You think they are slow, you want to use the Arlo stuff!
Yes parents have had Eufy for a few years now, just works, but when i bought the Arlo stuff, Eufy didnt exist.
Spec me a CCTV System
- Thread starter Sirrel Squirrel
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Yes parents have had Eufy for a few years now, just works, but when i bought the Arlo stuff, Eufy didnt exist.
Ubiquiti can get away with their daft hardware prices because the software is good, simple and works. The camera prices prices really grate (for me) but if I hadn’t invested a bit of time and effort into Frigate over the years then I would like be using Ubiquiti myself
I get what you mean, but the Eufy subscription free stuff is cheaper than the Arlo stuff you need to pay a subscription for! Madness!
Also had an issue witht he doorbell that came with it. Answered my email within 15 mins at 17:30 on a Sunday eve of a bank holiday weekend, returns label issued within 45 mins, on its way back with a replacement on its way to me before they've even got it back! Very impressed!
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Associate
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I currently have frigate running in Home Assistant with the integration and addon but I have a spare HP elitedesk that I plan to use soley for CCTV. Am I correct in syaing that I'd need to install DEbian to this, install Docker (optional portainer for GUI management) and Frigate on top. Is this fairly easy to do as I've never used Docker before.
I know I'll get hate but I'm very happy with Unifi protect.
I have used it for years, recording to a UNVR Pro with 8TB hdds. Used to have a UNVR.
The G6 Turret cameras are an excellent recent upgrade, the AI detections and hallway mode are good. 4k etc.
I have a G4 Doorbell Pro PoE as well, which nicely scans my work card for access, as well as fingerprint etc.
I have used it for years, recording to a UNVR Pro with 8TB hdds. Used to have a UNVR.
The G6 Turret cameras are an excellent recent upgrade, the AI detections and hallway mode are good. 4k etc.
I have a G4 Doorbell Pro PoE as well, which nicely scans my work card for access, as well as fingerprint etc.
Same, its been developed into an excellent subscription free product with a wide range of options.
In the early days it was a bit pap but that isn't the case anymore - the only thing I can see missing from the range is colour night vision cameras.
Hi Folks, so much information out there so I could really do with some help building a system.
I already have PoE switch and Synology NAS. I can also put together a separate server if needs be. I’d like the following.
- 6 x dome cameras, PoE, white that I’ll install under the soffit.
- 4k resolution, good night vision.
- good reliable phone app to see live and recorded footage.
- ideally self hosted so I don’t get tied into monthly payments.
I have a unifi setup already with access points if it makes sense to stick with them.
I already have PoE switch and Synology NAS. I can also put together a separate server if needs be. I’d like the following.
- 6 x dome cameras, PoE, white that I’ll install under the soffit.
- 4k resolution, good night vision.
- good reliable phone app to see live and recorded footage.
- ideally self hosted so I don’t get tied into monthly payments.
I have a unifi setup already with access points if it makes sense to stick with them.
Ideally you want a U-NVR for recording, U-NVR Pro is overkill. Edit: assuming you use Ubiquiti cameras!
Soffits (assuming not a single story building) are a terrible location for cameras. Far too high, all you’ll do is capture images of the top of peoples heads. Cameras should be 2.5 to 3 meters high, 2.5 is more ideal.
Dome cameras usually have a massive field of view, great for small enclosed spaces. However, they are generally to wide for other applications and means you miss detail at longer distances.
You’d probably get better advice is you posted a diagram of where you’d want to cover and a bit more detail as to what your objectives are.
Soffits (assuming not a single story building) are a terrible location for cameras. Far too high, all you’ll do is capture images of the top of peoples heads. Cameras should be 2.5 to 3 meters high, 2.5 is more ideal.
Dome cameras usually have a massive field of view, great for small enclosed spaces. However, they are generally to wide for other applications and means you miss detail at longer distances.
You’d probably get better advice is you posted a diagram of where you’d want to cover and a bit more detail as to what your objectives are.
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Soldato
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What tends to get recommended on here is Reolink, and they have dome cameras, and cameras with good night vision, including colour night vision.
Unifi networking products are often recommended here, so might be worth looking at their cameras too, although I think they'll be more expensive than Reolink.
Unifi networking products are often recommended here, so might be worth looking at their cameras too, although I think they'll be more expensive than Reolink.
Synology Surveillance Station is an option?
Not on my existing Synology but I’d need to buy an additional DVR anyway for Ubiquiti so if Synology is significantly better (Their DVRs look more expensive) then I’d consider it.
Heh, the whole basis of my plan was to use soffits to keep the cameras relatively discrete (except for people who are looking for them) and as I can cable it easily. Cameras at 2.5m is probably a no-go.
Surely the height can be mitigated with lens/optical zoom?
Purpose is general home security, fortunately no specific issue prompting it. I’ve already invested in good, doors/locks/alarm/etc so CCTV would be an addition.
That's odd as almost every Synology NAS should be able to run it. I wouldn't buy a new Synology device specifically for DVR use though.
There is the thing, if you want CCTV to be a security deterrent, it needs to be somewhat visible.
Pre-meditated criminals don’t care about cameras because there are obvious mitigations wear black, a hoodie and a face mask. Cameras work best to deter opportunistic criminality and they are not going to notice a camera 5m+ in the air.
You also can’t really mitigate cameras being too high with optical zoom in a domestic environment, the distances are generally small and you’ll be looking down at a steep angle.
It works at 6m+ up on a high street because they are zoomed in on something 10’s of meters away. Ideally they would have them lower but they’ll get vandalised if they do, that isn’t such an issue in a domestic property.
You don’t have the luxury at home to be zoomed in on something 10’sm of meters away because that’s next door but ones garden and not yours.
If you car concerned about cables, get creative, use gutter down pipes etc to hide them.
All I’m saying is, don’t be disappointed if someone nicks your car and you are able to give the police a good description of their baseball cap from camera mounted on soffits.
Nothing wrong with it. It's not the best value for money if that's how people want to buy their system, some like me and you like the simplicity of Unifi. I have a G5 Ultra Turret, a G6 Turret, couple of Protect Lights, going to add a door bell when they release the G5 version (it has to be close)
Is any subscription needed for Unifi? I have a Ring doorbell that I might switch to unifi if I go that route for CCTV.