Wifi PTZ that doesn't connect through an app

M

mooseo

n3wb
Feb 5, 2023
9
1
California
I'm looking to replace an outdoor wifi PTZ camera that died after a couple of years. Going bonkers realizing that all the new ones will only connect through their app (after setting up an account) instead of with an internal web server. I assume this means they route information to their servers, but don't really know.

What I need / want:
  • Wifi (it's in a garden shed; no chance of running ethernet)
  • Plays well with BI
  • Ideally 4K, though I may have to give that up
  • Hopefully under $250
  • I don't care about tracking or many other features. Low light performance is helpful, but most basic cameras are fine for my need

What I've tried:
Ctronics... this is what I had for a couple of years. It finally stopped connecting on Wifi, which is apparently a common failure for this one. Specs were fine, worked great while it lasted. I bought the same one and was never able to get it to connect, needed to use their app

Foscam... put me in the whole world of "no web server, connect through app." Glad of Amazon's return policy

Looked at this HXVIEW, which looks about the same as the Foscam... and the Amazon Q&A confirms it only connects through app.

Any suggestions? Is that just the way this world has gone?
 
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You can make any camera wireless.

The cameras you've listed/tried are toys.

4k is overkill in most instances.

This is the best all around camera at this point HERE

Purchase and install two of these, and you can make a wireless link that works just like an ethernet cable.
Wireless Bridge
 
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What about trying a powerline adapter that runs the data thru your existing electric lines? Much more stable than wifi and opens up every POE camera.
 
looney2ns said:
You can make any camera wireless.

The cameras you've listed/tried are toys.

4k is overkill in most instances.

This is the best all around camera at this point HERE

Purchase and install two of these, and you can make a wireless link that works just like an ethernet cable.
Wireless Bridge
Click to expand...
That camera doesn't have PTZ, which is needed for my use case (taking time lapse of parts of the garden). I didn't check the power spec's on that bridge, but I don't have a lot of excess capacity on the solar, so doubt I could support it
 
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mooseo said:
It's a good idea, but it's in a garden shed on solar!
Click to expand...

Did your existing solar camera work with BI and not kill it?

Solar cameras will not stream 24/7 and BI will error out all day and night long about no signal.
 
wittaj said:
Did your existing solar camera work with BI and not kill it?

Solar cameras will not stream 24/7 and BI will error out all day and night long about no signal.
Click to expand...
Solar charges a battery so camera runs 24/7. Sometimes dies if we have a few days with no sun, but it mostly works 10 months of the year in California
 
mooseo said:
Solar charges a battery so camera runs 24/7. Sometimes dies if we have a few days with no sun, but it mostly works 10 months of the year in California
Click to expand...

It sends a video feed 24/7 to BI and never loses signal?
 
TonyR said:
For $80 ($40 for 2 years) I'd buy another if it did everyrhing you wanted until it died. Heck buy 2 of 'em!
Click to expand...
That was the first thing I tried! But something about the new camera didn't work the same and I was not able to configure it. Maybe I just got a lemon.
 
looney2ns said:
You can make any camera wireless.

The cameras you've listed/tried are toys.

4k is overkill in most instances.

This is the best all around camera at this point HERE

Purchase and install two of these, and you can make a wireless link that works just like an ethernet cable.
Wireless Bridge
Click to expand...
Could three cameras be connected to the one wireless bridge (about 200' from the house) and have adequate throughput? (Let's postulate that I'm connecting two Reolink RLC-510WA - wireless but not strong enough, and one RLC-510A.)
 
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kd4e said:
Could three cameras be connected to the one wireless bridge (about 200' from the house) and have adequate throughput? (Let's postulate that I'm connecting two Reolink RLC-510WA - wireless but not strong enough, and one RLC-510A.)
Click to expand...
Very likely if you have decent LOS (Line Of Sight), purchase the right radios, configure, test and install them correctly. :cool:
 
Personally don't want the 1041 by Amcrest the current indoor 4mp that is offered. it replaced the older 1051. In anycase the 1041 is little problematic for some. I personally have a 841, 941 and 1051 mounted outside and have been out there for the last 3 almost 4 years. I do have them under porches 4 feet from any edge or more of the roof and they have been working without any issues. I live in a Very humid area and get loads of driving rain and drifting snow. While they are not built for outdoors as long as they are covered well they work well..

Edit: Also it has been -4 degrees wind chill here last couple of days and they have no issues with the cold upto about -10F. I am not sure it is the camera I think it is the Power supplies seeing camera works as soon as the temps get back to something better then -10 lol..
 
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Update on this: after trying a few options, I went back and ordered a second Ctronics 4K 8MP Security Camera. Same as the one I ordered a month ago, but this one worked straight out of the box. Guess the first one I received was just defective. Glad for Amazon return policy.
 
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mooseo said:
Update on this: after trying a few options, I went back and ordered a second Ctronics 4K 8MP Security Camera. Same as the one I ordered a month ago, but this one worked straight out of the box. Guess the first one I received was just defective. Glad for Amazon return policy.
Click to expand...
What battery, panels, & controller are you using to power this, please?
 
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