Security Camera Recommendation / advice

[Lepus]

Hi all , I am far from expert on such things , and I want a security camera for the front of my house . There is a path out the front of my house , and I am fed up with the nasty little oinks throwing stuff at my front door and windows , some little so n so through a half eaten ice lolly through my open front door today and I decided enough is enough . Often some abuse or fowl language is heard as they pass . My wife has developed Dementia , and as I work evenings , I think it could have uses if she wanders , or someone unsavoury comes to the door . So I think I am looking for ;

Something that can not be stolen , obviously .
It needs to Record / film in high quality , and preferably sound .
I have WiFi and Ethernet , which is best , is my Hub up for it , how do I tell ?
Do I need Cloud , it sounds like a good idea , or is straight to hard drive or similar good enough , I don`t want to leave my P.C on permanently .
I think Mains operated is going to be best , I don`t want to miss something coz the battery run out .
Face detection probably a good idea .
Does it need to have a light to have good night vision ?
Do I need more than one camera , and where is best to place them , I want to see their faces !!!!
Are there any legal things I should know about ?
My budget is a max of two hundred really . And some one is going to need to set it up , I am too much of a numpty .

All help and advice , suggestions are very welcome , I would like to get this set up quite soon , but I am guessing like most things these days , it`s going to be far from simple .

 

[gramps]

To be honest, filling your spec just isn't going to be possible for £200, it needs pro kit which is vandal-resist.
There has to be trade-offs and a couple of these would be well within budget:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Security-Wansview-Surveillance-Waterproof-Detection/dp/B093C4Y2RZ/ref=psdc_1330829031_t4_B08ZSGH9L9?th=1

However, where you have brazen youths intent on mischief you could put it up one day only to find that it has been smashed a few days later if in the ideal location of face level.
However something like this could be used higher, out of reach but even them could be hit by stones ... at least it would be cheaper to replace.
Have you spoken with your local police about your problems?

 

[4wd]

An inexpensive IP cam will be able to email you alerts with stills of any movement, they start as low as £20 on ebay.
If you can place the camera in a window overlooking the problem area it might deter them without even being turned on. They just need wifi from your router.
The night IR lights reflect in glass though so it would need mounting outside.
You might get a lot of false alarms from birds and bugs attracted to IR light at night.
Setting up is usually app based nowadays and not that difficult.
It would probably be better to go for the deterrent of obvious camera even if it is a dummy one or not working rather than try to record from hidden small camera like those doorbell cams - or do both.

We have had cheap IP cams around the (farm) yard running for years and also use one for calving shed monitoring.
The outdoor ones actual run on a mains wifi extender. They use about 10watts so no big deal though I guess it adds up over the year.

 

[sep9001]

Do you have a floodlight or any light outside? If you do the easiest option may be a ring floodlights with a subscription.

You can swap the outside light for one of ring floodlights and with the app you can adjust the sensitivity and area that it covers.

 

[rob-nikon]

During and since covid the area I live in we’ve had a spate of thieves trying car doors to see if they are open or not then steal low value items inside leaving no damage. There have been a few high value keyless entry cars stolen (likely a different group targeting high value cars) but most of it has been working on people forgetting to lock their cars (many don’t like toadmit they didn’t lock it so hide behind the keyless theft car opening which wouldn’t happen for a couple of quid in parking change).

Many including myself have put up a Ring doorbell. The quality isn’t fantastic at night but it would be enough to document the trouble that’s happening. What I’ve noticed in many of the videos people put on the social media is the thieves are deterred by the Ring doorbell once they see it. Probably it’s a more subtle way of viewing the front door area than installing CCTV cameras which knowing how kids around our way they will hide there faces and single you out more than they are now. Ring do offer cameras too but the best thing is the majority of versions have a removable battery and all work off WiFi so are easier to install (no running power or communication cables) and maintain.

There are various other makes out there now which work along the same lines and maybe cheaper on the subscription.

Ring have a lower subscription for one device then a higher subscription for multiple devices. You can use them without the subscription but you can’t save the videos and view them later. Ring are about to increase the subscription price for all users so it may be worth looking at other manufacturers options.

Your biggest problem will be getting something you can install yourself as installation by others could be far higher than your overall £200 budget. Do you know anyone who can put it up for you if you got the device(s)?

 

[JohnX]

Tale a look at Blink cameras. Battery powered and easy to instal. I use them and am happy with the results, but they have limitations. Wide angle view = small images. Not bad at night and will record in colour if there is good illumination from street lighting, etc.

I have one in my porch and others just under the window cills of my 1st floor windows where I can reach out and get them to change batteries but they're well out of reach from the ground without a ladder.

 

[Jelster]

I bought a 4 camera kit with DVR for about £200 on Amazon after somebody tried to get into my garage. Although the main camera covering the drive is not "protected", I have a 2nd camera monitoring further out to so I can catch anybody trying to damage that camera. The other two cameras cover the patio doors and the front door. All works through an app on my phone. The DVR is in my garage, and all the cameras are connected to it wirelessly.

Edit: Mine is similar to this....

https://www.amazon.co.uk/ANNKE-Surveillance-Compression-4x1080P-Outdoor/dp/B07FM5RV1N/ref=sr_1_13_sspa?crid=3L83PV1CCD67Z&keywords=cctv+system&qid=1655545866&refinements=p_n_feature_browse-bin%3A28079062031&rnid=28078760031&s=diy&sprefix=cctv+system%2Caps%2C100&sr=1-13-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEyNFc2TEhONksxNEVBJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwNjA3MjQzM0dWRjFWUUtIVFMwSiZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwMDkzOTQwMTZSRUExWE9PSUFHOSZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX210ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=

 

[Bobsyeruncle]

I use a Eufy cam solo Pro. It works off a battery but I've connected it to a small solar panel so I don't need to charge it. Quality is superb. It sends me alerts when someone is in my drive. Records to an inbuilt card in the camera so no cloud service etc is required. The street lighting is sufficient for it to record in full colour at night too.
This is a screen shot of what it sees....I have a zone set up so it doesn't record unless someone comes in my drive, so it doesn't record neighbours walking their dogs etc. Picks up good sound too....

 

[sphexx]

I have the 3 types of TP-link TAPO cameras, cheap, diy etc. ( 100, 200, 300 series)

The basic 100 series works well through a double glazed window (set to ‘daylight to avoid the IR reflection) with night illumination from a porch light and street lighting — obviously depends on your location.

They record to micro sd card (continuous loop) accessible via the phone/tablet app (not on pc unless you fiddle) and live on Amazon “Show” device. Accessible from anywhere you have Wi-Fi eg at work)

A bit flaky on continuous streaming — depends on Wi-Fi I guess but reliable on recording.

You do not need a subscription for recordings (though it would be backup against theft etc).

If your night illumination is good and you have a tablet/phone you could get a TAPO 100 series for £22 on Amazon (you would need an micro sd card) and see how you get on with it. it’ll be useful even if you go for a different solution for outdoors etc.

 

[Bobsyeruncle]

I have the 3 types of TP-link TAPO cameras, cheap, diy etc. ( 100, 200, 300 series)

The basic 100 series works well through a double glazed window (set to ‘daylight to avoid the IR reflection) with night illumination from a porch light and street lighting — obviously depends on your location.

They record to micro sd card (continuous loop) accessible via the phone/tablet app (not on pc unless you fiddle) and live on Amazon “Show” device. Accessible from anywhere you have Wi-Fi eg at work)

A bit flaky on continuous streaming — depends on Wi-Fi I guess but reliable on recording.

You do not need a subscription for recordings (though it would be backup against theft etc).

If your night illumination is good and you have a tablet/phone you could get a TAPO 100 series for £22 on Amazon (you would need an micro sd card) and see how you get on with it. it’ll be useful even if you go for a different solution for outdoors etc.

I use a Tapo TC70 in the house for keeping an eye on the dog if we're out. Works great...

 

[sphexx]

I use a Tapo TC70 in the house for keeping an eye on the dog if we're out. Works great...

That’s why I got them originally — covered when I had unscheduled hospital admissions until some one could take her over. Currently I use the pan&tilt one (C200?) for that.

Actually I started with a cheapo camera (forget make) which though still working has been consigned to occasional duty watching a mousetrap in a cupboard under the sink where it seems mice can find their way in via the pipework etc. . Then I got a Neos cam (same hardware as Wyze) which was good but needed a subscription as you can’t access the sd card recordings over Wi-Fi. That is now consigned to watching the CH boiler (in an outhouse) which has a tendency to fail when the mains water pressure drops and means Ican monitor it remotely.

 

[Lepus]

Thanks for all that advice , Will the Tapo cameras work well if at an angle against the window , as opposed to flat against it ? As my door is on the same plain as the window .

 

[sphexx]

Thanks for all that advice , Will the Tapo cameras work well if at an angle against the window , as opposed to flat against it ? As my door is on the same plain as the window .

No I don’t think so. I think it’ll pick up reflections (assuming there is some light behind it in the room — which I think they’re always will be even if it’s only light coming in from outside. I suppose one could rig some sort of ‘lens shade‘/enclose it in a black box etc but more trouble than it’s worth.

I’ll try mine and report back. It’s only used there because I have it since I originally got it for indoors and then replaced it with a pan & tilt model.

 

[Chevin]

I have wireless 3 Eufy 2 Pro's with solar panel charging. They work very well. I also have the property ringed with motion sensitive floodlights.
Any target entering will trigger the lights and cameras. I can view on my phone and Ipad. Very happy and confident with the system.
So far it's detected foxes, badgers and deer and fortunately no miscreants.

 

[sphexx]

Thanks for all that advice , Will the Tapo cameras work well if at an angle against the window , as opposed to flat against it ? As my door is on the same plain as the window .

So, I’ve tried it at 45° to the glass and there’s a lot of reflective ‘haze’ (from white net curtain behind). It’s usable but far from ideal. Might be better at night but in my case would be hit by the external lights — remember the IR is no good through glass.

The security cameras (not just TAPO) are mostly wide angle so they might cover people arriving at your front door as well as further away.

 

[Box Brownie]

Thanks for all that advice , Will the Tapo cameras work well if at an angle against the window , as opposed to flat against it ? As my door is on the same plain as the window .

No I don’t think so. I think it’ll pick up reflections (assuming there is some light behind it in the room — which I think they’re always will be even if it’s only light coming in from outside. I suppose one could rig some sort of ‘lens shade‘/enclose it in a black box etc but more trouble than it’s worth.

I’ll try mine and report back. It’s only used there because I have it since I originally got it for indoors and then replaced it with a pan & tilt model.

So, I’ve tried it at 45° to the glass and there’s a lot of reflective ‘haze’ (from white net curtain behind). It’s usable but far from ideal. Might be better at night but in my case would be hit by the external lights — remember the IR is no good through glass.

The security cameras (not just TAPO) are mostly wide angle so they might cover people arriving at your front door as well as further away.

There are rubber lens hoods for taking pictures through glass without such reflections.....do I wonder if that can be adapted to enclose the security camera?

 

[sphexx]

Coincidentally, I’ve just been playing with it because it ’captured’ a cat being mobbed by a pair of magpies who must be nesting in the nearby trees. Cat gets chased out into the road and then chased back again and hides behind the bins. All good fun. These (cats & magpies) are the only kind of miscreants I usually get so I may not be the best user of security stuff to rely on .

(Through double glazed, not recently cleaned, window. Screen capture from my iPad rather than the original and cropped to square and then cropped a bit more.)

https://flic.kr/p/2nsMqs2]FullSizeRender[/URL]

by Richard, on Flickr


Edit to add: I’ve just noticed that I have the camera set to LQ (lower resolution) rather than HQ!

 

[sphexx]

There are rubber lens hoods for taking pictures through glass without such reflections.....do I wonder if that can be adapted to enclose the security camera?

Also those ‘concertina’ type of screen shades for camera screens that might work at an angle like camera bellows — latter would be perfect if one owned a suitable old camera. However, it’s all getting a bit Heath Robinson, which I tend towards .

 

[Box Brownie]

Also those ‘concertina’ type of screen shades for camera screens that might work at an angle like camera bellows — latter would be perfect if one owned a suitable old camera. However, it’s all getting a bit Heath Robinson, which I tend towards .

Yup, necessity is the mother of invention

 

[Lepus]

Thought it would be complicated , my front door is probably 4ft from the path used by the undesirables . If I place it underneath the upstairs window , is it going to capture peoples faces ? I fear as mentioned if it`s placed so close to the path , and in easy reach it will surely get vandalised . Their must be an answer .

 

[sphexx]

Thought it would be complicated , my front door is probably 4ft from the path used by the undesirables . If I place it underneath the upstairs window , is it going to capture peoples faces ? I fear as mentioned if it`s placed so close to the path , and in easy reach it will surely get vandalised . Their must be an answer .

I’m guessing this may be the usual small front garden with footpath and road outside which is limiting. I thought maybe a PIR floodlight might put them off (being suddenly illuminated) but that would only happen in the dark and would be a nuisance on the footpath.

I’m not sure you really need their faces, some will likely be visible anyway. If they at throwing stuff they will be putting their heads back as they do it? The group is probably identifiable by clothing etc.

What is the purpose of the video? If you show it to the police it would be evidence of nuisance whether faces are seen or not.

 

[steve557]

Thanks for all that advice , Will the Tapo cameras work well if at an angle against the window , as opposed to flat against it ? As my door is on the same plain as the window .

I have the Tapo cameras and ours do work at an angle, we have blinds so there is minimal reflection. Picture quality isn’t top notch, although it was good enough to pick up youngsters causing mischief on our front garden.

 

[rob-nikon]

Thought it would be complicated , my front door is probably 4ft from the path used by the undesirables . If I place it underneath the upstairs window , is it going to capture peoples faces ? I fear as mentioned if it`s placed so close to the path , and in easy reach it will surely get vandalised . Their must be an answer .

If it’s only 4ft with no obstruction at the front then a doorbell camera would probably work ok. It may not cover the full width of view but should give pretty coverage. I think Ring also cover theft so would send a replacement if it’s stolen. A video doorbell isn’t as obvious that you’ve installed it as a means of capturing these kids in the act. CCTV cameras is a bit more obvious why you’ve put it up. A video doorbell is useful for deliveries or any callers when you’re out too.

I’m not sure if capturing faces will always be necessary. Most kids know to cover their face of up to no good. Very easy now due to the times of covid when face masks were easily accessible. Add a hoody top and you wouldn’t be able to see much of a face. Making out clothing may be more important.

Video doorbells are easier to set up and are battery powered. The Ring version sends you an email when it’s getting low. You can also check battery level easily on the app on your phone. I think the subscription for one device goes up to £3 a month soon.

It may be worth reading this too:

Guidance on the use of domestic CCTV

www.gov.uk

 

[sphexx]

If it’s only 4ft with no obstruction at the front then a doorbell camera would probably work ok. It may not cover the full width of view but should give pretty coverage. I think Ring also cover theft so would send a replacement if it’s stolen. A video doorbell isn’t as obvious that you’ve installed it as a means of capturing these kids in the act. CCTV cameras is a bit more obvious why you’ve put it up. A video doorbell is useful for deliveries or any callers when you’re out too.

I’m not sure if capturing faces will always be necessary. Most kids know to cover their face of up to no good. Very easy now due to the times of covid when face masks were easily accessible. Add a hoody top and you wouldn’t be able to see much of a face. Making out clothing may be more important.

Video doorbells are easier to set up and are battery powered. The Ring version sends you an email when it’s getting low. You can also check battery level easily on the app on your phone. I think the subscription for one device goes up to £3 a month soon.

It may be worth reading this too:

Guidance on the use of domestic CCTV

www.gov.uk

Yes, I’ve got a Ring doorbell too. They do cover theft — it’s 2 security screws underneath so not an instant grab. You have to take them off to charge the battery if you don't wire them in and so you are not covered while it’s charging unless you have a spare battery. It’s a pain if you have to change the Wi-Fi password as again you have to take the thing off and of course they don’t ring in the house without an extra bell, only on your phone. The increase in sub is outrageous for no extra benefit — though they claim some. I can’t really recommend them.

 

[rob-nikon]

I've just been looking at this:

The Best Video Doorbells for 2026

A video doorbell is a first line of defense against home invasion and package theft. These are the top models we've tested for improving the security of your entryway.

uk.pcmag.com

As Ring are putting their basic subscription price up I'd love to move to a non subscription based model. I'd like to get an additional camera to cover the rear garden too. Looking at this there is the Toucan wireless package that's doorbell (1080p with 180 degree viewing angle), chime and separate camera. Best of all there is non subscription and videos are downloadable if needed. This all sounds too good to be true. The ring basic package for one device goes up in July to £.49 a month or £34.99 a year. If I wanted a second device its £8 a month or £80 a year. Effectively 2 years subscription of the 2 device package pays for the toucan setup. If I want a Ring outdoor camera that's an additional £90 so nearly paid for in one year.

Currently £165 for the package on amazon with the £25 off voucher
:

Toucan Wireless Package - TOUCAN Doorbell Camera + Security Camera Outdoor Bundle, Motion Detection, Two Way Talk, Rechargeable Battery, Free Encrypted Cloud Storage, No Subscription Required. : Amazon.co.uk: Electronics & Photo

Shop Toucan Wireless Package - TOUCAN Doorbell Camera + Security Camera Outdoor Bundle, Motion Detection, Two Way Talk, Rechargeable Battery, Free Encrypted Cloud Storage, No Subscription Required.. Free delivery on eligible orders of £20 or more.

www.amazon.co.uk

Anyone use the Toucan set up?

Edit: after reading the reviews on amazon they don't seem to be too favourable of the toucan set up.

 

[rob-nikon]

Yes, I’ve got a Ring doorbell too. They do cover theft — it’s 2 security screws underneath so not an instant grab. You have to take them off to charge the battery if you don't wire them in and so you are not covered while it’s charging unless you have a spare battery. It’s a pain if you have to change the Wi-Fi password as again you have to take the thing off and of course they don’t ring in the house without an extra bell, only on your phone. The increase in sub is outrageous for no extra benefit — though they claim some. I can’t really recommend them.

I had the an issue here our wifi network password changed and I had to reinstall as new. the sub increase they say is to cover the extension from 30 day to 180 day cloud storage and 10% off any ring products, but by default it will still be 30 days unless you personally change it.

 

[sphexx]

I had the an issue here our wifi network password changed and I had to reinstall as new. the sub increase they say is to cover the extension from 30 day to 180 day cloud storage and 10% off any ring products, but by default it will still be 30 days unless you personally change it.

I’m not interested in 180 days storage nor the10% off so it’s just a straight increase as far I’m concerned . I’ll probably dump the sub altogether. My other cameras record to sd card so the Ring recording is redundant.

 

[sphexx]

I had the an issue here our wifi network password changed and I had to reinstall as new. the sub increase they say is to cover the extension from 30 day to 180 day cloud storage and 10% off any ring products, but by default it will still be 30 days unless you personally change it.

Long story short, I changed my ISP and therefore the SSID & password were changed. It was very difficult (long story) to remove the Ring etc but after I’d done it I realised I could have just renamed the new router with the old details and avoided the faff .

 

[Lepus]

So if the camera I install , films the people using the public path outside my house , I am breaking the law ? If it does not film the people on the path then it`s a bit pointless as that is where they are throwing things from . I would assume a doorbell camera would do the same , so is everyone using these breaking the law ? I knew this would be full of negatives , it`s no easy task purchasing anything technical these days .

 

[sphexx]

So if the camera I install , films the people using the public path outside my house , I am breaking the law ? If it does not film the people on the path then it`s a bit pointless as that is where they are throwing things from . I would assume a doorbell camera would do the same , so is everyone using these breaking the law ? I knew this would be full of negatives , it`s no easy task purchasing anything technical these days .

I’m no expert but I think there have been some problems about that but I doubt they are insurmountable since the cameras are so widely used. Mine don’t show much of the street, as you can see in the clip above, and no one walks on my side of the road unless calling here - grass on my side — so I haven’t considered it.*

My guess would be that if the camera substantially covers your property the intention would be clear. No doubt someone will be along with better info.

* I did have police call here once to ask if I had any cameras covering the road — an RTA I assumed - but I couldn’t help them.

 

[Bobsyeruncle]

So if the camera I install , films the people using the public path outside my house , I am breaking the law ? If it does not film the people on the path then it`s a bit pointless as that is where they are throwing things from . I would assume a doorbell camera would do the same , so is everyone using these breaking the law ? I knew this would be full of negatives , it`s no easy task purchasing anything technical these days .

Read the guide posted above. You wouldn't be breaking the law but you do have obligations if your camera records beyond your garden boundary....

 

[rob-nikon]

So if the camera I install , films the people using the public path outside my house , I am breaking the law ? If it does not film the people on the path then it`s a bit pointless as that is where they are throwing things from . I would assume a doorbell camera would do the same , so is everyone using these breaking the law ? I knew this would be full of negatives , it`s no easy task purchasing anything technical these days .

You aren’t breaking the law filming, you just need to keep to laws around GDPA and using the video for its intended purpose. Just don’t post the videos on social media. Ring etc will do much of it for you as videos are automatically deleted after a period of time. Downloaded videos need to be managed and deleted when no longer required.

 

[sphexx]

You aren’t breaking the law filming, you just need to keep to laws around GDPA and using the video for its intended purpose. Just don’t post the videos on social media. Ring etc will do much of it for you as videos are automatically deleted after a period of time. Downloaded videos need to be managed and deleted when no longer required.

One of my cameras streams to a TV (via an old iPhone & Apple TV). The dog watches it constantly when in that room and uses it to ‘greet’ visitors. She evidently understands the figures on the screen are coming to the front door as she goes there to ‘greet’ them.

I don’t know what she’s storing in her grey matter but clearly something and very likely for more than 6 months, but how to wipe it and is she responsible for the information she’s storing? Enquiring minds need to know .

 

[rob-nikon]

One of my cameras streams to a TV (via an old iPhone & Apple TV). The dog watches it constantly when in that room and uses it to ‘greet’ visitors. She evidently understands the figures on the screen are coming to the front door as she goes there to ‘greet’ them.

I don’t know what she’s storing in her grey matter but clearly something and very likely for more than 6 months, but how to wipe it and is she responsible for the information she’s storing? Enquiring minds need to know .

Ahhh you’ve fallen foul of Point 3.5 “you must keep the recordings secure and keep access to them to a minimum”. Better employ your dog as your security guard with extra food/treats ASAP

Our dog (6 months old) has worked out the ring sound played on our mobiles warning it’s picked up movement means someone’s at the front door. It really confuses him when another familiar members phone goes off when they are at ours. We sometimes have to open the front door to show him no one’s there!

 

[Lepus]

I have an Alexa thingy , my phone is a rather Ancient Galaxy note . Assuming the Amazon Ring is worth considering ?

 

[sphexx]

I have an Alexa thingy , my phone is a rather Ancient Galaxy note . Assuming the Amazon Ring is worth considering ?

If it’s an Echo Show then it will display the Ring doorbell video and also TAPO cameras when asked nicely. I think mine found the Ring on its own but it may have picked up the TAPO cameras from my iOS Alexa app, though I’d never had much success getting them to work with that (and Chromecast on a TV) — it “knew” they were there but usually said video stream was unavailable — probably my error. Anyway Echo Show just “found” them without any input from me.

If you mean the Echo “speaker” version I don’t know what that would do except possibly announce the rings etc?

I only bought the Echo Show because Amazon were selling it for about £15 extra with the Ring doorbell which was to cheap to turn down.

 

[Lepus]

Thanks for the info , I think I found the set you mention , for £99.99 on Amazon . Will investigate further when I get a bit more time .