Looking for recommendations for an indoor camera

Forums › Desktop computing › Looking for recommendations for an indoor camera

GeoffisPure

459 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 73

#272886 22-Jul-2020 13:55

I'm looking for a standard IP camera to monitor my doggo while I'm at work. I see most of these now have functionality to view your cameras stream remotely using a phone app. Ideally I am looking for one that can be viewed from a web browser too (without having to install software or subscribe to a subscription service).

Appreciate any recommendations.

esawers

559 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 94

#2527152 22-Jul-2020 14:00

We use a Wyze cam for our dog, works well, I use the phone app, not sure about the browser.

jonathan18

7415 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 2850

ID Verified

Trusted

#2527948 23-Jul-2020 20:44

Yeah, it's possible to view Wyze's stream via a computer but the methods to achieve this are a bit of a hassle.

I've had a go at viewing the streams from my cameras via running the app on an Android emulator (I tried it with Nox); this is fine as a solution of last resort but comes with many annoyances - not least that the app is designed for vertical use, so only once you're viewing the video full-screen will the emulator allow the app to display landscape; even more frustrating if wanting to view more than one camera's stream at the same time. Time guidance on recorded footage is completely out as well (when queuing content).

Another option is running the alternative firmware that provides for RTSP, which apparently allows one to view Wyze streams via VLC, but apparently that firmware isn't updated that regularly, plus it seems a whole lot of hassle.

https://support.wyzecam.com/hc/en-us/articles/360026245231-Wyze-Cam-RTSP

So, yeah, unless you do intend to use the camera primarily via a mobile device and/or can be bothered fiddling to get computer viewing sorted, then I don't think a Wyze camera is for you, despite them being excellent VFM.

Mehrts

1112 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 984

Trusted

#2528316 24-Jul-2020 17:48

The Ubiquiti Unifi G3 Flex cameras are ideal for indoor applications. They're very small 1080p units, and can sit on a shelf somewhere out of the way, or be mounted to a wall or post etc. The microphone clarity is surprisingly good too.

They're designed to work with Unifi Video or Unifi Protect which act as the NVR software. Video can be run on your own hardware, Protect can't. Unifi Video is End Of Life (EOL) from early next year, and Protect will take over, however in saying that, if you're after a simple setup through a web browser, these cameras can act as stand-alone units and the live-feed can be displayed in a browser window. Just enter the IP address and you'll be prompted by a login window.

They require Power over Ethernet (PoE) for power, so if you don't already have a passive 48v injector, or a network switch capable of 802.3af/at PoE, then you'll have to factor that in too.

I thought I'd mention them, as I have one at home for monitoring the front door. It's currently sitting on a window sill inside a bedroom & the audio is very clear, even going through the single-glazed window. Currently looking at other camera options for monitoring the rest of the house though.