I'm looking for a reliable security camera system that can record to both local storage and the cloud. Recently, we had a police officer ask for footage related to an incident, and it turned out our camera resolution was too low to capture important details like license plates. Plus, many of our cameras aren't functioning properly. I want to recommend a solution that not only records locally but also backs up footage online, especially since at a previous job, someone stole the DVR during a break-in. I'm particularly concerned about ensuring everything is secure, especially with our DVR and alarm system being positioned dangerously close to our front door.
7 Answers
If you're focused on getting clear license plate captures, dedicated License Plate Recognition (LPR) cameras are the way to go. They have specific requirements for placement and settings to get the best results. For more general needs, many modern cameras can manage decent visual quality for plates, but lighting and angles will affect accuracy. Personally, I've found that UniFi cameras paired with NVRs work great for both local recording and now they offer a cloud archive option, which is a major plus. Their newer models even include AI features for recognizing plates, but again, proper placement and lighting are key to getting accurate reads.
Another option I’ve come across is Verkada. Their system was straightforward to install, but just a heads-up, their sales team can be really pushy. If you decide to go this route, make sure you're committed long-term, as their cameras are proprietary and moving away would be a hassle.
We switched to Meraki cameras. They do require a subscription for advanced features and can record locally, but they also offer options for cloud archiving (one per camera). Currently, about 80% of our cameras save footage locally while 20% go to the cloud. It's worth looking into for an easy-to-use solution that just works without much hassle.
I didn’t even know Meraki had cameras! Gonna check them out soon.
It's great to consider options, but don’t let the cloud talk be a distraction from making sure your current DVR system is actually functioning. Regular checks on the DVR can save headaches later; just make sure it’s recording properly. Upgrading to the cloud doesn’t solve issues with your current setup if it’s not reliable in the first place. Just something to ponder before making any big changes.
For an enterprise solution, I can't recommend Axis enough. We use their system with a local recording option and they also provide cloud services if you want to expand. The Axis Camera Station requires a one-time fee per camera, which can be as low as $75, depending on the camera type, plus a subscription if you choose cloud storage. It's a solid choice for reliable security.
Yeah, we have Axis too! Works well for our needs.
Just throwing this out there—if you can budget for it, consider exploring Coram.ai for a more innovative approach. Just be sure to check their cloud storage capabilities, as it may vary by model.
For additional options, I've been looking into SCW Equipment. Their older models have local storage and allow for mobile viewing without complicated setups, plus they have features that let you automatically upload footage to cloud services when motion is detected. It could be a good fit for some businesses.
That sounds promising! I like the idea of having both local and cloud options.