What do you all use?

We'd like to set up a camera for the front door and back door (rear patio/deck). Would love to be able to view the video stream via an iphone app. Also would really like to be able to save footage in case there were a break-in, etc.

Yes, I know there are hundreds of out of the box options. They all seem to have positive and negative reviews, and looking for something that's dead reliable. I hate troubleshooting and/or constantly having to restart cams/networks, etc.

Also, not looking to pay a huge monthly premium for the app monitoring ability. Any free options that fit the bill?

7/21/2017 11:09:01 AM

paging David0603

7/21/2017 11:20:11 AM

Do you want something turn key or are you willing to roll your own?

7/21/2017 12:22:42 PM

Definitely willing to roll my own if it's fairly straightforward.

7/22/2017 1:23:59 PM

I have wireless Arlo units that I use for monitoring our nursery and the chicken coop. they work rather well.

the chicken coop is 200' away from the house, but it doesn't have broadcast issues. I have one unit that takes c123 batteries and one that's rrechargeable. The battery unit lasts about 4 months on a set of batteries and the rechargeable one lasts about 2 months on a charge. and additional units I buy Wil be rechargeable.

7/23/2017 11:58:31 AM

https://www.amazon.com/YI-Wireless-Security-Surveillance-US/dp/B016F3M7OM

This. Its often on sale even cheaper. Surprised its not on prime right now (least on amazon). Free app based connectivity, requires an SD card, or you can do a subscription cloud save service.

7/24/2017 7:47:23 AM

I use the samsung smartcam platform and have been very pleased. no monthly bill, free app, configurable motion detection, 2 way audio, stores to SD card or google, push notification alerts if you want.

7/25/2017 3:09:48 PM

^ any particular cams to recommend?

7/25/2017 4:40:42 PM

I think the samsung platform sucks big time. Maybe I'm limited to an older version because of my cameras, but the app is laggy, has troubles connecting to cameras, disconnects often, and provides no way to save out video files / portions of files.

7/25/2017 5:11:00 PM

I ended up ordering two Arlo Pro's and they'll be here tomorrow.

I saw the Yi's, but there seems to be a ton of concern over possible spyware, etc. It may just be the tinfoil-hat crowd though.

I paid more for the Arlo Pro's over the regular Arlos because the reaction time is supposedly much quicker. And I LOVE that Arlo doesnt charge a monthly fee...

Thanks for all the suggestions folks.

7/25/2017 9:53:48 PM

you need a base station for the arlos, fyi

[Edited on July 25, 2017 at 11:54 PM. Reason : the pros need the newer base station too]

7/25/2017 11:52:27 PM

Yep, I got the 2 camera & base station combo.

https://www.amazon.com/Arlo-Pro-Security-System-Siren/dp/B01LR8PG6Q/ref=sr_1_5?s=photo&ie=UTF8&qid=1501074172&sr=1-5&keywords=arlo+pro

7/26/2017 9:03:14 AM

Quote :

"the pros need the newer base station too"

I've got an arlo pro running on the old base station, and it seems to work fine.

7/26/2017 2:02:41 PM

Yeah I think I read they were backwards compatible.

They just came in the mail about an hour ago. Got it all hooked up and working perfectly. I definitely want to buy some different mounts though, as these magnetic ones limit the range of motion a bit. Probably works for most people, but not for my layout.

7/26/2017 2:48:52 PM

^^word? sweet

7/26/2017 6:55:43 PM

I have these https://www.samsungsmartcam.com/web/cmm/02_SP/Overview.do?productId=00000000000000001378

7/26/2017 8:40:39 PM

Loving the Arlo cams. I did have to restart my base station after a few days because one of the cams quit detecting motion...not sure if it's just a software bug or what. But other than that, they've been great so far. We'll see if that issue persists.

7/31/2017 12:45:24 PM

Everyone still happy with their Arlos? Costco has the 3 camera pro system for $375 through the 27th

https://www.costco.com/Arlo-Pro-Smart-Home-HD-Wireless-IP-Security-Camera-3-pack.product.100340335.html

11/20/2017 2:00:37 PM

do the arlo cams only save to SD card, or can you save to your computer or online?

11/21/2017 2:34:02 PM

These Arlo Pro ones I have don't record 24x7, but the new Arlo Pro 2 ones can (provided constant power source)

They record a configurable amount of time after detecting motion, save 7 days of those recordings in the cloud for free (can pay for more), and you can plug in a flash drive to the home station thing to get more than 7 days worth of recordings.

12/6/2017 11:30:42 PM

I'm looking for a system now. Those Arlo systems are expensive as shit, esp considering I think I need 4 cameras to have complete coverage.
Do most of you mount them at each corner of your house, or just at the front and back door. I definitely want one at the front and backdoor, and I was thinking I'd probably want another on a front and back corner to cover along the house where all the windows are.

Looking for wireless, rechargeable, stream and storage, weatherproof, no monitoring svc. Any other suggestions aside from Arlo, or am I going to have to spend $600 to get what I need?

12/27/2017 3:18:52 PM