I kept running into the same problem setting up cameras for local recording: there's no single place comparing the specs that actually matter for a self-hosted setup — codec support, ONVIF/RTSP, PoE vs WiFi, IP rating, night vision type. You end up with 20 manufacturer datasheet tabs open trying to compare like-for-like.
So I built one: an open, CC0-licensed database of CCTV/IP camera specifications. Currently 1,300+ cameras across 68 brands — Hikvision, Reolink, Dahua, Hanwha, Axis, Tapo, TP-Link VIGI, and more.
Browse it here: CCTV Camera Database — moved to cctv-database.com
Repo: GitHub - ch-bas/cctv-camera-database: Open database of 1,300+ CCTV camera specs across 65 brands — searchable, filterable, CC0 · GitHub
What's in it
Every entry is searchable and filterable by resolution, connectivity, ONVIF/RTSP support, IP rating, audio, night vision, storage, and price. Each field is sourced strictly from official manufacturer datasheets — not marketing copy, which routinely overclaims things like two-way audio that the actual spec table contradicts.
Why it might be useful here
If you're picking cameras for Frigate or any local NVR, you can filter down to "ONVIF + H.265 + PoE + IP67" and compare actual models side by side instead of guessing from product pages.
It's CC0 and community-maintained
The data is public domain — use it however you want, including pulling it into your own tools. Contributions are welcome via three paths: a web form (no coding needed), a CLI wizard (npm run add), or a direct PR. All data goes through JSON Schema validation.
Would genuinely value feedback from this community on which fields matter most for HA/Frigate workflows — codec support and max FPS are already on the roadmap based on earlier input from the Frigate crowd.