Hi everyone, I’m looking into security cameras and came across this forum. I’d like to set up at least 5 cameras (3 indoors and 2 outdoors) for a home in an area with limited electricity and unreliable WiFi.
Is it possible to get a budget-friendly camera that can do the following:
Doesn’t need constant electricity or WiFi; ideally with built-in solar power.
Allows remote monitoring from anywhere in the world.
Automatically deletes old footage to make room for new recordings.
Lets me save daily footage through a monitoring app from wherever I am.
Thanks for your patience—I’m just trying to learn about the options available!
There are some cameras with integrated solar panels that can record to an SD card and automatically overwrite old footage. Many consumer cameras on the market have these features, but they generally still need WiFi for remote access. It’s how the footage gets to you.
Hank said: @Herbert
So, in your experience, does every camera need WiFi?
Yes, you’ll need either WiFi or wired internet (Ethernet) to transfer data remotely. For power, it can be solar, battery, or AC, but both the camera and any internet connectivity device will need some form of power.
Hank said: @Herbert
So, in your experience, does every camera need WiFi?
Some cameras can save footage to an SD card without WiFi, so you can check it later directly from the card. But if you want live access remotely, you’ll need a WiFi connection.
It depends on your setup and budget. WiFi is easier, but Ethernet can be more reliable. Some systems use an NVR that creates a local hotspot to save footage from the cameras. The NVR then connects to the internet to send clips to your phone.
Reolink and Eufy both make 4G LTE cameras that should work for your needs, though you’ll need to pay for a 4G SIM card monthly.
Alternatively, you could set up a solar generator with a 4G/5G LTE router or Starlink (if available in your area). Then you could use regular PoE/IP cameras, though this would be a pricier setup.