Camera on front door

obi604 · 21-09-2020 7:10pm #1

Hi

With working from home etc, I am on calls with work and doorbell rings and have to go out and check etc etc.

Looking for a very simple basic solution. Something like this

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07XR2NWZC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_gToAFbT5ZWS50

And I can just leave it on the window sill and the check who is at the door from my phone.

Thing is it needs to be plugged in to a wall socket.

Can anyone recommend one with batteries or a rechargeable one?

I would just use it during the day when at work etc.

Johnboy1951 · 21-09-2020 8:15pm

These?

https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=battery+powered+IP+camera

obi604 · 21-09-2020 9:04pm

Johnboy1951 wrote: »

These?

https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=battery+powered+IP+camera

Kinda yeah. But more so just one I can leave on a window sill and an indoor one, does not need to be outdoor or weatherproof etc.

bonzodog2 · 21-09-2020 9:57pm

If you have a spare smartphone, you could do an endless skype/viber/other videocall between the two

obi604 · 21-09-2020 10:05pm

bonzodog2 wrote: »

If you have a spare smartphone, you could do an endless skype/viber/other videocall between the two

True. But would these calls drop after an hour or 2. (Idle time etc) And possibly drain both batteries very quickly.

obi604 · 22-09-2020 5:50pm

any other thoughts?

JoyPad · 22-09-2020 5:54pm

I built one from a Raspberry Pi Zero W and the 1080p camera module. This is very frugal, so it runs for days off a 10,000mAh battery.

obi604 · 22-09-2020 6:10pm

JoyPad wrote: »

I built one from a Raspberry Pi Zero W and the 1080p camera module. This is very frugal, so it runs for days off a 10,000mAh battery.

way too advanced for me

just ant something plug and play that does not cost too much

Tom Mann Centuria · 22-09-2020 6:21pm

I have this camera by my front door, I have it outside, and paid under forty euro on AliExpress for it. Does a decent job, and fairly prompt alerts (usually). Battery is lasting very well so far.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oCKGcAxwnkA

Search

MISECU 1080P WiFi Camera Rechargeable Battery Powered Wireless Security IP Camera PIR Motion Detect Waterproof Outdoor App View

But there's a lot of very similar cameras for very similar money there.

(Can't for the life of me see how to share links on the AliExpress app).

The IR will be a problem for any camera by a window though because it'll just reflect straight off the glass.

Spanish Eyes · 22-09-2020 6:22pm

What's wrong with a ring type doorbell. It detects movement on pir, shows who is outside and you can engage in a convo with them if you want or just ignore.

Or you can let someone you recognise in. I have one sorry can't remember the name of it now, not the bells and whistles Ring thing, but does the job perfectly. Rechargeable battery, and if you want no one ringing your doorbell you can take the battery and ring part out.

It's great for deliveries and the like. But I know I am not talking about what you really want either. Sorry. That's beyond me. I have one of those cameras on the back wall though. As you say, needs to be plugged in and it was a pain trying to find an inlet, but I found a vent and ran the wire through there into the kitchen. It is mounted outside though. But I am sure there are others that work from the indoor windowsill. We just don't have them at the back with the way the glass doors work, and put upstairs was capturing all our neighbour's gardens. That's a no no!

obi604 · 22-09-2020 6:26pm

Spanish Eyes wrote: »

What's wrong with a ring type doorbell. It detects movement on pir, shows who is outside and you can engage in a convo with them if you want or just ignore.

Or you can let someone you recognise in. I have one sorry can't remember the name of it now, not the bells and whistles Ring thing, but does the job perfectly. Rechargeable battery, and if you want no one ringing your doorbell you can take the battery and ring part out.

It's great for deliveries and the like. But I know I am not talking about what you really want either. Sorry. That's beyond me. I have one of those cameras on the back wall though. As you say, needs to be plugged in and it was a pain trying to find an inlet, but I found a vent and ran the wire through there into the kitchen. It is mounted outside though. But I am sure there are others that work from the indoor windowsill. We just don't have them at the back with the way the glass doors work, and put upstairs was capturing all our neighbour's gardens. That's a no no!

I just want something cheap and easy to install

Thought these ring things are dear

Redgirl82 · 22-09-2020 6:28pm

For what you are looking for better off spending a few quid.

Or you can by cheap chinese knock off Ring front door bells

obi604 · 22-09-2020 6:55pm

Tom Mann Centuria wrote: »

I have this camera by my front door, I have it outside, and paid under forty euro on AliExpress for it. Does a decent job, and fairly prompt alerts (usually). Battery is lasting very well so far.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oCKGcAxwnkA

Search

MISECU 1080P WiFi Camera Rechargeable Battery Powered Wireless Security IP Camera PIR Motion Detect Waterproof Outdoor App View

But there's a lot of very similar cameras for very similar money there.

(Can't for the life of me see how to share links on the AliExpress app).

The IR will be a problem for any camera by a window though because it'll just reflect straight off the glass.

Thanks. I haven’t used Ali express before.
Does delivery take ages?

Not interested in Cloud storage etc?

Will this allow you to view a real time video via your phone?

Tom Mann Centuria · 22-09-2020 7:01pm

obi604 wrote: »

Thanks. I haven’t used Ali express before.
Does delivery take ages?

Not interested in Cloud storage etc?

Will this allow you to view a real time video via your phone?

Yep delivery takes ages, (if you get something within 4 weeks you're doing well, when I ordered this in July, it arrived 6 weeks later) though it's improved last few weeks (some sellers will ship from Europe which greatly improves things).

You can watch a live stream, I don't bother with cloud storage just a micro SD card. It only records on movement so card won't fill up for ages. And you can watch back events from the app that are stored on the card.

If you're on same WiFi network (2.4ghz only) notifications are virtually instant, if you're away/on data it can take a few seconds and occasionally I think it misses odd notification.

I get marginally quicker updates from this camera than I do my main CCTV.

obi604 · 22-09-2020 8:34pm

bonzodog2 wrote: »

If you have a spare smartphone, you could do an endless skype/viber/other videocall between the two

I do actually. Have Skype on both. 2 x iPhones.

Is there any way to make the Skype call automatically on an iPhone? Seems there is a way on windows and mac but have not seen solution for iPhone.

niallb · 22-09-2020 9:06pm

Take a look at Alfred camera - it's an app you can run on the iphones.
If you mount one near the door it can notify the other one if there's movement and let you see what's going on.
I used it a long time back as a child monitor!

Speedsie · 22-09-2020 9:09pm

niallb wrote: »

Take a look at Alfred camera - it's an app you can run on the iphones.
If you mount one near the door it can notify the other one if there's movement and let you see what's going on.
I used it a long time back as a child monitor!

Was going to suggest the Alfred app myself. Easy to set set up on old Android or iPhone devices

obi604 · 22-09-2020 9:29pm

niallb wrote: »

Take a look at Alfred camera - it's an app you can run on the iphones.
If you mount one near the door it can notify the other one if there's movement and let you see what's going on.
I used it a long time back as a child monitor!

Thanks. It seems free too.

Will running this for a few hours (working hours) drain the battery on both phones very quickly. Having video on one phone non stop etc.

obi604 · 22-09-2020 9:56pm

obi604 wrote: »

Thanks. It seems free too.

Will running this for a few hours (working hours) drain the battery on both phones very quickly. Having video on one phone non stop etc.

Been playing around with Alfred. Some job. I like it.

Spanish Eyes · 22-09-2020 9:59pm

obi604 wrote: »

I just want something cheap and easy to install

Thought these ring things are dear

Mine cost 60 quid off Amazon and works great.

obi604 · 22-09-2020 10:05pm

Spanish Eyes wrote: »

Mine cost 60 quid off Amazon and works great.

Which is your one?

Duke of Url · 22-09-2020 10:08pm

Why not get an Eufy doorbell. I have one which is excellent.

Speedsie · 22-09-2020 10:20pm

obi604 wrote: »

Thanks. It seems free too.

Will running this for a few hours (working hours) drain the battery on both phones very quickly. Having video on one phone non stop etc.

It's a while since I've run it, but it was a very old device with a knackered battery, so I had it permanently plugged in.

I only needed it for a limited time (about 5 weeks) so I didn't investigate alternatives.
Btw, it wasn't aimed out a window, so I'm not sure how it would work in that scenario

But, it's free and worth a whirl.

obi604 · 22-09-2020 10:33pm

Duke of Url wrote: »

Why not get an Eufy doorbell. I have one which is excellent.

Simple answer. Cost.

niallb · 23-09-2020 12:19pm

Speedsie wrote: »

It's a while since I've run it, but it was a very old device with a knackered battery, so I had it permanently plugged in.

I only needed it for a limited time (about 5 weeks) so I didn't investigate alternatives.
Btw, it wasn't aimed out a window, so I'm not sure how it would work in that scenario

But, it's free and worth a whirl.

You'll need to have it plugged in if you're going to have it running all day.
I had also used IP Camera on an android which is a better app, but the phone heated up a lot so I moved away from it.

obi604 · 23-09-2020 12:31pm

Thanks for all the help so far
looking around at options, the alfred scenrio is great short term

but longer term, looking at other options, all I am looking for is to be able to view a live video feed from a phone or PC
dont need cloud storage or anything like this or to have to pay subscriptions etc
dont even really need 2 way audio,
need a one with a battery

Overall: when the existing old school doorbell rings - that I can quickly open an app on a phone or pc and simply see who is at the door

1. Openuye: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07MZY7YGR/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_0JYAFbN74PP6C
seems basic enough but should be ok

2. Blink XT2 https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07MN65X2G/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_L2YAFbYEN7ZRZ
Not sure if this does what I want it to do, seems to be an 'add on'

3. Ring Stick up cam battery: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07Q4R7VWN/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_QfZAFbQAW322G

4. Ring video doorbell: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07WMKZZXL/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_9eZAFbPKW8JEF
I presume I could just leave this on a window sill indoors too if needed. I am not entirely sure if this needs power or just has a battery

which would be best for my needs?

biko · 23-09-2020 5:07pm

RING device perhaps?
https://www.irishtimes.com/business/technology/video-doorbell-that-brings-visitor-screening-to-houses-1.3150865
Battery is said to last months.

obi604 · 23-09-2020 5:24pm

biko wrote: »

RING device perhaps?
https://www.irishtimes.com/business/technology/video-doorbell-that-brings-visitor-screening-to-houses-1.3150865
Battery is said to last months.

will the ring video doorbell give me a continuous live feed?

or does the feed only come on when there is motion or bell rang etc

Tom Mann Centuria · 23-09-2020 6:33pm

obi604 wrote: »

Thanks for all the help so far
looking around at options, the alfred scenrio is great short term

but longer term, looking at other options, all I am looking for is to be able to view a live video feed from a phone or PC
dont need cloud storage or anything like this or to have to pay subscriptions etc
dont even really need 2 way audio,
need a one with a battery

Overall: when the existing old school doorbell rings - that I can quickly open an app on a phone or pc and simply see who is at the door

1. Openuye: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07MZY7YGR/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_0JYAFbN74PP6C
seems basic enough but should be ok

2. Blink XT2 https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07MN65X2G/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_L2YAFbYEN7ZRZ
Not sure if this does what I want it to do, seems to be an 'add on'

3. Ring Stick up cam battery: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07Q4R7VWN/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_QfZAFbQAW322G

4. Ring video doorbell: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07WMKZZXL/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_9eZAFbPKW8JEF
I presume I could just leave this on a window sill indoors too if needed. I am not entirely sure if this needs power or just has a battery

which would be best for my needs?

Apart from the first option, which is like the one I suggested, only with poorer quality picture and more expensive (even uses same phone app), your suggestions are all pretty much in the price range of the well known WiFi doorbells, so why not just take the plunge and spend the money to get one?

obi604 · 23-09-2020 6:50pm

Tom Mann Centuria wrote: »

Apart from the first option, which is like the one I suggested, only with poorer quality picture and more expensive (even uses same phone app), your suggestions are all pretty much in the price range of the well known WiFi doorbells, so why not just take the plunge and spend the money to get one?

As in the ring video doorbell for 89 GBP?

Tom Mann Centuria · 23-09-2020 7:07pm

obi604 wrote: »

As in the ring video doorbell for 89 GBP?

Yeah, if you've happy to spend that. I don't have one and don't know anything about them but it's a trusted brand, with millions of users worldwide. I'd guess it's pretty bomb proof technology?

Inquitus · 23-09-2020 8:45pm

Tom Mann Centuria wrote: »

Yeah, if you've happy to spend that. I don't have one and don't know anything about them but it's a trusted brand, with millions of users worldwide. I'd guess it's pretty bomb proof technology?

Owned by Amazon, so good tech, and well supported.

niallb · 23-09-2020 9:12pm

The Blink XT2 you've linked is just an add-on camera.

If you don't already have one, you need to buy the pack with a hub. It's the "1 camera System". It's an extra £8.

I have one. They're grand and have good night vision for a battery operated device.

It'll notify your phone when it sees movement and record a video clip of up to 60 seconds.

You can also talk through it if you need to. I don't pay any monthly subscription.

You won't get 2 years of battery life, but you'll get months and it takes AA batteries. Worth getting Lithium ones like it says as ordinary ones won't last long when it gets cold at night.

obi604 · 23-09-2020 9:19pm

niallb wrote: »

The Blink XT2 you've linked is just an add-on camera.

If you don't already have one, you need to buy the pack with a hub. It's the "1 camera System". It's an extra £8.

I have one. They're grand and have good night vision for a battery operated device.

It'll notify your phone when it sees movement and record a video clip of up to 60 seconds.

You can also talk through it if you need to. I don't pay any monthly subscription.

You won't get 2 years of battery life, but you'll get months and it takes AA batteries. Worth getting Lithium ones like it says as ordinary ones won't last long when it gets cold at night.

Can you link this? I cannot seem to find it.

niallb · 23-09-2020 10:37pm

obi604 wrote: »

Can you link this? I cannot seem to find it.

Under the picture, click the button for 1 Camera System.

It's at https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07M98TLCK/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_L2YAFbYEN7ZRZ?th=1

obi604 · 23-09-2020 10:55pm

niallb wrote: »

Under the picture, click the button for 1 Camera System.

It's at https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07M98TLCK/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_L2YAFbYEN7ZRZ?th=1

Thanks. And I suppose the thing about this and also the ring doorbell is that they can be used outside at a door or just simply inside too if you want.

The ring video doorbell could just be stood up inside and point at a cot or whatever.

daheff · 24-09-2020 2:50pm

niallb wrote: »

Under the picture, click the button for 1 Camera System.

It's at https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07M98TLCK/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_L2YAFbYEN7ZRZ?th=1

whats the picture quality like?

niallb · 24-09-2020 9:18pm

The Blink XT2 is a 1080p camera with a pretty decent lens and light.

I had the original XT and upgraded because part of the area I needed it to watch was a gate a little further away and more dots meant a better picture!

The picture is excellent by day and pretty clear at night as far as the infrared goes. The sound is awful though - there's a constant chirpy whistle which I can't work out, but you only hear it when it's quiet outside, not when somebody's talking.

They also work with Alexa, so if you've an Echo Show you can just say "Alexa, show me the gate!" for a live feed.

obi604 · 24-09-2020 9:44pm

Which is the better bet - the blink xt2 or the ring video doorbell?

niallb · 24-09-2020 11:51pm

Blink is battery operated and doesn't need a monthly subscription to send you alerts.
It's been really handy to be able to put the old one I have in different places too as it's pretty weatherproof.

I think if the Ring had been the price it is now for a battery operated version (Ring 2) I might have gone for it instead.
I don't think you'd need the Ring Protect subscription for what you want to do with it.

25-09-2020 12:01am

This is the exact problem I'm having as I'm sure loads of people are. The monthly sub is what I want to avoid.

obi604 · 25-09-2020 7:34am

FillaName wrote: »

This is the exact problem I'm having as I'm sure loads of people are. The monthly sub is what I want to avoid.

Hi. How do you avoid these? Can you just choose not have them with blink or ring?

obi604 · 25-09-2020 6:00pm

Right, I’ve decided I am going to buy a ring device. As I have an Alexa show in the house.

Between the

1. Ring Video Doorbell (Gen2)
2. Ring stick up cam battery.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07WMKZZXL/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_9eZAFbPKW8JEF

is 89 British pounds an ok price?
I presume if I want I can just install it indoors too if needed. e.g to monitor a cat or dog etc

Or would the Ring stick up cam battery be a better bet.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07Q4R7VWN/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_fab_91IBFbYZHYGAS

Again 89 pounds.

I suppose the ring video doorbell is the more flexible of the 2. Allows the full doorbell function And can also be used indoors if needed.

obi604 · 26-09-2020 11:25am

obi604 wrote: »

Right, I’ve decided I am going to buy a ring device. As I have an Alexa show in the house.

Between the

1. Ring Video Doorbell (Gen2)
2. Ring stick up cam battery.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07WMKZZXL/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_9eZAFbPKW8JEF

is 89 British pounds an ok price?
I presume if I want I can just install it indoors too if needed. e.g to monitor a cat or dog etc

Or would the Ring stick up cam battery be a better bet.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07Q4R7VWN/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_fab_91IBFbYZHYGAS

Again 89 pounds.

I suppose the ring video doorbell is the more flexible of the 2. Allows the full doorbell function And can also be used indoors if needed.

Bump

obi604 · 29-09-2020 12:50pm

iin regard to mounting the Ring video doorbell with double sided tape at front door, is this just a waste of time? as in not strong enough or will just be stolen etc

daheff · 29-09-2020 5:12pm

obi604 wrote: »

iwill just be stolen etc

at least you'll see the person who stole it:pac::pac:

if you can have it hardwired instead of your existing doorbell then obviously much better idea to do that.

RoYoBo · 29-09-2020 7:35pm

I have this Neos Smart Cam for a couple of years now. Very happy with it and cheap too. Initially, I just plugged it in inside the window and pointed it at the door Now, we have it plugged in and installed on the porch. I have read that some people use it with a power bank,

At £30, it's a bargain, with only an optional monthly subscription for premium, which I take when we're away on holiday (obviously not recently). It also works with Alexa, so I can see my front door from the Echo Show or my phone, at home or away. The app issues that are mentioned in negative reviews have been addressed and fixed, AFAIK.

obi604 · 29-09-2020 9:08pm

RoYoBo wrote: »

I have this Neos Smart Cam for a couple of years now. Very happy with it and cheap too. Initially, I just plugged it in inside the window and pointed it at the door Now, we have it plugged in and installed on the porch. I have read that some people use it with a power bank,

At £30, it's a bargain, with only an optional monthly subscription for premium, which I take when we're away on holiday (obviously not recently). It also works with Alexa, so I can see my front door from the Echo Show or my phone, at home or away. The app issues that are mentioned in negative reviews have been addressed and fixed, AFAIK.

Looks decent. Just pity it needs power.

RoYoBo · 29-09-2020 9:39pm

obi604 wrote: »

Looks decent. Just pity it needs power.

Can you position it on a windowsill inside near a power point? That's what I did for a few months. It worked ok, but obviously better when wired in.

You can also use a power bank, according to some.

obi604 · 29-09-2020 9:53pm

RoYoBo wrote: »

Can you position it on a windowsill inside near a power point? That's what I did for a few months. It worked ok, but obviously better when wired in.

You can also use a power bank, according to some.

Power point is about 4 metres away from windowsill. So would be unsightly.

Power bank only seems to keep it going for a day or so

obi604 · 30-09-2020 11:10pm

Hi. In regard to the ring video doorbell. If the ring app is installed on 2 phones and an Alexa show and all 3 devices answer the ring doorbell at the same time (possible)........What happens?

Camera on front door

Comments