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Ask HN: IP cameras that don't require an app or internet?

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Re: Ask HN: IP cameras that don't require an app or internet?

#81

Post by sliken »

leesalminen wrote: post #51
neilalexander wrote: post #3

UniFi Protect cameras can all be set up in standalone mode by visiting the camera's IP address in a web browser — they will obtain an address from DHCP by default. From there you can set up the RTSP streams which become accessible from the camera IP directly. You do not need to use a UniFi Protect app or console in this configuration.

Not anymore with their latest models. You are required to have a Protect NVR and account before they’ll let you use standalone mode, and, apparently some new models disable it entirely. Check out the UniFi subreddit for details. Very disappointed, as that was my go to brand for standalone IP cameras.

Sadly ubiquiti seems to be going downhill on multiple fronts.

Re: Ask HN: IP cameras that don't require an app or internet?

#82

Post by tehlike »

You didn't ask for this, but I have been using Camect as the "camera hub" for my home, and i love it. I wanted something i can mix-match different cameras, and could essentially use an IP camera on an internal network, but still have "AI" capabilities.

Give it a look in case it's something you'd need.

As for Wyze, WYZE has "dafang hacks" and also "official firmware" that converts the camera to an RTSP.

Re: Ask HN: IP cameras that don't require an app or internet?

#83

Post by donmcronald »

bombcar wrote: post #75

I buy very cheap PoE cameras that are direct from China, and block the living daylights out of them at the firewalls so they can't leak to the internet.

Avoid Amazon Blink stuff if you do this. I set some up for someone and they're a total scam. They advertise a local only mode that doesn't require a subscription, but it's crippled and makes the cameras nearly unusable. They disable thumbnails and bulk deletion of video.

Worst of all, they'll stealthily enable a "trial" subscription for 3 months when you set them up in local mode, so they seem ok until they get crippled with demands for a subscription fee.

Re: Ask HN: IP cameras that don't require an app or internet?

#84

Post by jmuguy »

nominallyn wrote: post #59
akerl_ wrote: post #28

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I can second this. I have several Axis M1065-LW cameras inside (running on wall plugs and wifi) and several Axis P1447-LE externally (running on PoE). Would recommend both of them. Notably, I had one exterior camera fail (wouldn’t run off PoE), and the Axis support/RMA process was smooth and fast.

I'm thinking of running outdoor Axis cameras. Do you have any advice or links on how to route these safely, including grounding and surge protection? Mine will be mounting on the roof soffit.

If you're going to use PoE (you should) you can get in line surge protectors. Although to be honest - I've used PoE cameras for years, both in the home and professionally, and never bothered with these. I'm not sure what they're protecting against, unless you think lightning is going to strike the camera itself.

Otherwise its just a single ethernet line from the camera to your switch, Axis cameras (and any others that support PoE and outdoor installs) have a nice shielded bit that the cable goes into at the camera end so its protected from the elements.

Re: Ask HN: IP cameras that don't require an app or internet?

#85

Post by throwanem »

goodells wrote: post #23

For my apartment, I run rtsp-simple-server[1] on my home server and use Raspberry Pis with generic USB webcams running ffmpeg to stream the audio/video to the RTSP server. Then I run camera.ui[2] separately for a nicer interface on top of all the cameras, HomeKit integration, etc. The only downside hardware-wise is I don't get any indoor IR night vision with these, which some of the nicer "smart home" account-locked…

> I've done disaster recovery scenarios of my home infra where I straight up disconnect the modem's uplink and everything works without any issues.

As a Comcast customer in a region with no competing provider, I really respect and appreciate their proactive stance toward ensuring all their customers frequently have the opportunity to reaffirm this level of confidence in our local networking infrastructures.

Re: Ask HN: IP cameras that don't require an app or internet?

#86

Post by cvwright »

One helpful tip to avoid most of the sketchy cheap cameras that try to send your data to China: Look for "NDAA compliant" cameras that are approved for use by the US government.

There's a Taiwanese brand Vivotek that makes some relatively affordable NDAA cameras. I'm hoping to try them out myself, but unfortunately haven't had time yet.

Re: Ask HN: IP cameras that don't require an app or internet?

#87

Post by disposition2 »

fabioyy wrote: post #73

A little off topic, i don´t know your use case, but you can use an old phone as webcam, they will be better in quality than any IP camera. A little example using my old galaxy s11. ( its connected to a pc using usb, airplane mode, no internet ) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2CDE7PsLwzk

Be careful when doing this. If left unchecked this could very easily start a fire. I did this with an old Nexus 5 and it only took a couple of days before I had a spicy pillow.

Although, this probably works well for a device with a removable battery and that can be powered by USB alone.

Re: Ask HN: IP cameras that don't require an app or internet?

#88

Post by dboreham »

jmuguy wrote: post #84
nominallyn wrote: post #59

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I'm thinking of running outdoor Axis cameras. Do you have any advice or links on how to route these safely, including grounding and surge protection? Mine will be mounting on the roof soffit.

If you're going to use PoE (you should) you can get in line surge protectors. Although to be honest - I've used PoE cameras for years, both in the home and professionally, and never bothered with these. I'm not sure what they're protecting against, unless you think lightning is going to strike the camera itself. Otherwise its just a single ethernet line from the camera to your switch, Axis cameras (and any others tha…

I'd advise caution - lightning energy coupled onto a low voltage conductor can set fire to property and possibly harm people. Best to take a conservative approach if it's not your property and other people might be harmed. A direct strike is not necessary to have serious effects.

Re: Ask HN: IP cameras that don't require an app or internet?

#89

Post by bell-cot »

sliken wrote: post #80
yumraj wrote: post #72

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Effing Xfinity cable modem wants an app for a couple of things including service activation and such, via bluetooth access. I don't think there's a way around that. Once that is done you can use the browser for a few things, but for WiFi password and all I think app is still needed. Couldn't find a way to do it other way. Worst thing is that this stupid Xfinity app eats phone battery like crazy. So I had to disable b…

The way around that is to use your own cable modem. It's also way cheaper to buy than pay the monthly rental fee.

"Oh, you want fixed IP #'s? Sorry, we only support that via our $240-per-year-forever rented cablemodems."

- my most recent Comcast/Xfinity experience

Re: Ask HN: IP cameras that don't require an app or internet?

#90

Post by somehnguy »

sliken wrote: post #81
leesalminen wrote: post #51

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Not anymore with their latest models. You are required to have a Protect NVR and account before they’ll let you use standalone mode, and, apparently some new models disable it entirely. Check out the UniFi subreddit for details. Very disappointed, as that was my go to brand for standalone IP cameras.

Sadly ubiquiti seems to be going downhill on multiple fronts.

So disappointing. I can finally afford to buy all the Ubiquiti equipment I wanted in the past but no longer want to buy it. I went TP-Link Omada for my APs and have been satisfied.
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