Anywho.... I still feel the need for cameras, my wife more so than I, so I'm in the position to start from scratch with something. I don't want Nest, I really don't like their storage/usage plans, so I've narrowed it down to a few options and wanted to see what you all are doing these days.
- 1. Ring Cameras: I like Ring, I don't have any presently, but I like their list of features and $10/month for unlimited cameras isn't horrible (although I'm still not crazy about paying it.
- PROS: good features, nice cameras, I like the over-all app function, two-way audio, siren, and lights built in to the cams.
- CONS: They're expensive ($200+ can get a nice IP cam these days), No wired LAN option. I was hoping the "wired" camera would be PoE, alas it's just power, the data connectivity is still wireless. No open standards or "local" connectivity. Monthly "rent" to Ring to make them useful - just not a fan of this model. No internet, no storage - that's probably the biggest negative, and one not easily overcome.
- 2. IPCAMS and Server based recording: This is what I had, although I'd choose something other than Sighthound and get better cameras this time. Probably Amcrest or Hikvision cams and either SecuritySpy or BlueIris for the software.
- PROS: Everything is local, recording still works if no Internet. Cheaper initial camera cost. More control over setup and config. one-time purchase, no service "rent"
- CONS: Everything is local, if there's a problem with server, power, app, network - it's all on me. Ring's over-all feature-set is arguably better. App probably not as WAF-friendly, unless I develop something custom. A decent camera server will be power-hungry, and I'm actually trying to save power these days (giant servers are all shut down)
Similar to #2, I would consider a commercial black-box security DVR instead of the server/application, but I have no clue which ones are safe (from Chinese backdoors) and reliable - suggestions appreciated.
...and Similar to #1, I see that Amazon has a line of cameras/service similar to Ring (even though they own Ring, confusing!) and I generally like Amazon products, but I'm not sure about these cameras at all.
I'd like to hear from everyone, but especially the Ring users. I find myself leaning that way, even though there are a lot of personal CONS. I really do want to hear what other are doing though. There are a lot of options these days.
Thanks in advance,
Terry