Best simple camera set up

[ponderings]

I am a huge noob with all this stuff, but my sister just got a ring doorbell and it has made me curious as to how to make my house more secure.
I use a wheelchair, so any ability to see outside via my pc or phone would make life easier (and me feel safer).
I live in a bungalow so it is not the biggest set up required.
I think what is likely needed is two cameras, one for the front of the house, and one for my garden (possibly one inside in the hall of my house?). Ideally I would be able to live view these on my computer and be able to record video/audio too.
My concerns are that other people may be able to access the cameras via the internet (is there a way to completely mitigate this?)
What's the easiest and most cost effective way to set this up?

I would really be looking for a camera that I can log in remotely to view (even if it is just via my wifi in my own house) and if it would be able to record an hour or two of video that would be a bonus too

 

[SouthernYankee]

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I general you will end up with more cameras then you think. Blue Iris (BI) is software that runs on a PC and can be used to record and play back video. Or you can use a custom NVR that will perform a similar function. It is normally recommended that BI be run on a stand alone PC, as it needs to run 24/7.

It is strongly recommended that you not use WIFI cameras and you not use Reolink,nest and similar cameras. Camera security is NOT that other people can see your camera, it is that other people can use your cameras to attack your network. your personal computer and phone.and other peoples networks (a BOT). Camera security is not an issue if it is configured correctly

There is a lot of information below, take your time and read it and the posted links.

Read plan study... before spending money
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My standard welcome to the forum message.

Please read the IP Cam Talk Cliff Notes and other items in the IP Cam Talk Wiki. The wiki is in the blue bar at the top of the page.

Read How to Secure Your Network (Don't Get Hacked!) in the wiki also.

Quick start
1) If you do not have a wired monitored alarm system, get that first
2) Use Dahua starlight cameras or Hikvision darkfighter cameras or ICPT Night eye cameras (Store | IP Cam Talk) if you need good low light cameras.
3) use a VPN to access home network (openVPN)
4) Do not use wifi cameras.
5) Do not use cloud storage
6) Do Not use uPNP, P2P, QR, do not open ports,
7) More megapixel is not necessarily better.
8) Avoid chinese hacked cameras (most ebay, amazon, aliexpress cameras(not all, but most))
9) Do not use reolink, ring, nest cameras (they are junk), no cloud cameras
10) If possible use a turret camera , bullet collect spiders, dome collect dirt and reflect light (IR)
11) Use only solid copper, AWG 23 or 24 ethernet wire. , no CCA (Copper Clad Aluminum)
12) use a test mount to verify the camera mount location. My test rig: rev.2
13) (Looney2ns)If you want to be able to ID faces, don't mount cams higher than 8ft. You want to know who did it, not just what happened.
14) Use a router that has openVPN built in (Most ASUS, Some NetGear....)
15) camera placement use the calculator... IPVM Camera Calculator V3

Cameras to look at
IPC-HDW2231R-ZS Review-Dahua IPC-HDW2231RP-ZS Starlight Camera-Varifocal
IPC-HDW5231-ZE Review-Dahua Starlight IPC-HDW5231R-ZE 800 meter capable ePOE
IPC-HFW4239T-ASE IPC-HFW4239T-ASE
IPC-T5442TM-AS Review IPC-T5442TM-AS-LED (Full Color, Starlight+)
IPCT-HDW5431RE-I Review - IP Cam Talk 4 MP IR Fixed Turret Network Camera
DS-2CD2325FWD-I
IPC-T5442TM-AS Review-OEM 4mp AI Cam IPC-T5442TM-AS Starlight+ - 4MP starlight+

Other dahua 4MP starlight Dahua 4MP Starlight Lineup

My preferred indoor cameras
DS-2CD2442FWD-IW
IPC-K35A Review-Dahua IPC-K35A 3mp Cube Camera

If interested in Blue Iris and other setup items see the following post

Newbie Starter Guide to IP Cam System – VPN setup – Computer Hardware – Blue Iris – Dahua Cameras

This is an intermediate / newbie guide for people just starting out looking for a surveillance setup. I know this setup might not be for everyone and there are many options. You can find a lot of this information in the Wiki: IP Cam Talk Wiki | IP Cam Talk A great place to start in the Wiki...

ipcamtalk.com

Read,study,plan before spending money ..... plan plan plan
Test do not guess