean.


RE: Security cameras




Have no idea what this guy uses, but here is a little fun camera webcam. Sorry, a little off subject.
Lot's of tongue in cheek. He's in denver.
Click to follow link...


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