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HomeKit Best HomeKit security camera(s)?

iMas70

iMas70

macrumors 65816
Original poster
Sep 4, 2012
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I'm interested in getting security cameras to work with Homekit. I read a number of threads here and see Eufy mentioned a lot. I also saw the list on Apple's site. I'd like something that provides good quality (no grainy bank camera video/pictures), is proven to be reliable and is easy to use. I believe Apple only supports up to 1080 so I guess 2160 and 4K is out of the picture. One will be mounted outside so it has a view of the driveway and my side door. I'm considering putting one inside the front window so it has a view of the road. I've read ads that say the batteries are good for a year. Is that fairly accurate?

Thanks!
 
I'm not sure about the "best" part since that depends on each persons individual needs etc. I would look at the Logitech Circle View (Apple Web site or Logitech site). It's a wired camera so that may not be what you are looking for but it's HKSV camera and works well.

I'm not a fan of battery powered cameras for a few reasons streaming 24/7/365 is a battery killer, most cameras to reserve battery shut off or go into power saving mode until there is motion and often miss what you want to see on the camera. Different battery powered cameras use different options to address that. Recharging camera batteries on numerous cameras all the time is too high maintenance for me.

But there are some good use cases for a battery powered camera. Just something to think about that before you buy.
 
Not sure if “best” but I’m pretty happy with my Aqara G2H especially since for just over $200 I got 4!
 
As I did more research, I found some shut off until they detect a reason to power on. I prefer something that is on all the time.
 
MiamiC70 said:
Not sure if “best” but I’m pretty happy with my Aqara G2H especially since for just over $200 I got 4!
Click to expand...

I have not tried those but reading/watching others who have, they look pretty nice. Again they are wired and to me they are hard to beat w/wireless cameras.
 
I see you need something mounted outside but keep in mind, the G2H is not an outdoor camera. For outdoor you’d need either a Logitech Circle View (or Circle 2 which are discontinued but can still be found on eBay and Amazon), Arlo or Eufy. Arlo and Eufy are wireless though.

I bought 14 G2H’s on Amazon during Black Friday but returned them. Quality and features were great but it does not have anywhere near the 140 deg field of view they advertise. That was extremely disappointing. I’m huge advocate of Aqara products too.
 
srl7741 said:
I have not tried those but reading/watching others who have, they look pretty nice. Again they are wired and to me they are hard to beat w/wireless cameras.
Click to expand...
What do you mean they are wired? G2H’s are wireless cameras. The “wire” is a power cord.
 
I have two of the Logitech Circle 2, that work well with HomeKit. I use them in "wired" mode. Occasionally, the video feed will show as "unavailable", but a refresh of the app typically will fix.

I would recommend this particular model, assuming you have robust Wi-Fi where you plan on installing the camera.
 
I have an Aqara G2H and can recommend. It has been flawless so far and response is quick. A bonus: It acts as a Zigbee hub for Aqara accessories. I now have a bunch of motion and door sensors for automations.
 
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After doing more research and reading the replies, I didn't think I'd be able to use an outdoor camera because I rent the house and don't power in the corner where I'd mount it. Today I realized I can get the same angle from my bedroom window on the second floor and there is an outlet near it. Maybe I can mount the camera outside the window then plug it in there if the cord is flat enough to be able to close the window. May also have one for inside the house.

My WiFi is good. Usually tests in the 250-350 Mbps range on the first and second floors.
 
I wouldn't waste your money until they fix HSV. trying to scroll through your footage is absolutely the worst software on the market.
 
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