jitterbug
Established Member
Joined: Jan 4, 2011 18:14:48 GMT -5
Posts: 379
|
Post by jitterbug on Feb 6, 2019 12:35:18 GMT -5
I live in a small town where you usually feel pretty safe. However, last weekend a couple of things happened in the area and it's made us think that maybe we should look at one of the Ring doorbells or some other camera system. One of the weekend crimes was someone breaking into cars in the driveway and the camera did a pretty good job of identifying the crook's car (because yes, they were dumb enough to drive up to the house they stealing from!) Plus we recently moved into a new house in a good neighborhood and think that may make us more of a target.
But since this was never something we needed before, we haven't really paid much attention to what's out there. Coincidentally, QVC was doing a whole Ring sale this weekend, so we watched some of it (we NEVER watch QVC!) and were pretty impressed. I think we should just do the doorbell thing - hubby is leaning towards a battery operated camera instead.
Any opinions? We think we're going to put one at the back door, too, which doesn't have a doorbell - so will be going with one battery operated one no matter what.
|
|
Bonny
Junior Associate
Joined: Nov 17, 2013 10:54:37 GMT -5
Posts: 7,434
Location: No Place Like Home!
|
Post by Bonny on Feb 6, 2019 13:10:28 GMT -5
My friends have one. They get an immense joy busting their kids sneaking in and out of the house late at night.
|
|
raeoflyte
Senior Associate
Joined: Feb 3, 2011 15:43:53 GMT -5
Posts: 14,632
|
Post by raeoflyte on Feb 6, 2019 13:33:30 GMT -5
I'd like to get one because I work from home, in my basement. When someone knocks/rings the bell it would be nice to see who it is and if its worth it go upstairs.
Bonny's post makes it sound like it could have good value in the years to come. Will have to put one in back too. Lol.
|
|
justme
Senior Associate
Joined: Feb 10, 2012 13:12:47 GMT -5
Posts: 14,618
|
Post by justme on Feb 6, 2019 13:39:01 GMT -5
My brother got the Simply Safe system. Very similar to what Ring is starting to get into. He like it - though is having to tweak the doorbell camera sensitivity because sometimes it will alert on a car driving by or a tree branch moving.
He likes it. He keeps saying I should get it for my condo.
|
|
Tiny
Senior Associate
Joined: Dec 29, 2010 21:22:34 GMT -5
Posts: 13,357
|
Post by Tiny on Feb 6, 2019 13:39:32 GMT -5
I live in a densely populated suburb. I belong to our "neighborhood's" Watch page - seems to have replaced the Community Watch (maybe it was C.O.P.S.) program.
Lots of people have cameras and doorbell cameras. Lots of people get one of these AFTER they've had a theft or a break in or vandalism. Lots of people post their video on the Watch Page. The local Police have a "register" of citizen cameras so they can ask for/see footage.
What I think about cameras:
Most of the footage is pretty grainy or hazy (it's night). Most of the "bad guys" wear clothes that are nondescript and obscure their faces. And they all seem to be driving white/light colored sedans OR big black SUVs. The house cameras don't seem to grab the plate numbers.
I hear some of the house cameras "ping" one's phone? when there's movement - but most of the home cameras are pointed at the street - and there's lots of foot traffic on the public sidewalks (dog walkers) and lots of car traffic (its a densely populated place). So, I'm not sure how helpful that feature is for my area.
I'm not sure how much time the owners of the cameras spend watching their video - Do they hope to catch someone at the time of the act? (cause the grainy/hazy middle of the night footage doesn't seem very helpful after the fact).
I can see where the camera video might help the Police - since it's time stamped. And if the Police can examine OTHER homeowner's cameras footage for the day/time they MIGHT get a license plate or some other info about the culprits. BUT, I suspect that the 'better at their job" thieves would know to obscure their plates or whatever when they are working.
But, then again... a home security camera caught a dog attacking a little kid AND the little kid's CAT coming to the rescue - when without the camera evidence what actually happened would have been up for grabs (was it the neighbors dog or some other dog? was the kid antagonizing the dog?).
All that said, I think the camera(s) can be a reasonable thing. I like that you can see who is at your door BEFORE you answer the door (or even turn on your 'lights' to indicate that you are home and coming to the door.) But I would consider how you would USE/how USEFUL the information you get from it would be.
|
|
Tiny
Senior Associate
Joined: Dec 29, 2010 21:22:34 GMT -5
Posts: 13,357
|
Post by Tiny on Feb 6, 2019 13:42:17 GMT -5
I'd like to get one because I work from home, in my basement. When someone knocks/rings the bell it would be nice to see who it is and if its worth it go upstairs. Bonny's post makes it sound like it could have good value in the years to come. Will have to put one in back too. Lol. My tax accountant works from home - with the same set up. He does have a camera and an intercom and "buzzer" type lock on "Office Entrance" door (the house's side door".
|
|
Mrs. Dinero
Well-Known Member
100% about truth & justice. Always trying to give mercy a chance.
Joined: Dec 28, 2010 17:09:17 GMT -5
Posts: 1,508
|
Post by Mrs. Dinero on Feb 6, 2019 13:43:25 GMT -5
Yes! Very cool to see who’s approaching house. Bought it for security reasons. We’ve had cars broken into in our neighborhood. Fun to mess with friends too. You can talk through your phone/tablet.
Our quality is pretty decent, even at night.
|
|
Tiny
Senior Associate
Joined: Dec 29, 2010 21:22:34 GMT -5
Posts: 13,357
|
Post by Tiny on Feb 6, 2019 15:29:04 GMT -5
Just curious, are the camera systems an ongoing expense (a monthly charge)? Especially the ones that do something with your phone? I was thinking about a camera for my un attached garage - the camera could monitor my service entrance, the alley AND part of my backyard. I'd get to see all the nocturnal critters that visit my yard (and neighbors bird feeder). Not really fond of the idea of adding a monthly expense to my budget for conclusive proof that there is indeed a skunk and a family of raccoons using our yards on their nightly commutes around the neighborhood looking for food.
|
|
justme
Senior Associate
Joined: Feb 10, 2012 13:12:47 GMT -5
Posts: 14,618
|
Post by justme on Feb 6, 2019 15:39:33 GMT -5
I know SimpliSafe operates without a fee. But you can pay a $10/month monitoring service. And there's no contract so you could turn it on for when you go on vacation and then turn it off.
|
|
Mrs. Dinero
Well-Known Member
100% about truth & justice. Always trying to give mercy a chance.
Joined: Dec 28, 2010 17:09:17 GMT -5
Posts: 1,508
|
Post by Mrs. Dinero on Feb 6, 2019 16:13:55 GMT -5
Service is $3/month and is cloud based. Very inexpensive. It’s also optional.
|
|
haapai
Junior Associate
Character
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 20:40:06 GMT -5
Posts: 5,871
|
Post by haapai on Feb 6, 2019 16:25:33 GMT -5
It might be worth $3 a month to figure out when the skunk comes out of hibernation and what times of night he or she visits. When those buggers get you, they ruin everything that you are wearing, including your footwear. You'll also lose at least a day of work.
|
|
TheOtherMe
Distinguished Associate
Joined: Dec 24, 2010 14:40:52 GMT -5
Posts: 26,962
Mini-Profile Name Color: e619e6
|
Post by TheOtherMe on Feb 6, 2019 17:42:19 GMT -5
At this point, I don't think I need one so I have not looked in to them. I live in a town of 2000 people. I do know that some people here do have them.
|
|
debthaven
Senior Associate
Joined: Apr 7, 2015 15:26:39 GMT -5
Posts: 10,272
|
Post by debthaven on Feb 6, 2019 19:12:38 GMT -5
I would love one. Too many expenses so won't be installing it anytime soon but I would love one.
We never replace anything that isn't broken. When our intercom system dies, I plan to replace it with a camera/intercom system.
If you can afford it and you'd like it, I'd do it. I'd really like one but it's definitely not a current priority for us.
|
|
Deleted
Joined: Mar 29, 2024 10:13:30 GMT -5
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Feb 6, 2019 19:40:30 GMT -5
I've considered getting cameras before. Not the doorbell camera, cameras on the house that aren't as noticeable as the doorbell cameras.
My BF's parents have a lot of cameras on their property. I don't think it's because they're just that paranoid, my BF's brother is kind of geeky, installing the cameras and setting everything up was probably fun for him. Besides the monitors on the property, they can also view the feeds remotely.
I don't need all that, but I'm pretty sure I'll get some cameras eventually.
I know someone that has a ring Doorbell mainly so she can be assured that her children get in from school safely on the days neither she nor her husband is working from home. She also wanted to be able to see who it was if someone came to the door while the children were home alone. If necessary, she can speak to them herself so it's not so obvious who is or isn't inside the house at the time. She really likes the Ring setup.
|
|
Deleted
Joined: Mar 29, 2024 10:13:30 GMT -5
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Feb 6, 2019 20:37:30 GMT -5
My neighbor (his twin brother is a police officer) has a Ring doorbell camera and motion activated light. The video quality is impressive. I wish Ring and SimpliSafe had been around years ago when we spent $$$ to install hard-wired security cameras on our house. The new wireless systems are amazing.
|
|
bobosensei
Well-Known Member
Joined: Dec 21, 2010 11:32:49 GMT -5
Posts: 1,561
|
Post by bobosensei on Feb 6, 2019 21:20:38 GMT -5
My neighbor (his twin brother is a police officer) has a Ring doorbell camera and motion activated light. The video quality is impressive. I wish Ring and SimpliSafe had been around years ago when we spent $$$ to install hard-wired security cameras on our house. The new wireless systems are amazing. I have a ring doorbell and flood light. They are great. I don't pay a monthly fee, but should I discover a break in after the fact could get a recording to police. I also have 3 wifi enabled arlo cameras on the side and back of the house. The best part of ring is I can determine the field size that triggers a recording, and I can ignore them during the day since they trigger a recording. But with the doorbell I can answer if I am on the couch or out of the country, no one at the door needs to know if I am there or not. Saves me time from people looking to make a sale, but also if I need to converse with someone on the porch when I am gone I can.
|
|
Anne_in_VA
Junior Associate
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 14:09:35 GMT -5
Posts: 5,502
|
Post by Anne_in_VA on Feb 6, 2019 22:02:14 GMT -5
We have a Ring doorbell and love it. I can see when someone is approaching my door or I can turn that feature off and just get notified if someone rings the doorbell. I like the feature where I can speak to whomever is at the front door. I work from home frequently and feel that it gives me peace if mind when I can see who is at the door without opening it.
|
|
countrygirl2
Senior Associate
Joined: Dec 7, 2016 15:45:05 GMT -5
Posts: 16,715
|
Post by countrygirl2 on Feb 6, 2019 22:08:28 GMT -5
We got a Simply safe for Xmas and haven't set it up yet. I'm guessing those are add ons? Need to look at in, might be worthwhile. I will be in the basement more sewing. Can you have it come up on your computer?
|
|
CCL
Junior Associate
Joined: Jan 4, 2011 19:34:47 GMT -5
Posts: 7,571
|
Post by CCL on Feb 7, 2019 0:06:09 GMT -5
We have a Ring doorbell camera and really like it. You can set it to alert only when someone is near your house then it won't activate when there is street or sidewalk traffic.
|
|
toomuchreality
Senior Associate
Joined: Sept 3, 2011 10:28:25 GMT -5
Posts: 15,362
Favorite Drink: Sometimes I drink water... just to surprise my liver!
|
Post by toomuchreality on Feb 7, 2019 1:53:23 GMT -5
DD2 and her husband have a Ring doorbell and they love it. They gave his mom one for Christmas, and asked if I would like one. Because I was told by my prev apt mgr that we can't have them (invasion of privacy). I didn't get one. I would love to know who is at my door before I open it and my peek hole is too high.
I was going to install a camera in a birdhouse, right outside my door several yrs ago. But my brother died before it got done (he was going to install it). I set my computer camera out on my balcony for a few days once, so I could see who was approaching the stairs. It didn't record but was kind of fun to watch when I was bored or feeling anxious.
|
|
cottontail
Junior Member
Joined: Sept 5, 2014 11:01:27 GMT -5
Posts: 143
|
Post by cottontail on Feb 7, 2019 2:11:14 GMT -5
I don't know much about Ring and similar devices but I think it would be great to have something just to let me know who is at the front door. I'd rather not answer for Jehovah's Witnesses or people selling things. Unless it's Girl Scouts selling cookies. ;-)
|
|
zibazinski
Community Leader
Joined: Dec 24, 2010 16:12:50 GMT -5
Posts: 47,861
|
Post by zibazinski on Feb 7, 2019 6:23:35 GMT -5
My neighbors have one and they enjoyed scaring the crap out of me when I was returning their table tennis balls to them that came over my fence!!! This voice said “thank you!” Turkeys!!
|
|
alabamagal
Junior Associate
Joined: Dec 23, 2010 11:30:29 GMT -5
Posts: 8,113
|
Post by alabamagal on Feb 7, 2019 8:18:56 GMT -5
We don’t have one and rarely have people ring our front door. Friends always seem to text when they arrive and come in garage door. And since we live in a non-walkable neighborhood (steep climb to walk up our cul-de-sac) the Jehovahs Witnesses and other sales people leave us alone.
Police came by and asked if we had a security camera when the house down the hill had a suspected arson. We could have had a pretty good view, but no cameras.
|
|
souldoubt
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 4, 2011 11:57:14 GMT -5
Posts: 2,745
|
Post by souldoubt on Feb 7, 2019 11:42:20 GMT -5
Our doorbell hasn't worked as long as we've lived at our place and I never fixed it because the only people who come to the door that we don't know about are solicitors of some sort. That said I'm interested in getting ring or something similar just to have a camera out front. I've also been looking into cameras to put into our backyard. We don't live in a bad area and one advantage to living in a townhouse is that neighbors can more easily see if people are lurking around but some months back trucks in the back were broken into. One of the neighbors has a camera that caught the car but it wasn't in enough detail to get the license plate. I'd like to have cameras that watch my yard and the alley to help in case of any future theft.
|
|
Deleted
Joined: Mar 29, 2024 10:13:30 GMT -5
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Feb 7, 2019 19:15:27 GMT -5
I learned today that Ring has teamed up with our local PD to give away a limited number of doorbell cameras. The local police have also created a registry so, if you want, you can register your cameras, Ring or otherwise, so they can contact you in event of an incident in your vicinity. For a multiplicity of reasons, I would not register mine, but do share video with my neighbors and police if asked nicely and for the right reason. Finding out if you're being cheated on or who your kid is buying weed from is NOT a right reason.
|
|
❤ mollymouser ❤
Senior Associate
Sarcasm is my Superpower
Crazy Cat Lady
Joined: Dec 18, 2010 16:09:58 GMT -5
Posts: 12,857
Today's Mood: Gen X ... so I'm sarcastic and annoyed
Location: Central California
Favorite Drink: Diet Mountain Dew
|
Post by ❤ mollymouser ❤ on Feb 8, 2019 0:22:43 GMT -5
My wonderful DH wants to get some sort of front porch camera. We have a lot of crime around here. While I work from home, I can see out the front door from my chair since we have a security screen door.... so our actual door is open most of the time. We also have a motion sensor alarm for our front porch that beeps when a person (or cat) is on our porch... this way, I know if the USPS, UPS or Fedex guys drop off a box without ringing the bell (which happens about half the time.)
He just bought a dash camera and critter cam, too.
|
|
sheilaincali
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 19, 2010 17:55:24 GMT -5
Posts: 4,131
|
Post by sheilaincali on Feb 8, 2019 10:33:35 GMT -5
They have their uses. We Don't have one but we live on the world's most boring street- there are 8 houses on my street, at 43 I am the youngest person on the street (we ignore the one rental house). I get packages several times a week (we are Amazon addicts and hate shopping in stores) and have never had an issue. But my landscaping hides my front walk from the street so you can't see any packages by my door unless you physically walk up to the door- the shrubs hide them.
My idiot brother installed one at work, mostly because he's paranoid and likes to see who's coming and going after hours. Only like 7 of us even have a key to the office and the office has never been broken in to. It makes our cleaning lady uncomfortable because he has made audio comments before when she's cleaning and she feels like he's spying on her. He also bought a dozen google cameras and has them hidden all over the place. The one in production was useful as he installed it on a Friday and on Monday we had an employee assault a co-worker with a hammer. Video was clear as day and Tony got 63 months for assault- Dave needed staples and a visit to the ER.
I routinely unplug the ones in the office because he refuses to disable audio and he will leave the office, pull it up on his phone and listen to our conversations when he isn't there. Pisses me off. But I'm getting off track because of my hatred of those stupid cameras in the office.
We might eventually get a Ring but honestly we rarely get people ringing our doorbell. We are on a super quiet street, no one even drives on our street unless they live here.
|
|
thyme4change
Community Leader
Joined: Dec 26, 2010 13:54:08 GMT -5
Posts: 40,327
Member is Online
|
Post by thyme4change on Feb 9, 2019 17:05:40 GMT -5
DD2 and her husband have a Ring doorbell and they love it. They gave his mom one for Christmas, and asked if I would like one. Because I was told by my prev apt mgr that we can't have them (invasion of privacy). I didn't get one. I would love to know who is at my door before I open it and my peek hole is too high. I was going to install a camera in a birdhouse, right outside my door several yrs ago. But my brother died before it got done (he was going to install it). I set my computer camera out on my balcony for a few days once, so I could see who was approaching the stairs. It didn't record but was kind of fun to watch when I was bored or feeling anxious. I told my husband I wanted one in the house, so I could spy on our cats - especially when they were kittens.
|
|
Anne_in_VA
Junior Associate
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 14:09:35 GMT -5
Posts: 5,502
|
Post by Anne_in_VA on Feb 9, 2019 17:34:17 GMT -5
Yesterday while I was at the office, someone came and rang my Ring doorbell. I answered and spoke with him while saying I couldn’t come to the door right now. I got rid of him and it really gives me peace of mind knowing someone can’t just check my house out without me knowing.
|
|
thyme4change
Community Leader
Joined: Dec 26, 2010 13:54:08 GMT -5
Posts: 40,327
Member is Online
|
Post by thyme4change on Feb 9, 2019 19:25:35 GMT -5
How long until criminals stop believing you are home? They must know you have a doorbell connected to your phone and you could be anywhere.
|
|