Security Camera with Motion Sensing Lights

Hi all,

I'm in the market for a security camera with the following requirements:

  • Weather resistant (for use outdoor)
  • Has motion activated lights - this is because I am looking to replace the light at my front door so trying to know out 2 things with 1
  • Wifi enabled
  • Plug in powered.

As mentioned above, I am looking to replace an outdoor light I currently have with a security camera that can also provide lighting when I get home. Main purpose for the light is so I can see the door when getting home so I can unlock it at night specifically, otherwise I need to keep fumbling in the dark trying to get the key in the door xD.

I see a lot of mentions to battery powered ones but I'd prefer not to have to worry if they are charged or not. It is also a south facing door so I am unsure if solar panels will be effective however I am willing to try it if there are ones that meet the rest of the requirements. Finally, if there are other options such as getting the motion sensing lights separate from the camera I am also open to it however it seems good to be able to knock 2 things at once.

Thanks in advance!

Comments

  • -1

    Reolink PoE

    • Unfortunately, I can't run Ethernet cables to the location I want so the power is just electrical. I don't think PoE cameras would work for this, would they?

      • Then take a look at the Reolink wifi cameras.

        • Taking a look now and some of them have "spotlights". Are they just motion activated lights? If so then they look like they fit the criteria. The description makes it sound like an intruder detection feature instead of just motion sensing.

          • @gugahoi:

            Are they just motion activated lights?

            My PoE ones do, I'd expect the wifi ones do the same if they are powered.

            • @jv: Amazing, thank you for the suggestion!

          • +1

            @gugahoi: i would be very surprised if any are NOT motion activated. how inconvenient would it be if you need to manually switch it with an app or something?

            The eufy and imou ones i have are all motion activated.

            • @Jimothy Wongingtons: Good to know that there are more options, thanks! Is there a specific model you would recommend?

              • @gugahoi: really depends on your budget mate
                and what power options you have

                eg do you have a power point nearby, or get usb 5v close to camera - many DIY option are working off basic 5v. You can get away with usb extensions sometimes if you can keep it dry or think of a way to waterproof it.

                Imou cruiser se 4mp model I can say specifically uses 12vdc (i have one and bought specifically because it uses 12vdc) so i could run a 12m cable extension in 4mm garden cable that I had an off-cut of, buried along my shed and then up the wall.

                • @Jimothy Wongingtons: I'd be replacing a light that is already cabled in so power cables are already there and connected.

          • @gugahoi:

            The description makes it sound like an intruder detection feature instead of just motion sensing.

            What's the difference?

            • @jv: In the product description it says:

              "Once an intruder is detected, the camera's spotlights and siren will be triggered or manually activated to warn off the would-be criminal"

              Link

              It just makes it sound that it's to warn off people instead of providing light. I don't want everyone that knocks on my door to be greeted with a siren 😂

              • @gugahoi:

                I don't want everyone that knocks on my door to be greeted with a siren

                You can turn off the siren in the settings…

                There are different setting for siren and lights…

                You can also turn them on/off manually.

                • @jv:

                  You can turn off the siren in the settings…

                  You can also make the siren say weird things like: "jv is not wearing any pants".

          • @gugahoi: I have the reolink Duo and Duo 2, spotlights are pretty good and are motion activated. I have the PoE version, but they do come with WiFi versions.

            The camera uses IR light to operate in the dark, then once it senses motion it switches on the spotlights.

            • @Boioioioi: I find the human / pet / vehicle detection performance of the Duo 2 PoE really poor at night (when falling back on IR).
              It slightly improves when the floodlights come on.

      • -1

        You can get ones that simply plug into your patio ceiling light.
        They replace the light globe and have a built-in wifi and a camera that records to a memory card.
        See here:
        https://www.temu.com/au/secure-your-home-with-5g-dual-band-w…

        • The top item review has sold me: brought this for our elderly Jack Russell for our chilly winter weather fits perfectly material really nice soft and warm got a medium size just waiting for another one for a spare

  • Ring Floodlight. I installed two for a customer recently and they are fantastic quality, I was honestly surprised. I have the Ring Doorbell, but these are awesome.

    • How much is the subscription service?

      • $4 a month but well worth it in my view.

        • +2

          Mine is free per month and well worth it too…

          • @jv: Part of my system is also free, only my doorbell costs me $. Honestly, at $4 a month, it is only $48 a year. Its peanuts really.

            • @geekcohen:

              it is only $48 a year

              It means my Reolink doorbell pays for itself in under 2 years. From then on, I'm making a profit…

  • These have been pretty reliable
    and these ones are hit-and-miss when the light comes on or not Duo Floodlight PoE
    Both are on a 90W POE adapter I'm thinking Reolink needs a FW update.

    Dahua is a better in options and quality, but there's a big price difference that come with it too.

    • Dahua is a better in options and quality, but there's a big price difference that come with it too.

      Dahua definitely has better hardware. But their apps are absolute rubbish.

      The Reolink app is miles ahead compared to DMSS (at least on iOS).

  • You could replace your existing light with a smart bulb, then use your home automation system to brighten the light when the camera detects motion. My front entry light comes on at sunset - at low brightness; then ramps up to full brightness when my camera detects motion. After 22:00 the entry light turns off but will still respond to motion all the way through to sunrise. The tiny LED in a typical camera isn't very bright so you may need one of the spotlight versions. But I'm not sure they offer ambient lighting like my setup.

  • Recommend > https://www.ezviz.com/au
    and https://www.iegeek.com/
    Both of them can purchase from Ebay.
    Myself using it.

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