CCTV For Home Use

[FN-GM]

Morning,

 

I have noticed a few posts about CCTV recently, but I am looking for home use so thought I would create a fresh due to being able to be a little more free with what I can do.

 

I am looking for something that meets these requirements

 

• Hard wired cameras using CAT6, using POE
  
• No wireless cameras
  
• Cameras not powered externally must be powered using POE
  
• Local recording
  
• Ideally a recorder is provided by the manufacturer, something that doesn't need a seperate PC to be built. Rack Mounted preferred
  
• Good cameras with good pictures in the dark
  
• Easy to use as my partner will be using this as well
  
• Apple TV App
  
• Mobile app that allows you to view footage outside of the house with no port forwarding
  
• Does not require a cloud service to operate, I don't want a bricked system if the manufacturer closes shop. I understand some features might be lost.
  

 

Nice to have: integrates with Home Assistant

 

I was thinking Unifi as it seems to meet all these requirements - I think we have some users here. What are your thoughts?

 

Open to other suggestions as well!

 

Thanks

[chaplic]

I’ve got a hikvision system meets all your requirements apart from Apple TV app, if you want it on your phone you need to use their free cloud service, or your just setup something like Tailscale. It is not a consumer system and not particularly user friendly but quality to stuff is top-notch and the USP for me is that it just works, and continue to work. I’ve put it into both sets of parents and it’s needed zero rebooting/ fiddling once in. 4 cameras and a recording box will set you back about a grand give or take, can be tricky to buy as a consumer.

[FN-GM]

Thanks for the feedback.

 

can be tricky to buy as a consumer.

 

This shouldn’t be too much of an issue. We literally have thousands of cameras at work (good system but too much for home use) and got a couple of connections that can help.

[Aprice]

I'd probably say Unifi protect as well, Not sure I'd trust it for larger installs after the whole Unifi video issue. But for 3/4 camera setups it's great, and has a pretty solid interface I thought.

[XiJ]

I started with UniFi. Moved to Hikvision when ubiquiti killed the UniFi video. But eventually went back to a cloud key as the UI and general set up feels so much smoother. Ie not the 1990s.

 

For home use I haven’t yet found anything like it in the price range.

 

A friend and CCTV installer slates it, especially the night time capability. I’ve had no problem. Biggest issue is spiders love it a lot too so needs regular cleaning!

 

I’m still using G3 cameras so the newer ones might have even better performance. I’ve integrated it with home assistant too

[TheHyperTechie]

I am currently in the middle of deciding what new CCTV system to use in our new house. I have decided that I will probably go with the UniFi dream machine all-in-one router which can also host network/protect and then have a few G4/G5 bullets dotted around. For expansion, I could always plug a switch into the router and install a few more.

[speakercon]

I would recommend the Hikvision HiLook series, from what I can see its pretty much the same as the enterprise Hik stuff albeit without the stronger metal casings but if its out of reach its no issue.

 

I've been using it for years with zero issues.

[Davit2005]

The intergration with Unifi is comprehensive in HA but personally I'm not keen (Unifi Video debacle) , with Unifi you can change record mode, sometimes use the motion detection, etc. Really the only reason I like Unifi Protect is for the notifications but you seemingly need to allow cloud access for that to work which I'm not happy about (this is using a Cloud Key Gen 2 plus). The Cloud key with the battery is trouble some, mine has given up working on PoE and the battery swelled so I removed the battery and powering it via it's USB connection.

 

I have an Amcrest PoE Pan Tilt camera which I've managed to get HA changing the preset which saves me using 2 cameras for my requirement but it seems to depends on the model what features can be adjusted with HA. The Amcrest had to be added by the configuration YAML as no GUI integration that I could find.

 

Below is an example of the entities HA picks up from my Unifi Flex camera, there is more in the list than shown.

Edited November 24, 2023 by Davit2005

[STK91]

Hi mate - I use Unifi at home, 3 bullet cameras and a cloud key + POE switch. Works flawlessly for 4 years now. We also installed it into our flower shop and again no problems at all. Price is decent, lot's of features. Smart detection, people, vehicles, audio etc. Very good mobile app, my partner uses it without any issues or technical knowledge.

[FN-GM]

Looks like I will be going Unifi. Thanks to those who replied. Big thanks to @Daveit2005 for the comprehensive reply and the screenshot. Looks like I can do lots with HA and Unifi!

[FN-GM]

Thought I would update.

 

I managed to source a new in box rack mount NVR quite cheap from a local MSP. They had it left over from a job.

 

I have installed 2 x 4TB western digital purple drives.

 

I am expecting a delivery of a couple of G5 Turret cameras. I am struggling to get hold of these but want something more discreet than a bullet. I intend to get at least 6 more.

 

A few other things cropped up so was delayed a bit!

Edited July 8, 2024 by FN-GM

[PotNoodleTech]

Having been there and done it all - synology are the way forward now the software interface is fantastic the back end NAS boxes better than any other CCTV manufacturer, and the cameras good plus you can use other make cameras if you pay a reasonable license fee per camera so I don't have to replace the expensive existing PTZ ones.