Best outdoor security cameras 2021

5 years ago

I want to install security cameras around a large, 2-story house.

Mostly I want to see the tons of wildlife around my place, but I don't want a spotlight coming on and waking me and bugging my neighbors with every mountain lion, bobcat, fox, deer, raccoon, skunk, etc., that saunters by.

I would view footage on a computer, probably not on my phone.

Like the idea of Eufy - but how do you view if you aren't at home if it only saves locally?

Arlo has good reviews, but seems like night vision requires spotlight to turn on.

Would love feedback from folks about whether they like or don't like their home security cameras.

(p.s. - the guard dog suggestions in other security camera discussions on this site are very humorous, but I'm a crazy cat lady so will not be getting dogs - plus had a friend whose dog got SHOT during a home-invasion)

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Patricia Colwell Consulting

5 years ago

Most of our friends who photograph wildlife have the cameras mounted on trees away from the actual house so I guess you need to figure out what you want , wildlife photos or security IMO 2 very different things. We have a simple camera on our house basically to allow us to see who is at the door and adds another level of security but it comes on to take a picure but mounted where it really does not interfere with anyones sleep or the neighbors It BTW catches wildlife quite often.

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Comments (6)

Enzia Marconni
5 years ago
Hi pippipal! If you finally decided on getting a security system I really recommend you to also get AJAX system, they can update your old cameras and it gives you full control on your cell phone of all the cameras that you got installed, I really like it, I've been using it for years! They also have this cool motion sensors and the battely lasts for 7 years or more, I mean, when I asked myself is my security worth it? Well to me the answer is yes, I don't know if there is any other system that has all this.
pippipal thanked Enzia Marconni
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Sigrid
5 years ago
We have Lorex, they are cheap, internet connected. They've caught Foxy, Woody, Chucky, Rocky, and tons of spiders. (you have to keep the cameras clear of webs).

We had the alarm aystem go off when we weren't home and looking at our chespo, i ternet cameras heloed us pinpoint the problem: thanks to a security system with the previous owner's room designations, my kid didn't recognize a door was ajar, and bypassed the zone when she saw no door open in the the zone she thought it was Rocky came in and hightailed it out of there when the alarm went off.

The indoor cameras are $25, I think the outdoor $50.
pippipal thanked Sigrid
Konsyman Mike
2 years ago
So, what do y'all think? Got any faves from the list or any other recommendations? Let's swap stories and help each other out.
jacksrive
2 years ago
Well, let me throw in my two cents. I reckon when it comes to keeping an eye on things outside your crib, having a solid CCTV camera is key. It's like having an extra set of eyes that never get tired!

Now, about those cameras on the list, they seem pretty slick, but personally, I'm all about finding that sweet spot between quality and price. Ain't nobody got stacks to drop on something that's overkill, right?

In my experience, durability is a biggie. You want something that can handle the elements without fizzling out on you when it starts pouring rain or snowing like crazy. Plus, ease of setup and use is clutch. Ain't nobody got time for complicated installations and tech dramas.
clt3
2 years ago
After a rash of nearby breakins, we chose to have hard wired cameras installed. According to local police a group of central American thieves had been jamming the wireless type. My son is a cyber security expert and does not trust any brands made in China. Ours are Axis and were not inexpensive.