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Home Security Cameras

josh4cy

josh4cy

Active Member
Dec 3, 2012
470
175
43
Ames, IA
We have had some strange behavior in our neighborhood and some recent break ins in the Ames/Gilbert area. We are looking for a simple surveillance system to alert us to who is snooping around our house. Want a system with 3-4 outdoor cameras with night vision. Simple to use and something that just works. What do you guys have installed, what do you like and don't like about it. Thanks

Here are 3 options i have come accross
https://blinkforhome.com/collections/outdoor-security-camera/products/xt-three-camera-system

https://nest.com/cameras/nest-cam-outdoor/overview/

https://www.lorextechnology.com/wir...rity-camera-system-with-4-cameras/LX445WW-1-p
 
Arlo 3 camera system $450
Arlo Pro 3 camera system $580
Blink 3 camera system $320

Blink looks like it does the same thing as Arlo. Just trying to find a downside
 
We love our Nest cameras. But you do have to plug them in. They come with a very long cord, so for both of ours we were able to route them very cleanly w/o using extension cords. The setup is extremely easy. You can access your cameras online but its $100/year to keep the service. If you don't subscribe, all you get is still shots going back 3 hours. So if you get robbed at 1am and you don't realize it until you wake up at 8, you are SOL. I think with the free service you still get the motion alerts. There are multiple settings for the alerts so that you aren't constantly getting texts.
 
There are lots of options, I guess there is more to consider than just price of the equipment. The monthly cost of storing the video and how long it is kept is a big thing to consider. Also how easy is it to go back and find something. Traditional security systems are inexpensive but a pain to search if you need to go back and look. Looking pretty hard now at Nest and Ring.
 
We use Arlo and I think it works great. Easy to set up, syncs up well with the app on your phone. One of my favorite settings is the Geofencing that will turn on the motion detection automatically when you leave your house based on your GPS location. If there is any movement detected, you immediately get a notification on your phone and it will send you a video clip and look in at the live camera(s). Not sure if this fits what your looking for, but that's what I would recommend.
 
We have a "ring" brand video doorbell and security cams. The Installation was simple and it is wired in to the existing doorbell and outdoor lights and the cam over the driveway has a solar charger. You can also expand the system adding more cams at a later date. I am lazy so my favorite feature is the ability to answer the door with my phone or tablet.
 
BCoffClone125 said:
We use Arlo and I think it works great. Easy to set up, syncs up well with the app on your phone. One of my favorite settings is the Geofencing that will turn on the motion detection automatically when you leave your house based on your GPS location. If there is any movement detected, you immediately get a notification on your phone and it will send you a video clip and look in at the live camera(s). Not sure if this fits what your looking for, but that's what I would recommend.
Click to expand...
how long do the batteries last with arlo?
 
Cyclonepride said:
Not a security camera, but my wife was recently given a camera where she can check in on the dogs when we're at work. They do pretty much what we thought- nothing. Every time I've checked it, our one dog is sitting there staring off into space and the other two are missing and presumably sleeping somewhere.
Click to expand...
FYI - It's relatively easy to use an old smartphone for this rather than pay for something.
 
BCoffClone125 said:
We use Arlo and I think it works great. Easy to set up, syncs up well with the app on your phone. One of my favorite settings is the Geofencing that will turn on the motion detection automatically when you leave your house based on your GPS location. If there is any movement detected, you immediately get a notification on your phone and it will send you a video clip and look in at the live camera(s). Not sure if this fits what your looking for, but that's what I would recommend.
Click to expand...

Do you have the normal Arlo or Arlo Pro?
 
josh4cy said:
We have had some strange behavior in our neighborhood and some recent break ins in the Ames/Gilbert area. We are looking for a simple surveillance system to alert us to who is snooping around our house. Want a system with 3-4 outdoor cameras with night vision. Simple to use and something that just works. What do you guys have installed, what do you like and don't like about it. Thanks

Here are 3 options i have come accross
https://blinkforhome.com/collections/outdoor-security-camera/products/xt-three-camera-system

https://nest.com/cameras/nest-cam-outdoor/overview/

https://www.lorextechnology.com/wir...rity-camera-system-with-4-cameras/LX445WW-1-p
Click to expand...

It goes without saying... Just be sure to not train your cameras on to your neighbors property.
 
Cypwr said:
We have a "ring" brand video doorbell and security cams. The Installation was simple and it is wired in to the existing doorbell and outdoor lights and the cam over the driveway has a solar charger. You can also expand the system adding more cams at a later date. I am lazy so my favorite feature is the ability to answer the door with my phone or tablet.
Click to expand...


We've had a rash of Ring doorbell thefts in our neighborhood in Philly the past few weeks. Apparently you can twist off the camera somehow?
 
Finally made a decision, the Ames Best Buy had this kit from Ring on sale for $299
https://www.bestbuy.com/site/ring-home-security-kit-venetian-bronze/5129700.p?skuId=5129700
https://www.bestbuy.com/site/ring-home-security-kit-venetian-bronze/5129700.p?skuId=5129700

Was easy to install. Didn't need to run power to anything. All of the cameras work on rechargeable batteries. And are supposed to last 6-12 months depending on usage.
Not sure if i am sold on just getting 30 second video clips. At times it would be nice to have it record all the time. But we will see how it goes.
 
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