Security cameras

[Cornish Jack]

Local night time minor idiocy makes security camera installation a possibility. Checking what's available, I'm favouring Eufy 2C , specifically because no cloud storage necessary. However, it seems that, like all the others, it requires the use of an 'idiot phone' for installation. I have two or three of the things, but avoid switching them on until needed for communication. Does anyone know of a non-cloud storage system which does not need mobile phone for installation?
If so, recommendations/caveats appreciated.
TIA

[750XL]

We've thought about getting CCTV installed due a huge spike in the local area of car thefts, bike thefts, shed break ins, etc etc.... Local community groups are full of posts each night of CCTV / Ring Door Bells etc capturing these night time creatures checking door handles or nicking cars, but the local plod won't even bother turning up never mind investigate the footage. There's been 10+ videos of the same bloke doing cars, and nothing has been done about it.

So we decided not to bother wasting our money on CCTV that'll be of no use other than to allow us to see the crime committed.

[BDAttitude]

Experimenting with this currently:
https://store.ui.com/collections/unifi-protect-cameras/products/unifi-video-g3-flex-camera

It's 70 bucks here.
Despite the description, none of their hardware is needed to run the camera. It has an web interface - user admin, password ubnt - where an rtsp stream can be enabled.

For motion detection and recording I am using a raspberry pi 2B I had in the electronics wonder box with an open source software called shinobi. Works albeit not at FullHD, only 1080p - GPU memory of the rasPi is not sufficient for doing the motion detection at FullHD.

[Cornish Jack]

750XL - Everywhere similar, it seems. Made the initial call to 101 and very pleasant chap advised me to make the complaint on-line "'cos it's Friday and there's a 45 minute wait to answer calls"
We have never bothered previously as we have more plods to the square inch than almost anywhwere in the country - mainly MOD-plods though.
I don't expect any useful response - our Government's enthusiasm for Law and Order seems to be reserved for dealing with protests against them and their cronies. Hence the need for cameras.
BDA - Sounds interesting but several pay-grades above my 'lectrickery' competence!
I have an Android 10" tablet so perhaps that will serve in place of the dreaded idiot phone.
At times, one sees a sort of logic to the transatlantic enthusiasm for removing fellow citizens from the gene pool!!

[BirdmanBerry]

We install Lilin (https://www.meritlilin.com/index.php) which have local storage either on their own NVRs or a local computer. Very cost effective. or you have Hikvision too but we don't install those so cannot comment.

[NutLoose]

I use these, can be set up and used via a tablet, have a storage card in them to record to (bought extra) but as WiFi only need a power lead running to them. One thing I did find is the power cable is a bit short so added their extension one, and put the connector even though “weatherproof” in a little sealed box off eBay.. Cloud is optional which I do not use.

https://www.time2technology.com/en/oscar-outdoor-wifi-ip-home-security-camera.html

[Cornish Jack]

BB and Image gear - thank you for those - both look interesting but neither appeared in my search results. I'll have a closer check tomorrow. Mains power versus battery is a puzzler - battery much more convenient ... but... more head scratching!

[Background Noise]

It depends where you want the camera(s), how many cameras, where you have power etc and do you want wired cameras or wireless - bearing in mind that 'wireless' cameras still need a wire to a power socket.

Sounds like you just need some sort of CCTV recording system?

I have this set up from Swann - https://www.swann.com/uk/swnvk-485kh2. It happens to be 'wireless' between cameras and the HDD recorder but wired versions are also available. It records direct to the HDD - it can be connected to your router or just run as a stand alone recording system, hooked up your TV. It can be set to record when it senses motion, either in the whole field of view or within specified areas, or on a timer, or both. It came with 2 cameras, but it is 4-channel so you can add 2 more. I have a single camera set up at present and it just records non-stop - that gives me recordings back to 6 Aug.

Wired version https://www.swann.com/uk/swdvk-445802v#! or on Amazon https://www.amazon.co.uk/Swann-Channel-Security-System-DVR-4575/dp/B07FRPGX3L

[finncapt]

We do not have a problem with "ne'er do wells", but do have many four legged visitors which want to eat the cat's food or the vegetable garden.
You may consider POE (power over ethernet) cameras which require, solely, an internet cable.
I have run 2 Zavio ones, which continuously stream to a Qnap server, for several years (there are several companies which do same)..
You will additionally require a poe switch.
This eliminates the need for wireless which, in my use case, is range limited and a power connection.
Batteries will not last long, without recharging, if you are streaming.
In my forest, I have two, battery operated, game cameras, with 4G sim cards, which detect motion and email me pictures.
They will also send smc messages but I don't use that option (expensive).
The biggest problem, as I see it, is adequate infrared lighting of the area to be covered.
You may need to invest in additional ir lighting as, over the years, the Zavio camera ir lights have aged and do not illuminate well.

[Cornish Jack]

Have checked on BB and Nutloose's leads and they are not quite suitable. The Swann setup looked possible except for wiring. finncapt's kit is not easily available and probably 'overkill' for what's wanted. Almost managed to convince myself on the Eufy but whichever system , the camera mounting is going to be a pain because of line-of-sight limitations. Good brain exercise!

[KickinWing]

A simple game camera works a nicely or get rid of the cat.

[Background Noise]

The Swann setup looked possible except for wiring.

Which bit of the wiring is the issue? They also do wireless versions: https://www.swann.com/uk/swnvk-490sd2 - but for some reason the wireless sets don't appear to have internal HDDs. You should be able to access the manuals from the Swann website.

[Cornish Jack]

Thank you to all for replies/suggestions.
Have finally 'bitten the bullet' and ordered the Eufy 2c 185 version. Clincher was the on-site storage/no cloud storage/contracts required. Probably overkill and it would seem the 'problem' was the new breed holidaymakers as it has ceased since the weekend.

[Cornish Jack]

Update - Received, installed (eventually) and working fine, however , for anyone thinking of going the same route, one BIG caveat! Password for installation. The Eufy requirement is totally specific in respect of size and makeup. No less tha 8 and no more tha 20 characters, must include upper case, numeric and non-alphanumeric. Took me so long to generate an acceptable combination that the sign-on code expired!!! Ultimately had to uninstall and reinstall (hours!!).

[netstruggler]

Local night time minor idiocy makes security camera installation a possibility. Checking what's available, I'm favouring Eufy 2C , specifically because no cloud storage necessary. However, it seems that, like all the others, it requires the use of an 'idiot phone' for installation. I have two or three of the things, but avoid switching them on until needed for communication. Does anyone know of a non-cloud storage system which does not need mobile phone for installation?
If so, recommendations/caveats appreciated.
TIA

Zoneminder (https://www.zoneminder.com/)

You have to provide your own computer, cameras and storage, but it sounds like that's what you're after.

I haven't tried it myself but I've read some good things about it.

I use other open source systems - they have a tendency to become 'projects', but maybe you'd be happy with that.

D

[crewmeal]

I use the Ring (https://ring.com/) video doorbell system plus an external camera in the back garden along with a wired camera in my lounge. All work perfectly after adjusting the settings.

[Cornish Jack]

The system hasn't yet been fixed in location but seems to work as advertised. Its major drawback, as far as I'm concerned, is that it only works via mobile phone. I have a couple of them, usually switched off and only used for rare, essential communication. I had hoped to control the system via an Android tablet but it is not 'recognised'. Can anyone confirm that these devices require comminication via a 'telephone' (as distinct from internet) connection? ... the tablet is just a 10" Nexus.

[Beamr]

Nexus 10 is pretty old device, with Android 4.2 originally installed.
Eufy app requires minimum Android 5.0 (found it on Google Play).
What version of Android do you have on your Nexus, and have you tried to update it?

[Cornish Jack]

Beamr - thank you for that informative reply.
When I first researched the various options, the Eufy blurb specified Android 4.2 or above, so I updated mine but it 'topped out' at 4,4,and, as you point out, it indicates 'non-compatible'. I suppose I could go for another tablet, BUT, the big question is whether an active phone function is essential, rather than just an internet connection? My Luddite loathing for 'smart' phones may well be the sticking point!! :sad:

[Beamr]

That should be pretty easy to test, just turn on airplane mode on your cell phone and leave wifi on.

[Cornish Jack]

Thank you, again, Beamr- Like the native American language, it's easy when you know 'How' !! ;) :O
... and yes, it does require an active 'phone in order to make contact.. Another lesson learnt!

[Beamr]

I'm glad that worked out for you, sir.