Ring/Blink security camera alternatives?

[Rob]

I am looking at putting in a security camera at my barn so I can keep an eye on things remotely.  (I will have Wifi there so connectivity is not an issue)

I looked briefly at Blink and Ring as options but it looks like they are both owned by Amazon and I am trying to minimize my support of Amazon.

Has anyone used a remote monitoring system before?  Some features I am looking for:

1.  Ability to have the images available remotely - preferably via some kind of internet connection
2.  Waterproof cameras
3.  Ability to alert when a motion sensor is captured
4.  Ability to record (either on a loop of some kind or upon request...)


Nice to have:  ability to yell at someone who is at the barn and not supposed to be there!

Let me know if anyone has had good experiences with non-Amazon controlled remote cameras!

[Mark Brenckle]

Tagging along

[Skyvalhunter]

My friend has the $300 Costco system which he really likes. Wont warn you if there's a motion. But will record 24/7 and the video looks very clear. He will fast forward thru the video from time to time to see what kind of animals, cars, people pass by. I think there's like 6 cameras and you can zoom in and out on the video.

[Rob]

I really like those multi camera set-ups.  But for the application I am looking for being notified is pretty critical.  I fear I may have to support Amazon to get what I am looking for!

[ucwarden]

I am looking at putting in a security camera at my barn so I can keep an eye on things remotely.  (I will have Wifi there so connectivity is not an issue)

I looked briefly at Blink and Ring as options but it looks like they are both owned by Amazon and I am trying to minimize my support of Amazon.

Has anyone used a remote monitoring system before?  Some features I am looking for:

1.  Ability to have the images available remotely - preferably via some kind of internet connection
2.  Waterproof cameras
3.  Ability to alert when a motion sensor is captured
4.  Ability to record (either on a loop of some kind or upon request...)


Nice to have:  ability to yell at someone who is at the barn and not supposed to be there!

Let me know if anyone has had good experiences with non-Amazon controlled remote cameras!

While I have no experience with Ring, I have used Blink for about a year now.  A couple of weeks ago I switched to an Arlo system (available on Amazon-   https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07X277QRC/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1  ).
While the Blink system worked, I found the motion detection notification didn't go off until about five minutes after it sensed the movement.

Both Blink and Arlo send notifications to your cell phone, both store video on your cell phone, and can be adjusted by way of your phone.  Both work well in the rain, and are easy to install and operate.  Blink is good, Arlo is just a little better in my opinion 

[Rob]

Nice!  have not heard of them.  I will be investigating!

[Skyvalhunter]

This is the one he has and although it doesn't show the price I know it pops up at @ $299 quite often even in my monthly flier
https://www.costco.com/lorex-4k-ultra-hd-8-channel-dvr-security-system-with-6-4k-active-deterrence-cameras-with-color-night-vision---smart-motion-detection-and-smart-home-voice-control.product.100681515.html

[Rob]

Thanks!

2TB drive...  that just boggles my mind relative to where we were 20 years back.

[bearhunter99]

We have the Arlo system from Costco at work and it has worked pretty well so far.  Has settings for schedules and if its on during working hours I know it will blow up your phone with notifications!

[High Climber]

We have Nest products. They work well but I’m not sure if they in the Amazon umbrella

[tank21]

I would go with WYZE.

https://wyze.com/wyze-cam-outdoor.html

For the money you 100% can't go wrong and they have a lot of different stuff to Smart out your home, if you're into that....I have several and it's good stuff.

[pianoman9701]

I use a Eufy camera. Made in WA and no subscription. Customer service is very good.

[Jingles]

I really like those multi camera set-ups.  But for the application I am looking for being notified is pretty critical.  I fear I may have to support Amazon to get what I am looking for!

Why not bypass Amazon and go directly to manufacturer? I have done that with numerous purchases.

[jackelope]

Our friends use a few Arlo cameras around their property. In the last 2 weeks he's killed a coyote and a bobcat trying to kill their chickens that he knew about because of the Arlo cam's.
She recommends them to everyone.

[scotsman]

Following..l I have been looking at security cameras too. The Arlo and Costco sound good, but how are the cameras powered? Most of the areas I’d like to cover dont gave 110v easily accessible. And high camera mounting positions are difficult to change batteries. Interested in how you solved power to cameras.

[Buckmark]

Third endorsement for the Arlo, they do everything you want.
I have both Arlo and Wyze, i like the Arlo better but they are also newer than my Wyze, Wyze does have some newer stuff but i have not used it.
Like said before the Arlos will notify you/blow up your phone with motion detection's, one thing that may happen in your barn is bugs like flys etc can set them off, i had to move 2 of mine to areas where the flys did not fly around much 
I know when people arrive, i know when packages are here, i know when the kids come and go, one i can see my chicken coop in the frame, etc etc
I have a few set up that help alert me to things as multiple alerts will trigger, which is nice for example if i am out back on the tractor and someone comes to the house i know as it dings me on my phone, which i am almost always listening to music
They even detect the neighbors cat when its slinking around my house 

[Buckmark]

Following..l I have been looking at security cameras too. The Arlo and Costco sound good, but how are the cameras powered? Most of the areas I’d like to cover dont gave 110v easily accessible. And high camera mounting positions are difficult to change batteries. Interested in how you solved power to cameras.

The Arlos i have are rechargeable and last 4ish months, easy to recharge i think, you just retrieve it and plug it in, charges pretty fast, they alert you well in advance that they are getting low so you are not surprised by a dead camera.
As far as mounting you shouldn't put them or any camera up way high or you wont get good results, like facial or lic plate detail, mine are around 8ft which i can reach with a 3 step stool. Like i said i have multiple and not all can be easily seen.

[fishngamereaper]

Following..l I have been looking at security cameras too. The Arlo and Costco sound good, but how are the cameras powered? Most of the areas I’d like to cover dont gave 110v easily accessible. And high camera mounting positions are difficult to change batteries. Interested in how you solved power to cameras.

The Arlos i have are rechargeable and last 4ish months, easy to recharge i think, you just retrieve it and plug it in, charges pretty fast, they alert you well in advance that they are getting low so you are not surprised by a dead camera.
As far as mounting you shouldn't put them or any camera up way high or you wont get good results, like facial or lic plate detail, mine are around 8ft which i can reach with a 3 step stool. Like i said i have multiple and not all can be easily seen.

 

Love my Arlo system. On and off with the swipe of my phone.

[Cougartail]

Does the Arlo System have a base and then cameras?

[Buckmark]

Does the Arlo System have a base and then cameras?

Yes, hooks to your router
Also 2 way audio, night vision, can plug a usb for saving past the 7 days it saves, siren that can be triggered remotely
They even have a wireless doorbell camera and a wireless floodlight camera avail if one wants
My system is a couple years old and am happy with it, they have new cameras that are even better so i may have to upgrade just cuz 

[Green Tree]

I've been using a reolink for the last year and half. Works good send motion alerts and I can live stream from phone.

[follow maggie]

I really like those multi camera set-ups.  But for the application I am looking for being notified is pretty critical.  I fear I may have to support Amazon to get what I am looking for!

Why not bypass Amazon and go directly to manufacturer? I have done that with numerous purchases.

Blink & Ring are owned by Amazon, so no matter where they’re bought, Amazon gets the cash

[Rob]

I really like those multi camera set-ups.  But for the application I am looking for being notified is pretty critical.  I fear I may have to support Amazon to get what I am looking for!

Why not bypass Amazon and go directly to manufacturer? I have done that with numerous purchases.

Good point, and we are doing the same when possible.  However that was not quite what I was referring to.  As I understand it, the Ring and Blink Companies are owned by Amazon.  So even when buying direct from them your supporting them. 

Just something I want to avoid.  I am not boycotting, just looking at alternatives!

[Fl0und3rz]

We have Nest products. They work well but I’m not sure if they in the Amazon umbrella

Nest is Google.  If you (OP) are looking at getting away from Amazon abuse, I don't think Google would be your first choice for a rebound.

[Pnwrider]

I bought the 3 pack of Arlo’s from Costco on sale a few years back. The camera that sees the most action (covering my driveway and garage), needs to be recharged monthly. I’ve been a little annoyed lately because that camera is having charging issues. The night recordings on my neighbors ring camera seems quite a bit better, but that could just be due to age of my cameras vs his.

[Buckmark]

I bought the 3 pack of Arlo’s from Costco on sale a few years back. The camera that sees the most action (covering my driveway and garage), needs to be recharged monthly. I’ve been a little annoyed lately because that camera is having charging issues. The night recordings on my neighbors ring camera seems quite a bit better, but that could just be due to age of my cameras vs his.

Is it seeing alot of small stuff so being triggered alot? You can change the sensitivity level higher and that might help? I have one that faces south west and if the tree shadows moved it alerted, reset settings and it works just fine picking up people, animals etc but not shadow changes 

[Rob]

This is all really good info.  I appreciate the feedbaxk and ideas.

[Alchase]

I also have Arlo multi camera system. It works great for what I need.

[riverrun]

Ive been very happy with my Arlo cameras and they are rechargeable!