Smart CCTV options Eufy?

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blackjack17

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#311566 27-Jan-2024 10:40

The in-laws have recently had the house opposite them broken into, trashed and ransacked and are a little nervous. They have an alarm system but are asking about the potential for putting in a couple of cameras (external). The cameras do not need to be connected to the alarm, nor does it need to be integrated into any smart house features.

A couple of years ago I got 3 arlo pro2 cameras but to be honest they are a bit of a pain having to climb up and charge every month or so, plus unless you subscribe you can't edit sensor location etc. and to be honest I am not blown away by the image quality and the number of false alerts (shadows moving) are annoying.

Would the Eufy cams be a good option?

https://www.pbtech.co.nz/product/CCTEFY1413/Eufy-eufyCam-2C-Pro-Wire-Free-Security-Camera-Kit

How user friendly are they once set up as I don't want to have to be an on call IT person for yet another thing.

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mdf

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#3187238 27-Jan-2024 12:04

I've just been installing Ring Floodlight Cameras at my mum's. Like you, one of my key must haves was not being perpetual on call tech support. I did a bit of comparing and settled on Ring. The floodlight cams are a one for one replacements for some existing sensor lights so (i) no batteries and (ii) no electrician. App + instructions seem straightforward. There is a subscription cost for all the features but I didn't really give her a choice on that. "Free" CCTV seems to me to mean either self hosting and VPNs (which I do but am absolutely not doing for her), or hopes and prayers for ongoing support and security patches. She's only had them a day but seems happy so far.

YMMV if you don't have easily substitutable external lights though. Ring does have battery options but I didn't explore those.

qwertee

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#3187253 27-Jan-2024 12:55

eufyCam 3c 2k user here.

I bought the 2 camera pack . Installed one at the front and one in the backyard.
Pretty easy to setup and uses a homebase unit without paying a subscription.
I have it set to record 20s clips,so need only to charge the cameras about every 6 months.

On the odd occasion it would miss recording an event. But I am happy with it.
I use a black silicon sleeve. as the unit being white sticks out like a sore thumb. Maybe a good thing without the sleeve for your in-laws as these things can act as a deterrent.
I suppose it cant capture details enough for a prosecution, maybe only tells a story; ' a chap came by in a white car , wearing a blue jumper and smashed his way into the house"
That sort of thing

cheers

Benoire

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#3187263 27-Jan-2024 13:10

I've got a Eufy Homebase 2 setup with Cam2 Pros for external (better night cmos) and Cam2Cs for internal due to their spotlight function plus I have the security add on pack. After nearly 3 years, I have no real complaints... some niggles and annoyances but nothing that stops the system recording when it is supposed to and alarming as required. I like the fact that I can set the outside cameras to notify as a default and then alarmed when out so I always know when someone is on the grounds.

I'm going to upgrade to a Homebase 3 with the Cam3s before I go abroad because they are a better camera with better sensors etc.