Why is it so hard to find affordable in-wall outdoor POE cams?

[Legolad]

So I’ve been looking for a while now and while I have seen a few options, most seem overly expensive for low quality or suboptimal specs.

What I want:
- 8mp
- In-wall and flush-mounted
- POE
- 90 minimum viewing angle
- Adjustable viewing angle
- IRCut filter
- Integrated IR LEDs
- Quality enough to identify faces
- Outdoor rated ( i.e. 0 to 100 F operation)
- Does not need to be waterproof as the locations are all covered.

I can find plenty of options in dome and bullet form factors, but it is very disappointing how little there is out there in the in-wall form factor.

Anyone have an explanation of why this is or maybe how to find them?

 

[alastairstevenson]

I can find plenty of options in dome and bullet form factors, but it is very disappointing how little there is out there in the in-wall form factor.

Out of curiosity I had a good look for in-wall form factor CCTV cameras or discussion on them - and found none. Some on-wall, that was all.
Does this really exist?

 

[fenderman]

Out of curiosity I had a good look for in-wall form factor CCTV cameras or discussion on them - and found none. Some on-wall, that was all.
Does this really exist?

Mobotix makes cameras that can be flush mounted... Like the s16...... There is no demand for these types of cameras because most people don't want to punch huge holes in their walls

 

[silencery]

Funny.

I never had this need before, but just earlier this week found myself in a position where an in wall camera would be perfect. I also quickly discovered in wall options seem to be very limited.

In my case, I'd like a face height mounted camera to verify who is coming in/out. Similar to what you can get with a surface mounted doorbell camera, just without the doorbell.

Flush mounted would be cleaner looking and also less prone to vandalism

 

[Legolad]

Mobotix makes cameras that can be flush mounted... Like the s16...... There is no demand for these types of cameras because most people don't want to punch huge holes in their walls

Thanks. I’ll have to check out mobotix. I saw one of theirs and dismissed it because it was listed for $700

 

[Legolad]

In my case, I'd like a face height mounted camera to verify who is coming in/out.

...

Flush mounted would be cleaner looking and also less prone to vandalism

My use case exactly. 2 are at the doors for entry and approach video. The third is in the carport for the same need. In my neighborhood we mostly get kid crimes of opportunity. Being able to show police their faces makes all the difference in stopping them.

 

[fenderman]

Thanks. I’ll have to check out mobotix. I saw one of theirs and dismissed it because it was listed for $700

they are very overpriced.

 

[VorlonFrog]

Sounds like a good opportunity to shuck a Hikvision or Dahua 'cube' camera and install the guts into a one-gang box with a 3d-printed faceplate.

 

[TonyR]

Sounds like a good opportunity to shuck a Hikvision or Dahua 'cube' camera and install the guts into a one-gang box with a 3d-printed faceplate.

I like it!
Heck, print the in-wall box, too....likely closer to a 4-square perhaps.

 

[Legolad]

Sounds like a good opportunity to shuck a Hikvision or Dahua 'cube' camera and install the guts into a one-gang box with a 3d-printed faceplate.

That’s exactly where I was leaning, though I admit I was holding out for a better solution.

 

[VorlonFrog]

I like it!
Heck, print the in-wall box, too....likely closer to a 4-square perhaps.

I think you may save a few millimeters by shucking the plastic case from the camera, but yeah, after saying it, thought maybe a two-gang box would work better with the camera positioned sideways.

 

[VorlonFrog]

I've been searching for other cameras, and if you end up going the DIY route, the XMeye/XiaoMai/TOP-201 Hi3516 cameras might be a less expensive choice. You can buy PoE modules that bolt/stack onto the camera board. Or take a $25 Wyze wifi cube camera and tuck the USB power supply inside the box behind the camera. I still believe the Hikvision or Dahua cubes would be better and more reliable choices, though.