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Thanks for the reply. I found some Amcrest models that seem to fit my needs for everything but Alexa (which isn't a real need). Really crappy software though. :( Still haven't tried using Blue Iris with Alexa, but it sounds promising.

Anyone have any experience with newer cameras?

Documented HTTP APIs (e.g. get snapshot, PTZ) also a must. Recommendations?

Then I stand corrected. Alexa and others must allow for multiple bridges. As to how they do it: UPnP. There's another faux bridge that is a Java applet to control legacy X10 systems. Will have to try both now.

There's no doubt it would allow for more customization, but it also introduces a central point of failure for all cams. Also, would not respond to dry contact alarms. I much prefer for cams to be responsible for sending their own emails. And if FTP was a common feature ten years ago, figure at...

Have a bunch of old Foscam cameras and they insist on using illegible stock email subject lines (SoundDetect, etc.) Would like my next cameras to allow customizing the subjects. Would also like the option to request an HTTP resource on motion (or alarm). Have some that do FTP, but never seen...

Wait a tick, does Blue Iris imitate the Hue bridge? That would be a common hack, which can't be used if a real bridge is on the network. :( Suppose developers do that as Hue doesn't require a Skill to be discovered.

I think it is an excellent solution. Have Hue as well and it is just UPnP discovery. Works like a charm, also with no Skill or Cloud account required.

True, but If I am nearby, I can come home and intercede. :) If not, then a recording may or may not help after the fact. Almost always somebody home at my house anyway.

Aha. So BI sets up a virtual home automation device (or devices) which does not require a Skill. I like it!

Still can be monitored locally and get emails when away, which I turn into notifications with Tasker. Also, I work from home most of the time.

I have an Echo, but not understanding how you are connecting commands to BI to show feeds. Javascript hack? Custom Skill?

Lately I don't (used to use a DVR with wired video feeds). The IP cams just mail me snap shots on motion.

I have BI, but rarely use it. I looked for a Skill for BI, but did not find one. Perhaps I misunderstood your suggestion? Alexa can bring up a requested feed on a Show or FireTV device. Latter can turn any TV into a camera monitor. Best I can do with Roku is to tell it to bring up the camera...

...And, of course, must be able to send emails on motion

...After looking into it, setting up my router to provide VPN service doesn't look too tasking. Think it has that option and know my phones can act as clients. Bring up a camera app on the phone from a hotel room wouldn't be quite as slick as telling the Show to view a specific room, but then...

I agree and would add that it must have an HTTP interface that works on the local network (as all my current cameras do). As for Alexa, it would be nice to tell "her" to bring up the feed on the Show. Also like idea of no-fuss remote monitoring. Refuse to do port forwarding and setting up a VPN...

Been there, but unclear which have local network access. Don't want to buy any Cloud-only cameras as they will be useless with the various non-Amazon hardware (e.g. Roku) and software (e.g. Web browsers, mobile apps, Blue Iris, etc.) that I use. Thanks!

Thanks! Will check out the linked info.

Alexa compatible cameras with local HTTP access? Is there such a product? Would like to find cameras that work with Alexa, but that also allow for "old-fashioned" HTTP access for use with everything else.