Wi-Fi IP Camera for Home

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  razorack999 on 22/02/2016 - 12:25

  I looked at the arlo but I got put off by the high battery cost. Nest and arlo seem to be the best in the $200 USD bracket.
  But I have just ordered the Blink that has much better battery life and is only $60 usd. Seems to be getting good reviews.

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  lolepaille on 22/02/2016 - 13:12

  I've got 5 Arlo for outdoor and they work great! I love them and the batteries last a long time. But yeah they don't have talk back abilities. But you get check it's indoor version which does.
  https://www.arlo.com/en-us/landing/Arlo-Q-by-Netgear.aspx

  Then I've got Piper for indoor, works great too and it's got an alarm and can work for a while on battery if disconnected. Intruders won't be able to turn it off as the cover is screwed in. The talkback function on mine isn't great though, not sure why. It's got plenty of sensors.
  https://www.google.com.au/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=we…

  You can add additional cameras to both. Piper can connect to a few other smart things such as light bulbs. And they are adding more and more stuff.

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  ESEMCE on 22/02/2016 - 14:18

  +1

  Computer with webcam running Skype or similar and auto-answer
  Is the easiest and cheapest option and will do everything you call for.

  Foscam FI8910W
  Cheapish about $90-100
  Takes a little bit of setup knowhow but can do everything except "have the ability to look back a few hours (not necessary but nice to have)"
  You're not going to get that feature without using some sort of computer to use as storage.. (whether it be a local server or cloud service - and you'll need to pay an ongoing fee for something that uses cloud storage.

  • 

    boomramada on 22/02/2016 - 16:21

    Foscam has paid service which can "look back a few hours " see https://www.myfoscam.com/.
    Alternatively you can crate your own cloud storage, since its support number of network protocols, all you need is a PC/Raspberry PI + Storage) .

    if you don't have power socket near your camera, could use POE through the network cable.

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  k0ka2 on 25/02/2016 - 23:27

  I have the xiaomi yi home camera. Does what you want - two way audio, record and play back with microsd card, infrared led for night time, 720 HD, small and cheap AUD50 from Mushtato - drawback is it is a chinese version model. If you do manage to set it up it is a breeze to use.

  • 

    ezza on 26/02/2016 - 00:07

    Thx for your input. Any recommendations on how best to set up given its Chinese version?

    • 

      k0ka2 on 26/02/2016 - 12:41

      The instructions are on their website http://www.mushtato.com.au/new-xiaomi-xiaoyi-720p-smart-webc… (note: the night vision is cheaper and better than the standard model). I use android, so I can download the correct chinese app direct from xiaomi website. Some how I can't figure out how to download the IOS version (I cant change to the Chinese appstore without creating a new account, etc). Even though the voice instructions are in mandarin, see this page for help in English: http://en.miui.com/thread-124944-1-1.html
      For android, the yi camera app (which allows you to manage the camera) interface follows your Android language (so most of the interface is in English except for the FAQ which is in Chinese) but the mi home app (which allows you to manage the camera and other xiaomi devices like routers) is mainly in Chinese and also has a time issue when viewing the recorded video timelines.
      You can have multiple cameras (I have two) which can be accessed simultaneously from multiple devices (but only one camera per device at a time).

      • 

        ezza on 26/02/2016 - 16:57

        Ohhh i see. I only use iOS devices… thinking it might be a challenge.

      • 

        k0ka2 on 26/02/2016 - 17:32

        @ezza: try downloading the IOS app from the china appstore. If you cant then this camera is not option for you. There is an international version on amazon but it is more expensive and doesnt ship to Australia.

      • 

        ezza on 26/02/2016 - 18:15

        @k0ka2:
        Ahhh right okay I will try this. How do you flick over to the China App Store on an iPhone?

      • 

        ezza on 29/02/2016 - 20:16

        @ezza:

        I wrote to Mushato around the potential app problem and got this response back:

        Dear xx,

        Thank you for your enquiry.
        The language of operating system for this is based on your own device.
        E.g. if you are using English iSO/Android system phone, the app will display English.

        We understand the issue you are referring to.
        Xiaomi has separated this product into Chinese and International version.
        (our stock is Chinese version)
        Then released 2 version of apps.
        For Android devices, you can simply download the Chinese version app from internet, then problem solved.
        However, for iSO devices, user needs to change Apple ID to China Region (country).
        Then download the app from Chinese Appstore (still in English).
        After that, you can switch back your Apple ID to AU region.
        As we mentioned, the app's operating language will now be Chinese if your phone/tablet is using English.
        Only the way you download App from Appstore is few steps more than usual.

        Hope these can justify your concern.
        Thank you for your patience.

        Best Regards,

        This leaves me with confidence that in the event I can't get it going I'll contact them for a return or something.
        Thanks matey.

      • 

        k0ka2 on 01/03/2016 - 17:39

        @ezza: I think they meant English instead of Chinese "the app's operating language will now be Chinese if your phone/tablet is using English." Like I said I had problems switching the appstore to China as it requires me to create a new account and billing details. Let me know how you go.

      • 

        ezza on 01/03/2016 - 21:31

        @k0ka2:

        Will do bud. Thanks again for the advise

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  ezza on 26/02/2016 - 00:02

  Thx folks been looking for a few days and in actual fact the xiamoi one caught my eye… Can you pair more cameras to it?

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  Archi on 26/02/2016 - 08:47

  I was looking at doing the same thing at my place…

  however I came up with these scenarios….

  • if I did see someone on the live feed that has already broken into the house. and I called the police, how long would it take for the police to get there (realistically) and stop the crime.
    
    • if the thief is already in the house, that means something is already broken in order for them to get in…cost of repair, insurance claim , excess and premium increases… all costs that are your own.
    • likely hood of police catching the thief after giving surveillance footage and recovering your items in the same condition.

  I looked at other things that was more of a deterrent to prevent or lessen the likely hood of a break and enter. it may have more initial costs but less headache and stress afterwards.

  nothing stopping from you having both,

  I have a D link IP camera with awesome night vision capabilities that I use inside the house that sends me notifications, when sound and movement is detected. can pan and zoom from mobile app and take pictures and record video ..

  but I also have a couple of dummy cameras mounted out side in an area not visible to the street but visible to the thief when someone wants to break in (i.e on the back verandah)a sticker on the front window of the house that says this property is protected by an alarm system.

  Identify possible areas people may break in and make those secure. if you make it difficult or seem more effort thiefs would move on to an easier target.

  friends live in a duplex. where they had a crimsafe mesh on windows and doors and a basic alarm system. never had a break and enter. however the neighbour has been broken in multiple times in the few years that they have been there…

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  winderic on 14/04/2016 - 15:18

  Use Tenvis at work, love it. Some Model come with SD slot. Make sure to buy 720p or HD model only.
  Company currently running blueiris on 10 cameras…