What cameras are you using? Like to get recommendations

Hardware
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1

I’m new to HA - I like to install a camera to survey my backyard and look to find good options. This was probably already discussed in the past here, but I struggle a bit to find.

What cameras are you using? What are your recommendations and experiences?

The specs I’m looking for are:

  • PTZ
  • RTSP/ONVIF
  • night vision (even in color if possible)
  • audio
  • wifi (ethernet not possible at the camera location)
  • power: standard AC outlet / DC adapter
  • fully local for HA (of course :blush:)
  • easy to integrate in HA
  • a bit lower price (if possible < 100 USD, if not, then higher)

Any help is highly appreciated. Thank you so much in advance!

2

I find that the Tapo cams meet all your requirements. I have several on a private, nonroutable SSID/VLAN and they have been working well for over a year. There is ONVIF support and also a good custom integration to control the PTZ and recordings.

If I were buying a WiFi cam today I would definitely prefer WiFi 6 because of its much more efficient use of spectrum for streaming video. The Tapo C560ws offers PTZ and dual-band WiFi 6 and sells for under $90 usd. (Note you also need an access point capable of WiFi 6 to take advantage of its features)

3

Empire tech is the best in the business. Don’t consider any cameras if you want great night performance unless they include Starlight CMOS and it is 1/1.8 or better (Smaller the better on the 1.8 number)

Andy has the best service out there.

Read more on ipcamtalk.com including reviews and videos of camera performance from board members who are not being paid. Great resource.

https://empiretech01.com/

4

Thank you so much guys, that’s a great starting point - I appreciate this :+1:

6

Can you recommend a camera that is similar to the Tapo but is wireless? Thanks.

7

Do you have no other option that wireless? Are you setting up beam wireless for this or is it a regular mesh circular network?

8

Unfortunately, while I would love to go POE throughout the house I currently only have the finances for a webcam to go with my mesh WiFi system. Luckily the webcam will only be separated by 1 outside wall and about 16 feet from my WiFi router. I did order the Tapo C560WS as it does come with a power supply for the camera, so hopefully it will function just fine for me. Thank you for your reply and question.

10

Thank you so much for your recommendation. I am anxious to see how well the Tapo camera works in my house, and how well it works with Home Assistant. Thanks for your help and reply.

11

Hi. Thank you for sharing. What kind of integration do you use for the Tapo C560WS? Can you possibly share the link? Thanks and best regards, Martin