Help setting up a small DC camera system

[JR11]

Hi guys

I'm fairly new to security camera systems, and I figured it's much faster and easier ask the experts than to study websites

I want to assemble a small portable DC/battery powered security camera system, and after extensive research, found myself at a crossroad.

My initial research led me to making this system out of a Raspberry Pi (not sure which board version is best) as a starting point, then find some battery powered wifi cameras to network with it.

Quality DC IP security cameras are not easy to find (unless I'm missing them). So I've considered using 5V FPV drone cams with a external wifi transmitter, and action cams like the RunCam 6 and other cheap GoPro clones. And even some dashcams with wifi, some of which offer great color night vision (good night vision is high priority).

My first dilemma is, should I use a Raspberry Pi or should I use a small travel router, like TP-Link.

After being sold on the Raspberry Pi, I'm now starting to think a DC powered travel router might be the easier solution. The Pi does offer the benefit (among other things) of running security camera software on its Linux OS. But the simplicity of just using a fully assembled DC powered travel router with DC powered wifi cameras and apps on my phone, is enticing.

I don't want to waste money on cheap garbage if I'm probably going to want to upgrade in the future

Any thoughts and insights will be helpful. Thanks

 

[mat200]

Hi guys

I'm fairly new to security camera systems, and I figured it's much faster and easier ask the experts than to study websites

I want to assemble a small portable DC/battery powered security camera system, and after extensive research, found myself at a crossroad.

My initial research led me to making this system out of a Raspberry Pi (not sure which board version is best) as a starting point, then find some battery powered wifi cameras to network with it.

Quality DC IP security cameras are not easy to find (unless I'm missing them). So I've considered using 5V FPV drone cams with a external wifi transmitter, and action cams like the RunCam 6 and other cheap GoPro clones. And even some dashcams with wifi, some of which offer great color night vision (good night vision is high priority).

My first dilemma is, should I use a Raspberry Pi or should I use a small travel router, like TP-Link.

After being sold on the Raspberry Pi, I'm now starting to think a DC powered travel router might be the easier solution. The Pi does offer the benefit (among other things) of running security camera software on its Linux OS. But the simplicity of just using a fully assembled DC powered travel router with DC powered wifi cameras and apps on my phone, is enticing.

I don't want to waste money on cheap garbage if I'm probably going to want to upgrade in the future

Any thoughts and insights will be helpful. Thanks

Hi JR11

what are your functional goals with this project ?

 

[tangent]

Tell us more about where / how these cameras will be used.
Are you monitoring a booth at a trade show / flea market, secretly recording a group or witches in the woods, monitoring a series of ant hills...? What's your budget? How portable does it need to be? How frequently moved? Is power available but inconvenient or not available? indoors / outdoors?
Do you intend to have someone monitoring the cameras live or just review the recordings later?

Most security cameras are powered over etherent using PoE, many have a 12vdc input but expect a reasonably well regulated voltage not a fluctuating battery voltage.

 

[JR11]

It's initially monitoring my property while I'm working in my shed (that does not have outlets). But I have other places I can use it.

Hanging out in my friends garage

Setup inside my vehicle so I can view the
surroundings on my phone while in various places, like restaurants & bars

The potential list is lengthy. Numerous times in my life I wished I had instant portable security cameras to monitor my surroundings.

Ever since having access to camera's on my job sight, I have realized the value of knowing what's going on around me at all times.

Another reason is, at work I'm constantly accessing the recordings of myself to find out where I put my phone, keys, etc..

Small Instant mobile security cameras (with magnetic and velcro capabilities) is superpower past generations would envy.

 

[JR11]

Tell us more about where / how these cameras will be used.
Are you monitoring a booth at a trade show / flea market, secretly recording a group or witches in the woods, monitoring a series of ant hills...? What's your budget? How portable does it need to be? How frequently moved? Is power available but inconvenient or not available? indoors / outdoors?
Do you intend to have someone monitoring the cameras live or just review the recordings later?

Most security cameras are powered over etherent using PoE, many have a 12vdc input but expect a reasonably well regulated voltage not a fluctuating battery voltage.

Did not address all questions.

Not monitoring witches in the woods (yet).

I have made wireless ad hoc security systems with cell phones in the past, simply by connecting several phones to another phone's hotspot, and using software like IP webcam and tinycam.

Money is NOT an issue. I simply want to upgrade my cheap android limited wireless range system, and limited android cameras

 

[mat200]

Wondering, Are Wyze cameras still hackable ?

Would be nice to have a few you can send the rtsp feed into a local server as they are super affordable cameras that seems to help me your goals.