Basic Home Security Camera Advice

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alisam

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#248205 14-Mar-2019 14:08

I intend to move from Auckland in 2.5-3 years, so I don't (or think) I want to be laying ethernet cables to outdoor security cameras, since my ONT etc is in the garage, as it was too difficult get the fibre cable to another location which was acceptable to my wife).

I have a Synology NAS (DS216Play, 6GB) and I have played around with their Surveillance Station Software, using my mobile phone as a camera.

My intention is to use the NAS to communicate with 4 cameras (2 extra Synology Licenses will be required).

I thought if I purchased 4 x Wi-Fi cameras and I got the electrician to wire them into the House Mains (I have 12 outside houselights powered by mains power, however, these are on household switches). Some on the wall or under the eaves. I assume all power will be available from within the downstairs hip roofs).

The next issue will be purchasing good quality consumer grade cameras which provide a good picture (4MP?). If I had a choice it would be Dahua, but their wi-fi offering seems limited (see as an example https://www.dahuasecurity.com/products/productDetail/5591).

I would be pleased to hear your advice or suggestions.

FYI - I have had a look at Arlo gear, but want to explore other options first.

PC: Dell Inspiron 16 5640 (Windows 11 Home), Dell Inspiron 7591 2n1 (Windows 11 Pro), HP ProBook 470G1 (Windows 10 Pro), Intel NUC7I5BNH (Zorin)
Net: Grandstream 1 x GWN7062 Router, 1 x GWN7665 Access Point
Storage: Synology DS216play NAS, 2 x 6TB
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jonathan18

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#2198051 14-Mar-2019 14:48

A recent thread traversed similar ground, so there may be something of use in that thread: https://www.geekzone.co.nz/forums.asp?forumId=141&topicId=247882

alisam

834 posts

Ultimate Geek

#2198055 14-Mar-2019 15:03

jonathan18:

A recent thread traversed similar ground, so there may be something of use in that thread: https://www.geekzone.co.nz/forums.asp?forumId=141&topicId=247882

Thanks, I had read it. The talk was orientated to POE, whereas (at the moment) I am interested in wi-fi.

Jiriteach

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#2198064 14-Mar-2019 15:27

alisam:

I intend to move from Auckland in 2.5-3 years, so I don't (or think) I want to be laying ethernet cables to outdoor security cameras, since my ONT etc is in the garage, as it was too difficult get the fibre cable to another location which was acceptable to my wife).

I have a Synology NAS (DS216Play, 6GB) and I have played around with their Surveillance Station Software, using my mobile phone as a camera.

My intention is to use the NAS to communicate with 4 cameras (2 extra Synology Licenses will be required).

I thought if I purchased 4 x Wi-Fi cameras and I got the electrician to wire them into the House Mains (I have 12 outside houselights powered by mains power, however, these are on household switches). Some on the wall or under the eaves. I assume all power will be available from within the downstairs hip roofs).

The next issue will be purchasing good quality consumer grade cameras which provide a good picture (4MP?). If I had a choice it would be Dahua, but their wi-fi offering seems limited (see as an example https://www.dahuasecurity.com/products/productDetail/5591).

I would be pleased to hear your advice or suggestions.

FYI - I have had a look at Arlo gear, but want to explore other options first.

Couple thoughts - Dahua cameras are pretty nice and well made. Software is great and depending on cameras you have smart detection like IVS etc. Depends on your needs but they don't really do wifi for outdoor cameras. I have POE Dahua cameras for outdoor and wifi Dahua cameras for indoor. Alternatively you want to look at another brand like Foscam - http://www.cbay.co.nz/ip-camera-34/outdoor-64/. They have a large range of wifi cameras.

Re - Synology - I find their surveillance station pretty average in comparison to other available tools. Also clunky. Their extra licenses are not worth it. Depends on your needs again.

Cheers

-- opinions expressed by me are solely my own. ie - personal

rp1790

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#2198095 14-Mar-2019 16:00

If you are going to use any cameras outside you'll have to use POE, or a power cable to the camera, POE means one cable though so you'd be silly not to go that way. Otherwise just buy the Arlo's they work well and truly have no wires and can be placed anywhere. The mobile app is also very good and the Smart alerting now works well to tell you of animals, people or vehicles when motion is detected.

alisam

834 posts

Ultimate Geek

#2198109 14-Mar-2019 16:17

rp1790:

If you are going to use any cameras outside you'll have to use POE, or a power cable to the camera, POE means one cable though so you'd be silly not to go that way. Otherwise just buy the Arlo's they work well and truly have no wires and can be placed anywhere. The mobile app is also very good and the Smart alerting now works well to tell you of animals, people or vehicles when motion is detected.

But POE means I have to have laid ethernet cables to each camera (I believe). Something I am trying to avoid.

Jiriteach

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#2198110 14-Mar-2019 16:19

alisam:

rp1790:

If you are going to use any cameras outside you'll have to use POE, or a power cable to the camera, POE means one cable though so you'd be silly not to go that way. Otherwise just buy the Arlo's they work well and truly have no wires and can be placed anywhere. The mobile app is also very good and the Smart alerting now works well to tell you of animals, people or vehicles when motion is detected.

But POE means I have to have laid ethernet cables to each camera (I believe). Something I am trying to avoid.

This is sometimes easier and cheaper than organising power to each camera. The one cable will provide power and uplink. You will need a POE switch or POE injectors though. Simplest and easiest setup are wireless Arlo's.

-- opinions expressed by me are solely my own. ie - personal

jonathan18

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#2198273 14-Mar-2019 21:45

alisam:

jonathan18:

A recent thread traversed similar ground, so there may be something of use in that thread: https://www.geekzone.co.nz/forums.asp?forumId=141&topicId=247882

Thanks, I had read it. The talk was orientated to POE, whereas (at the moment) I am interested in wi-fi.

The Wyse Cams discussed on that thread are wifi based; while sold to work with their own app/cloud upload/SD storage, I understand some have them working with Synology, eg see https://www.reddit.com/r/wyzecam/comments/82afrk/openipc_and_recording_what_is_everyone_using/dvffhxj/

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rp1790

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#2198278 14-Mar-2019 21:55

With the Wyse you'll still need to run power to them. POE means you have one cable and aren't reliant on W-Fi. Have to say it after running 6 x Dahua cameras myself for the last four years I have reverted back to Arlos. Simple, easy and the app is great.