Security Camera Advice?

Hey Guys!

I’m going crazy researching wireless security cameras and everything that goes with it. is anyone good with this stuff or what have you have good experience with?

Drop cam from apple, we have had one for over a year and it works awesome. Can view it from your smart phone.

Is this for home use or a business?

I’ve installed the Iris system from Lowes. It’s an integrated security and home automation system.

As with a lot of these systems, there’s a fee to get the live 24/7 access, but to me the $10 a month is worth it because they archive all the system settings and recorded video in the cloud. So if someone were to break in and steal the computers, you’d still have the video footage of who did it.

They have both indoor and outdoor cameras for the Iris system as well as every other security and automation gadget you could possibly think of. It gives great peace of mind to be able to constantly monitor the house when we’re away and we can see everything from the temp to when someone comes over to water the plants.

Grouse

I had one of the cheaper Lorex systems with two cameras and a tablet size monitor/recorder for about two years. Had one camera outside and one inside. Ended up going through four cameras before the monitor finally went south. Based on my experience, I would not recommend them. I am also researching different systems, but currently using trail cams. Down side there is the night pics are not the best, but they are reliable and invisible.

Do those camera systems give you txt messages when something triggers them. I want to set them up for when I’m not Home and if something triggers them( someone goes on the property I want to be notified)

Did you guys have to put in electrical outlets for each camera. where I want the camera there are no outlets.

I was looking for a battery operated wireless camera.

Do they make these. I’ve seen this set-up with a battery pack and wireless security camera

Yes the Iris system will text you if the cameras are tripped. You can then watch the video recording online as well as watch the cam live to see whats currently happening.

Yes you need an outlet for the cameras. Battery power would be a PITA as the cameras need power just to run the sensors.

Grouse

I was thinking of adding one of those folding solar panels to the external battery pack. I’ll let you guys know how it works.

Are you thinking of using it inside or outside? Home or away from home.

I have some dropcams in my cabin. They work well, but you will get a lot of false alarms for motion. A passing cloud, the sun setting, reflections of light off the lake all can be seen as motion. Other than that it works well. I have mine recorded on a 7 day loop to the cloud, so if anyone breaks in I have pictures/video.

We installed a webcam at our cabin, pretty cool

A lady was concerned that her personal service business might some day suffer an attack. She did not want to spend any more than needed. I old her about a man who builds bird houses, and designs them so a game camera inside each is not visible, and works unhindered. She set up two, one so clients coming in were pictured, and a second showing the back of the car and license plate number.
She has showed it the Sheriff who says they gather all the evidence he would need.

If I am not mistaken Dropcams charge $10/mo/camera for cloud storage. Is that still the case?