Hi all
as per the subject line - I struggle to find a wifi, battery upload to cloud storage security cam (that I like). I did find the Google Nest Cam. I dislike the subscription you need for the cloud storage (I would prefer to use my paid Microsoft cloud storage) and the very polarizing reviews.
Is there anything out there that you love and would recommend.
Thanks and Happy Friday.
For security camera, better to stick with Ring or Google Nest Cam. I know lots don't like the idea of subscription, but its still worth while.
Reolink for the win - Free cloud storage (not that I've tried it) wth MicroSD functionality and cheap solar panels
No chance getting your Microsoft cloud storage on a branded camera - thems profits to be made
https://www.amazon.com.au/Security-Wireless-Detection-Stunni…
Check for specials
I use the Reolink Argus Eco with Solar Panel. Not on sale at the moment on Amazon but the Reolink Argus 2E is on sale for $129.99 with $16 off. The link is https://www.amazon.com.au/Security-Wireless-Detection-Stunni…
They are WiFi and battery powered. If you don't want to use them outdoors then they can be powered by a micro USB cable and power adapter (check the website to see what's included in the box, I don't remember exactly but I think they include the usb cable but no power adapter, they do include mounting equipment).
They're outdoor proof and can withstand rain and sun. The solar panel keeps the batteries charged so the cameras keep chugging along even during cloudy days. Reolink also includes free cloud recording but you need to renew each month to keep it active. One of my Reolink outdoor cameras got water into it for some reason (but none of the others did). Reolink sent me a replacement right away and only asked that I post them the damaged camera after I had received the replacement. Great customer service.
2 way talking, night vision, micro SD local storage, motion detection, WiFi, battery built in, cloud recording for free. With cloud recording it's 1 camera per account as you have to pay to add more than 1 camera. Otherwise create a new account for each camera but less convenient.
If you don't need the solar panel then you can buy the stand alone camera $93.99 with $6 off. Link https://www.amazon.com.au/Reolink-Security-Wireless-Recharge…
Unlike Eufy and the like you don't need a hub. Each camera is self contained and they can all be viewed and controlled on the Reolink app plus website. I'm a happy customer and I've got them monitoring the perimeter of the house.
glad no one has suggested arlo
I was unfortunate enough to have bought into the arlo system and its lacklustre on all fronts
strangely the reviews (from professional reviewers) are very positive but after experiencing the poor connection, slow interface and sh!t subscription model I read some actual owner feedback and the responses on the arlo "support" hub and it seems there are plenty of known issues which the company DGAF about
im not sure what is good, but i wouldnt buy arlo again and wouldnt recommend it to anyone else
Arlo was very unique and cool when they first launched but easily surpassed by cheaper stuff on the market now. I'm sure the current owners are just sweating that asset.
I don't hate Arlo - and Aro Essential may cover OP's requirements. To avoid the $4.49 per month single-camera subscription, I acquired a hub (used @$100) which stores video on a USB stick - and enables Homekit integration. My Arlo now does double-duty as a reliable and sensitive motion sensor for Homekit automations. Break-even in 23 months.
I don't understand why Arlo and Eufy and the like require a hub for a small home setup. I guess to increase the price. The Reolink and Xiaomi ones are each stand alone, have their own microSD slots, and cloud storage options and battery options. They're all controlled by the app which can access both on the local network and remotely. Can view and control multiple cameras on the one app. The Reolinks are reliable, well built, straight forward, and very affordable.
The hub is annoying too cos the cameras have to directly communicate with the hub rather than over wifi
So even if you have good mesh wifi over your house you can easily have poor connection between your cameras and hub, esp cameras that are outdoors where the signal has to pass through a few walls.
If you have a computer that runs 24/7 in your house, you could get a ReoLink camera and use their software to record.
Simply point the storage location at your OneDrive folder
The Reolink cameras that I have use motion detection. Can set the sensitivity. They record when motion is detected. They save it onto the on board microSD and also upload it to the cloud. No need for a 24/7 computer. My Xiaomi cameras have 24/7 recording to the microSD and the card gets worn within weeks and stops working. Even with a computer to be safe you need a hard drive that's designed for 24/7 recording. Samsung has released these new wear proof microSD's. They are also called endurance microSD but read the product carefully. The old Samsung endurance ones aren't wear proof. The new ones are. They do wear but it's rated for so long that it's like 10+ years apparently. I haven't used the new ones yet.
Yeah I understand the way the Reolink recording is meant to be done ie with SD cards. But OP said they wanted a way to record to Microsoft cloud storage, and the PC method would do that
Hi Eatslikeacat
Would you mind sharing what Reolink model you use?
I use the Reolink Argus Eco with Solar Panel. Not on sale at the moment on Amazon but the Reolink Argus 2E is on sale for $129.99 with $16 off. The link is https://www.amazon.com.au/Security-Wireless-Detection-Stunni…
Thanks for all your insights. This is a great help.
(This is a great community that I am proud to be part of.)
I will go with Reolink, start small and add over time.
Please consider that cloud or networked hub-storage provides secure access to your recordings. Stand-alone battery wifi cameras offer consumer appeal but thieves can simply add them to their haul.
The Reolinks are very quick to upload to cloud storage. I also install the cameras out of reach of a standing person.
My aged Arlo Q (wired) includes free cloud storage. Wyse Cam v3 (cheap, also wired) offers cloud storage for an appealingly low price. But I wonder if there's a battery cam with free cloud storage? So I suppose you either have to pay a monthly fee or get a hub which accommodates local (secure) storage? I think the manufacturers have made product selection exceedingly complex.
My Reolink Argus Eco cameras are battery powered with cute little solar panels. They're currently on sale with solar panel on Amazon for $129.99 and there's a coupon to take $16 off. Link is https://www.amazon.com.au/Rechargeable-Solar-Argus-Eco-Panel…
Cheaper without the solar panel. They come with mounting kit and can be used in the rain and sun.
They have free cloud storage but need to go to Reolink website each month to click renew. Not a big hassle. Each account only has free cloud storage for 1 camera. If you want to store more than 1 camera then they'll charge you. Otherwise, create multiple accounts and add a camera to each account.
Reolink has free cloud recording for many of their other cameras too. Just read the listing to see if it comes with it or not.
Maybe Reolink, Arlo, Ring or Eufy? From memory, they all have a free storage option or a paid option. I know Eufy has a MicroSD card as it’s storage.