Comment by ranger_danger
1 day ago
In my experience, budget USB cameras are not reliable as a long-term solution because they randomly stop working in different ways after days of use and must be power-cycled.
Instead I would suggest either a direct CSI connection or an external GigE camera.
I was able to keep everything running without a reboot for more than 3 weeks.
I'd just bite the bullet and get proper security cameras. I got a few 4K something or other from Ankke (rebranded HikVision) 5 years ago and they still work fine. They were about €100 each.
For those that don't know, Hikvision is banned in several countries now due to both cybersecurity reasons and human rights violations: https://ipvm.com/reports/hikua-bans
I have also tried many other IP camera brands over the years, but it seems none of them have figured out how to output fully compliant RTP/RTMP/etc. streams so I end up always having strange and random problems receiving fluid streams from them into a central server.
Coupled with the fact that many brands are just using the same recycled white-label Chinese firmware, I'm not surprised.
Would love better recommendations though if any exist.
I've had some great success with Reolink. Decent video quality and the software is made with RTSP/RTMP support in mind, including a proper web portal on the camera so you don't even need the phone app for setup.
Not too sure if you are looking for non Chinese manufactured though, down here anything else is just way too expensive and lower quality anyway!
> I have also tried many other IP camera brands over the years, but it seems none of them have figured out how to output fully compliant RTP/RTMP/etc. streams so I end up always having strange and random problems receiving fluid streams from them into a central server.
Another issue is semi-compliant ONVIF implementations for PTZ cameras and/or not having relative movement implemented. Or you know, just lacking RTSP and ONVIF entirely.
> Coupled with the fact that many brands are just using the same recycled white-label Chinese firmware, I'm not surprised.
SDKs for many of the SoCs not being available is really annoying as well. Some of the Ingenic, Sigmastar, Goke etc. are available, but I think many were just leaks from customers rather than intentional releases.