Outdoor wifi camera with memory

[Michaelco]

I would like to archive a picture(s) of cars that drive onto the driveway, and be able to review video before and after the time the image was sent.

 

I'm thinking an outdoor wifi camera with storage (either internal, or SD card) would support what I want to do.  

• Are there any cameras that would allow transmitting an image under ISY control? 
• Are there some cameras with better wifi range than others, or are most of the wifi cameras pretty much the same? 

 

My network can reach the area for devices like iPads, and laptops, but don't know the sensitivity of the cameras.

 

I don't want to use up network bandwidth for the video as a general course of action.  But, if there is some activity that needs further review, I'd want to be able to scan through video stored in the camera's memory.

 

I would want to have the camera transmit an image at time of an event.  Ideally via messaging, but email would be a good second choice.  Events would be initiated by change of state of Insteon I/O Linc devices, and Insteon motion detectors. 

 

Appreciate any camera recommendations that would accomplish what I'm trying to do.

 

[stusviews]

Any IP camera I've used has the ability to send a text or email when motion is sensed. Virtually all can do that without the ISY. The ISY has a smaller mage that the cameras software does. The primary cost is the lens, but some cameras do have a better range. If you want/need to increase the range considerable, the you'll have to pay considerably more. Any test you do now depends on your routers capability, unless you have other WiFi transmitters that you can test. Even the camera will rely mostly on the router.

 

If you find the range of the camera inadequate, then you can add a WiFi range extender.

[Michaelco]

Any IP camera I've used has the ability to send a text or email when motion is sensed. Virtually all can do that without the ISY. The ISY has a smaller mage that the cameras software does. The primary cost is the lens, but some cameras do have a better range. If you want/need to increase the range considerable, the you'll have to pay considerably more. Any test you do now depends on your routers capability, unless you have other WiFi transmitters that you can test. Even the camera will rely mostly on the router.

 

If you find the range of the camera inadequate, then you can add a WiFi range extender.

I understand cameras can detect motion and have seen some indication they can initiate an email - hadn't seen they could message.

 

I wanted the ISY to initiate the process to avoid nuisance alerts - e.,g people or deer walking by.  I'm only interested in getting the picture when a vehicle drives onto the driveway, and had intended to rely on the loops under the driveway to sense the vehicles presence.  I am currently using the Insteon motion detector along with the signal from the loop detector to give context to a message - e.g, "Vehicle leaving the property", or "Vehicle entering the property".

 

I thought there was a chance to do what I want if I used an Insteon ip camera in conjunction with the ISY, but I haven't seen any Insteon cameras that expose the functionality to message/email.  Had hoped Insteon cameras could accept Insteon commands to message the current image.

 

Regarding the wifi range - I can avoid providing environmental protection and power for a wifi extender if I can get a camera with range comparable to an iPad, but it wouldn't be the worst problem to deal with those issues.

 

Do you know of any cameras out there that can be controlled by the ISY - either directly, or through some other piece of hardware?  Would like to limit the search if possible - lots of choices 

[stusviews]

The Insteon camera is a misnomer. There is nothing Insteon about it except the name. It used to be called a Smarthome camera which makes more sense. Most cameras can be controlled using the Network Module and serial commands. I am not familiar with the necessary commands, but I've run across some info on this forum. An intense search of the forum may help.

 

Virtually all IP cameras can be viewed from the ISY, but other software has more options. Any camera that can send an email can text you, look here

Edited November 29, 2015 by stusviews

[Michaelco]

The Insteon camera is a misnomer. There is nothing Insteon about it except the name. It used to be called a Smarthome camera which makes more sense. Most cameras can be controlled using the Network Module and serial commands. I am not familiar with the necessary commands, but I've run across some info on this forum. An intense search of the forum may help.

 

Virtually all IP cameras can be viewed from the ISY, but other software has more options. Any camera that can send an email can text you, look here

Thanks for the quick response and guidance.  I'll search the forum for commands on controlling cameras.

Thanks again

[Teken]

With anything it comes down to first your budget and real world goals. Setting realistic expectations that mirror life is essential in a positive outcome.

 

I can tell you based on some of your initial comments your idea is sound but the implementation is flawed. Meaning you need to think about this as a long term investment which will yield many years of dividends.

 

If you spend a little now you will certainly spend a lot more later and be disappointed in the over all results. WiFi is not to be used for any serious security camera, ever.

 

As you noted you don't wish to impact your bandwidth and regardless of the QOS settings and other means to reduce bandwidth that is part and partial. Ideally you should have a isolated network that is dedicated to the camera system. Some on a very cheap budget will segment the network to be on a separate IP range. Others will even try to use virtual networks to accomplish the very same.

 

Both methods work but are inherently limited by the router anyways.

 

This is why a dedicated and isolate network is key because it offers fail over, independence, and zero conflict with existing network devices in the infrastructure. 

 

WiFi even with the AC is great but make no mistake this is a terrible idea and does not lend to true security and only offers convenience. If you're unable to do the proper wiring I suggest hire it out and any one in the industry can and will do a quick work of it and the final results will be you will have more options down the road.

 

Along with long term, secure video surveillance, and quality of image and build.

 

Many cameras now come with embedded web hosting and on board Micro SD image capture. I really like this type of solution as it offers immediate fail over and redundancy in the network.

 

Meaning you can still stream the content to a central NDVR but if it should ever fail or get stolen. All of the images, video will still reside in the actual camera system(s).

 

Things to keep in mind cameras offer several types of compression methods to allow high quality but also reduce bandwidth. H.264, MPEG4, etc are all standard these days. Besides the compression it also comes down to FPS (Frames per second) and the resolution you're after such as 720 vs 1080P.

 

In some areas you may not need 1080P at 80-120 FPS while others you do. Keeping in mind don't go into this thinking you're going to get license plate quality or face recognition at night for $200.XX.

 

You won't and the reality is quality in this space requires a large investment that 90% of the population are unwilling to spend at all.

 

It doesn't mean you need to spend $1000.00 per camera but it does mean if your budget is (reasonable) and allows at least $350 and upwards for a single camera. You can expect many long years of trouble free operations, quality of image, vast options for I/O, software, etc.

 

If your budget does not allow many cameras then I always suggest one high quality PTZ camera. Just one of these high quality units not only provides massive scan area but the FOV is not an issue. Consider the information above from a person who has literally tried every cheap camera system you can think of just to find that golden nugget.

 

NOTE: There are indeed some great value items in the 3rd tier product lines offered from Asian vendors. But it takes lots of time and investment to find those that actually perform in the long run.

[stusviews]

Wired CCTV cameras plus a DVR will provide what you need. But any exposed camera can be disabled.