Home Security System Suggestions?

[Java]

Had an interesting day, nothing I can post about, but I need to put a security system on my house. I want no contract or monthly fees, atleast 4 cameras, more is always better, and a nice hard drive. I just started looking into these and really know nothing, does anyone have one they like?

Thanks!!

[Tom]

I have several Blink cameras. They use a thumb drive. No monthly required. I am using one outdoor camera and two of their indoor cameras all outside. After others reply if you want more info let me know.

They are not a true security system. No alarm, etc. Just cameras that I can monitor, arm, disarm from my phone or tablet. Probably could do so on a pc as well..

[Jim]

Sorry to hear it. I have no recommendation aside from saying consider going full time recording and not use motion detection. I have clients with assorted systems (Lorex, Arlo, Foscam [and lookalike]) and motion detection is the #1 issue to tackle - either too sensitive or not sensitive enough and we're not able to find a spot where it works rock solid. Not detecting an event is the primary complaint. Thus where I say - just go full time recording with wired cams.

My preference is wired - or at least wired for the important things you would not want to be compromised.

I held wireless to be suspect to being compromised and a recent Lock Picking Lawyer episode confirmed it (though, what are the odds a suspect would go to the effort to compromise wireless).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UlNkQJzw4oA

[open_circuit]

I held wireless to be suspect to being compromised and a recent Lock Picking Lawyer episode confirmed it (though, what are the odds a suspect would go to the effort to compromise wireless).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UlNkQJzw4oA

I doubt there is a security system or lock Paul can use that would keep a determined LPL out. Fortunately I think as long as LPL wants to remain a lawyer, only lesser adversaries are likely to be in play.

I'm pretty DIY, so I'd go with ZoneMinder as a first choice.

[Jim]

ZoneMinder

Hmm - interesting - I could see looking into this - thx.

https://zoneminder.com/

A full-featured, open source, state-of-the-art video surveillance software system.

Monitor your home, office, or wherever you want. Using off the shelf hardware with any camera, you can design a system as large or as small as you need.



https://github.com/ZoneMinder/zoneminder

ZoneMinder is a free, open source Closed-circuit television software application developed for Linux which supports IP, USB and Analog cameras.

[Tom]

Interesting video Jim. I had heard about Wyze hacks but not simply safe.

Your opinion about motion activation is quite accurate. I am using the Blink indoor camera for my driveway and porch because they are designed as wired power units and have a continuous loop on camera that is used when motion is detected so I get video prior to the motion. The outdoor camera is designed for battery power and only records from the moment of motion even though I have solar power to it.

My outdoor camera is much less susceptible to false triggers than the indoor ones. My jeep sits in the driveway and when cars go by when dark their lights reflect off my jeep and trigger the motion sensor. They also often trigger my motion sensor lights.

The false triggers don’t bother me too much as my street becomes pretty quiet after 10.

Trent if I had another laptop or old machine I would certainly give that software a try.
(Edit). I guess not as blink does not support the required protocol.

[Jim]

Re Tom's Comments...

- Video included before the detected event is wonderful / nice to have

- Headlights creating a false positive is one of the complaints of the Foscam/Foscam look alike cam's for a client

- If anyone is interested in an old computer (typically Intel), let me know. Free. End of Life (old / slow) machines pass through my hands. I have a laptop in the office now awaiting me to get it to recycling - fully functional (questionable battery). Many general purpose mechanical hard drives available - wiped & tested - free.

[speedkills]

I was looking into this myself recently and was planning on going with UniFi cameras for no other reason that I have used them for networking for 15 years and have always been happy with their software and hardware. I haven't pulled the trigger yet because their pricing is pretty steep, I'll have to cross shop with some of these other suggestions.

[Tom]

Re Tom's Comments...

- Video included before the detected event is wonderful / nice to have

- Headlights creating a false positive is one of the complaints of the Foscam/Foscam look alike cam's for a client

- If anyone is interested in an old computer (typically Intel), let me know. Free. End of Life (old / slow) machines pass through my hands. I have a laptop in the office now awaiting me to get it to recycling - fully functional (questionable battery). Many general purpose mechanical hard drives available - wiped & tested - free.
I am going to save a motion video tonight, load on youtube, then post a link here.

[Java]

Thank you! Jim, I have a Foscam now that I just use indoors and the motion detection is unreliable at best. It seems that most of the 24/7 systems I've found are hardwired, I'm pretty set on wireless as I have a detached garage that I want cameras on too. I think it might end up being two systems, a 24/7 recording and an alarm system. IDK about the recording one but I'm considering using Simplysafe for an alarm. I had no idea what a can of worms this is, too many choices. I'll post up what I end up with.

[Gretchen]

I like solar camera's

[Jim]

Of the wireless / battery operated (solar panel charged) systems I've worked with, the Arlo system is one I liked the best. One can have wireless devices with local storage of content (with a home base station and USB attached hard drive). Content, by default, is uploaded to Arlo for online storage. Notification / viewing on your cell phone via the Arlo app. If you wish more detail / are interested - let me know and I'll try to answer.

[Tom]

Article on hacking issue.

https://www.cnet.com/home/security/are-your-home-security-cameras-at-risk-of-hacking/ (https://www.cnet.com/home/security/are-your-home-security-cameras-at-risk-of-hacking/)

[Tom]

False Trigger and a couple of ghosts. The ghosts are an anomly. Only happened one time when I tried some new setting on the camera.

https://youtu.be/qbxEfnalZhE

https://youtu.be/Y3cOSzwg0-I

https://youtu.be/hLLuS6ED1Jw

[jayson44]

I also have a handful of Blink cameras. they work great, are pretty small, and have a lot of different features and adjustments you can do to them. they are almost infinitely expandable and work as long as you have internet connection to them. they do sound and you can talk to people through them as well. they run on either fixed USB power or 2 AA batteries. if you get the nice lithium Energizers, they last nearly a year before needing changing. I've been happy with them.

J.

[TDash]

i went with Eufy over Arlo simply because I am not a fan of monthly subscriptions. it also supports RTSP to record to my NAS in addition to the homebases I have (1 for cameras 1 for doorbell). I want the nice UI and accessibility of the cloud provided services but want to own my own data and not have to pay to access it

[Tom]

I do not pay a subscription for blink either.

[open_circuit]

I do not pay a subscription for blink either.

Blink strikes me as an odd name for a security camera that you want to be the eye of Sauron -- an unblinking eye.

[carpenle]

I have Feit Electric flood light cameras. No contact and go where u have a light fixture.

[jayson44]

I do not pay a subscription for blink either.

me neither. I think you can pay for more storage, but I have no need for it from a video perspective.

J.

[Java]

I have Feit Electric flood light cameras. No contact and go where u have a light fixture.

Really considering these, great idea. Thanks Levi!!

[Java]

I ordered a couple of these today as a start https://www.amazon.com/eufy-Security-Floodlight-Weatherproof-Non-Stop/dp/B07H25G6FN/ref=psdc_7459508011_t5_B08Z7FP1WT

and some of these https://www.amazon.com/eufy-Security-Assistant-Compatibility-Tracking/dp/B0856W45VL/ref=sr_1_3?crid=3RENC5EZYVL6R&keywords=eufy+camera&qid=1649457779&s=electronics&sprefix=eufy+camera%2Celectronics%2C92&sr=1-3