Recommendations for Adding a New Security Camera and Future System Expansion

SinghOz on 11/03/2025 - 13:38

Hi,

I’m looking for recommendations for a new security camera to add to my current setup. At the moment, I have a few devices in place, including:

A Reolink Argus with solar panel
A Reolink E1 camera
A Eufy doorbell with Homebase
Currently, the Reolink cameras store footage on an SD card, and the Argus is ONVIF-compliant, also supporting FTP for storage.

I'm now considering adding another camera to my setup and am trying to decide between the Eufy Pan-Tilt camera or the Reolink PT camera.

A few key factors I’m considering for the new camera:

Continuous Recording: I want to have at least a few hours of continuous recording, so the camera should have a reliable power source. Ideally, I’d prefer a power source via electricity, as I don’t have POE wiring available at the moment. Should I choose a battery-powered option, or is a wired (electric) connection better in this scenario?

Future Recording Consolidation: If I plan to consolidate my camera recordings in the future, which option is more practical: using FTP storage or an NVR system?

A few points I’ve noted:

I believe Eufy doesn’t support ONVIF and I’m not sure if it supports FTP either?
I came across a brand called IMOU on AliExpress and wanted to know if anyone has experience with their app and general feedback on their cameras.
My budget is limited, and I intend to gradually add more cameras and security sensors over time.

I would really appreciate any suggestions or experiences you could share!

Thanks in advance!

Electrical & Electronics Security Camera

Comments

  • OldSchoolHarry on 11/03/2025 - 14:08
    +1

    Something link Reolink E1 Outdoor would be good option for you if you can install a 12V DC power source fed from mains power.

  • geekcohen on 11/03/2025 - 14:34

    I’d prefer a power source via electricity, as I don’t have POE wiring available at the moment. Should I choose a battery-powered option, or is a wired (electric) connection better in this scenario?

    If you are getting power put in/run, just run CAT6 and then do a POE configuration instead. You don't need a electrician to do it, a cabler can do it (and should be cheaper).

  • geekcohen on 11/03/2025 - 14:46
    +1

    Personally, save up and build a Reolink system that is POE and with an NVR.

    I intiailly cheaped out for my systems. I had 3 BNC + 12v systems (because of seperate buildings) and then did an upgrade to Reolink all into an NVR, fantastic! I don't regret it. I have my recordings to the NVR and then FTP Cloud Backup.

    I have a Ring Doorbell but will be swapping it to a Reolink POE Doorbell to integrate into my system.

    • SinghOz on 11/03/2025 - 15:07

      Did you got the reolink NVR system or some other like tapo or Netgear

      • geekcohen on 12/03/2025 - 11:59

        Reolink NVR system.

  • FoxJump on 11/03/2025 - 17:20
    +1

    I use https://github.com/blakeblackshear/frigate/ with a reolink doorbell and tapo cameras everywhere else.
    requires techy skills

  • meong on 11/03/2025 - 20:38
    +1

    If you are getting Eufy, make sure you get Homebase 3.

    Homebase 2 doesn't support external storage.

  • klaw81 on 12/03/2025 - 11:31
    +1

    You've missed the possibility of Reolink's WiFi cameras and their Home Hub, which is a very similar arrangement to Eufy's cameras + Homebase.

    In any case, I would strongly recommend using wired cameras and an NVR if possible. They're more reliable, more secure and allow 24/7 recording which is virtually impossible with any form of wireless cameras. They also don't have batteries which will slowly degrade, so they have a longer lifespan. The obvious downside is needing to install cables, which isn't everyone's cup of tea.

    • SinghOz on 12/03/2025 - 12:40

      I can make sense out the below diagram for connections between the switch,NVR cabling set up ..but still trying to figure out the modem to switch wiring set up.

      https://images.app.goo.gl/u7i2rb2xm28wDsM18

      • klaw81 on 12/03/2025 - 12:49
        +1

        The switch is optional - the most basic wired camera installation has all of the wired cameras plugged directly into the NVR, which has several PoE ethernet ports for this purpose. Then you just need a single ethernet cable from NVR to modem/router for internet connectivity - this is what allows viewing NVR-connected cameras remotely on your phone etc.

        Wiring diagram

        You can see how your existing wireless Reolink cameras could also be connected to the NVR if you want (the doorbell in the above diagram) Note the connected monitors in this diagram are entirely optional.

        The diagram you linked in your post above is a more complex arrangement, where cameras are provided with connectivity and power via a PoE switch. The switch is then connected to your modem/router. This is particularly useful if your network extends over long distances, or multiple buildings.

        You can also mix and match to some extent - some cameras can be directly plugged into the NVR, while others are connected via PoE switch. However, the NVR will have a maximum number of cameras it can handle, regardless of how they're connected.

        • SinghOz on 12/03/2025 - 13:33

          Thanks

    • jjj123 on 23/03/2025 - 11:55

      Do you need a UPS in case the switchboard is turned off?

      • klaw81 on 24/03/2025 - 09:48

        Yes, a UPS to keep the cameras running if the power is out is generally good practice if you're serious about security.

        If the cameras are used only for convenience or to trigger automations, then maybe you don't bother.

  • jjj123 on 23/03/2025 - 11:51

    Most switchboards are located outside the house and are easily accessible (switch off), so you need an ups.

    You can purchase a Reolink battery-powered camera with continuous recording capability, paired with a 6W or 12W solar panel. The camera allows you to schedule continuous recording based on your preferred time settings.

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