I’ve been looking into security cameras, but it seems like most of them require a subscription just to save recordings. We already have WiFi, so if we buy cameras, we should be able to watch everything live and also store recordings without paying a monthly fee.
Any recommendations for cameras that allow local storage?
Wyze cameras allow local recording if you install an SD card. If you’re open to running Ethernet cables, a PoE system like Reolink would be a solid choice.
Most wired camera systems don’t require a subscription as long as you store recordings locally. Subscription fees are mainly for DIY wireless systems that rely on cloud storage.
Reolink has wireless cameras that let you save recordings locally to an SD card or an NVR. They sell an affordable NVR called the Home Hub, which you can find for under $100 on Amazon.
Having an NVR is a good idea because if someone steals the camera, you still have the recordings. The Reolink app is free, and you can access your cameras remotely without extra configuration. Check out r/reolinkcam for more details.
@SentinelSecurityCirc
I’m looking for indoor cameras, and I want to record everything but also check live video from time to time. Does the Reolink NVR support 24/7 recording and audio?
kelly12 said:
@SentinelSecurityCirc
I’m looking for indoor cameras, and I want to record everything but also check live video from time to time. Does the Reolink NVR support 24/7 recording and audio?
Yes, Reolink NVRs support 24/7 recording for non-battery cameras, and they also record audio if the camera has a microphone. If you’re recording continuously, you might want the Home Hub Pro since it has a hard drive instead of SD cards, which can fill up quickly.
@SentinelSecurityCirc
How do you check live video? Is it through the Reolink app or another way?
kelly12 said:
@SentinelSecurityCirc
How do you check live video? Is it through the Reolink app or another way?
You can watch live video through the Reolink app or a web browser if you set up remote access. Some people use VPNs for security, but the app works fine for most users.
@SentinelSecurityCirc
Can Reolink cameras be jammed?
Hector said:
@SentinelSecurityCirc
Can Reolink cameras be jammed?
Reolink makes WiFi, LTE, and wired cameras. WiFi cameras can be jammed with the right equipment, but wired cameras can’t be. The best way to prevent interference is to use PoE cameras with an NVR that records locally.
Wyze cameras with an SD card work well for local storage without a subscription.
If you want full control, look into Zoneminder. It’s open-source and can be a bit technical, but if you’re into that, it’s a great option for local security without a subscription.
Depends on the system. Some cameras store everything on a cloud and require a subscription, but others can save footage locally to a hard drive or SD card. Just make sure to check before buying.
WiFi cameras are not ideal for security because they can be unreliable, especially in low light. If you want a proper system, go for wired PoE cameras with a local NVR.
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