this post was submitted on 03 Sep 2025
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Home Assistant is open source home automation that puts local control and privacy first.
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Best camera and doorbell setup for home security? (lemmy.world)
submitted 5 days ago by gedaliyah@lemmy.world to c/homeassistant@lemmy.world
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I'm looking into adding a video doorbell and some security cameras and want to integrate with HA. I have some cameras that came with the house, but I don't think they will work. The system has been discontinued and I don't have the "base unit" that connects them. If there is a way to use them, I'd be happy to find out if they are operational and use them. Web search has not helped.

My first priority is a video doorbell. I don't really understand much about how it works, and there is a lot of conflicting information out there. I have a wired doorbell, and I could probably manage to figure out how to run a data line if needed.

I want it to play nicely with any future system. The current camera system is wired, and I'm happy to run new wires if needed. I have plenty of storage on my home PC server, and I'd prefer to use it.

Any guides out there that really cover the overall process?

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[–] GreatAlbatross@feddit.uk 11 points 4 days ago (1 children)

I love my Reolink one.
It's powered by PoE, which means running an ethernet cable, and either using a PoE capable switch, or injecting the power just for that cable with an injector.
If you're planning a few cameras, a switch is worth it, as you can power them all easily. Basic ones are £20.

Because it's powered, it will stream all day/night without worrying about batteries. It stores video locally on a microSD, and dumps clips to FTP happily.
The clip capture is pre-rolled too (30s, I think?), which is always nice.

Currently, I have the feed in dashboards, and I have an automation that flashes the lights and sends a picture to my phone when someone presses the bell.
Eventually, I'd like to integrate it directly into HA so I can speak to people without using the Reolink application.

I like Reolink's other cameras too (they do quite a few). I have an 810A, and a 510, if you wanted any feedback on them.

[–] gedaliyah@lemmy.world 3 points 4 days ago

Thank you for sharing these details! Very helpful.