Wanted: Cheap crappy IP camera - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Medium
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 20, 2019, 07:50:16 pm
content: Hey!I am currently looking for a cheap way to visually monitor a few things in my house. (Remaining time on my washing machine, if the heater's flame is still on, stuff like that.) I do not want to bring Ethernet to these places just for that, but mains is nearby in all cases. I am thus looking for cameras that are WLAN capable, but don't really require anything fancy. No movable head, pretty much any resolution is alright. Wall mountable out of the box preferred, but I will make my own brackets if needed. A 12mm threaded lens would be cool to have some choice in lenses, but that'd be a luxury.All I found were cameras >30€ with horrible reviews (especially concerning connectivity and mandatory internet access - wtf) that were entirely uninteresting to me, and anything remotely okay started around 120€. Not the kind of money I want to spend on such things to be honest. I just want some fixed 480p or so cam that I don't have to run ethernet to, hence WLAN. Ideally not for some proprietary stupid phone app, but something I can access with my browser or a software that deals with the usual security cam streams.Can anyone recommend or point at something like this? (Buyer's location is Germany, in case that makes a difference.)Take care and thanks!

author: andy3055
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 20, 2019, 09:44:33 pm
content: Try Wyze:https://www.cnet.com/holiday-gift-guide/best-under-25/

author: Medium
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 21, 2019, 10:13:11 am
content: That one is 50€ or more for me

author: andy3055
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 21, 2019, 04:18:36 pm
content: Get some old cell phones or handys.

author: ciccio
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 21, 2019, 06:06:20 pm
content: Maybe this is too expensive, but I had good results.https://www.amazon.it/Telecamera-Sorveglianza-Videocamera-Bidirezionale-Compatibile/dp/B07QKVPF5C/ref=sr_1_1?adgrpid=54203585458&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIwJDdsJG95QIVWuh3Ch2uxg5DEAAYASAAEgKIUvD_BwE&hvadid=255143924597&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=1008522&hvnetw=g&hvpos=1t1&hvqmt=e&hvrand=11239138628486184917&hvtargid=kwd-308692838855&hydadcr=10854_1711210&keywords=wansview+camera&qid=1572203217&sr=8-1It's 27 Euros...Best regards

author: Medium
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 21, 2019, 06:21:55 pm
content: Quote from: ciccio on November 21, 2019, 06:06:20 pmThanks! Sadly, this exact model is 40€ in Germany. Seems like we are getting thoroughly screwed in terms of IP cams hereBut this looks like a really interesting candidate for actual security surveillance I also plan to do! Just not for merely watching a clock and a flame downstairs.Quote from: andy3055 on November 21, 2019, 04:18:36 pmYou know what? That's actually not the worst idea! I could just strap them to the wall, and any phone from even 5 years ago would probably do the trick just fine! Some custom made app (or maybe there already is such a thing that films, streams and has the screen off to save energy), and it might just work well enough. Thanks!

author: andy3055
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 21, 2019, 07:39:15 pm
content: Here is an article with links to 3 such free apps. Good luck!https://www.watchfuldad.com/use-phone-as-baby-monitor/

author: Medium
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 21, 2019, 10:08:37 pm
content: Quote from: andy3055 on November 21, 2019, 07:39:15 pmThat site is awful to read on a large computer screen. I hate it when "responsive" web design means for crappy phone screens only... Nonetheless, greatly appreciated! Thanks again!

author: Lord of nothing
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 26, 2019, 08:00:20 am
content: Looking for an Reseller for IT Stuff and buy one of there Cameras:https://www.hikvision.com/de/Products/Network-Camera/EasyIP-2.0plus/2MPMaybe you find some genuine on Ebay, Aliexpress,...

author: NiHaoMike
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 28, 2019, 04:50:52 am
content: Take a look at ESP32 camera modules.

author: Medium
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 28, 2019, 01:54:42 pm
content: Quote from: Lord of nothing on November 26, 2019, 08:00:20 amAgain only offers at ~100€ or more for their simplest model. I fear I simply overestmated the price drop I expected after so many years of smart phones and digital cameras in general.Quote from: NiHaoMike on November 28, 2019, 04:50:52 amHeh, I was looking at that module for a different project just recently. Once I did that and got familiar with it, I might give that route a go as well.Thanks!

author: ciccio
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 28, 2019, 05:35:43 pm
content: Banggood has reduced the price:https://www.banggood.com/GUUDGO-Blockhouse-1080P-2MP-Smart-IP-Camera-Two-Way-Audio-Night-Vision-Security-Monitor-Camera-p-1596759.html?rmmds=search&cur_warehouse=CNI don't think ypu can build something at this price using modules of any type...Best regards

author: Medium
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 30, 2019, 04:40:11 pm
content: Quote from: ciccio on November 28, 2019, 05:35:43 pmThat looks PERFECT!! Big thanks!