Cohousing-L Mailing List: Re: Construction webcams/IP cameras

[Yochai Gal (yochaigal]

Hello. I used to install cameras (both IP and coax/cctv style) for a
living, so please take that into account. I'm a bit confused about what you
mean with regards to "IP camera that transmits the image vs a webcam
connected to a server." While some cameras can be accessed directly, you
*must* have server software in order to record what the camera is doing!

Modern camera systems usually have cameras that use familiar physical
cabling (network or coax) and a local or cloud server. Most (but not all)
servers now host server software (typically free with the cameras/camera
cards).
There are basically three types of these systems:

   - IoT (Internet of Things) like Nest, Ring, Wyze etc that have no local
   server and are almost always wireless. These are super easy to setup for
   limited situations. There are issues with some of these regarding privacy
   and security.
   - Prepacked camera packs like you'd find at Costco; these are typically
   proprietary, inexpensive and use Chinese-made software (problematic for
   those who may see privacy as an issue).
   - IP Cameras that rely on an NVR (server + recording system) or a
   cloud-hosted alternative (Ubiquiti is probably the most popular example).
   This software usually is free along with hardware (camera or NVR). Privacy
   & security is typically very good, but may be up to you.

I cannot speak to the IoT style cameras as I haven't really worked with
them; I do believe you can record much of what they do for a price. They
are probably very easy to setup.

I made a living installing the prepackaged systems for a while; personally
I don't see any benefit outside the cost. They typically use camera
hardware that cannot be accessed without their hardware/software
configurations, are riddled with security problems (just look at this
article
<https://gizmodo.com/a-creepy-website-is-streaming-from-73-000-private-secur-1655653510>
from 2014 showing 70,000+ personal webcams). You can find $400 camera
systems from Costco that are likely less problematic but I don't have
enough experience to speak on that.

I now work exclusively with companies like Ubiquiti
<https://unifi-network.ui.com/camera-security>, who make secure,
self-hosted camera server software that is *free* (meaning it can be run on
any device - even a home computer) and *excellent*, inexpensive wired and
wireless cameras. Their NVR is also excellent and inexpensive, and will
save you a lot of work in terms of setup & configuration. They also make
excellent outdoor cameras. I would not recommend any of their wireless
cameras for what you want.

A word on wireless vs wired. No matter what you choose, you will need to
power the cameras somehow, meaning you'll need a wire of some kind. If you
have the option, an ethernet camera using PoE (power over ethernet) will
reduce the wires you require to just one, have fewer issues and maintain
faster speeds (typically 1Gbe vs 300Mbps). Of course, that might not work
in the situation you've described. Just a thought.

I realize this all sounds very complicated. That's because it is! The IoT
cameras do reduce a lot of these problems down, and are good for simple
site configurations like yours. However they also rely on solid Internet &
power, as well as a subscription in some cases so keep that in mind. An
investment in a proper Internet connection (required for any of these
systems) + a PoE gigabit connection + a local NVR (like Ubiquiti) will
likely run you about $500, but it's a one-time cost. Keep that in mind as
you compare different options.

PS Ubiquiti also makes excellent, inexpensive network hardware. If you do
go for their cameras, consider their powered switches as well (they can
power the cameras with a single cable that also brings network traffic).

On Mon, Dec 7, 2020 at 11:29 PM Katie Henry <katie-henry [at] att.net> wrote:

> Heartwood Commons - Tulsa is about to start construction and I'd like to
> install a webcam or two so members can watch the action from home. Ideally,
> we'll have a time-lapse video when construction is finished.
> We anticipate installing it on the roof of the construction trailer once
> we have electricity and internet to the site. I'm unclear if we're better
> off with an IP camera that transmits the image vs. a webcam connected to a
> server in the trailer. Can anyone recommend which technology would be
> preferable? Specific product recommendations would be great. This is in
> Oklahoma, where extreme cold temperatures are unusual; summer heat would be
> a bigger issue.
>
> Thanks!Katie HenryHeartwood Commons - Tulsahttps://
> www.heartwoodcommonstulsa.com/
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