Seeking a straightforward IP camera that works with a browser and sends notifications to my phone. EDIT1: Must have no cloud integration.
Hello everyone,
I’ve been on the hunt for a simple and secure outdoor camera for a while but haven’t found the right one yet. These days, most cameras require an app and store footage in the cloud, which feels too risky to me. I want full control over my data, so I’m specifically looking for an IP camera.
When I’m at home, I just want to enter the camera’s IP address in a browser to access the video feed. When I’m away, I can connect to my home network via VPN and use the browser to check the feed.
I realize this might be asking a lot, but I’d also like to receive motion notifications on my phone. I currently use a Reolink camera, which has these capabilities, but I’m unsure where my data goes, which isn’t ideal.
Do you know of any cameras that meet these requirements, or any DIY solutions? I have programming experience and could build it myself, but I need the camera quickly.
Thanks in advance!
Push notifications of any kind will require cloud connectivity or for you to set up significant infrastructure to support it.
If you’re ok with email notifications, Reolink cameras have that option. Then you only need to either enable outbound internet access from each camera to your SMTP server or set up your own internal SMTP relay.
The VPN option works with any IP camera, just set up a VPN server.
Reolink has these at a reasonable price. Battery or solar powered.
Reolink has these at a reasonable price. Battery or solar powered.
For the cameras Reolinks have always done me well.
As for the messaging there are many alternatives to a manufacturers web based unit. Check Github or just do a search from your favorite engine.
I have ip cams from amcrest, save to my own home server and access remotely through a VPN…
One question though, Are they PoE?
yes they are, 4k poe… web interface, no nvr, ftp to my server… I store 13days before overright, I have AI for recognition… I can view on my phone, tablet, PC, roku tv, even in home assistant I have routines running the cams… my server is 75TB, 6 cams…
Make one using raspberry pi
Yup, gone are the days. Used to love the dlink IP cameras. No app needed. No account. And it had motion detection built-in with email notification when you entered a SMTP.
Are you okay with cloud integration if it doesn’t send images? Are you okay with installing an app?
I’ve been using a reolink camera that requires me to connect to the camera to get the images, and they’re not uploaded. If stolen, the images will also go away if I don’t download them. But the camera has to ping something to ping me to open the app, so I think there’s some cloud integration there, somewhere. I think it’s possible to have the camera email the video, but not positive.
I just noticed a couple others mentioned reolink cameras, too. They’re pretty nice and simple. I plan to use them for a whole-house outside camera system at some point.
I mean any cloud is a security risk but I’ve got so settle with some form of it
The solution I’m about to suggest involves two products, but it can achieve what you are looking for.
- A Wi-Fi sensing home alarm that sends alerts to your phone when movement is detected. Sensing data stays on your router.
- Simple IP camera to see what’s going on.
This is the first answer I am actually satisfied with. Don’t get me wrong but I think this is a pretty good idea
Do you know any simple IP camera? I can’t seem to find any (without 10 other features, an app and cloud integration
It can indeed be challenging to find a simple IP camera these days, as many models now feature cloud integration and require apps for remote access. However, these straightforward cameras haven’t disappeared entirely; they’re just less promoted. A good strategy is to look for older models which often come with the basic features you need and skip the extras. I even spotted one on eBay during an initial search, suggesting there are more to be found.