Webcams for home security
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As I understand it, [Ring](https://ring.com/) is a motion-activated camera that effectively replaces an existing doorbell and installation consists of hooking it up to the two wires that should already be there. I'm not shilling for them, I just keep hearing it advertised on some podcasts I listen to. And it sounds to me like sometimes--as others have pointed out--it's just not worth trying to reinvent the wheel when simple ready-made solutions already exist.
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I've been asked for some advice by someone who wants to monitor the area around her doorstep. Whilst I'm sure (or at least hope) that I can handle the IT side of things, I know next to nothing about cameras. Would it be possible to get pictures from an indoor camera pointing through the window that would be reasonably discernible by day or night or would she have to fork out for an external camera?
98.4% of statistics are made up on the spot.
I bought a RING doorbell. If she has a powered doorbell, it is really easy. It has a camera, motion sensor, and it notifies my on my phone when I am away from the house. If it is powered through the doorbell wires, you can even remotely access the camera and "Peek" outside. Finally, it has, for an extra fee, a record the events and send them to the cloud. A handy feature. My brother now has one, because in MI he is down in the basement, and when someone rings, he can see who it is without climbing the stairs to see it was a package drop. While it's not cheap, I find it well made. And I was able to answer the doorbell when we were on vacation last summer, which is always cool!
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As I understand it, [Ring](https://ring.com/) is a motion-activated camera that effectively replaces an existing doorbell and installation consists of hooking it up to the two wires that should already be there. I'm not shilling for them, I just keep hearing it advertised on some podcasts I listen to. And it sounds to me like sometimes--as others have pointed out--it's just not worth trying to reinvent the wheel when simple ready-made solutions already exist.
Ring and offerings like them LOVE to identify their brand on the bezel of the devices. The entire device concept is to discreetly monitor your entry so lets advertise that we are. Doth!!! On another note I'm really enjoying this thread as I'm very interested in setting up whole property monitoring inside out and y'all are feeding my imagination.
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I've been asked for some advice by someone who wants to monitor the area around her doorstep. Whilst I'm sure (or at least hope) that I can handle the IT side of things, I know next to nothing about cameras. Would it be possible to get pictures from an indoor camera pointing through the window that would be reasonably discernible by day or night or would she have to fork out for an external camera?
98.4% of statistics are made up on the spot.
For this woman's application I would suggest a very simple solution. Her door should as most doors do, have a peep sight. You can buy a camera that is ready made to mount over a peep sight in the inside of the door. with it's own screen. Barring that you can make one with a Raspberry Pi3 and camera and screen modules, or even an ESP8266 and same. Either of those solutions will also allow you to connect the video to the home network.
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I've been asked for some advice by someone who wants to monitor the area around her doorstep. Whilst I'm sure (or at least hope) that I can handle the IT side of things, I know next to nothing about cameras. Would it be possible to get pictures from an indoor camera pointing through the window that would be reasonably discernible by day or night or would she have to fork out for an external camera?
98.4% of statistics are made up on the spot.
For years I've had a Sharx wireless indoor HD camera on the inside of my window with front porch, yard, and some of the street in view. It's worked well and has pretty good quality. I have it setup with a user-defined motion-detection box drawn over the front porch so any movement on the porch triggers 30s of video and 3 snapshots being ftp'd to an ftp site, as well as the 1st snapshot being emailed to me. The capture settings are pretty configurable via the camera's web interface (motion-det-only/constant recording, ftp, email, quality, etc). Since it's on the inside, the physical installation was pretty easy. Attached with bracket to wall, plugs into the nearest outlet, and connects with wifi to my home network. The camera has infrared leds for night vision but I have them turned off b/c they just reflect off the window. Fortunately there's a street light in front of my house that provides sufficient lighting.
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Why not just go with a COTS product that integrates with the rest of your 'smart home'. No point to re-invent the wheel and risk the investment of time and money for something that may not pan out.
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Wow! UPS made a delivery!?! Today gets stranger by the minute :) Pro-grade stuff is definitely not required here (thankfully, considering the price) as we just need to keep an eye on a fairly small space - additionally, we know exactly who is getting up to the shenanigans that have led up to this requirement, we just want a record of her doing it in case the situation escalates. Thanks for the recommendations.
98.4% of statistics are made up on the spot.
PeejayAdams wrote:
Wow! UPS made a delivery!?!
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I've been asked for some advice by someone who wants to monitor the area around her doorstep. Whilst I'm sure (or at least hope) that I can handle the IT side of things, I know next to nothing about cameras. Would it be possible to get pictures from an indoor camera pointing through the window that would be reasonably discernible by day or night or would she have to fork out for an external camera?
98.4% of statistics are made up on the spot.
Since no one has mentioned a DVR, are we to assume "someone" is going to sit and watch the video feed all day long? If not: 8 channel 2TB 24x7 DVR; 6 HD cameras; 60ft powered cables; Linux server; client intranet AND / OR internet access; detection emails. About 300-400 USD.
"(I) am amazed to see myself here rather than there ... now rather than then". ― Blaise Pascal
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I've been asked for some advice by someone who wants to monitor the area around her doorstep. Whilst I'm sure (or at least hope) that I can handle the IT side of things, I know next to nothing about cameras. Would it be possible to get pictures from an indoor camera pointing through the window that would be reasonably discernible by day or night or would she have to fork out for an external camera?
98.4% of statistics are made up on the spot.
One word: Arlo. Use it for my home, and the big drawback is if you lose internet, you won't get anything out of it, but if that's not an issue, the motion sensing and alarm seem to work well. I haven't caught anyone with it, except myself getting out of bed, and going downstairs, forgetting it was on. Simple to setup, simple to use.
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I have also heard of Ring and have heard good things -- Skybell is a competitor. When someone rings the doorbell, you can view a live video feed from your smart phone, and if you choose to, reply (audio only).
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Yes, very good point - I don't think that there are any external lights or anything already in place.
98.4% of statistics are made up on the spot.
I just purchased a solar powered array+battery from Ace Hardware to power an outdoor WIFI cam. Might be a nice solution for you. Or this looks neat too! https://www.amazon.com/Waterproof-Wireless-ONVIF2-1-Surveillance-Security/dp/B018QA5X70
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I've been installing and using cameras for a little over 25 years now. In my home I have an array of HD infrared cameras connected to my self-written home automation system. The camera recording is done using Zoneminder, which is free. I recommend IP cameras that are at least HD. I caught a burglar (got their vehicle photo with tag number) last summer who broke into a neighbors house. Also, if you power the cameras via POE and have that all on a UPS, that's important too. It's not easy to get an affordable system that has enough quality to be useful. Grandstream makes dirt-cheap cameras that can get you started. Professional grade stuff will cost over $1000 per camera. Just yesterday I was 40 miles from home when UPS made a delivery. I could see him at the front door, and when he rang the "doorbell", I answered and thanked him, all from my desk at work in another city.
A big thank you for introducing me to Zoneminder. :thumbsup:
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I've been asked for some advice by someone who wants to monitor the area around her doorstep. Whilst I'm sure (or at least hope) that I can handle the IT side of things, I know next to nothing about cameras. Would it be possible to get pictures from an indoor camera pointing through the window that would be reasonably discernible by day or night or would she have to fork out for an external camera?
98.4% of statistics are made up on the spot.
just recently seen a few tv ads for the following product https://ring.com/ no idea if it works as well as they say but may be of interest