Recommend a security camera kit?

Forums › Gadgets, robotics, home automation, electronics (including wearables) › Recommend a security camera kit?

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8

7 posts

Wannabe Geek

#2207407 30-Mar-2019 00:08

@jonathan18 I did read the previous posts. 😁

I realise from Amazon, as I mentioned the Wyze website does not post internationally, but perhaps I didn't clearly state that as well as I should of 😛

My main question was really whether or not an electrical adaptor was required and if so, where did you get yours from? Or, do the plugs come with the NZ type so we can plug straight into the socket no dramas?

Re motion though....did you find a fix for this at all yet?

Thank you for responding. I am very interested in this. 😁

jonathan18

7413 posts

Uber Geek

ID Verified

Trusted

#2207413 30-Mar-2019 06:36

Sorry, I see now I somehow deleted the bit of my reply regarding adapters!

They come with standard USB power plugs with US prongs so one's choices are to just use NZ-pronged ones or the originals with US/NZ adapters. I went with the latter and bought a three pack from Amazon at the same time. Given you can piggyback power from one to another, and if you want fairly long cable runs (maybe needed if outside, like one of mine) then it's worth getting quality wall plugs, hence why I thought staying with the original was worth it.

Re motion: getting there with trial and error.

At this point I'm recording 24/7 to the SD card so will have a recording whether or not I get an alert. On the front camera I've reduced the detection zone to the driveway, dresses carefully to exclude plants etc, and sensitivity at about 33%. I now get few false positives from shadows, but some from lights at night if a car turns near our house and its lights shine up the driveway.

sbiddle

30853 posts

Uber Geek

Retired Mod

Trusted

Biddle Corp

Lifetime subscriber

#2207414 30-Mar-2019 07:59

Jiriteach:

VPN is not required for remote access. That would just be a pain!
There are two options effectively - port forwarding or P2P.

Port forwarding could be considered and I have had this work successfully. Choosing high-end random ports. Only the TCP port would need to be opened so no HTTP access to the cameras web interface and apply really strong passwords.

Works very well but I understand that many are still uncomfortable with this setup even though its only accessible Dahua's TCP communication.
The other option is the P2P feature which allows access to the camera without having to forward ports by using an intermediary server to handle connectivity between the client and the camera.

Very simple to setup. Scan the QR code on the camera's GUI (P2P menu) or enter in the Serial Number (SN) into the Smart PSS or iDMSS to have direct access to those devices remotely.

I have to strongly disagree.

Port forwards should *never* be used under any circumstances unless these are locked down to whitelisted safe IP range(s). Changing the port number offers absolutely zero security, and previous compromises to Dahua (and I'm pretty sure a similar Hikvision hack as well) have involved port 37777 to allow full unrestricted access to the NVR along with revealing passwords.

While I have uses the P2P capability and aren't so strongly against it does raise security issues, particularly since access is only via the device serial number. This raises alarm bells to me, and access to remote systems should really only be via a randomised code.

Many people are also using Chinese Dahua kit that runs 3rd party hacked firmware to convert it to English. There is absolutely no guarantee of what else is in the code or whether security fixes are in place unless you are using 100% genuine English Dahua or OEM hardware with genuine firmware (which is available from the Dahua site).

The only guaranteed secure way to access a NVR is via VPN.

Jiriteach

1119 posts

Uber Geek

ID Verified

Lifetime subscriber

#2207441 30-Mar-2019 09:54

sbiddle:

Jiriteach:

VPN is not required for remote access. That would just be a pain!
There are two options effectively - port forwarding or P2P.

Port forwarding could be considered and I have had this work successfully. Choosing high-end random ports. Only the TCP port would need to be opened so no HTTP access to the cameras web interface and apply really strong passwords.

Works very well but I understand that many are still uncomfortable with this setup even though its only accessible Dahua's TCP communication.
The other option is the P2P feature which allows access to the camera without having to forward ports by using an intermediary server to handle connectivity between the client and the camera.

Very simple to setup. Scan the QR code on the camera's GUI (P2P menu) or enter in the Serial Number (SN) into the Smart PSS or iDMSS to have direct access to those devices remotely.

I have to strongly disagree.

Port forwards should *never* be used under any circumstances unless these are locked down to whitelisted safe IP range(s). Changing the port number offers absolutely zero security, and previous compromises to Dahua (and I'm pretty sure a similar Hikvision hack as well) have involved port 37777 to allow full unrestricted access to the NVR along with revealing passwords.

While I have uses the P2P capability and aren't so strongly against it does raise security issues, particularly since access is only via the device serial number. This raises alarm bells to me, and access to remote systems should really only be via a randomised code.

Many people are also using Chinese Dahua kit that runs 3rd party hacked firmware to convert it to English. There is absolutely no guarantee of what else is in the code or whether security fixes are in place unless you are using 100% genuine English Dahua or OEM hardware with genuine firmware (which is available from the Dahua site).

The only guaranteed secure way to access a NVR is via VPN.

Totally agree - Was purely outlining the available options. It's about weighing up the convenience vs security vs risk for the average home user. Access to ones network should be via VPN but if one is out and about and would like to receive push notifications with one-click to view the recording etc, there are limited options available. Using systems like Arlo etc. are going to be provide tighter security.

I've ended up segregating my cameras from the rest of my home network and isolating outside vs inside cameras. Inside cameras are cloud enabled via Dahua's new cloud so works similar to Arlo's from a security perspective.

But yes agree - with a Dahua setup, it's up to the user to configure security and manage risk.

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

robjg63

4096 posts

Uber Geek

Subscriber

#2207678 30-Mar-2019 13:00

Chris14:
@jonathan18 I did read the previous posts. 😁

I realise from Amazon, as I mentioned the Wyze website does not post internationally, but perhaps I didn't clearly state that as well as I should of 😛

My main question was really whether or not an electrical adaptor was required and if so, where did you get yours from? Or, do the plugs come with the NZ type so we can plug straight into the socket no dramas?

Re motion though....did you find a fix for this at all yet?

Thank you for responding. I am very interested in this. 😁

They come with a USB power charger with USA prongs. Throw them away and buy these
https://www.pbtech.co.nz/product/ADPDNX1041/Dynamix-SPAUSB-5V2A-5V-21A-Small-Form-USB-Wall-Cha

Less than $7 each.

Nothing is impossible for the man who doesn't have to do it himself - A. H. Weiler

Chris14

7 posts

Wannabe Geek

#2208537 1-Apr-2019 11:40

robjg63:
Chris14:

@jonathan18 I did read the previous posts. 😁

I realise from Amazon, as I mentioned the Wyze website does not post internationally, but perhaps I didn't clearly state that as well as I should of 😛

My main question was really whether or not an electrical adaptor was required and if so, where did you get yours from? Or, do the plugs come with the NZ type so we can plug straight into the socket no dramas?

Re motion though....did you find a fix for this at all yet?

Thank you for responding. I am very interested in this. 😁

They come with a USB power charger with USA prongs. Throw them away and buy these
https://www.pbtech.co.nz/product/ADPDNX1041/Dynamix-SPAUSB-5V2A-5V-21A-Small-Form-USB-Wall-Cha

Less than $7 each.

Thanks for that!

Looking at $230 for the 3 cams, outdoor cover/wall attachment and delivery. Then 3x 32gb micro sds and the US-NZ adapter and delivery from pb tech. Tossing up whether it's worth it xD

mokoshakalaka

94 posts

Master Geek

ID Verified

#2209562 2-Apr-2019 17:10

Chris14:

robjg63:
Chris14:

@jonathan18 I did read the previous posts. 😁

I realise from Amazon, as I mentioned the Wyze website does not post internationally, but perhaps I didn't clearly state that as well as I should of 😛

My main question was really whether or not an electrical adaptor was required and if so, where did you get yours from? Or, do the plugs come with the NZ type so we can plug straight into the socket no dramas?

Re motion though....did you find a fix for this at all yet?

Thank you for responding. I am very interested in this. 😁

They come with a USB power charger with USA prongs. Throw them away and buy these
https://www.pbtech.co.nz/product/ADPDNX1041/Dynamix-SPAUSB-5V2A-5V-21A-Small-Form-USB-Wall-Cha

Less than $7 each.

Thanks for that!

Looking at $230 for the 3 cams, outdoor cover/wall attachment and delivery. Then 3x 32gb micro sds and the US-NZ adapter and delivery from pb tech. Tossing up whether it's worth it xD

I can't say how good the Pan is but i do have 4 WyzeV2 cameras:

- 3 as baby cameras (Own house + 2 at Parents/Inlaws) - works great, i can stream when i'm at work

- 1 just pointing out the window (been meaning to mount it outside under the house eave)

The main thing to consider is:

- Need SD card if you want to use the camera as a security cam, the 12 seconds the camera saves to the cloud is realistically not long enough to record enough evidence (there is a 5 minute motion activated recording cooldown)

- No motion activated recording if your internet/wireless is down

- Need to connect the power plug to a UPS if you want the cameras to function if there is a power cut (same for your router/modem, if you want notifications)

- Need to mount the cameras in a fairly inaccessible location (if someone takes your camera and links it with another wyze account, you will lose all the saved clips in the cloud)

Equinox IT

Cloud spending continues to surge globally, but most organisations haven’t made the changes necessary to maximise the value and cost-efficiency benefits of their cloud investments. Download the whitepaper From Overspend to Advantage now.

JayADee

2148 posts

Uber Geek

#2209878 3-Apr-2019 01:26

I bought mine from Amazon with the SD card bundled. Tip: take out the card before updating the firmware.
You definitely need an SD card recording 24/7 because of the already mentioned cool down but also because you miss some time before the recording starts on the clips. So you can use the clips to see the time the event occurred then look up the time on the timeline and play it back just before then from the SD.

I have the Wyze v2 in a window at around head level perpendicular to our front door. I have the IR turned off (because glass) and with the outside light on the picture is very good at night. I have never tried the IR. During daylight you can clearly see license plates of anyone coming up the drive that way. I have the motion zone set to avoid waving trees and sensitivity set to ignore the waving pot plant still in the field of view. Large light changes will trigger it but nobody can get to the door without it detecting them and ditto with cars if they get into its field of view.

I am powering it with an extra phone wall charger with the same power output rating, 5V, 2.1A. I think kmart carries them too if PB ever runs out. ;)

If you have an enclosed space or can limit its view I think it works pretty well.

I read you can get a better picture for playback if you can get it to run on a different app, I believe it was tinycam on Android that was mentioned. There is also at least one other firmware you can put on available from github. I haven't tried either as I just haven't had time. Also somebody online said the playback quality is affected by the bit rate. In reference to motion blur.

I also haven't tried it as an indoor room cam (what it is designed for) yet but I think it would be really great at that. I really like the fire alarm alert idea, which I haven't tested out yet but I do have turned on.

Other things I like about it are the way it looks (small, cute, cube), its price, the way it sticks to its plate, the adjustability of the angles, the small size and light weight. The picture looks really good to me.

I went with more expensive cams for outdoors for a few reasons, here are some:

You have to have the Wyze wired, so it's actually easier for me to use PoE cameras and run Ethernet from a single switch to directly where I want the cameras than it is to plug power cables in for the Wyze. Added advantage is the data runs wired as well and isn't reliant on wifi.

Waterproofness- aside from the wild weather we get sometimes, I also hose the house down to clean it a couple times a year and I'm more sure I can abuse the purpose built outdoor cams.

Improved motion detection, more zones to set, ability to view on PC and more storage options and a couple extra features in software. More flexibility basically.

Money- I'd rather set these up just once. And when you start waterproofing etc it starts to add up.

Final thoughts: I really like my Wyze and there is a good chance I will buy a couple more at some point maybe as a self Xmas present. There are a few more window locations I could put them in and I'd like some pet cams. I'd love a couple in the shed but I don't think the wifi will reach.

It's going to be an interesting company to watch especially with an outdoor camera in the works. They have a niche right now because it's a good quality image cheap but the camera is a modified version of one a few companies sell, they don't make the hardware. And from what I understand they aren't really making money, just breaking even.

JayADee

2148 posts

Uber Geek

#2211472 5-Apr-2019 19:38

Ok, a question. I plugged in and initialised each camera and assigned them an IP in my router. I took them carefully apart to install the micro sd card, put them back together, retested.

Then I notice my foam ring is askew in most of them (the one around the lens) showing various amounts of the inner bits. Doh. I'm going to have to take them apart again and adjust it.

What is the ideal placement of that foam ring in a turret cam? Does it need to be right up against the glass or is just covering the interior surrounding structures enough? I am guessing covering structures is enough since the IR is not located right beside it.

Thanks!

Jiriteach

1119 posts

Uber Geek

ID Verified

Lifetime subscriber

#2211529 5-Apr-2019 23:02

JayADee:

Ok, a question. I plugged in and initialised each camera and assigned them an IP in my router. I took them carefully apart to install the micro sd card, put them back together, retested.

Then I notice my foam ring is askew in most of them (the one around the lens) showing various amounts of the inner bits. Doh. I'm going to have to take them apart again and adjust it.

What is the ideal placement of that foam ring in a turret cam? Does it need to be right up against the glass or is just covering the interior surrounding structures enough? I am guessing covering structures is enough since the IR is not located right beside it.

Thanks!

If I remember correct - the foam is up against the glass. Having to open the entire structure is the only downside of the Dahua's but once installed they work well.

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

freitasm

BDFL - Memuneh
79250 posts

Uber Geek

Administrator

ID Verified

Trusted

Geekzone

Lifetime subscriber

#2211532 6-Apr-2019 00:46

I have a bunch of Ring products here. I have the Ring Floodlight Cam, the Ring Spotlight Cam and now the new Ring Stick Up Cam. These all reliable, work well and integrate with other IoT systems such as Amazon Alexa, IFTTT and others. I get "Motion was detected on your driveway" spoken by Alexa on my Amazon Echo and with my Amazon Fire TV I can say "Show me my driveway" or "Show me my deck" and the live stream is shown on my TV. Very convenient. Recommended.

JayADee

2148 posts

Uber Geek

#2211580 6-Apr-2019 08:35

Jiriteach:
JayADee:

Ok, a question. I plugged in and initialised each camera and assigned them an IP in my router. I took them carefully apart to install the micro sd card, put them back together, retested.

Then I notice my foam ring is askew in most of them (the one around the lens) showing various amounts of the inner bits. Doh. I'm going to have to take them apart again and adjust it.

What is the ideal placement of that foam ring in a turret cam? Does it need to be right up against the glass or is just covering the interior surrounding structures enough? I am guessing covering structures is enough since the IR is not located right beside it.

Thanks!

If I remember correct - the foam is up against the glass. Having to open the entire structure is the only downside of the Dahua's but once installed they work well.

Thanks, I'll crack them open and nudge it back up.

Scotdownunder

217 posts

Master Geek

Subscriber

#2211698 6-Apr-2019 13:08

Informative read.

My requirements are simple, 2 cameras which from reading above would be as follows ;

1/ Vari-focus turret on soffit covering garage door, gate and hard standing for 2nd car. Coverage only 8-10 m depth and 3.7 m wide. Will need good control of detection / triggering as half length is open to footpath. Car headlight from driveway opposite may be a problem.

2/ Long fixed focus turret or bullet to cover path from back door to gate in side fence.

The Dahua starlight range look to fit the bill.

Will cable for PoE. Not sure if NVR or PC solution would be best for recording. Mac user and have old 24” iMac but it is probably too old / slow even with an SSD drive. Any suggestions ?

JayADee

2148 posts

Uber Geek

#2212041 6-Apr-2019 23:57

Scotdownunder: Informative read.

My requirements are simple, 2 cameras which from reading above would be as follows ;

1/ Vari-focus turret on soffit covering garage door, gate and hard standing for 2nd car. Coverage only 8-10 m depth and 3.7 m wide. Will need good control of detection / triggering as half length is open to footpath. Car headlight from driveway opposite may be a problem.

2/ Long fixed focus turret or bullet to cover path from back door to gate in side fence.

The Dahua starlight range look to fit the bill.

Will cable for PoE. Not sure if NVR or PC solution would be best for recording. Mac user and have old 24” iMac but it is probably too old / slow even with an SSD drive. Any suggestions ?

I'm trying out the 128GB micro SD card inside the camera option (it will just record over itself apparently just like my Wyze cam does) I haven't had time to try it yet but recording 24/7 is supposed to last 24-48 hours. Since the Fritzbox router I have supports a NAS and so do the cameras I'll likely plug an old hard drive I am not using into it and see how recording to that goes. I've never done that before so another new thing to try. If you go the micro SD route do some reading as to suitable cards re: types (classifications) and speeds. The Samsung Evo plus is recommended a lot from what I read; it depends how much you want to spend if you want to go higher up in their range.

On my cameras there are 4 rectangular motion detection zones you can set, 4 privacy masking zones and 4 'areas of interest' zones so I imagine you'll be able to exclude the footpath. I haven't tried any of them yet in the starlight but the ability to set a motion zone on the Wyze cam is very helpful.

Edit: also the lights I am guessing won't be a problem because the Dahuas use more than pixel based motion sensing. I think with them heat sensing is involved.

JayADee

2148 posts

Uber Geek

#2216744 14-Apr-2019 07:56

Ok so the cameras are working fine over the fritzbox's Fritz VPN but you can't browse the internet using the fritz's VPN so you have to switch the vpn on on your phone/iPad to view the cameras then off to get back online. My spouse will hate that.
Is there another free VPN I could set up in the Fritz that would let me just leave it on all the time? I don't need yet another bill to rent a VPN.

I know I could just use Dahua's built in P2P but I believe VPN is recommended.

Cheers!

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8