Would love some advice

[Kript]

Hey all, I'm so glad that there is a whole community of informed individuals like yourselves. I'm working on a project where I will need to take regular snapshots in an indoor parking lot, and am not sure what camera to use, or even what type of cameras exist for such an application.

I will need about 10 cameras and each one will be taking one photo every ten minutes and will then have to upload it to a remote location. As long as the cameras have an open API or are IP cameras which I can access using my own custom code I'm happy.

My requirements are as follows:

• The camera to have good resolution (would prefer 8 megapixels and above).
• Prefer the camera to be wireless (in terms of data transfer) and power (battery powered)
  • The reason I prefer to have wireless cameras is to avoid installation costs as this is a project that I'm proposing and I want to remove barriers related to installation cost and hassle for building management, and to allow me to move cameras around easily if need be.
  • If there are cameras which are wireless but require wired power and are reliable, I would be open to them also
  • Also if you think that wireless is really not a great option, I'm also open to cameras which are quick and easy to install (last resort I guess)
• If the camera is to be battery powered, it has to have at least 3months battery life minimum.
• The cost of all 10 cameras to not exceed the $2,500 USD mark
• Would be open to a wired camera with the following capability:
  • Ability to pan and tilt
  • Have an optical zoom of up to 5X
  • 8MP+ resolution
  • Allow me to fully control it in real time via my own code (e.g. allow access via an API so I can write my own Python Script)

The one camera I've come across which meets some of the criteria is the Arlo Pro 2, however, I'm not sure how reliable it is, my concerns with this camera are:

• It's only 2MP, which is a little disappointing (given an average phone these days has a 10MP camera)
• Since it is a parking lot, the motion sensors would go off a lot and drain the battery
  • Can I turn off the motion-sensing functionality, as I don't need it?
  • Can I control when I want a frame (I can't see an API, however, I have found some Python Scripts which allow you to access recording)
  • Will the connection be reliable for extended periods of time?
• If it will have a reliable connection for extended periods of time (e.g. months)

I would love something like an Arlo Pro 2, with higher resolution, an API, and an ability to just take photos, as I don't need a video feed.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Q™]

• The camera to have good resolution (would prefer 8 megapixels and above).

• Prefer the camera to be wireless (in terms of data transfer) and power (battery powered)

Welcome to IPcamTalk @Kript. I stopped reading after your 2nd bullet point. Send me your money; I will burn it for you which will cause you a lot less pain than 8MP battery powered wireless cameras.

 

[Kript]

Welcome to IPcamTalk @Kript. I stopped reading after your 2nd bullet point. Send me your money; I will burn it for you which will cause you a lot less pain than 8MP battery powered wireless cameras. View attachment 34134

Haha, keep reading, I said I'm open to wired cameras, however, I'm worried about installation costs. What are your thoughts on a wired camera (for power) with wireless data transfer?

 

[Q™]

I started reading again, but stopped when I saw the words "Arlo" and "Pro" joined together.

Read the "IP Cam Talk Cliff Notes" brother.

 

[Kript]

I started reading again, but stopped when I saw the words "Arlo" and "Pro" joined together.

Read the "IP Cam Talk Cliff Notes" brother. View attachment 34135

Thank you, I'll take a look

 

[looney2ns]

In short, no wireless and NO battery powered. Look at the Dahua Starlights. Not sure what you would accomplish by taking photos on a schedule.
No arlo, nest, or ring crap.
No cloud dependent crap.

 

[mat200]

Welcome @Kript

Qtm and Looney2ns have given you a good start, pay attention to their guidance.


Definitely start reading the cliff notes, there's a lot to learn.


Having had and used the Arlo system - it is not cut out as a security camera system.

In fact, none of the consumer grade wifi cloud cameras are.


Also, you need to determine more with regards to your functional needs than:

Requirement: "The camera to have good resolution (would prefer 8 megapixels and above)."

What does good resolution mean? What do you want the system to do? ( i.e. what is it's functional purpose )
[ example: ID car thieves who walk into the garage.. ]


Yes, you will have to go with a wired system if you want the most cost effective reliable setup.
Yes, that probably means running conduit in the garage to junction boxes and pulling cat6/5e cabling.