Need suggestions for cheap small cameras for owl house and squirrel house...

[marklyn]

I need to replace two of my EzViz CS-CV200 cameras in my owl house and squirrel shack. I do like them because they are small and have magnetic bottoms but you must use an Windows or android app to manage them. They're not ONVIF.
I would like to replace them with similar small ONVIF compatible cameras that plays well with blue iris. I'd like to keep the camera under 2.75" to fit in the smaller space of each house.
I'm looking at a TAPO C100 or C101 right now only because it looks small and I believe it is ONVIF capable. I want cheap because these cameras will end up dirty being where they are so disposable after a decent amount of use is ok by me.
Can anyone comment on the TAPO or a similar small camera, sub $50 range?

 

[TonyR]

I need to replace two of my EzViz CS-CV200 cameras in my owl house and squirrel shack. I do like them because they are small and have magnetic bottoms but you must use an Windows or android app to manage them. They're not ONVIF.
I would like to replace them with similar small ONVIF compatible cameras that plays well with blue iris. I'd like to keep the camera under 2.75" to fit in the smaller space of each house.
I'm looking at a TAPO C100 or C101 right now only because it looks small and I believe it is ONVIF capable. I want cheap because these cameras will end up dirty being where they are so disposable after a decent amount of use is ok by me.
Can anyone comment on the TAPO or a similar small camera, sub $50 range?

I have 2 TP-LINK Tapo C-110's doing non-critical duty for 18 months now streaming to B Iris; 1 watching dogs and another watching car in garage.
ODM locates them as well.

Post in thread 'Blue Iris Camera Compatibility.'

Dec 10, 2022

Oh god that sounds like a pain in the ass running Ispy and all that. I do not want to run through RTSP

OK, I got a TP-LINK Tapo C110 last week and have it streaming RTSP to Blue Iris 5 and also VLC. Not bad looking for a $25 wireless only, little cam with 2-way audio and selectable 720p/1080p/2K resolution.

As I stated in post 6, no iSpy needed. Here's how:

How to stream RSTP from TP-LINK Tapo C110 camera to Blue Iris or VLC

1. Install the Tapo app on your phone, open it and power up the Tapo cam. Refer to the included instructions if needed.
2. Configure...

• TonyR

• 

 

[marklyn]

I have 2 TP-LINK Tapo C-110's doing non-critical duty for 18 months now streaming to B Iris; 1 watching dogs and another watching car in garage.
ODM locates them as well.

Post in thread 'Blue Iris Camera Compatibility.'

Dec 10, 2022

Oh god that sounds like a pain in the ass running Ispy and all that. I do not want to run through RTSP

OK, I got a TP-LINK Tapo C110 last week and have it streaming RTSP to Blue Iris 5 and also VLC. Not bad looking for a $25 wireless only, little cam with 2-way audio and selectable 720p/1080p/2K resolution.

As I stated in post 6, no iSpy needed. Here's how:

How to stream RSTP from TP-LINK Tapo C110 camera to Blue Iris or VLC

1. Install the Tapo app on your phone, open it and power up the Tapo cam. Refer to the included instructions if needed.
2. Configure...

• TonyR

• 

Thanks for that write up, but I've read/re-read it and trying to understand why it's necessary to set up a TAPO account as part of the process to get it working with Blue Iris?

 

[TonyR]

Thanks for that write up, but I've read/re-read it and trying to understand why it's necessary to set up a TAPO account as part of the process to get it working with Blue Iris?

I'd like to answer that but instead I'll tell you how to make it work with Blue Irs as you first asked but if that doesn't crank your tractor then I cannnot help you.
Here's another set of instructions, directly from TP-LINK, the maker of Tapo cameras. Maybe they can answer "why" if you must know.

How to view Tapo camera on PC/NAS/NVR through RTSP/Onvif Protocol | TP-Link

How to view Tapo camera on PC/NAS/NVR through RTSP/Onvif Protocol

www.tp-link.com

 

[marklyn]

I tried the Tapo C100 and returned it because I think (now) I really want something where I can interface directly with the camera's GUI instead of having to use an app, as with the Tapo cameras.
This is what I was trying to get away with my older Ezviz cameras; needing an app to make changes is not as convenient as a good web interface.
Too bad. The size was good and the video was very good for my needs.
So I'm off to find a similar size camera with a web accessible GUI. Throw me any ideas if anyone knows of one.

 

[TonyR]

I tried the Tapo C100 and returned it because I think (now) I really want something where I can interface directly with the camera's GUI instead of having to use an app, as with the Tapo cameras.
This is what I was trying to get away with my older Ezviz cameras; needing an app to make changes is not as convenient as a good web interface.
Too bad. The size was good and the video was very good for my needs.
So I'm off to find a similar size camera with a web accessible GUI. Throw me any ideas if anyone knows of one.

If you can find a Sercomm RC4551 on eBay, go for it.
It's 1080P, POE, IR, close focus, RTSP, has audio, works with VLC or Blue Iris, has an embedded webGUI.
I've got one in a bluebird house for almost 3 years now, as below.

Post in thread 'Blue Bird House Camera'

Apr 3, 2022

Go to eBay and search for "Sercomm RC4551".
It's 1080P, POE, IR, close focus, RTSP, has audio, works with VLC or Blue Iris.
Build your own bracket as in the 2nd image below with plumber's tape.
It's not waterproof but in a sheltered birdhouse, should be OK.
I've had one in a bluebird house over a year now.
I installed a small heatsink on the back to help with our 90 degree summers.
Go here to see what I did and I also turned on several other forum members who purchased it, like @th182 , @IReallyLikePizza2 ,
@looney2ns ...

• TonyR

• 

Almost forgot: if hard pressed to find the Sercomm RC4551, it's kin the Sercomm OC432 will work well. It's also 1080P, audio, RTSP, POE, IR, works with VLC and Blue Iris and has an embedded webGUI. it may be a tad harder to mount with its single rear screw but plumber's tape can work miracles in the hands of an imaginative person!