Please can someone direct me to alternative to Nest Cam Generation 1?

P

Python49

n3wb
Nov 4, 2018
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USA
The features from Nest Cam generation 1 that I am looking for in a new brand / camera are:

-2 month CVR cloud backup for the footage
-Downloadable footage from the cloud backup
-Can be logged in and viewed by anyone with the login information
-Continuous recording (not just events/motion)

Nest didn't have this - but I would like if a camera had a battery backup option in case the power went off or was disconnected.

Fwiw, I have tried wyze cameras and they do not allow for downloading full 1hr+ clips, or continuous footage.

Any brands that fit the above requirements?
 
Python49 said:
The features from Nest Cam generation 1 that I am looking for in a new brand / camera are:

-2 month CVR cloud backup for the footage
-Downloadable footage from the cloud backup
-Can be logged in and viewed by anyone with the login information
-Continuous recording (not just events/motion)

Nest didn't have this - but I would like if a camera had a battery backup option in case the power went off or was disconnected.

Fwiw, I have tried wyze cameras and they do not allow for downloading full 1hr+ clips, or continuous footage.

Any brands that fit the above requirements?
Click to expand...

Hi @python45

Cloud and continuous recording ..

I do not recall if any of the cloud cameras are doing this ..

update : That is I do not know who does this without additional monthly service fees
 
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I guess Nest had a good thing going until Google took it over then.... The first gen cameras have 2 month CVR cloud backup, continuous recording, and downloadable footage up to 3 hours to computer to watch on VLC player.
 
Python49 said:
Bump.. just in case someone knows of a brand that has these features.
Click to expand...
Python49 said:
I guess Nest had a good thing going until Google took it over then.... The first gen cameras have 2 month CVR cloud backup, continuous recording, and downloadable footage up to 3 hours to computer to watch on VLC player.
Click to expand...

original requirements :
  • -2 month CVR cloud backup for the footage
  • -Downloadable footage from the cloud backup
  • -Can be logged in and viewed by anyone with the login information
  • -Continuous recording (not just events/motion)

Currently

"Nest continuous recording
According to the search results, Nest continuous recording is available under certain conditions:

Wired Nest Cams: With a Nest Aware Plus subscription, wired Nest Cams can record 24/7 video history for up to 10 days.
Battery-Powered Nest Cams: Unfortunately, battery-powered Nest Cams do not support continuous recording. They only record events, such as motion detection.
Nest Doorbell: The Nest Doorbell (battery-powered) cannot record continuous video.
Note: The availability of continuous recording may vary depending on the specific Nest camera model and subscription plan. It’s essential to check the camera’s specifications and subscription requirements before purchasing.

Nest Aware: Nest Aware is a subscription-based service that offers additional video history beyond the default 3 hours. With Nest Aware, you can choose between event video history and 24/7 video history. The latter allows for continuous recording, enabling you to review every second of video footage.

In summary, Nest continuous recording is available on wired Nest Cams with a Nest Aware Plus subscription, but not on battery-powered Nest Cams or the Nest Doorbell."

So far, 10 days vs 60 days ( short 50 days )

my thoughts :
There should be cctv / security camera cloud service that is available that provides this, I would expect it to be a significant monthly service charge for it, as well as the required bandwidth from your ISP that you would need.
 
Buy a real camera.

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Python49 said:
The features from Nest Cam generation 1 that I am looking for in a new brand / camera are:

-2 month CVR cloud backup for the footage
-Downloadable footage from the cloud backup
-Can be logged in and viewed by anyone with the login information
-Continuous recording (not just events/motion)

Nest didn't have this - but I would like if a camera had a battery backup option in case the power went off or was disconnected.

Fwiw, I have tried wyze cameras and they do not allow for downloading full 1hr+ clips, or continuous footage.
Click to expand...
One of they ways your typical cloud based camera manages to function is by using a very low bit rate. If you install a real security cam, depending on settings you choose, you're typically looking at a bit rate of 3-8mbps possibly more. High resolution cameras can be a higher bit rate. Your typical cloud camera uses aggressive compression and many use bit rates around 1mbps. As a result critical detail in things like faces can be lost.

Now, a little math. 1mbps * 30 days = 384gb. 8mbps * 30 days = 2.6TB. That's just for a single camera.
Comcast and many other ISPs often have a 1TB monthly transfer limit or they charge you more. Nest is one of the only options with a continuous option that isn't just to a microsd card, but the end result is still disappointing.

There are some options to record to the cloud from better cameras, but you typically still end up reducing the frame rate (sometimes as low as 1fps) and/or reducing bit rate. For good reason, very few are continuous.

It's better to record locally and backup key recordings to the cloud automatically.

I have a wyze cam at a property with super slow internet, uploads under 1mbps. It's semi useful, motion detections are terrible probably 70% shadows / wind blown plants and 15% birds and bugs. Pulling the sd card is the best option if you really want a significant amount of the footage. My impression overall is that the image sensor is actually decent, but it outputs such a low bit rate that the footage is fairly terrible.
 
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