Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

I did a LOT of online research, like over a period of a few months, looking for reasonably-priced, battery-operated, outdoor wifi security cameras that would record and alert without buying a subscription and without using the "cloud." I even looked at trail cameras, used primarily for hunting. So glad I found these! They satisfy all my requirements and more. I have gone through the entire set-up process, the only thing I have yet to do is actually affix them to their permanent locations outside my house (two cameras total: one in front and one in back). Once I do that I will update my review if necessary, but for now, 5 stars! I've set everything up, both an app on my phone and a client on my laptop, all connected to the cameras, everything works. That alone is pretty cool, because I tend to have my shortcomings in dealing with technology. So far I'm really happy! These cameras -- were easy to set up -- run on batteries so no power outlet required (my older home doesn't have outlets outside) -- have solar capability so I don't have to worry about replacing batteries all the time -- have usb recharging capability in case the solar panels don't recharge enough for some reason -- offer a magnetic attachment to their bases so I can just grab them off if I have to charge them (they have a little tether cord to keep them from hitting the ground if something knocks them off base) -- allow remote battery level monitoring -- send alerts to my phone when they detect movement (e-mails, too, if I want) -- require no subscription fees -- require no "cloud" usage (unless I want it) -- allow live viewing, as well as recording video (via micro sd card), and taking still pictures (controlled from pc or phone) -- allow playback of captured videos and pictures on phone/pc, as well as downloading of individual clips/stills -- automatically rewrite over oldest data first when sd card gets full -- include two-way audio communication as well as a siren -- offer plenty of customization of various features -- are reasonably priced compared to many other systems I looked at -- have 1080p resolution, infrared for nighttime, 130-degree view angle So these things are exactly what I was looking for! Now the only thing to find out is if when I place them outside they are able to connect to wifi adequately, and to see how well they withstand outside weather. I have had no problems with wifi while playing with them inside, but I have seen some complaints about limited range. Even if I have problems in this regard, I don't know if that can be blamed on this product, as it could very well be my own personal wifi set up and limitations. I'm willing to get an extender or whatever to enhance my wifi signal if necessary - we'll see what happens. As for outside durability, they look pretty well sealed up, and they also come with these little rubber jackets to pull over them upon final placement. So again, we'll see how it goes. I'm in Florida and will get my share of inclement weather and high temperatures. I no longer have large trees around my house, so solar charging shouldn't be an issue, but days with no respite from the hot, blazing sun could be a formidable challenge. Update: I have my front camera installed in the front. I found that finding a suitable location was more challenging than I thought it would be, mostly because of the need to screw the camera and solar panel holders into something. My house is mostly stucco, which in my experience has proven to be less than ideal for screws. I have a few wooden pieces near the roof (I don't know house construction terminology), but they are vertical, which means I couldn't use the magnetic ball-joint holder, which was disappointing because that thing is so cool. Unfortunately it doesn't provide a broad adjustment angle and if affixed to a vertical surface it can't be angled up high enough for a good view; it really needs a horizontal surface and I don't really have any outside except the roof itself. But fortunately it comes with the other type of holder, and I actually ended up using the strap around a gutter spout, which means I can easily move it if I want, and I didn't have to drill any holes into my house. I wish the solar panel came with the strap as well. But I just screwed its bracket into the vertical wood piece mentioned earlier. All that said, it's been communicating with my wifi just fine, I've been getting alerts, the solar panel is keeping it charged, the picture is great both day and night and all is well. It even got heavily rained on in a gusty thunderstorm and held up without incident. I did notice, as I was walking around trying to find the place I wanted to put it, that different locations had different levels of wifi connection. Luckily, the place I wanted to put it also had a clear wifi signal. I can see how that could be frustrating, though, if the place you want to put it has a poor signal. Still 5 stars, really happy. So now I just need to put my other one up in the back, and hopefully I'll get a good look at who's been messing around in my catnip! :)