Can anyone recommend a single camera that records all the time?

Hi all,

I’m trying to set up a single wired camera that records constantly (none of those subscription-based services, please).

I know NVR systems exist, but they feel like too much just for one camera.

Does anyone have suggestions for a simpler option? Any good brands or setups?

Thanks in advance!

Reolink cameras with home assistant might work for you. They can record nonstop, or only when they spot a person, animal, or car (you decide). It’s a do-it-yourself setup, but for around $200, you could have it all working.

@Seth
You could just use a micro SD card for storage.

Jefferson said:
@Seth
You could just use a micro SD card for storage.

Make sure to get an SD card made for surveillance. The cheap ones will wear out fast, and you might lose important footage.

Jefferson said:
@Seth
You could just use a micro SD card for storage.

Oh yeah, not sure why I didn’t think of that. It’s not as full-featured, but for about $50, you can get it running if that’s all you need.

Jefferson said:
@Seth
You could just use a micro SD card for storage.

Can you access recordings remotely if they’re on the SD card? Does it use Wi-Fi?

You’d probably need a camera hooked up to a recorder for continuous recording. Here’s an example: link to recorder setup.

Using just an SD card won’t cut it for constant recording. A proper system with a DVR and hard drive would save you from having to constantly empty the card.

@Faith
What about IP cameras? You wouldn’t need a DVR, and you could check recordings remotely.