Investigate more advanced outdoor cameras.

[tfabris]

Brands to look at:

• Axis
• Reolink
• Others

Some resources:

How to live stream: https://birdwatchinghq.com/stream-live-animal-cam/

Example of someone with a similar setup (the person who wrote the how-to above): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QgcN9_cqMP8

Camera: M2026-LE Mk II $380.55 https://www.amazon.com/Axis-Communications-01049-001-Outdoor-Network/dp/B077KV7Z68/ref=sr_1_1

Investigate Reolink PTZ (pan tilt zoom) cameras, some are supported by Surveillance Station such as this Reolink RLC-423 (which has a jack for external audio but not built in): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B016UCNP08/ref=as_li_ss_tl

Reolink RLC-420 (Not PTZ): https://www.amazon.com/Reolink-Security-Megapixels-2560x1440-Detection/dp/B01B4BKJOK/ref=sr_1_1_sspa RLC-420 WAS MY ORIGINAL CAMERA - It failed after one year. Note: Angle of View Horizontal: 80°, Vertical: 42°

Seems like all Reolink cameras except the battery powered ones like Argus should theoretically be compatible with Synology: https://support.reolink.com/hc/en-us/articles/360004124293-Add-Reolink-Cameras-to-Synology-Surveillance-Station

[tfabris]

The prior camera forced my hand: It failed after about a year. Researching a new one now.

[tfabris]

Investigations so far:

• All the oudoor dome cameras I could find with PTZ seem to need an external microphone.
• Those with built-in mics are not the dome type, and I want the non-dome types to keep the raccoons from climbing onto the cameras.
• Example of one with PTZ, mics, everything, BUT, it's a raccoon-climber mounting system, so, no-go: https://www.amazon.com/Microphone-SV3C-Security-Surveillance-Recording/dp/B081Q47ZZ7

This one claims to be an outdoor PTZ dome camera with built-in microphone:

• Seller sites: https://www.cctvcameraworld.com/ip-ptz-mini-mic-night-vision.html http://www.123-cctv.com/mini-ptz-camera-3x-zoom-mic-ir.html
• SKU is the same at both those sites: IPSDIR3X - But I can't tell if that's the model number or what. Can't find a brand on those.
• Can't find that IPSDIR3X camera above on Amazon. Since the sites above do not give a model number it's hard to track down.
• Similar looking cameras, but which do not have built in microphones: https://www.amazon.com/LINOVISION-DH-SD1A203T-GN-2-7-8-1mm-Upgradable-Plug-n-Play/dp/B07XZGQJ8N/ https://www.dahuasecurity.com/asset/upload/product/20180522/SD1A203T-GN_Datasheet_20180522.pdf
• I'm having qualms about that camera because the sites look kinda fly-by-night and I can't see the brand and model of the cameras, so I can't independently investigate them from other places.

There are some dome cameras with PTZ and external mic connections. You do NOT want these:

• External mics require more wiring, meaning possibly weatherproofing problems.
• External mics require additional power. For instance the Hikvision below has bare wires for mic, but you have to supply power yourself.
• Examples: https://www.amazon.com/Weatherproof-Sensitive-Microphone-Security-Surveillance/dp/B07FL1WDC5 https://www.microseven.com/product/IP-Cameras-M7WP-MIC.html
• This external mic is a hikvision mic to connect to security cameras, can't even tell if it's weatherproof, but when you look at the wiring diagram it needs power: https://www.amazon.com/Hikvision-Microphone-DS-2FP2020-Security-Sensitive/dp/B07ZT5229B/
• Perhaps the better choice is to go with a better stationary camera with a built in mic.
• The Hikvision web site says that some of their models (a small hard-to-find number of them) do have a power output for external mics, but I think that's too much trouble now.

Example PTZF (remote pan tilt zoom focus) camera I was interested in until I saw the audio wiring problems:

• Hikvision DS-2DE2A404IW-DE3
• PoE 802.3af, PTZF, Outdoor, external audio plugin "1-ch audio input and 1-ch audio output" says datasheet.
• 24 fps (2560 × 1440), 30 fps (2048 × 1536, 1920 × 1080, 1280 × 960, 1280 × 720)
• Horizontal field of view: 100° to 33° (wide-tele),
• Synology compatible
• Multiple amazon sellers (examples): https://www.amazon.com/DS-2DE2A404IW-DE3-2-8mm-12mm-Vision%EF%BC%8C2560X1440%EF%BC%8CAudio-Interface%EF%BC%8CSmart-Recording%EF%BC%8CIP66/dp/B07Q2V5CDP/ https://www.amazon.com/OEM-DS-2DE2A404IW-DE3-2-8mm-12mm-4-Megapixel-2560x1440/dp/B07HP1JNTX/\
• Datasheet: https://www.hikvision.com/mtsc/uploads/product/accessory/Datasheet_of_DS-2DE2A404IW-DE3(2.8-12MM)_20180328(1).pdf

Note: My current POE switch is:

• Amcrest Gigabit Uplink 9-Port Poe+ Ethernet Switch 802.3at: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B073V4QRXQ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1 https://amcrest.com/amcrest-gigabit-9-port-poe-ethernet-switch-with-8-ports-poe-plus-802-3at-96w-sfp-optical.html
• Manual and Datasheet: https://s3.amazonaws.com/amcrest-files/Documentation/AGPS9E8P-AT-96+User+Manual.pdf https://s3.amazonaws.com/amcrest-files/Documentation/AGPS9E8P-AT-96+Technical+Specifications.pdf

Note: Difference between 802.3at and 802.3af: https://blog.twinstate.com/poe-vs-poe-plus

• Basically, "at" is better than "af". "at" carries the "PoE+" designation
• 802.3af (PoE) can deliver 15.4 watts over Cat5 cables.
• 802.3at (PoE+) can deliver up to 30 watts over Cat 5 cables with 25.5 watts available to devices.

[tfabris]

Axis M50 series is PTZ with built in mic, however, they are all indoor only. https://www.axis.com/en-us/products/axis-m5055

Axis P33 series has built in mics, but all the ones rated for outdoors do not have mics. https://www.axis.com/en-us/products/axis-p33-series

Axis M5525–E PTZ has external microphone input. Maybe Axis mics are easier to set up? https://www.axis.com/en-us/products/axis-m5525-e https://www.axis.com/files/datasheet/ds_m5525e_t10104238_en_1902.pdf

[tfabris]

This one looks similar to the other outdoor PTZ/Mic camera "IPSDIR3X" from those other two sites, however, it does not seem to have a microphone, so I still need to find out how to tell if the "IPSDIR3X" really has a microphone. Linovision SD1A203T-GN (OEM version of Dahua DH-SD1A203T-GN) https://www.amazon.com/LINOVISION-DH-SD1A203T-GN-2-7-8-1mm-Upgradable-Plug-n-Play/dp/B07XZGQJ8N Spec sheet: https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/B1NGrsX4afS.pdf

[tfabris]

Dahua N53AJ5Z Varifocal (not PTZ, but it has zoom), Outdoor, built in microphone: https://us.dahuasecurity.com/product/5mp-vari-focal-starlight-eyeball-with-smart-motion-detection/ Datasheet: https://us.dahuasecurity.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Datasheet_5MP_Starlight_SMD_Varifocal_Eyeball_Network_Camera_Arctic_N53AJ5Z_001.001.pdf (2592 x 1944) at 20 fps, 4 MP (2688 x 1520) at 30 fps Angle of View: Horizontal 99° to 26° Vertical 72° to 20° Close Focus Distance: 0.80 m (2.62 ft) PoE (IEEE 802.3af, Class 0) This is a newer camera, it is not on the Synology compatibility list yet, but , it is highly likely to be Synology Compatible, since there are many N5-series cameras and a "generic dahua" on the compatibilty list. The newness of the camera makes it desirable (latest video technology and improvements).

Update: Problem with it being a newer camera is that no one has got it in stock yet.

[tfabris]

Fixed lens cameras with built in mics (choice between 2.8mm and 3.6mm lens ): Dahua N44CG52 / N44CG53 https://us.dahuasecurity.com/product/4mp-ir-3-6mm-epoe-eyeball_2_8/ https://us.dahuasecurity.com/product/4mp-ir-fixed-lens-epoe-eyeball-3_6/ Supposedly outdoor (the spec sheet doesn't say outdoor but does say waterproof and "arctic pro"). Main Stream: 4 MP at 30 fps PoE (IEEE 802.3af) Synology compatible (on the list). FOV 2.8 mm version: Horizontal: 104° Vertical: 58° (wider than the Reolink) FOV 3.6 mm version: Horizontal: 83° Vertical: 45° (about the same as the Reolink) Close Focus Distance 2.8 mm version: 1.10 m (3.61 ft) Close Focus Distance 3.6 mm version: 1.50 m (4.92 ft) Datasheet for both models: https://us.dahuasecurity.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Datasheet_4MP_FixedEyeball_NetworkCamera_ePoE_Arctic_N44CG52_N44CG53_v001.004.pdf

The 2.8mm lens version also comes in black: Dahua N44CG52-B https://us.dahuasecurity.com/product/4mp-ir-fixed-lens-epoe-eyeball-black/ Datasheet: https://us.dahuasecurity.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Datasheet_4MP_FixedEyeball_NetworkCamera_ePoE_Black_Arctic_N44CG52_B_v001.004.pdf

[tfabris]

One of the fly-by-night looking web sites (cctv camera world), which doesn't print brand names or model numbers, has a feature selector: https://www.cctvcameraworld.com/poe-ip-security-cameras/dome_camera-built_in-yes,_ip67-yes,_ip66.html

From this we get this list: Avalonix IPC4KMZED 8MP 4K IP Dome Camera, Built-in Mic, 4X Zoom $330.00 https://www.cctvcameraworld.com/4k-dome-ip-camera-audio-4x.html Can't get details/specs from Avalonix web site, it's "dealers only". The brand name "Avalonix" is not on the Synology compatibility list. However the Q+A section at CCTV camera world says that it is "ONVIF Compliant" which is a CCTV camera interoperability standard, and the Synology compatibility list does indeed have "Generic_ONVIF" in the list. I asked a question from the web site, and in minutes, got a response saying "yes it is Synology compatible via ONVIF driver". 2.7-12mm Motorized Zoom Lens Lens controllable from NVR, Smartphone or Computer (not PTZ, just Z) Main Stream: 4K (1-15fps), 3MP (1-30fps) Close Focus Distance 12 inches Angle of View Horizontal:102°-39°, Vertical:55°-22° PoE (802.3af) Outdoor IP67 4.8" x 4.2" (diameter x height)

Positive points:

• The close focus distance of 12" is perfect. I think our distance to the feeder is in the neighborhood of two feet, so close focus is very useful.

Concerns:

• Does varifocal mean that if I focus the camera on the feeder, that the background is out of focus?
• Does it auto focus to the thing that is having motion on the screen?
• No links to installation guide or manual. No photos of pigtail connection, unclear about the nature of the connection points. (This last one I asked on the web site, awaiting response.)

[tfabris]

Amcrest (same brand as my PoE switch) cameras in this category:

Fixed 2.8mm lens: Amcrest White: IP8M-T2499EW-28MM https://amcrest.com/ultrahd-4k-8mp-turret-poe-ip-camera-security-3840x2160-98ft-nightvision-2-8mm-lens-112-ip67-weatherproof-microsd-recording-white-ip8m-t2499ew.html Black: IP8M-T2499EB-28MM https://amcrest.com/ultrahd-4k-8mp-turret-poe-ip-camera-security-3840x2160-98ft-nightvision-2-8mm-lens-112-ip67-weatherproof-microsd-recording-black-ip8m-t2499eb-28mm.html Tech Specs: https://drive.google.com/file/d/11bIYRP3R8b6kjzDgDsoyYgeQuTRdtei-/view Angle of View H: 112°, V: 69° Close Focus Distance 0.9m (2.95ft) PoE (802.3af) Outdoor IP67

[tfabris]

Dahua IPC-HDW5831R-ZE 8MP WDR IR Eyeball Network Camera https://www.dahuasecurity.com/products/productDetail/14301?us Datasheet: https://www.dahuasecurity.com/asset/upload/uploads/soft/20181227/DH-IPC-HDW5831R-ZE_Datasheet_20181227.pdf Synology compatible (directly supported) Built-in Mic Outdoor: IP67 Close Focus Distance 12 inches Angle of View H:110°-40° , V:58°-23° PoE(802.3af) 15fps@4K(3840×2160),25/30fps@3M(2304×1296) Bought from: https://www.amazon.com/DahuaOEM-IPC-HDW5831R-ZE-Eyeball-Network-Support/dp/B077QTWQ7G

CAMERA HAS FLAW: Unable to configure the position of the timestamp on the screen. Hard coded to upper right of screen. UPDATE: It is possible to configure the position of the timestamp on the screen, however it requires that you use a Chrome browser and install an run a chrome "App" (not a plugin, but an App) called the NACL WEB PLUGIN (It is still not a plugin but an app, despite its name). These types of apps in Chrome are about to be disabled in Chrome so this is a bad thing, but at least I can configure the position by dragging it on the screen in the NACL web plugin.

Another problem with installation: The waterproof housing on the pigtail for the ethernet connection is poor. The portion of the housing that goes around the ethernet cable cannot fit on the cable unless you cut and re-crimp the keystone connector, something I was not willing to do. It's possible for such a thing to exist, since my prior Reolink camera had one. In fact, I cannibalized some parts from the Reolink connector in order to get a housing that worked.

[tfabris]

Dahua camera is working pretty well for now. Closing this ticket.