So, I have two properties out of state that need some very basic video surveillance. I currently have a lone Arlo cam providing useful information on one of the empty properties; yet, seeking a better solution. Better means: no batteries; no recurring costs; no cloud requirement; matching or better image quality for now (yes the bar is low since everything mentioned here is better than an entry-level Arlo cam) and where this could be the building blocks of a well though-out, reliable and useful system in the near future?
What strategy might you choose that allows you to get a better than Arlo cam going now without Arlo? What's a quick drop-in replacement?
Option A. I have a $59 Arlo Essentials camera that currently covers: Workroom door; carport; driveway and backdoor. Of course the camera is wide angle and identifying people in the dead of night will likely be difficult..... I'm okay with this. What I like is that it shows what I need for now and 100% correctly identifies: Animal, human or vehicle.... The downside is the fact that the battery needs recharging every month and it requires a subscription. I would rather invest in a camera that will be part of a premium surveillance system later. I'm happy with this solution for now, it's doing exactly what I want for now.... it shows me if anyone tried to enter the workroom or back door or came up the driveway to look around.... basic.
Arlo Essential Security Camera 2K, 2nd Gen Wireless with Spotlight, 2-Way Audio, Color Night Vision, Live Stream, Motion Activiation, Real Time Notifications...
Option B. Get the EmpireTech IPC-T54IR-ZE-S3 which is the highly touted 5442 camera for general use. I would probably run this with a POE injector and have the cam make use of the SD card via DMSS (a workflow I've never tested) and where it could use SFTP to drop clips as well. This cam purchase is likely a better choice if I'm not planning to use UNIFI Protect. BTW: I like the external look of the Dahua 5442 and 5231 turret cams compared to all others including UNIFI. My experience using the 5231s is via SecuritySpy which is not a great NVR. Yes, I bought Blue Iris years ago but never deployed it.... I'm a Mac or Linux guy and not excited to be depending a windows box in a remote location. I guess this would be a no-brainer of I was going to use a dedicated Dahua NVR or Blue Iris or Frigate, etc...
Option C. UNIFI Protect. Although the cameras are limited this will get better (it already has) and they recently announced limited OMVIF support.... Also, I will be using UNIFI: routers, switches and APs at these two locations in the future. BTW: I was surprised to See Fenderman showing some interest with UNIFI Protect lineup.... It needs to be considered because it probably just works.
. One downside, I don't like the way most of the UNIFI cams look (external appearance). The look is just okay.
Camera G5 Turret Ultra $129 retail
store.ui.com
So what approach might you take?
Thanks, I appreciate your input.
R
What strategy might you choose that allows you to get a better than Arlo cam going now without Arlo? What's a quick drop-in replacement?
Option A. I have a $59 Arlo Essentials camera that currently covers: Workroom door; carport; driveway and backdoor. Of course the camera is wide angle and identifying people in the dead of night will likely be difficult..... I'm okay with this. What I like is that it shows what I need for now and 100% correctly identifies: Animal, human or vehicle.... The downside is the fact that the battery needs recharging every month and it requires a subscription. I would rather invest in a camera that will be part of a premium surveillance system later. I'm happy with this solution for now, it's doing exactly what I want for now.... it shows me if anyone tried to enter the workroom or back door or came up the driveway to look around.... basic.
Arlo Essential Security Camera 2K, 2nd Gen Wireless with Spotlight, 2-Way Audio, Color Night Vision, Live Stream, Motion Activiation, Real Time Notifications...
Option B. Get the EmpireTech IPC-T54IR-ZE-S3 which is the highly touted 5442 camera for general use. I would probably run this with a POE injector and have the cam make use of the SD card via DMSS (a workflow I've never tested) and where it could use SFTP to drop clips as well. This cam purchase is likely a better choice if I'm not planning to use UNIFI Protect. BTW: I like the external look of the Dahua 5442 and 5231 turret cams compared to all others including UNIFI. My experience using the 5231s is via SecuritySpy which is not a great NVR. Yes, I bought Blue Iris years ago but never deployed it.... I'm a Mac or Linux guy and not excited to be depending a windows box in a remote location. I guess this would be a no-brainer of I was going to use a dedicated Dahua NVR or Blue Iris or Frigate, etc...
Option C. UNIFI Protect. Although the cameras are limited this will get better (it already has) and they recently announced limited OMVIF support.... Also, I will be using UNIFI: routers, switches and APs at these two locations in the future. BTW: I was surprised to See Fenderman showing some interest with UNIFI Protect lineup.... It needs to be considered because it probably just works.
. One downside, I don't like the way most of the UNIFI cams look (external appearance). The look is just okay.Camera G5 Turret Ultra $129 retail
Camera G5 Turret Ultra - Ubiquiti Store
Ultra-compact, tamper-resistant, and weatherproof 2K HD PoE camera with long-range night vision.
store.ui.com
So what approach might you take?
Thanks, I appreciate your input.
R
As an Amazon Associate IPCamTalk earns from qualifying purchases.
