What "generic" cameras are great for Frigate / HASS integration?

Hardware
1

I recently started setting up Frigate on my HASS with a Unifi G4 Dome I had and added an Aqara G5 Pro (which I’m not I’m keeping after having tested it).

Unifi cameras are great but when it’s not used WITH Unifi and/or their AI because I’m using Frigate, I feel it’s more expensive than necessary.

The Aqara G5 Pro sure is nice and has “all the bells and whistles” for easy use in Aqaras own app and/or Apple HomeKit but it has given me much too many “head-scratcher” moments in the context of adding it to Home Assistant.

However, I feel like I just need a “generic” camara that works with Frigate where it mostly is a matter of image quality and not AI, apps etc.

Unfortunately, it seems that there are so many cameras out there, that it’s a bit overwhelming to go through, so I’m hoping that there are perhaps 2-3 brands / models that people have had great experiences with in regards to Frigate.

Thank you - in advance - for any suggestions !

2

Literally the second page in the documentation

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3

Thanks - but the cameras on that list are as (or even more) expensive compared to Unifi, which I already find overkill for my use.

For this, I hope that it’s not needed to shell out $300-400 on a single camera. Then I could just as well go for Unifi.

I was hoping to find something less costly than Aqara G5 because I don’t need all the features like AI etc. in the camera.

4

Maybe it is a difference in world markets, but the suggested cams are nowhere near $300-400 for a single cam without features like AI.

1 Like
5

I am slowly moving to TP link from Wyze. They are reasonably cheap and provide streams frigate can just use.

TP-Link 2K QHD Security Camera

1 Like
6

I have nine Wyze Cam3 cameras on my Frigate installation. I paid $39.95 each for them at MicroCenter and immediately installed the RTSP firmware on each. Here is a YouTube video showing how to install the firmware. Best of all, NO CLOUD, works great with Frigate and the image quality is outstanding for the price.

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7

Amcrest IP8M-2796E $99usd

  • 8k
  • Mic
  • Spotlight
  • Poe

Amcrest IP5M-B1276 $59usd
-same spec as above just 5k

Excellent low light and works perfect in frigate.
If in residential area both allow good detail

If in country 8k give better detail past 150’ ft for obvious reason

There is no real Equal priced unifi camera and close price version image didn’t even come close

8

Cloud-based. Instant no-go here.

The reviews are also discouraging.
return

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9

I own several and definitely not cloud based

As far as night performance I live in country where moonlight is only ambient source so if that’s an issue I would be doubly surprised. I don’t use led and 1/2 my cams are color at night

10

I thought the cloud that Amcrest offers is optional? You can do cloud, but you don’t have to. Local network camera feed is still the main use case.

11

Using tapo C500 without problems

12

Yes. POE models
Same for Reolink and some other manufacturers

This is NOT true for WiFi models. Amcrest WiFi models require app for setup and I think they only function through cloud. There may be exceptions. I’m unsure about Reolink units.

13

Reolink has a Home Hub that will localize the camera system for both wired and battery cams