I'm not a spy, I swear
November 29, 2015 9:58 PM
Please recommend a trail / security camera setup to help capture various critters in our back yard, and which can double as a security camera. Details / requirements inside.
We are considering putting a trail camera setup on our Christmas list. We have a backyard that borders a pond and a wooded area, and in the winter there are lots of tracks in the snow of various wildlife. We'd like to capture those critters on film to know what's roaming around back there and enjoy their presence. This could ideally also double as a security camera, just to help capture images of anyone that shouldn't be around the house (there have been some break-ins in the area in recent months).
Requirements:
- Must have wifi access so its photos are accessible without retrieving an SD card all the time. It will be in range of our home wifi. Bonus if it simply stores all the recorded media directly on a network drive.
- Must have decent night capability, including good brightness and range for IR photos.
- Must support video, and must trigger pictures / video on movement.
Nice-to-haves:
- Send an e-mail or text message with images (and/or have them be viewable over the internet) when movement is detected / pictures are taken
- Solar or battery powered with substantial battery life - outdoor mains access is available but would look ugly and expose its presence.
- Should operate during typical Minnesota winter temperatures, ideally up to -10F or better (worse?).
- Remotely configurable with lots of options like only texting photos during certain times, etc.
Budget is open, but I can't see spending more than $300 on something unless it's got some kickass features, like identifying any human that isn't us, the neighbors or the lawn care dudes and shooting a net to capture them.
Thanks everyone!
We are considering putting a trail camera setup on our Christmas list. We have a backyard that borders a pond and a wooded area, and in the winter there are lots of tracks in the snow of various wildlife. We'd like to capture those critters on film to know what's roaming around back there and enjoy their presence. This could ideally also double as a security camera, just to help capture images of anyone that shouldn't be around the house (there have been some break-ins in the area in recent months).
Requirements:
- Must have wifi access so its photos are accessible without retrieving an SD card all the time. It will be in range of our home wifi. Bonus if it simply stores all the recorded media directly on a network drive.
- Must have decent night capability, including good brightness and range for IR photos.
- Must support video, and must trigger pictures / video on movement.
Nice-to-haves:
- Send an e-mail or text message with images (and/or have them be viewable over the internet) when movement is detected / pictures are taken
- Solar or battery powered with substantial battery life - outdoor mains access is available but would look ugly and expose its presence.
- Should operate during typical Minnesota winter temperatures, ideally up to -10F or better (worse?).
- Remotely configurable with lots of options like only texting photos during certain times, etc.
Budget is open, but I can't see spending more than $300 on something unless it's got some kickass features, like identifying any human that isn't us, the neighbors or the lawn care dudes and shooting a net to capture them.
Thanks everyone!
The Nest Cam $169 is a pretty solid option. You might also check out the Xiaomi XiaoYi $29 which is almost too cheap to not try out.
You could always add a couple of IR LED spotlights ~$55 if the camera's night vision wasn't good enough.
posted by gregr at 9:39 AM on November 30, 2015
You could always add a couple of IR LED spotlights ~$55 if the camera's night vision wasn't good enough.
posted by gregr at 9:39 AM on November 30, 2015
Foscam has quite a variety of products that might work. It looks on their website like they all either require 110V (using a power adapter that needs to be protected from the weather) or are POE (powered over ethernet) which would mean hiding a somewhat easier to conceal wire. Their IP cam software seems to be aimed at setting up a connection with a phone or PC. Worth a look, I think.
There was a kerfluffle because someone hacked some of their cam products. It's worth a check to see if that's been fixed.
posted by SemiSalt at 10:37 AM on November 30, 2015
There was a kerfluffle because someone hacked some of their cam products. It's worth a check to see if that's been fixed.
posted by SemiSalt at 10:37 AM on November 30, 2015
If you're looking for a rugged solution, the Moultrie TRACE Premise Surveillance Camera can record one photo, three photos, or video when it detects motion. They make a solar panel/external battery pack, and it supports Eyefi SD cards to upload the files.
posted by djb at 10:37 AM on November 30, 2015
posted by djb at 10:37 AM on November 30, 2015
I just recently did some research and settled on a Axis M1034-W camera. Axis makes a lot of high end cameras, although surprisingly few wireless ones.
posted by Nelson at 11:05 AM on November 30, 2015
posted by Nelson at 11:05 AM on November 30, 2015
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posted by bluecore at 4:06 AM on November 30, 2015