Linux and security cameras and software

[zzzoomie.z]

I'm aware of applications like Zoneminder and others, but curious if anyone has experience with particular IP cameras that work well...or don't work well. I found a wiki connected to some Linux based application that showed a bunch of camera options but the quantity is overwhelming. Looking for real experiences and feedback.

Thanks - Glenn

[Tom]

I'm using Zoneminder which is like a cult that admitted me grudgingly and won't tell me the inner secrets. It works, but I'm not sure why.

 

My camera needs are particular: Good nighttime vision, PoE powered only, so wired (don't EVER deploy a WiFi camera on your own premises) and I have yet to be able to justify a PTZ - I use fixed position turret style cameras. YMMV.

 

Given that, I use this (Amazon, about $60)

Amcrest 5MP Turret POE Camera, UltraHD Outdoor IP Camera POE with Mic/Audio, 5-Megapixel Security Surveillance Cameras, 98ft NightVision, 132° FOV, MicroSD (256GB), (IP5M-T1179EW-AI-V3)

It accepts an SD card, but I never use it for anything, I store the video on a NAS.

 

I can share with you the magic incantations to make it work with ZoneMinder, but you'll probably figure it out. It was much easier to get this cam to work with ZM than some of the other oddball stuff I have acquired over time.

 

Hope that helps,

-T

 

 

At 06:24 PM 5/12/2025 -0500, zzzoomie.z wrote:

I'm aware of applications like Zoneminder and others, but curious if anyone has experience with particular IP cameras that work well...or don't work well. I found a wiki connected to some Linux based application that showed a bunch of camera options but the quantity is overwhelming. Looking for real experiences and feedback.

Thanks - Glenn

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