Security cameras in 2026

[JackOfDiamonds]

It seems like the world of consumer-level security cameras gets re-invented about every 2 years and I'm out-of-date again.

Previously I always planned on running CAT5 to my camera locations, so I could run PoE cameras, and have a DVR on-site. Figured total system coust would be 2k+. That's what I did at my old house, because 1) I don't like paying cloud subscriptions for video storage 2) don't like having my video on somebody else's cloud server anyway 3) the cameras were better than the wifi ones, and never had to worry they'd run out of battery.

However, multiple companies are selling off-the-shelf cameras that have built-in solar panels, or tiny local solar panels to keep them charged, and they also either have SD cards (probably OK for cameras mounted up high) or have a home "base station" that's basically my old DVR. Total system cost $400-600, and seemingly the same functionality, or even better.

Some of the new cameras do require a cloud subscription to use the AI detection features. But some of them can do that with local storage too.

Can I save myself the trouble of running CAT5 in my new house? Has it gone the way of running old-school phone lines...something you just don't need to do anymore?

 

[niget2002]

I still ran mine over POE with a local NVR.

 

[cgrutt]

I would definitely run cameras over hardline POE given choice. I'm running Hikvision six cameras with NVR was about $800 (excluding wire) about two years ago no issues. Access 24/7 with their app for free.

If I had to buy today I'd be looking at Ubiquity UniFi cameras and infrastructure. They have some pretty cool products.

 

[CoogarXR]

Watching this thread. I also have a cat5/poe setup currently. I'm not looking to change it, but I'm looking to help a friend pick a system soon.

 

[Higgins]

I would definitely run cameras over hardline POE given choice. I'm running Hikvision six cameras with NVR was about $800 (excluding wire) about two years ago no issues. Access 24/7 with their app for free.

If I had to buy today I'd be looking at Ubiquity UniFi cameras and infrastructure. They have some pretty cool products.

The last security system was around 10+ yrs ago! We installed wiring to each camera location and it worked great!
Have talked to several sec companies around hear, and I haven't been to impressed on what their proposals were. So i may look at going it alone ....

 

[Chuckster in NJ]

COSTCO for a decent "budget friendly" system.………. Of course you always go for a professional system at double or triple the cost that will be outdated in five years.

BTW! I purchased a 8 cam POE system REOLINK from Costco and it works great.

 

[rjacobs]

All you need to look at is are any of the commercial systems running over wireless(whatever the protocol)? My semi-educated answer is no... everybody runs hard wire'd camera's to a local NVR. I dont think anybody is running wireless camera's to the cloud.

I love my Ubiquiti system but its NOT cheap to fully outfit.

 

[zimman]

It seems like the world of consumer-level security cameras gets re-invented about every 2 years and I'm out-of-date again.

Previously I always planned on running CAT5 to my camera locations, so I could run PoE cameras, and have a DVR on-site. Figured total system coust would be 2k+. That's what I did at my old house, because 1) I don't like paying cloud subscriptions for video storage 2) don't like having my video on somebody else's cloud server anyway 3) the cameras were better than the wifi ones, and never had to worry they'd run out of battery.

However, multiple companies are selling off-the-shelf cameras that have built-in solar panels, or tiny local solar panels to keep them charged, and they also either have SD cards (probably OK for cameras mounted up high) or have a home "base station" that's basically my old DVR. Total system cost $400-600, and seemingly the same functionality, or even better.

Some of the new cameras do require a cloud subscription to use the AI detection features. But some of them can do that with local storage too.

Can I save myself the trouble of running CAT5 in my new house? Has it gone the way of running old-school phone lines...something you just don't need to do anymore?

Wyze camera's are around $39 each and the yearly cloud deal is like $25. Unless you have stacks of cash or Jewerly laying around you shouldn't need it. I get alerts all day when away from home that someone or something is on the property. I don't need a "renta-a-cop" on minimum wage watching my ****. LOL
Zim

 

[aggie113]

ReoLink has some quality cams that can do just about anything from POE to 110v to DC to solar. I have a couple Reolink units that connect to my Synology NAS as well as some Unifi cameras using their own NVR. I like the wide angle units Reolink offers that combine cameras with floodlight functionality.

 

[Codyboy]

I would only ever run security cameras or a system on hard line. Never on wifi or OTA.
The only exception to that would be at my gate that is a 1/4 mile from the house.

I have 10 cameras similar to what cgrutt has.
Hikvision or rebranded Hikvision cameras from Nellies and an 16 channel NVR. I can access it from anywhere in the world using iVMS4500 app on my phone. No subscriptions or fees to pay anyone as its a direct setup over the internet straight through my home router and to the NVR. The only caveat on occasion is my IP at home is not static and sometimes changes. Doesn't happen very often.

 

[kj_mustang]

I hope you guys running Hikvision stuff know it was banned from being sold in the US and Canada.
A recent article with more info. https://www.reuters.com/world/china...nd-crackdown-chinese-telecom-gear-2025-12-04/

 

[cgrutt]

I hope you guys running Hikvision stuff know it was banned from being sold in the UIS and Canada.
A recent article with more info. https://www.reuters.com/world/china...nd-crackdown-chinese-telecom-gear-2025-12-04/

Did not know that thanks.

 

[Codyboy]

I hope you guys running Hikvision stuff know it was banned from being sold in the UIS and Canada.
A recent article with more info. https://www.reuters.com/world/china...nd-crackdown-chinese-telecom-gear-2025-12-04/

Hmmm. I'd like to know more about that in depth.
Thanks.

 

[kj_mustang]

Best that I can remember from years ago, a security expert proved that data was being sent home to China from the devices.

 

[cgrutt]

Interesting video on design considerations for security cameras

 

[Codyboy]

Best that I can remember from years ago, a security expert proved that data was being sent home to China from the devices.

I heard something along those lines too.
Not sure what they'd be collecting though. Unless somehow if a camera has the ability to access other devices or computers on the network it's connected to.

 

[cgrutt]

Best that I can remember from years ago, a security expert proved that data was being sent home to China from the devices.

Unlike your cell phone and Alexa-type home devices no doubt...

 

[dave*99]

I would only ever run security cameras or a system on hard line. Never on wifi or OTA.
The only exception to that would be at my gate that is a 1/4 mile from the house.

I have 10 cameras similar to what cgrutt has.
Hikvision or rebranded Hikvision cameras from Nellies and an 16 channel NVR. I can access it from anywhere in the world using iVMS4500 app on my phone. No subscriptions or fees to pay anyone as its a direct setup over the internet straight through my home router and to the NVR. The only caveat on occasion is my IP at home is not static and sometimes changes. Doesn't happen very often.

Did your HikVision cameras get hacked? In a previous hack, many were all renamed so instead of saying back yard or front north they all said:

"Your CCTV is vulnerable and can be exposed, fix it pls - DIY or Telegram me - faxociety" or simply "PWNED"

Keep in mind if you can access it anywhere in the world, well...... you get the point.

https://ipcamtalk.com/threads/advise-needed-my-hikvision-was-hacked-pwned.74632/

 

[Buckaroo5]

At home, I have a Reolink CAT5 wired POE system w/ NVR that I installed maybe 10 years ago. Works fine. At the cabin, I put in Blink wireless cameras. Lots of camera/motion light options, two-way audio capable, installation is easy-peasy, battery life is really good but it is subscription if you want internet access and you only get event recordings. Subscription is $120/yr.

 

[Codyboy]

Did your HikVision cameras get hacked? In a previous hack, many were all renamed so instead of saying back yard or front north they all said:

"Your CCTV is vulnerable and can be exposed, fix it pls - DIY or Telegram me - faxociety" or simply "PWNED"

Keep in mind if you can access it anywhere in the world, well...... you get the point.

https://ipcamtalk.com/threads/advise-needed-my-hikvision-was-hacked-pwned.74632/

No.
In that ipcam thread the op said he uses hikconnect. From my understanding it's a third party software that uses the cloud.
Maybe im paranoid but I don't like anything that uses the cloud.

 

[cgrutt]

No.

Generally NVR sits behind your router and/or firewall so assuming hacker would need to bypass any security there before accessing your videos, no?

 

[Codyboy]

Generally NVR sits behind your router and/or firewall so assuming hacker would need to bypass any security there before accessing your videos, no?

Hell if I know really.
My nvr is connected to my router yes.
I can get into my router because I know the ip address.
I suppose a hacker could randomly choose an ip address to see what all is connected behind it by trying different ports ? Then if they found an open port they would still have to guess at the username and pw.
I think, but honestly don't know. Not really savvy in IT , as I only missed being a boomer by a year or two.
Lol

 

[SlotlessMan]

I use hard wired POE with BlueIris. Video stays local.

I am pretty sure the Hikvision issue as well as many other amazon specials are with the DOD. Most cheap cameras don't carry NDAA approval. Don't use them in a bank but you can buy them.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Reolink POE cams are amazing... i have the doorbell and a 180° flood light cam.... plan on buying a few more...

 

[wyliesdiesels]

No.
In that ipcam thread the op said he uses hikconnect. From my understanding it's a third party software that uses the cloud.
Maybe im paranoid but I don't like anything that uses the cloud.

no, HikConnect is the cloud relay service ran by hikvision (owned by the chinese communist party)... its how the video feeds are relayed from the NVRs to the app on your phone

 

[mngundog]

I'm in with Ring, with 2 cameras for $50.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

I'm in with Ring, with 2 cameras for $50.

*local PD has entered the chat.*

'thanks for the free surveillance'

 

[wyliesdiesels]

I use hard wired POE with BlueIris. Video stays local.

I am pretty sure the Hikvision issue as well as many other amazon specials are with the DOD. Most cheap cameras don't carry NDAA approval. Don't use them in a bank but you can buy them.

not for much longer. new models arent being sold or shipped.... big chat about it in my cctv groups

 

[PWC Repair]

My son just recently looked into this cause I just wired his new house. He decided on Poe and I ran cat6a shielded 23ga solid copper for the internet and to all security and doorbell locations. Best price I found on the cat6a was the Cable Matters store on A,azon. Good to hear positive things about the Reolink stuff as well.

 

[Overboost44]

At home, I have a Reolink CAT5 wired POE system w/ NVR that I installed maybe 10 years ago. Works fine. At the cabin, I put in Blink wireless cameras. Lots of camera/motion light options, two-way audio capable, installation is easy-peasy, battery life is really good but it is subscription if you want internet access and you only get event recordings. Subscription is $120/yr.

This^ I have been doing some research and the Reolink seems to be a very good system. To my surprise, I found them at Sam's Club 4 cams and a NVR for $500
ETA: It had a PTZ camera, too.

Reolink 4K 8MP Bullet Cameras + Auto Pan -Tilt with 2TB NVR Security System, 5pk. - Samsclub.com

Buy Reolink 4K 8MP Bullet Cameras + Auto Pan -Tilt with 2TB NVR Security System, 5pk. at Samsclub.com

www.samsclub.com

 

[Codyboy]

no, HikConnect is the cloud relay service ran by hikvision (owned by the chinese communist party)... its how the video feeds are relayed from the NVRs to the app on your phone

Right. That is why I don't use hikconnect or the cloud to access my cameras.
When I say third party , I guess what im trying to say is I do not go through them to get to my cameras.

 

[jblnut]

Ubiquiti. Not Ubiquity. Drives me bonkers !!

Go here and buy the “kit” and enjoy life. I just ordered another one to put at my grain bin site. I have installed hundreds of Ubiquiti cameras since 2013 and they’ve gotten waaaaaay easier to use/install/manage. One of the very first Gen2 cams I hung up here n 2013 is still running in my barn. Not bad for being 13yrs old.

Most “prosumer” level things that have any kind of easy to use/setup options as well as easy remote viewing use a cloud server of some kind. If you want to be able to view remotely without a cloud server and have true control over the data flow you’re gonna need to open your wallet. It doesn’t exist within the financial constraints most on GJ would place on the install.

I have 24 Ubiquiti cameras running here from a Gen2 to a few versions of their WiFi cams to a brand new G6 Pro 360. They’re good quality hardware and the software is always getting better. It’s easy to setup and use on any browser or mobile device.

Go Ubiquiti.

 

[gte718p]

Hell if I know really.
My nvr is connected to my router yes.
I can get into my router because I know the ip address.
I suppose a hacker could randomly choose an ip address to see what all is connected behind it by trying different ports ? Then if they found an open port they would still have to guess at the username and pw.
I think, but honestly don't know. Not really savvy in IT , as I only missed being a boomer by a year or two.
Lol

Its not random, the internet and all IPV4 addresses are routinely scanned by bots both benign (google) and malicious (hackers, china, etc). IPV6 also gets scanned, but there are a lot more address so I see it less often. Once an open port is seen, there is generally a barrage of generic attacks. Certain ports are normally connected to certain systems, so if one of those is open you will see a bunch of attempts with the default username and passwords for the equipment normally associated with the service. It is disturbing how often it works.

I have a server that gets used once a year for two weeks. We generally leave it up most of the year for testing. There are three people in the world who know the IP address and it is never been publicly listed and only has two ports open. I get about a dozen hits a day. You can see the malicious actors as you'll see the first hit generally a generic ping, then the port scan, and then immediately 10 to 100 login attempts. They all come form different IP address. Then it will go dead for an hour or two.

For cameras I'm in the Ubiquiti fan group. Good quality. Relatively easy to setup. Everything works together nicely. The only down side it is not cheap.

Once we close on the new house I'm going full local AI with Ubiquiti and the AI Key. Should be fun.

 

[jblnut]

Once we close on the new house I'm going full local AI with Ubiquiti and the AI Key. Should be fun.

The AI features have been fun to play with. I was hopeful the license plate identification would be a little more accurate. It’ll get about half of them spot on and the other half you can tell what it is from the image it captures.

 

[niget2002]

My unifi firewall has the built in nvr. I run amcrest cameras over poe. I can use the unifi app to watch the feeds. The amcrest cameras have built in Ai for recognition but unifi doesn't monitor it. I have HA set up to monitor the alerts and send them to me. I'm still working on getting ha to grab a snapshot to go with the alert.

 

[rmanrman]

COSTCO for a decent "budget friendly" system.………. Of course you always go for a professional system at double or triple the cost that will be outdated in five years.

BTW! I purchased a 8 cam POE system REOLINK from Costco and it works great.

Reolink has NO customer service support. Only email and reply is from 1-4 days. Would not buy again.

 

[gte718p]

The AI features have been fun to play with. I was hopeful the license plate identification would be a little more accurate. It’ll get about half of them spot on and the other half you can tell what it is from the image it captures.

The license plate ID is what I really want to work. Think I am also going to do the gate controller. There is no pull off in front of my gate. I have to stop and block traffic on a tiny road while the gate opens. one of my cars has an installed opener. Where I live and work it is not safe or a good idea to leave openers in your car. I find having them on the key chain is inconvenient, especially as I will have to have four sets of openers. There is very little traffic so not a huge problem, but still an inconvenience. There is a decent distance from the corner of the property to the gate, and a good view down the road. I am really hoping the system can ID the license plate and open the gate well before I get there.

I think it is $700 for the gate controller, so its not cheap. However, it combines intercom, gate opener, and access control in a package that plays nicely with my network infrastructure. I'm already going to have networking run to spread wifi over 4 plus acres and multiple buildings. I'm also not going to be at the property most of the time. To be able to control access for deliveries or workers from anywhere in the world seems convenient. With 4 PTZ camera, 4 fixed camera, motion detectors, and AI motion/person ID and I should have a pretty good idea what is happening on my property no matter where I am. I think it going to be a little over $3k for everything so a bit more then Costco cameras, but also a ton more capability, customizability, and scalability.

 

[Chuckster in NJ]

Reolink has NO customer service support. Only email and reply is from 1-4 days. Would not buy again.

Costco has great customer support at their return desk.……… "IF" you have ANY issues with anything you purchase from Costco you can return it at anytime.

REOLINK is a "consumer grade" system and it is a cheap system so "you get what you pay for" and I have been very happy with the system.
Basically you use it for 8-10 years until it dies and then throw it away.


BTW! When I was an electrical contractor I would NEVER install a cheap "consumer grade" video system and the customs base that we served wanted the best system available at the time with PTZ capability………. At the time color cameras were just coming into the market.

 

[jblnut]

The license plate ID is what I really want to work. Think I am also going to do the gate controller. There is no pull off in front of my gate. I have to stop and block traffic on a tiny road while the gate opens. one of my cars has an installed opener. Where I live and work it is not safe or a good idea to leave openers in your car. I find having them on the key chain is inconvenient, especially as I will have to have four sets of openers. There is very little traffic so not a huge problem, but still an inconvenience. There is a decent distance from the corner of the property to the gate, and a good view down the road. I am really hoping the system can ID the license plate and open the gate well before I get there.

I think it is $700 for the gate controller, so its not cheap. However, it combines intercom, gate opener, and access control in a package that plays nicely with my network infrastructure. I'm already going to have networking run to spread wifi over 4 plus acres and multiple buildings. I'm also not going to be at the property most of the time. To be able to control access for deliveries or workers from anywhere in the world seems convenient. With 4 PTZ camera, 4 fixed camera, motion detectors, and AI motion/person ID and I should have a pretty good idea what is happening on my property no matter where I am. I think it going to be a little over $3k for everything so a bit more then Costco cameras, but also a ton more capability, customizability, and scalability.

$3k for 4 PTZ cams, 4 fixed and all these other goodies ? Even if you’re going with 360 cams with digital PTZ $3k is gonna be real light. All cameras from the G5 newer can use AI detections. Some are better than others. I have a LPR cam at one location and it’s hands down better than any other model I’ve messed with so far. It’s closer to 90% spot on but it’s also $500. Plus an NVR and all them other **** that goes with a wired camera system. And to have decent WiFi over 4a is no small task either. Getting coverage is easy, getting it to work well isn’t always as easy.

I’d double that budget in your head and be tickled pink if it comes in under.

 

[kj_mustang]

Make sure you check the temperature ratings on any exterior cameras you are buying depending on your location. Cheap consumer grade usually doesn't handle cold temperatures well