Suggestions for a security camera (for a flat bedroom)

Forums › Gadgets, robotics, home automation, electronics (including wearables) › Suggestions for a security camera (for a flat bedroom)

Loaf

108 posts

Master Geek

#298724 10-Jul-2022 18:51

I share a house with a few others.

I am planning to go away for a couple of weeks. Our house is pretty secure, but one of our flatmates is a bit forgetful and has been known to leave doors unlocked.

For peace of mind, I want a camera of some kind, preferably something I can just plug in, sit on my desk like a webcam and connect to the wifi, that will capture and upload images if it detects motion. Does anything like this exist?

I've seen a couple of devices that look like they might do what I want, but I'm not sure what's good. Most of them seem to have their own cloud services that require subscription services, but that's not ideal as I only want something I can use periodically. I'm hoping there's something I can just link to a dropbox account or something like that.

Any advice appreciated.

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3885 posts

Uber Geek

#2940493 10-Jul-2022 19:24

https://www.bunnings.co.nz/eufy-2k-pan-and-tilt-indoor-camera_p0238995

Maybe something like this? Can have local or cloud storage, and can easily review via their mobile app.

Lazy is such an ugly word, I prefer to call it selective participation

lxsw20

3552 posts

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Subscriber

#2940502 10-Jul-2022 20:14

Probably wouldn't even need the PTZ features. https://www.bunnings.co.nz/eufy-2k-smart-tilt-indoor-camera_p0238996

I had one of these for a similar reason you're looking for. It did the job well.

MadEngineer

4271 posts

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Trusted

#2940571 10-Jul-2022 23:33

I got a PDL Wiser camera for this the other week. Seems to work very well

You're not on Atlantis anymore, Duncan Idaho.

Loaf

108 posts

Master Geek

#2940575 11-Jul-2022 02:58

Thanks for the suggestions so far. I'll have a look at them all. One that has an app so I can view the local storage sounds ideal.

xpd

Geek @ Coastguard NZ
13765 posts

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Retired Mod

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#2940579 11-Jul-2022 06:44

Got an old Android phone ?

https://securitycamera.cz/en/index.html

I use that whenever we go away for extended periods of time, works a charm :)

Gavin / xpd / FastRaccoon / Geek of Coastguard New Zealand

LinkTree

rp1790

738 posts

Ultimate Geek

Lifetime subscriber

#2940581 11-Jul-2022 07:30

Loaf:

Thanks for the suggestions so far. I'll have a look at them all. One that has an app so I can view the local storage sounds ideal.

Go for the second Eufy (no PTZ) camera. You'll need a little SD Card for Storage and the Eufy app is really good, you can view recorded motion and view things live if you want.

afe66

3181 posts

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Lifetime subscriber

#2940618 11-Jul-2022 09:12

"Shocked to discover while away flatmates allowed friends to crash in my bed after too many drinks."

What do I do with the er video....

Equinox IT

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andrew75

145 posts

Master Geek

ID Verified

#2940619 11-Jul-2022 09:21

I have one of these set up in my roof space to monitor rat traps.

https://www.pbtech.co.nz/product/CCTTPL1200/TP-Link-Tapo-C200-Indoor-Pan--Tilt-Home-Security-W

It would do everything you want, and has pan and tilt. Need a SD card for recording if you don't want to subscribe to the cloud service.

Eva888

2427 posts

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#2940703 11-Jul-2022 14:15

andrew75:
I have one of these set up in my roof space to monitor rat traps.

https://www.pbtech.co.nz/product/CCTTPL1200/TP-Link-Tapo-C200-Indoor-Pan--Tilt-Home-Security-W

It would do everything you want, and has pan and tilt. Need a SD card for recording if you don't want to subscribe to the cloud service.

Thanks great idea. I will put one under the house to see where mice get in as living against town belt encourages them into the warmth in winter. Would like one that works with home assistant.

Loaf

108 posts

Master Geek

#2940752 11-Jul-2022 16:11

Is there any reason that Eufy cameras are that much more expensive than TP-Link? I'm having trouble discerning which would be more suitable, because it does look like the TP-Link one would do the job.

rp1790

738 posts

Ultimate Geek

Lifetime subscriber

#2940880 12-Jul-2022 07:44

Yes, you are right, the TP-Link Camera will do the same job and it's cheaper.

Arsonist

31 posts

Geek

#2940886 12-Jul-2022 08:18

+1 for the Eufy 2k Indoor Camera.

Great camera, and the app has some nice features!

Its only $105 at JB Hi-Fi at the moment.

noroad

949 posts

Ultimate Geek

Trusted

#2940888 12-Jul-2022 08:23

https://www.pbtech.co.nz/product/CCTRNG2203/RING-Stick-Up-Cam-Battery-3rd-Gen---White

Stand alone camera will do everything you need.

rp1790

738 posts

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Lifetime subscriber

#2941160 12-Jul-2022 15:28

noroad:

https://www.pbtech.co.nz/product/CCTRNG2203/RING-Stick-Up-Cam-Battery-3rd-Gen---White

Stand alone camera will do everything you need.

At almost 3 times the price of the TP-Link camera that has been mentioned and does it even do recording without a Ring Subscription?

allan

2043 posts

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#2941425 13-Jul-2022 12:22

andrew75:

I have one of these set up in my roof space to monitor rat traps.

https://www.pbtech.co.nz/product/CCTTPL1200/TP-Link-Tapo-C200-Indoor-Pan--Tilt-Home-Security-W

It would do everything you want, and has pan and tilt. Need a SD card for recording if you don't want to subscribe to the cloud service.

I checked out this PB Tech link two days ago when this topic was under discussion and the price was $68. I'd kept the tab open and yesterday noticed it was $78. Today in their "Winter Sale" it is $67 - save $11. I know they are notorious for doing this sort of thing, but it's the first time I've spotted it personally. Shame I didn't grab any screenshots...

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