# Talk to me about home security cameras.

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/talk-to-me-about-home-security-cameras/837213>\
**Category:** In My Humble Opinion\
**Created:** [July 17, 2019, 3:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/talk-to-me-about-home-security-cameras/837213 "2019-07-17T15:22:42Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 2\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Alpha\_Twit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alpha_twit/32/265_2.png) [@Alpha\_Twit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alpha_Twit)\
**Post date:** [July 17, 2019, 3:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/talk-to-me-about-home-security-cameras/837213/1 "2019-07-17T15:22:42Z")

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I have some suspicious activity going on at my home. An unknown individual did break into my vehicle which was parked on the street and I suspect I have a mail thief. I’ve just ordered a robustly constructed [locking mail box](https://www.globalindustrial.com/p/storage/mailboxes/residential-mailboxes-post-mou/mail-boss-package-master-commercial-locking-mailbox-black?unbxdSuggestion=SUGGESTION%20-%20Mail%20Boss%20Package%20Master%20Commercial%20Locking%20Mailbox%20Black&q=locking%20mailbox) and I would like to install 2-4 camera to monitor the area. Any suggestions regarding simple to install systems would be appreciated.

I don’t object to optional cloud data storage but all video data must be stored on a local, dedicated hard drive.

I would like at least one of the cameras mounted inside a window and aimed at where I’m installing the new mailbox. This camera will be looking through two panes of glass. Will that cause a problem for motion detectors? Should I re-think this installation? For this camera, a hardwired data connection to the DVR would be convenient. Wireless/not wireless doesn’t matter here. This camera and the DVR itself _must_ also run on household power equipped with a UPS. I don’t want to have to remember to change the batteries.

Other camera options are up for debate and I welcome you input. Some general ground rules apply though.

- The less hardware installed outside the home, the better. It likely will be stolen, vandalized or succumb to neglect.
- Batteries bad, household power good. I don’t mind stringing cables inside the house. With that being said though, it’s probably smart to retain the option of wirelessly connecting battery powered cameras as a future upgrade.
- I don’t currently use a smartphone but I’m hoping that will change in the nearish future. Security system compatibility with a smartphone isn’t a high priority for me but I’m prepared to be educated why I’m wrong.

What are your thoughts? Please share your inputs, well wishes, sources for land mines.

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**Author:** ![Jackmannii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jackmannii/32/311_2.png) [@Jackmannii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackmannii)\
**Post date:** [July 17, 2019, 8:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/talk-to-me-about-home-security-cameras/837213/2 "2019-07-17T20:03:29Z")

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A couple of thoughts:

Setting up a IP (Internet Protocol) camera indoors to monitor and record outside activity through a glass window generally doesn’t work well. You’d instead want an outdoor mount not readily accessible to miscreants.

You can get security cameras that have a power connection to an outlet, or connect to your router via an Ethernet cable (Power Over Ethernet/POE cameras).

It’s a lot more convenient for viewing when away from home to have a cellphone app. Most every IP camera sold these days has a cellphone app you can download.

There are lots of relatively inexpensive (i.e. $70 or less) security cameras on the market currently. Check reviews to gauge ease of setup and how helpful tech support is.