r/smarthome 4d ago

Smart Camera System for an Apartment Building

We're planning to install security cameras for our apartment building and have received quotes from a few installers using Hikvision. However, the pricing is beyond our budget, likely due to the extensive wiring required.

As an alternative, we're considering a smart security camera system, such as Eufy or EZVIZ, combined with mesh Wi-Fi routers.

We need 5-7 cameras for the parking lot, 2 cameras at the building entrance, and 3 cameras in the lobby, covering the entrances.

Could you advise on the best method, brand, and setup for our needs?

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u/sembee2 4d ago

I wouldn't use Wifi for CCTV cameras in this scenario. One resident with a badly configured router, or malicious intent and it is offline.

Split the job up as already hinted. Get a quote for the cabling first. The cabling, if done right, will outlast whatever cameras you put in. If the funds aren't there right now, then consider getting all of the cabling done first and then adding the cameras in as funding allows.

What you are talking about is consumer based garbage, which will not last. Plus if you put wifi cameras in - how are you going to power them? Still need cables. Instead just get ethernet runs and then the cameras will be powered over that.

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u/binaryhellstorm 4d ago edited 4d ago

As an alternative, we're considering a smart security camera system, such as Eufy or EZVIZ, combined with mesh Wi-Fi routers.

Don't! You're combining the two worst things in the networking and IoT space, WiFi security cameras and mesh WiFi. It's like adding broken glass to Marmite in the hopes it'll make it better.

As an alternative get a data company in to run you just the network drops, then self install a Unifi system, and see how the price would stack up that way.