Security Camera That Doesn't Talk to 3rd Parties?

Question

I need to set up an exterior camera that stores or streams video off-device, but I can't have it talking to uncontrolled servers (so nothing like Nest or Ring).I don't need an app, but I do need the server to be self-hosted.This is a little outside my experience, and Google isn't being very helpful right. Is this an option on the consumer market?

rococode · Accepted Answer

Most IP cameras should be fine, I use Amcrest cameras in my home. They even have a guide on how to stop all outgoing connections [1]. And if you don't entirely trust that, you can always throw them onto a VLAN with no internet access, though it can be tricky to set that up if you don't have much experience with router configs (I found it quite hard the first time).
To record the streams, I run Xeoma [2] on an old laptop 24/7. I use ethernet where I can and wifi otherwise. I have a 10TB hard drive hooked up to the laptop - overall with some motion detection settings this lets me save around 90 days worth of activity at 720p-1080p for each of 12 cameras, though of course this will vary drastically with your own storage space and save settings. It's also quite customizable which is nice - you can get it to send email alerts to you on motion detection, only record at certain times of day, send HTTP requests on certain triggers, etc. They also have an Android app which is convenient if you choose to enable password-protected remote access, or if you're on the same local network and just want to check with your phone.
There are also bundles you can buy that come with a handful of cameras and an NVR (network video recorder = the local server that records the camera streams). Costco has some for example [3]. They may be a little easier to set up, and as above you can also put them on a VLAN to make sure they have no internet access.
Some alternatives I'm aware of for the sake of completeness (can't vouch for any of these as I haven't used them before):
Alternative camera brands:
- Lorex
- Hikvision
- AXIS (if budget isn't an issue)
Alternative software:
- Zoneminder
- Shinobi
- Blue Iris
Personally, I'm satisified with my Amcrest + Xeoma setup and will use it again if I need to do the same setup elsewhere.
/r/HomeSecurity may also be helpful
[1] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z-dsZlSggdU
[2] https://felenasoft.com/xeoma/en/
[3] https://www.costco.com/lorex-8-channel%2c-4-smart-4k-dome-ca...

anh_n · Answer

If you have an old iPhone, you might want to checkout AiCam http://ai-cam.app. It has some smart features like person detection. It can work completely offline. Disclaimer: I am the developer of the app.

giantg2 · Answer

I have zoneminder running on a beelink with an external SSD capturing 5 Reolink cameras. PoE with battery backup.If you're really concerned, you can either keep it physically disconnected from the internet or use a managed switch.

1123581321 · Answer

Look into cameras that support HomeKit Secure Video. You can use something like an iPad as a hub to store and process it.

mattowen_uk · Answer

If you are into a bit of tinkering: raspberry pi plus the motioneye OS.

dubyabee2 · Answer

The commercial line of D-Link cameras called Vigillant are not tied to a 3rd party service. They come with a windows based software that runs on same lan as cameras. https://us.dlink.com/en/business/cameras