Security Cameras & Solar Motion Activated Lights

[T-Mo]

This past Tuesday night, April 5, some low life cut out and stole the catalytic convertor off my F250, in my drive way. I have a real good idea who did it, but have no proof.

So, I'm in the market for inexpensive, but reliable, Wi-Fi security cameras and solar powered motion activated lights. For cameras, it's been suggested to me, Arlo, but I can explore other brands.

Any suggestions on cameras and lights?

[Don McCombs]

I have two Google Nest cams that I'm very satisfied with. With an Aware subscription, you can set them up to send you text alerts. Not cheap, but in total, probably less than the cost of a catalytic converter.

[Steve Butram]

I'm seriously looking at Riolink.

https://reolink.com/us/

[Ken (48 Cub)]

I have four Blink cameras around the house and garage. The are wireless and easy to setup. You access the cameras through an App on your phone.

[Jim Becker]

I don't have any specific suggetions. In general, make sure you get one with enough resolution that you can ID somebody from the picture. I've heard multiple stories where a security camera clearly shows the theft activity but not clear enough to show who it was. No point having a camera that only tells you what you know otherwise!

[ricky racer]

Here is one of my favorite YouTubers with a solution he's found.

[ajhbike]

I have them at my dad's place in Maine to watch the camp from CT and out at my tractor sheds. I got them off amazon...IP66's and they work great. There are a bunch of different brands (I have 3 different brands) and they all work.

[Eugene]

T-Mo, I can't help as far as brand names.

I do have motion activated security lights on the shop at the acreage and security cameras. The motion activated lights cover the front and side doors. The cameras cover the driveway, main entrance, and two cameras the inside of the shop. The camera system has a 30 day recorded loop and a screen.

Also have the same set up at the fixer upper house.

The security camera system cost around $250-.

[Don McCombs]

One thing to bear in mind is wifi accessibility. If you don't have a strong wifi signal where the cameras will be located, cell trail cameras may be the way to go.

[T-Mo]

One thing to bear in mind is wifi accessibility. If you don't have a strong wifi signal where the cameras will be located, cell trail cameras may be the way to go.

That is a thought. I will also look into those as well.

[Don McCombs]

Check out the Tactacam Reveal X.

[outdoors4evr]

So with the Nest cameras, they record every time motion occurs. With a subscription, you can draw a line, box, or circle for it to only record in certain areas. Without the subscription, it takes a picture of anything that moves in the viewing area. That means you have to carefully aim it so that it isn't picking up every car that drives down the road or every person who walks down a sidewalk.
While I like having a view of the mailbox, I don't want to be notified every time the neighbor leaves their house.

Regarding motion activated lights, I have had one of these on my shed for a couple of years now. It has held up to the dark Michigan winters, snow, and cold abuse very well. I haven't found it in a state of discharge yet so the solar panel keeps up. It lights about 40 feet and detects motion out to about 50 feet. I have it mounted about 6' high above a backyard shed door.
The bad... The deer, dogs, and rabbits do set it off - providing grazing light for the animals at night.
https://www.harborfreight.com/1000-lumen-solar-powered-motion-activated-peel-and-stick-waterproof-security-light-58195.html

[Don McCombs]

So with the Nest cameras, they record every time motion occurs. With a subscription, you can draw a line, box, or circle for it to only record in certain areas. Without the subscription, it takes a picture of anything that moves in the viewing area. That means you have to carefully aim it so that it isn't picking up every car that drives down the road or every person who walks down a sidewalk.
While I like having a view of the mailbox, I don't want to be notified every time the neighbor leaves their house.

In addition to the defined area, it does have a limited range. Anything outside that range will not trigger the camera. You can choose what types of activity to be notified about, or to be notified about none.