Or any other brand, a long as it's POE, stores videos locally and can even provide a mobile app. It may take a little more work to set up/wire, but the piece of mind is worth it. You won't have to pay anyone any subscription, you'll own your data, it will be reliable and can easily last 10-15 years. You can easily replace a camera if it fails doesn't have to be the same brand, so you're not locked in to a single brand. You can even upgrade to another system in 10 years and use the same Ethernet wiring.
Reolink would be perfect for you. They're a good balance of price vs quality. This is the newer model of the one I have: https://www.amazon.com/Reolink-Security-8-Channel-Recording-RLK8-410B4-5MP/dp/B016UCNP3A
Since your an electrician, wiring it will be easy for you. All you need to do is run 1 CAT 5e/6 cable from the NVR to each camera and that provides power and connectivity.
Try looking at Reolink for a security system - I put this one in and it's a very good and reasonably priced system:
The thing about security camera system cameras under a few thousand, is that they have limited range. You'll want to get soem cameras out close to the boundaries of your property and that's why I suggested game-type cameras.
For indoor, Wyze are nice and cheap and allow you to drop in, have two way audio, record to SD card for free, or record to cloud for a monthly fee. They have outdoor cameras as well, and I've had one of their pan indoor cameras outside, under an eave for a couple of years without issues (also in a silicon case) with temperature ranges from -40F to 100F.
For doorbell, most are subscription based, there are some that can record to an NVR, but for $200-$300 you aren't going to get multiple cameras and a doorbell camera and an NVR. This is a fairly reasonable starter system with 4 cameras and it's $400, with no doorbell camera. These would require you to run ethernet cable from the NVR to each camera, but it would record 24/7 with no subscription and you can remotely view.
I have a kit from Reolink I bought on Amazon for $3-400. I added a 4k camera to the bundle for our driveway.
They're POE fed back to an NVR with 7-8 days of memory for 4-5 cameras. Their software is so-so for home automation purposes. A better option for someone wanting more home automation integration would be simply buying the cameras, running POE to a router, and using a video hosting service like Blue Iris.
I don't entirely trust that they're Chinese-made, but the quality is otherwise good and they get very good reviews. It's the software that worries me (ie backdoor spying).
I have this system Limited-time deal: REOLINK 8CH 5MP Home Security Camera System, 4pcs Wired 5MP Outdoor PoE IP Cameras, 4K 8CH NVR with 2TB HDD for 24-7 Recording, RLK8-410B4-5MP https://www.amazon.com/dp/B016UCNP3A/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_dl_KS54TDFVY093BCTW01SE?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
If you could hardwire, that will be the best option. It's more stable than wifi, easier to setup, and will be cheaper. I have the older version of this set and really like it(and it currently is on sale!): https://www.amazon.com/Reolink-Security-8-Channel-Recording-RLK8-410B4-5MP/dp/B016UCNP3A
They also have a 4K model if you want higher resolution, but that isn't on sale right now.
If you choose to go with wifi, you'd need to buy the cameras and NVR separately. The 4MP (2K) cameras are not too expensive(RLC-410W is about $60 each) then the NVR is a bit over $200 for one with 2TB storage.
Get a self hosted camera and NVR if you don't want to pay a subscription.
Something like this https://www.amazon.com/Reolink-Security-8-Channel-Recording-RLK8-410B4-5MP/dp/B016UCNP3A/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?dchild=1&keywords=nvr+system+poe&qid=1632182738&sr=8-4
If you don’t need the SD card and plan on going with the Reolink NVR, you can buy as a bundle and get more two more cameras for similar money.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B016UCNP3A
I’ve just recently installed this kit and so far so good. Only issue so far has been getting the motion sensitivity dialed in.
Yep, you can set the Reolink NVR to continuously record and save on all cameras and only overwrite the oldest recording once the HDD is full. The NVR comes with a 2 TB HDD, but I am not sure how many days of continuous recordings that will hold. You have the option to expand the NVR memory by changing out the internal HDD with a larger one, or add an external HDD up to 8 TB (you may do both).
Expanding this memory will likely give you at least 1 month of continuous recordings, if not much more.
Here is the product link for those interested Reolink 8CH 5MP PoE Home Security Camera System, 4pcs Wired 5MP Outdoor PoE IP Cameras, 8MP/4K 8-Channel NVR with 2TB HDD for 24/7 Recording, RLK8-410B4-5MP https://www.amazon.com/dp/B016UCNP3A/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_fabt1_nGOWFbHWNHSB8?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Just get a pre-built POE system from Reolink. I have a amcrest nvr but I am going to switch to a reolink after using their app with with a 510a and 520 POE cameras.
https://www.amazon.com/Reolink-Security-8-Channel-Recording-RLK8-410B4-5MP/dp/B016UCNP3A
I have an older version of that system and I'm happy with it. Reolink is a good balance between price and performance. There are certainly better systems out there, but they are $$$$
I have a Reolink 5mp, 4 camera POE system that right now (use the coupon) sells for a bit over $300 and it is a rock solid, well designed system that will give you decent quality pictures plenty good enough to aid the police in identifying scumbags.
https://smile.amazon.com/Reolink-Security-8-Channel-Recording-RLK8-410B4-5MP/dp/B016UCNP3A/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=24XWZPQZPH373&dchild=1&keywords=reolink+security+camera+system&qid=1606046977&s=electronics&sprefix=reolink%2Celectronics%2C193&sr=1-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEyNFAxMUNUWDdRT0lQJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMzU2MjY2M0xEM045WDc3REwyTSZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwOTg0Mzk3N1JUTzlKRlFIUUQ3JndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==
The person who suggested the Reolink 423 had the right idea, because this camera is a pan/tilt design, and can be set to move to different locations and focus in. However, the video (on YouTube) of this camera as it's "cruising" and refocusing is frustrating to watch, and I think you'd miss some theft in the process if you owned it.
In the front you need at least one 24/7 (that means powered, either by AC (wifi) or PoE, the latter being preferred). I have the RLC 422W (wifi) Dome (not pan and tilt), installed at my rear driveway and am quite happy with it. The night vision is particularly good, even without IR. I back that camera up with two other cameras: A Yi outdoor bullet that is tucked way up under the deck and overlooks the garage door and the keypad opener; and the Reolink (battery powered, but AC/Solar capable) Argus2. This portable, convenient camera has outstanding night vision, and is the reason I went with the RLC 422W later.
Argus 2 image here (ambient lighting, no IR in use): Imgur
See 422W image here: Imgur B&W using IR
Imgur 422W Color without IR
I have owned Ring products (still have the Doorbell2), but I don't recommend them for several reasons; the night vision is particularly poor, IMO. I took down both the Flood and the Spotlight in the driveway and replaced them with the RLC 422W, which I am much happier with. I have a Reolink 511W (large bullet cam) that I'd like to put up, but it's a little too imposing to put in the front of my townhome, and redundant in the back.
Given the package theft situation you face in the front, I think I'd go for an NVR package (which is what Kv603 suggested). They have such packages on Amazon (not recommending this one, just want you to see what's out there).
"Odd outbursts" from your neighbor: Any number of things could be in play here; but to me this suggests emotional instability (alchol/drugs/mental illness, such as bi-polarity, etc), and a possibility of danger if there are weapons in the home. It's something you'll want to keep an eye on as it could escalate and/or spill over. I grew up with this kind of thing; and I guess I'm a little sensitive to it.
The nice thing about the Reolink is you can view the cameras on the phone app (mine are on 2 different networks, and you can still see them), and also on the PC Client, which gives you some more options on images.
If you want to see a "tour of the waterfront" in terms of these cameras; the most evals seem to be by LifeHackster (YouTube).
Wyze is fine , the ai detection is crazy sensatize and based on your limited budget I would say it's your best option, to get a floodlight cam and two outdoor cams. If you had a slightly larger budget , I would recommend https://www.amazon.com/Reolink-Security-8-Channel-Recording-RLK8-410B4-5MP/dp/B016UCNP3A/ref=mp_s_a_1_16?crid=3HQMPGMHWEE4D&keywords=reolink+4k+dvr&qid=1660578229&sprefix=reolink+4k+dvr%2Caps%2C236&sr=8-16&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fo...
You have two choices, either go with PoE system or Wireless system.
PoE system: It comes with PoE NVR and 4 PoE cameras. It is reliable because they are wired, but you will need to run Cat5 cable between NVR and each camera. If running cables between NVR and cameras is not difficult for you, then we suggest you go with PoE system. Here is an recommendation: https://www.amazon.com/Reolink-Security-8-Channel-Recording-RLK8-410B4-5MP/dp/B016UCNP3A/ref=sr_1_3?crid=11KGIMI1LZT8G&keywords=reolink+poe&qid=1646619919&sprefix=reolink+pow%2Caps%2C350&sr=8-3
Wireless system: It comes with a wireless NVR and 4 wifi cameras. NVR and cameras transmit video wirelessly, means there are no cables between NVR and cameras, they transmit video over WiFi. But cameras need to be plugged to power outlets, so you'll need to mount cameras near to power outlets or run power cables for the cameras. Here is a recommendation for you: https://www.amazon.com/Auto-Track-Wireless-Security-Floodlights-Detection/dp/B09DFYVH57/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=yeewise&qid=1646292978&sr=8-3
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Both of above systems have the basic features, like motion alerts, weatherproof for outdoor use, night vision, remote access and playback. Some may have some add-on features like two-way audio, color night vision, ptz and etc. These featurs will make the price difference.
Item | Current | Lowest | Reviews |
---|---|---|---|
REOLINK 8CH 5MP Home Security Camera System, 4pcs… | $339.98 | $339.98 | 4.5/5.0 |
^Item Info | Bot Info | Trigger
I have 2 sets, one I've had for years and a new one (4K) I bought to replace it. Will I ended up just using both she not retiring the old one lol.
The old one is no longer available, but this is the pretty much the same one, just slightly updated hardware: https://www.amazon.com/Reolink-Security-8-Channel-Recording-RLK8-410B4-5MP/dp/B016UCNP3A
This is the newer 4K set I have: https://www.amazon.com/Security-8-Channel-Surveillance-Recording-RLK8-800B4/dp/B07K734ZTW
I definitely recommend the 4K one, there is a significant jump up in picture quality.
I live in the Northeast, plenty of rain and snow here.
Went back and checked. $399. same price it is now.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B016UCNP3A/
//edit. if you are wondering. these are the drives I bought. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B071KVB4F8
And I put one of them in this enclosure. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B014LQOGV2
my reolink camera setup can see cars on the street pretty well.
Yah, I live 2 minutes away, I'll be installing it, taking care of it etc. I want to set it up on a 24/7 monitor in her room so if she thinks she hears something she can look at the camera and check. That's really what this is for - she's hearing and seeing stuff, but there's no evidence of anything. In the future I could always get her internet setup and remotely access these Reolink cameras.
This is what I'm looking at it.
You absolutely can swap out a hard disk drive for an SSD in some NVRs.
It's not 4k. But the 5 megapixel sensors are fantastic. I'm not going to dox myself and post my own screen captures, but you can check out the amazon reviews for some customer image samples.
You definitely can swap out the internal hard drive with an SSd up to 4tb. And you can add another SSD via external eSata enclosure.
The only downside I see here is they(the cameras) would be very obvious and probably too big for what you are looking for.
You probably want to end up looking for something like this kit here. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07X243SQS
It's going to be a lower resolution than what you're looking for, but you will probably find it to be more than sufficient. This particular kit is sold by many different sellers with different brand names but its all the same stuff.
What is your budget?
gotcha, thanks. mind if I ask you two more questions? With something like this kit - https://www.amazon.com/Reolink-Surveillance-5-Megapixel-Security-RLK8-410B4-5MP/dp/B016UCNP3A?crid=1D6PWD41XJY2W&keywords=security+camera+poe+5mp&qid=1539137191&sprefix=security+camera+poe+%2Caps%2C223&sr=8-4&ref=sr_1_4
if something went wrong with a single camera can you replace it with any other individually sold POE camera like say https://www.amazon.com/Security-Megapixels-2592x1944-Waterproof-Detection/dp/B07BNGWZVR?crid=1D6PWD41XJY2W&keywords=security+camera+poe+5mp&qid=1539137191&sprefix=security+camera+poe+%2Caps%2C223&sr=8-7&ref=sr_1_7 ?
and if I were to buy just 2 or 3 of the second linked individual cameras, would they work with https://www.amazon.com/TIGERSECU-4-Channel-Security-Recording-Included/dp/B076H2DHBS?keywords=security%2Bcamera%2Bdvr&qid=1539137634&sr=8-8&ref=sr_1_8&th=1 ?
thanks