HomeKit Good Homekit-compatible Security Camera for Ceiling Mount in Garage?

[rcl4668]

I have set up my house with Homekit accessories including an Apple TV 4K serving as the hub as well as other accessories such as a Netatmo front video doorbell, lights, blinds etc. It's all very cool and I love it. I have also installed a Liftmaster Bridge to make my Liftmaster MyQ garage door Homekit compatible and it is working great, allowing remote opening and closing of the garage when I am off site.

One thing I would like to add is a ceiling mounted, security camera that can show me real time video when the garage is opened or even when it is closed. For example, when an Amazon delivery arrives I would like to confirm the door is open and that the delivery person was able to get in and out of the garage before I close it. I would like the camera to be Homekit compatible so that it integrates into my home app (I do not want to have access a third-aprty app to view the video or speak to the person in question. The other requirement is that I do not want to have to pay for a Apple or other Cloud monthly subscription to access the camera. I am fine making do without extensive recordings or facial recogniton and Apple Secure video. Ideally, the camera would use local storage like an SD card so I could have some basic recordings and then just act as a real time, live streaming camera on demand or when something happens like the door opens/closes or there is movement detected.

I have done some initial research and came up with:

-- Logitech Circle View Camera (Homekit compatible but it seems to rely on a monthly subcription - can it also be sued without a monthly subcription?):

Logitech Circle View Camera Security System-HomeKit Enabled

www.logitech.com

-- Netatmo Smart Indoor Security Camera (cool design with local storage but no sure it mounts on a celing?):

Smart Indoor Surveillance Camera | Netatmo

An unfamiliar face? With facial recognition and instant notifications about break-ins, you can jump into action when you need to.

www.netatmo.com

-- Eufy Indoor Cam 2k:

Indoor Cam C120 (2K, Plug-In)

Ensure the safety of your home with the eufy Indoor Cam C120. Enjoy clear 2K surveillance, real-time communication via two-way audio, and smart AI that recognizes humans and pets.

us.eufylife.com

-- Eve Cam Secure Indoor Camera:

Eve Cam | evehome.com

Secure indoor camera with Apple HomeKit Secure Video Technology

www.evehome.com

Anyone have experience with any of these products who might know which is best for my needs? Thanks in advance for any guidance!

/Rich

 

[Ravenbrook]

The Logitech supports Apple secure video. If you have iCloud storage and pay the $2.99 for 50 gig plan then you can add one camera for free I believe. You can view the camera through the Home app and the video is pretty good. I had one for a while but returned it because I didn’t want to have it record everything in my house when I was home. But for a garage I think it would be fine.

 

[rcl4668]

Ravenbrook -- Thanks so much! Yes, the Logitech looks great but I want to avoid having to add any monthly subscriptions or fees as a result of adding a Homekit product. I don't necessarily need Apple secure video, just a camera that can stream when someone enters or exits the garage, when the door opens or when I want to just see the live stream to check on the contents of the garage. Having two-way voice communication would also be ideal. I have tried reviewing some videos but it is not clear whether the Logitech supports those features without the iCloud subscription fee.

 

[kylew1212]

Ravenbrook -- Thanks so much! Yes, the Logitech looks great but I want to avoid having to add any monthly subscriptions or fees as a result of adding a Homekit product. I don't necessarily need Apple secure video, just a camera that can stream when someone enters or exits the garage, when the door opens or when I want to just see the live stream to check on the contents of the garage. Having two-way voice communication would also be ideal. I have tried reviewing some videos but it is not clear whether the Logitech supports those features without the iCloud subscription fee.

I believe that the Logitech can live stream without homekit secure video, but it cannot store footage without it. The Logitech is primarily a homekit camera.

 

[rcl4668]

Yes, I found a video by Shane on Youtube and it said the same. Dangit! Thanks again!

 

[Ravenbrook]

I found that the minimum storage through iCloud wasn’t enough for my backups so the $2.99 for 200 gigs, I believe I was wrong in my previous post, wasn’t that bad. I do hate that we live in a nickel and dime society now. Extra fees for iCloud, Netflix, Paramount+, AppleTV, ESPN+, etc...

 

[rcl4668]

Agree completely. Individually, it doesn't seem that bad but it adds up when taken together and I want to try to simplify my digital footprint as much as possible. In the meantime, I found this camera which seems to check all the boxes: Homekit-compatible, two-way audio, local SD card storage as well as optional iCloud recording and it can be ceiling mounted:


Aqara G2H Camera Hub:

Aqara Security Camera, HomeKit Secure Video Indoor Camera, Night Vision, Two-Way Audio, 1080P HD Plug-in Indoor Cam, Security Home Camera, Smart Home Bridge for Alarm System, Works with IFTTT

Product FAQ Does the Aqara Camera Hub G2H support recording and viewing in the Homekit App? HomeKit Secure Video supports recording up to 10 days, stored in iCloud safely. You can view it in the Apple Home App on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. You need to have a 200GB iCloud storage plan to suppor...

www.amazon.com

 

[diamond.g]

I have the Eufy indoor 2k cam. I don't have it attached to my HK though (I have the outdoor cams attached). They only shortcoming I see is that (at least with my outdoor cams) you cannot see recorded (stored locally) footage. The indoor cam is fine and can be wall mounted (not sure about upside down mounting).

 

[rcl4668]

I have the Eufy indoor 2k cam. I don't have it attached to my HK though (I have the outdoor cams attached). They only shortcoming I see is that (at least with my outdoor cams) you cannot see recorded (stored locally) footage. The indoor cam is fine and can be wall mounted (not sure about upside down mounting).

Diamond --

Yes, after doing some research it looks like the Eufy 2K and the Aqara are the top runners. Thank you!

/Rich

 

[haralds]

I use Eufy with HomeKit and am happy with it. Set and forget.

 

[rcl4668]

Thanks Heralds!