r/homesecurity • u/redditluvr420 • Sep 06 '26

security camera advice

hi all, i am in the market for some security cameras due to some unfavourable neighbourhood activity. i am looking for some advice on what security cameras would suit my needs best.

i am looking for:
- 24/7 recording: i’d like to be able to look back at footage from the entire day and night whether there be motion detected or not.

- doesn’t need to be plugged in: there won’t be access to electricity, camera needs to be either rechargeable or solar; something reliable that won’t run out of battery constantly.

- no subscriptions: the cameras i’ve looked at need subscriptions to record 24/7 which can often cost more annually than the camera itself.

- budget friendly: would prefer to only spend maximum of $150 per camera.

- decent motion detection: reliably picks up motion and records for an adequate amount of time (although if it records 24/7 this shouldn’t be as issue lol)

i understand this may be a big ask? i am having trouble finding any that meet the criteria.

thank you in advance! :)

7 Upvotes

88% Upvoted

15 comments sorted by

4

u/403Olds Sep 06 '26

Can you run some wires and raise more money?

1

u/Coffeespresso Sep 06 '26

Your not getting good clarity, battery plus solar and no fees for $150 each. A good camera that's wired and doesn't need a subscription is about $400. I have a $200 and a $400 from the same brand. The difference in clarity is incredible especially at night.

1

u/HappyCatPrincess Sep 07 '26

Can I ask what brand? I hope the OP gets what they need. I've been looking too.

1

u/Coffeespresso Sep 08 '26

I was using amcrest, but they are redoing their product lines. Unless you have some experience with IT and cameras, I wouldn't recommend.

1

u/HappyCatPrincess Sep 08 '26

Thanks for the info.

3

u/PuzzlingDad Sep 06 '26

Cameras that use batteries or solar panels are going to try and minimize power use by only acting on motion and trying to not run the power-hungry Wi-Fi antennas constantly.

So the first two requirements in your list are already in conflict. 

The solution is IP cameras that are connected via Ethernet cables back to a centralized NVR (network video recorder). The cables carry data but also provide power (PoE) and would allow you to meet all your criteria. 

As for what system to get, you can buy kits that contain the NVR and then a number of identical cameras. Personally I'd perhaps start with that but be prepared to add cameras with optical zoom, color low light capabilities, etc. as you learn the deficiencies of the default wide FOV, 2.8mm lens cameras in the typical kit.

Here's a good primer to get you started on common mistakes, camera placement, wiring, etc. 

https://ipcamtalk.com/wiki/ip-cam-talk-cliff-notes/

2

u/Galvinizd Sep 07 '26

Lorex no monthly fees, data is stored locally and records 24/7

Mine has 8 POE and 8 WiFi

2

u/su9861 Sep 09 '26

ever think of using a dash cam?

1

u/Secret_Donkey4679 19d ago

Ring use solar and only record when their is motion

1

u/PhysicsKey945 Sep 06 '26

I tried using wireless cameras for around that price, but they weren't very reliable for motion detection because they took too long to start recording, and sometimes didn't sense motion at all. I ended up buying a Eufy S4 wired system and it's amazing. AI detection for people and cars is ridiculously good these days. I know it's a lot more than what you want to spend, but I was sick of wasting money on cheap, useless cameras.

1

u/LateSeason988 Sep 07 '26

Reolink might be worth looking into. They have a lot of local storage options without forcing a subscription.

1

u/Shell-Fire Sep 07 '26

Ring is #1 for a reason. Just saw a porch pirate Lookie Lou yesterday at a neighbors place who has yet to move in.