Unique security camera question

[Toonces]

I need a wired security camera that runs to my computer that I can view remotely through my cell phone. Reason I need it wired is because my wifi is trying to deal with too many wireless connections already and I don't want to test it any further. I don't want this camera randomly kicked off because of too many connections. I don't have control over the wifi so I'm pretty much stuck with this being my only option. I appreciate other suggestions but this is how it's gotta get done.

What kind of setup am I talking about here? I'm not sure what software or what camera is suitable to my needs.

Thanks!

 

[wittaj]

You are in luck because many here won't recommend a wireless camera LOL.

What is your use case?

There are way too many wired options and without knowing the need/purpose is like recommending a vehicle to someone.

 

[Toonces]

Just regular home security. It'll be in a window pointed at my side porch door. Smaller would be better but size isn't a deal breaker.

Thanks for the help wittaj btw

 

[wittaj]

OK - how much light do you have outside as infrared will be a reflective mess and won't go thru the window unless you mount the camera directly to the window with no gap.

What are you wanting to do - general take a look around and see what is going on or IDENTIFY and if IDENTIFY, at what distance?

As you will find out, it isn't as easy as just recommending a camera unless you simply want to be fooled into a false sense of security that you got a camera.

 

[Ri22o]

Really, this question isn't all too unique. It's the same basic question most people ask when they join, but it's always good to ask questions.

 

[Toonces]

I'm mostly concerned about daytime activity, when I'm away from the house. So infrared isn't important at all to me.

Functionality wise, all I need is to be able to see the image on my phone when I go to whatever app will get this done. I don't need it to sense movement or alert me. I'm looking for activity at a specific time, just after school lets out ya know. Really don't need it to record...just a live view.

Ri22o...oh I know. I just always try to title my questions so they'll get attention. Did it work?

 

[Ri22o]

Did it work?

^^Not titled enough to get attention.

 

[wittaj]

In that case I would just look for some cheap Amcrest camera like this one.

Now keep in mind even though it says wifi, you can hard-wire it.

The next issue is how does it talk to the internet being connected to your computer instead of the router.

And the follow-up is we don't recommend cloud-based, cameras connected to the internet due to security risks.

So you have to weigh the value of a non-secured camera with access to the internet versus seeing kids get home after school.

https://www.amazon.com/Amcrest-Monitor-Detection-Motion-Tracking-Wireless/dp/B0821Q23GF/ref=sr_1_6?crid=1H1RM211YTH0T&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.VXMaRriByxNrQCdQ58eeeCXeGpnP_eK0HdOwl2oSZelUEEDpjdLWduNz_IqvndJOfYhoCJ8RIrLAIZ1wrl57hzqBZR8_GyPVKLbFSW1kCTMS2o6EPnen-a2ICBkQgzm5BIeEs3um9ZmNO46M-3ZjG_W-uhMk-fkxhE5xI0C7VtzuZOUSOzc5fWkdCLACHxr6U-sNmnOr9b0Sz4xX6GXM0Vn-tVQBoVs0GBa89D5VIG8.KuwhwWNwF2stV9nftnabZ5_E8gsHlGyhn5KKYS2QJWM&dib_tag=se&keywords=amcrest&qid=1711503037&sprefix=amcrest%2Caps%2C74&sr=8-6

 

[Toonces]

That's the part I really have no idea about. I'm fairly competent with software generally, but I don't know anything about camera software.

Very open to suggestion for software.

Far as the cloud based option goes, I really don't think that I have all that much to worry about. Even if someone tapped into the camera I don't think any damage could be done. Either way I'll only be using it for about a month, if that.

What kind of security risks go along with cloud based cameras?

Thanks for the links, btw.

 

[wittaj]

Security cameras have very poor security - ironic isn't it LOL.

The bad people do not care about your camera feed - they use the device as an entryway into your internet to send out DDoS attacks or snoop your network for banking info. Or use your ISP to look at kiddie porn and then your house is raided.

These devices are riddled with backdoor exploits.

You may think this is far-fetched, but we see posts here every month where people security cameras were hacked into for ill-intent.

It is why most here do not let our systems touch the internet and we VPN back into our system to review video when away.

This is a VPN we host and most routers include this feature. Do not confuse this with paid VPN that hides your IP address. That type of VPN is useless.

 

[Toonces]

Well I have certainly caught the attention of someone who knows what they're talking about. No I didn't realize someone could get to your personal information that way.

What advantages does cloud based camera systems offer that other options don't?

Famous last words? ... To be fair, I live in a nice neighborhood with great neighbors. I'd almost be willing to take the risk short term. Way I figure all of my information is out there anyway, but I know that's not the right way to think about it. Any bank kind of shenanigans can be corrected after the fact, I guess.

 

[wittaj]

The only thing cloud based systems offer is simplicity, ease of use by just scanning a QR Code. I guess one could argue longer retention time of motion activated events as well. But that simplicity comes at a cost of security.

Opinions on Cloud based video surveillance systems ?

Everything seems to be so on premise focused when it comes to security while literally every other business systems are in the cloud or connected somehow. Why are security professional so reluctant to move ahead with technology? EDITED BY FENDERMAN: This spammer works for eagle eye networks a...

ipcamtalk.com

 

[tangent]

I'm mostly concerned about daytime activity, when I'm away from the house. So infrared isn't important at all to me.

Unless you're renting, it would still be better to properly install a camera outside.

 

[TonyR]

.... To be fair, I live in a nice neighborhood with great neighbors.

For the record, criminals and thugs drive, walk or crawl to "nice neighborhoods" to break in and steal stuff as there's generally not much "decent" stuff available where they live and sleep.

I detest thieves....

 

[SIR VEYOR]

Reolink (doorbell) camera, double sided tape to stick to the outside. Run cord through window to POE switch and then to computer or other hardwire point. App will do the phone.

Put a stick on window so it can’t slide open. Cord can survive a few openings on it and pinching it should break it. But don’t plan on locking window with it in there. Remove screen, or small hole in a corner might work.

For short term and simple, that’s your best option.

 

[TonyR]

Reolink camera, double sided tape to stick to the outside.

You're recommending a Reolink camera?

 

[SIR VEYOR]

You're recommending a Reolink camera?

the doorbell camera. Added to my post now

For small, basic camera for “doorwayesque” uses, it is the gold standard recommended on this site is it not?

It checks the boxes of what he’s after it seems

 

[TonyR]

the doorbell camera. Added to my post now

For small, basic camera for “doorwayesque” uses, it is the gold standard recommended on this site is it not?

It checks the boxes of what he’s after it seems

Oh, the Reolink doorbell camera...no problem, I have 2 of 'em and recommend them highly! The other Reolink cams I do not.

 

[Toonces]

I'm sorry, what is a PEO switch? I've seen these letters more than once in recommendations.

edit:
Power over Ethernet, got it.

 

[Toonces]

Hey I'm back and my internet situation has take a turn for the better. I just had Metronet installed so I've got 100mbps both up and down and full glass fiber all the way to my house.

So what I'm after now is a small security camera that is either wired or unwired, small being a big deciding factor. It doesn't need to see at night and it doesn't need to be high resolution, or even color.

Any small camera suggestions now that I had new conditions and requirements? Thanks. OH here's what the box looks like they left me.