I’m looking for recommendations for a home surveillance system using PoE cameras. I need something reliable, with wide field of view, and maybe light/siren features. An app for remote access would be great too. Bonus points if the cameras come in different styles (like pan and tilt).
One big concern: I’ve read complaints about water getting into the lenses on some models, and I don’t want that hassle. I’ve been eyeing Reolink, but the reviews on some of their cameras (like the Duo Floodlight) worry me. I’m 61, so climbing to fix cameras isn’t ideal.
My current WiFi-based Kuna cameras are terrible—they constantly go offline when I use my garage doors. I live in a 2-story house on a 7,841 sq ft lot in what used to be a nice neighborhood. My budget is around $1,500 but could stretch a bit if necessary. I mainly want to monitor entry points and catch the vandals causing trouble here.
Brady said:
What’s your main goal here besides avoiding battery changes and water issues? Do you need facial recognition or just perimeter coverage?
My main goal is to monitor where these vandals are coming from and stop them. They’ve been harassing my family for years, and it’s gotten worse. My budget is $1,500, and I’d like to cover the front and back of my house, especially entry points.
@Tory
Got it. For your budget, I’d check Costco bundles—they often have good deals on PoE systems. You’ll want to focus on cameras with high pixel density for clear images, especially for facial recognition. Use Cat6 exterior-rated cable for durability. I personally use Axis cameras, but they’re pricey (around $1,000+ per camera).
Tory said: @Brady
Thanks for the tips. I’ll look into Costco. Do you think Reolink is worth a shot if I take precautions with installation?
Yeah, Reolink is solid if you set it up right. Use waterproof connectors and tape the joints for extra protection. Just avoid extreme angles when mounting to prevent water pooling on the lens.