What’s a good reliable video camera or video doorbell to purchase, to add an extra layer of ‘protection’ to see what’s going on? Ring? Blink? Simply Safe? ADT? something else? One of my friends had some thing through Cox Communications and she said it was so bad she had them remove it within two weeks so I definitely want to avoid that!

I realize there’s usually an annual fee involved, but I really want something reliable with clear viewing whether day or night. If it’s an easy do it yourself set up, it’s even better but I realize if I want it hardwired, I’ll have to get Electrician. Thanks in advance!

Is this for your own home?

FG,

For your own home with wifi I like RING. Up to 5 cameras and inexpensive monitoring.

For vacant rentals without wifi I use SimpliSafe. Have several and move them from project to project. Live monitoring available to call the police if we don't return their call. Need wifi for video.

I am experimenting with a camera - solar powered, night vision, two way talk, no wifi. $99 on Amazon, $13/month service.

What objective are you trying to achieve with this system?

There are some options.

For vacant rentals, I use a BLINK system - I actually have an older system, so I have NO fees or expenses - the videos go directly to my phone and I can save them or delete them as needed for NO CHARGE.

It does take AC power and WIFI to run them. I always have the power turned on at my vacant places and for WIFI, I own a portable hot spot and can get a SIM card from the library for two or three weeks at a time. This SIM card just goes right into my hotspot and I am good.

The video is enough for me to see if someone is messing around at the vacant location. I also get some animal traffic - even as large as deer in the big city.

I bought the cameras and the hot spot years ago, so I have ZERO cost in hooking it up at each place. I even leave the camera mounts on the side of the house when I pull the cameras down for the next time the place is vacant.

It works well for what I need.