Looking to set up a small security camera system with an NVR. I don’t want anything too complicated, just something reliable that won’t lock me into one brand. What’s the best setup for a beginner? Open to suggestions.
I prefer using a third-party NVR that supports ONVIF and multiple camera brands instead of being stuck with a brand-specific NVR that only works with its own cameras.
Synology is a solid choice and works with a lot of Reolink cameras, including their doorbell, and even some Unifi models.
If you’re on a budget, just get the RLN-36 NVR with Reolink cameras and call it a day. Since you’re using Home Assistant, you can integrate everything smoothly.
If you’re considering Unifi, you could add an AI Port to your CX810 or Reolink PoE Doorbell, but that bumps up the cost by about $200 per camera. At that price, you might as well go with a Dahua or Hikvision 8MP color night vision camera with a 1/1.2’’ CMOS sensor. Those perform better than the Reolink CX810 and come with more AI features. The only downside is that the interface on those brands isn’t great, and they are restricted in the US.
Unifi cameras are expensive, and even then, the image quality isn’t as good as Reolink’s ColorX models. Unifi cameras tend to have motion ghosting in daylight, and their night vision isn’t great for the price. People mainly choose Unifi for the software, not the cameras.
Some Reolink models have bad ONVIF support, but the CX series and the PoE doorbell seem to be the exception.
@Faith
Can Reolink cameras work without using the Reolink app? I’m setting up cameras at a location without Internet, but I do have a local network. I was thinking of a PoE setup since they should get an IP via DHCP once connected. Planning to use Frigate for monitoring.
@Ulysses
Reolink cameras need their app for the initial setup, but you don’t have to let them connect to the Internet.
Once you use the app to enable ONVIF and web management, you can control them through ONVIF or the web interface without needing the Reolink app anymore.