3d ago

Recommendation for home security camera?

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.blahaj.zone/post/29322896

Thank you Blaze. I'm having problems with my app right now so apologies if I don't reply, hopefully I will be able to see updates on my own post.

Hi, looking for current suggestions for home CCTV please.
It's been a while since I looked into it (and never actually proceeded to buying, so not had that experience). Ones I have used were for an employer and not administered by me.
One thing I know I don't want is some cheap dodgy thing that has a mandatory connection to a suspicious Chinese IP address only website they couldn't even be bothered to register a domain for.
Probably goes without saying here any Google or Amazon type kit will be unacceptable but ideally it will be truly closed circuit. No online services, local VLAN or VPN access only. I can create a VM for management and storage.
It will be externally facing the street with the intention of capturing evidence of a certain individual causing issues. It would be a range of 20-40 meters from an upstairs room, so no doorbell type cameras. If I do go ahead it will be with the approval of local law enforcement.
Any suggestions very much appreciated, as well as any questions I'm not familiar enough to know to ask. Thank you.

3 comments

Look for anything with Onvif. Even if it's a cheap Chinese camera you don't trust. Block the mac address/IP addresses of your cameras on your router. Use a Linux NVR like Zoneminder or Frigate to control the camera. You get high performance for cheap with no security issues.
I've tried many over the years and like Hikvision the best because of its web interface to get it started.

There isn't a single one. Even the ones that claim they are (Lupus) are actually just rebranded chinese ones (Dahua in that case).
Better get a hardwarewise reputable one and isolate it from the internet with its own VLAN,etc.

Sounds like you'll get pro advice anyway, but make sure you datestamp the video / images if you want to use this as evidence
I've used MotionEye for a while and it's good on low-end equipment, but not sure it's good enough for what you want / need.
As others have said, if you block the equipment from reaching the internet then you're halfway there. If you literally do not physically connect the camera network to anything else then you're ven better off.
Don't use wifi cameras.