Security Cameras & Solar Motion Activated Lights

[T-Mo-(Moderator) 4,496]

This past Tuesday night, April 5, some low life cut out and stole the catalytic convertor off my F250, in my drive way.  I have a real good idea who did it, but have no proof.

So, I'm in the market for inexpensive, but reliable, Wi-Fi security cameras and solar powered motion activated lights.  For cameras, it's been suggested to me, Arlo, but I can explore other brands.

Any suggestions on cameras and lights?

[ri702bill 8,326]

One thing to consider is the cost associated with image storage. A low-cost system that relies on a replaceable SD card may not have the ability to run more than 8 hours of video and you have to manually purge it prior to next use - it does not automatically overwrite. Better more expensive systems offer the ability to send the info to "cloud storage", but the time it is held there may range from 1 month to 1 year - and you have to pay a monthly storage fee. Another thing to consider is the aspect ratio of the video - Ring uses 5:3 to give a wide view, WYSE is almost 1:1. Also, view the video for daytime and nighttime quality - makes a difference if you cannot get a good still shot of the perp's face. Look over the whole cost of ownership before you buy.

Bill

Edited April 9, 2022 by ri702bill

[Pullstart 62,902]

We have Reolink GO PT (pan/tilt) cameras on the property.  They run on a t-mobile SIM card for data and cost $10/mo to run ‘em.  They have solar chargers and a clear view.  You can access them any time and zoom, spin about 350 degrees around, and tilt up and down a considerable amount. You can also set sensitivity to the notifications and they have a compressed file so their internal storage card can fit a ton of stuff for review later.  They are a bit pricey up front, but would have been less than that catalytic converter replacement likely.  Sorry to hear about your theft issue too…

[JoeM 7,874]

I use a Swann with a Hard Drive but my brother has some trouble last year and got some Blink battery powered cameras. 

Pretty impressive and the battery life is quite good for the price. 

[lynnmor 7,307]

If you have places that WIFI doesn't reach, consider game cameras.

[SylvanLakeWH 25,577]

I’ve had Arlo for several years. After you buy the cameras it’s free. Batteries last anywhere from 7 days in high traffic area to  several weeks before recharge. Simple and they work. Excellent replay easy to view, save, transfer and erase.

 

[rjg854 11,368]

I have an Amcrest four camera video system that uses a DVR rewritable hard drive with a huge amount of disk space that will rewrite after the disk becomes full.

This is a hard wired system, and I have it set to record motion. I've had it quite a few years now and it has been good enough for my needs.