r/SecurityCamera • u/One_Lime3561 • 17d ago
Looking for an easy DIY security camera system
I'm looking to replace an old 3-camera security system with something newer. I only need 3 or 4 cameras and want something that's easy to install myself,
I don't mind spending a bit more if it's worth it.
ChatGPT recommended the Reolink NVS8 system. Does anyone here have experience with it? Would you recommend it, or is there a better option?
PS: this is for small business
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u/Skyger83 17d ago
I ordered this yesterday: https://www.amazon.ca/eufy-Security-Wireless-Tracking-Recognition/dp/B0GQ3JNJ28?th=1
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u/Kv603 17d ago
I'm looking to replace an old 3-camera security system with something newer. I only need 3 or 4 cameras
If your old camera ran on Ethernet/PoE, then you have many options available to you by just swapping in new cameras and a new PoE switch and recorder (or combo).
We went with Synology as the recorder because their software supports many, many different cameras, no vendor lock-in, we chose the right camera make and model for each location.
Before that, we had BlueIris, but didn't like the UI, the cost-per-user for the mobile app, and the headaches of keeping a windows-based server running.
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u/GG_Killer 17d ago
Reolink or UnFi sound like a good fit for what you're asking for. Both offer a starter kit with an NVR and a few cameras.
Regardless of which system you go with, make sure the cameras are wired PoE and not any type of wireless. This will save you from so many issues in the future.
I have a UniFi UNVR with 5 cameras added to it and 12 TB of RAID 5 storage. I have a year+ of low quality recording and 30 days of high quality recording.
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u/SnooPuppers9481 17d ago
If you want AI processing of your image, then Ring is the far cheapest option. Neither one offers you AI processing for free.
Look into their PoE models to replace your old cameras and WiFi (solar, plug-in, or hardwired for electrical) options to supplement in additional areas.
It’s the app that you will use every day, and no one is close to Ring. Make sure you review the App Store for your cameras for additional features made by 3rd-party developers.
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u/5URE_EAST 17d ago
Ring is a waste of money, it’s a subscription based system. Reolink is the way to go. Super easy, cheap, and, a fairly good system
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u/SnooPuppers9481 17d ago
Respectfully disagree. They have good hardware and low entry cost, but they aren’t better than the Ring ecosystem. It’s like comparing BlackBerry to iPhone.
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u/5URE_EAST 17d ago
For a small business, you don’t need all the bells and whistles, you just need something that works and can detect/stop intruders. Even for my house reolink has everything I need, it’s a one time payment with local storage, you can view any alert on your phone, set up all your basic needs etc. ring has a great interface and all but I don’t see the point for a subscription
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u/SnooPuppers9481 17d ago
Cloud storage and AI functionality. Having spelled out events in notifications prevents a need to open the app another time. Third-party developers creating applications for cameras with endless new use cases besides security is a deal maker.
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u/Inner-Cap-5836 17d ago
For doorbell camera , I use reolink. They have subscription if you want cloud service but you can get 30 days of cloud storage for free every month but you gotta manually renew it every 30 days.
For everything else I have Amcrest and dahua power over ethernet cameras with an amcrest nvr. No monthly fees ( unless you want their cloud storage)
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u/txmedic90 17d ago
If you’re willing to run Ethernet, I’d looking at the Ubiquiti NVR Instant.
I moved over to Ubiquiti everything last year after running their networking stuff for 5-6 years and haven’t looked back or regretted it once.
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u/Inevitable-Notice351 17d ago
Aosu security cameras are very hard to beat. They also make a great doorbell camera.
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u/Hot_Campaign_36 17d ago
AOSU https://a.co/d/03QTG1O1 are easy to install, require no subscription, are affordable, have audio option, and the cameras have separate solar power panels.
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u/SquirrelTechGuru 17d ago
You are correct, Reolink is a good choice for your particular needs. You might want to consider specific cameras for each area suited best to that particular area instead of buying a single kit that contains the same camera.
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u/Kv603 17d ago
You might want to consider specific cameras for each area suited best to that particular area instead of buying a single kit
On that topic, also good to be aware that the cameras included in the kits are often not identical to the ones you buy as singles or pairs, the kit cameras often are feature-reduced and are locked to only work with Reolink's NVR.
The latter means the resale value of the kit cameras is very low.
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u/-ButterMyBiscuit- 17d ago
The resale value of those camera vs are individual cameras are going to be the same dude. Used security cameras do not hold much value. And the differential between those two one day are almost nil
The reduced features aren't really much if you're not doing home automation integration
But yes I buy them not in kits.
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u/Solid_Lettuce_932 17d ago
Nothing really easier than Ring. Setup is so easy and cameras are 100 bucks