[Peazoup]

I would like to have security cameras (3) installed at my house. I don't know where to begin. What is the best system that doesn't require a subscription? How about installation, any suggestions as to who to call? Battery operated would be good or should I have electrical outlets installed? Love to hear from you if you've been this route. TIA

[Two Bills]

Originally Posted by Peazoup

I would like to have security cameras (3) installed at my house. I don't know where to begin. What is the best system that doesn't require a subscription? How about installation, any suggestions as to who to call? Battery operated would be good or should I have electrical outlets installed? Love to hear from you if you've been this route. TIA

This recent discussion may be of use.

Outdoor Cameras as part of Security System?

[wlasowicz]

I have a Ring with solar powered but it has a subscription only service My option would be a camera that's has local storage such as a micro SD card. 2nd solar powered you won't have to worry about losing power. Also having a solar powered camera with local storage the camera will still records if you lose power or internet or both that you can review when power and internet comes back on

[dewilson58]

Wyze are not expensive.
Both AC and battery models.
Easy to use app.
Records, notifies, live views.
Two-way conversations.

[Babubhat]

Wyze works well. Current offer of 7.99 month for up to 99 cameras of cloud recording. Can use SD card if not wanting cloud

[dewilson58]

Originally Posted by Babubhat

Wyze works well. Current offer of 7.99 month for up to 99 cameras of cloud recording

& a FREE recording option.

[Michael G.]

With all the electronics, camera's, ring doorbell, alarm systems, a thief would be crazy to try to brick in any given house today

[SullyP]

I use the Amazon Blink cameras. Love the system. Camera WiFi connect, battery life 2 years, can have video saved to USB so no subscription required. Will give motion alerts.

[Stu4206]

I use eufy cameras. The free version works for what I need. I use the solar cams for outdoors and wired/battery inside.

Battery Surveillance Cameras | eufy Security

[fsusix]

I love Wyze - inexpensive - high quality cameras - set up very easy - don’t need a to pay - unless you want ($1.77 a month) for videos - free you get photos on your phone/iPad etc… depending on choices you make - movement or noise - some are subscription only - like packages. A great deterrent for thieves- I had an electrician add outlets only because with a 360 degree movement - I put them in places I got the most visual use.

[Capearc]

Check Arlo cameras, no subscription, easy to mount yourself, triggered by movement but you can view live whenever you wish, microphone and speaker in each camera, an alarm sound that can be activated from phone or iPad, sold at Best Buy. You can also allow a friend or neighbour access to the cameras if desired.

[HJBeck]

Originally Posted by Peazoup

I would like to have security cameras (3) installed at my house. I don't know where to begin. What is the best system that doesn't require a subscription? How about installation, any suggestions as to who to call? Battery operated would be good or should I have electrical outlets installed? Love to hear from you if you've been this route. TIA

Depends on what you are trying to accomplish. You can get away with 5 cameras (2 indoor, 3 outdoor) for as little as $200-$300 dollars, or spend as much as $1000 with monthly fees in addition to the initial outlay. Either way you need fast internet access (100 MB/S). If you have animals at home, suggest you forget the effort all together. Nuance fals alarms.

[Macevoyja]

I have Blink for the doorbell and three security cameras. It’s very easy to use and if you choose, you can have a subscription plan for $10 month but it’s not necessary.

[midiwiz]

Originally Posted by Peazoup

I would like to have security cameras (3) installed at my house. I don't know where to begin. What is the best system that doesn't require a subscription? How about installation, any suggestions as to who to call? Battery operated would be good or should I have electrical outlets installed? Love to hear from you if you've been this route. TIA

you're going to have to have a subscription for the recordings and playback, as noted in other posts that said USB or micro card - these technologies have faults especially in the outdoor elements. You can do solar, but when you have to replace those batteries you'll start running into issues with matching and quality.

being in security, I would use "shielded" electric connect - meaning hard wire or plug in where it can't be touched or altered typically done in conduit into the roofline. Second I would use Wireless and a subscription to avoid issues with hard technologies, I would also do it because of the fact you could end up with nothing. Since my job is to think like the attacker I would go after a usb stick or micro SD and remove them. now you have no evidence. I can easily do anything I want then.

The real answer is there is no band aid, no simple out, no easy. Security costs and needs to be planned and thought out then implemented with care and strategy. otherwise you just wasted your money for no results that benefit you.

[JRcorvette]

Blink is the way to go! EZ set-up… excellent batter life up to 2 years… App on your cell phone for viewing… Add a doorbell camera if you like… subscribe or not it’s optional. Price is reasonable and quality is great.