WIFI Doorbell Camera

Overview

Notes on installing WIFI doorbell cameras.

Required specs

• No storage subscription required
• Ethernet cable
• PoE
• 1080p video or better, e.g. 2K or 3K
• Compatible with Synology Surveillance Station, most likely with ONVIF
• A phone app with push notifications when doorbell is pressed providing video in front of the door
• (Optional) some sort of physical door chime triggered by the button on the doorbell unit

3rd-party camera software

• Synology Surveillance Station
• Blue Iris

Recommended products

Discussion of these specs on ipcamtalk forums. Included mentions of Doorbird, Yoosee, Nelly's Security, and Axis A8105-E.

• Arlo Video Doorbell — Amazon page, CNet review
  • $150
  • Wireless only
  • Promotes storage subscription provided by Arlo
  • Arlo is not listed as a supported vendor in Surveillance Station
• Nest
  • Nest is not listed as a supported vendor in Surveillance Station
  • Google storage subscription
  • Wireless only
• Nelly's Security NSC-DB2
  • $140
  • ONVIF
  • 3MP video
  • Not PoE? Requires power to the doorbell.

Previously installed

DoorBird IP Video Door Station D101

Drawbacks

• Hard-wired ethernet Cat5, i.e. there is no plug, so it cannot be reinstalled. Also Cat5, not Cat6.