Hi sifus,

Not sure if this is the right place to post but I'm looking for a budget outdoor CCTV and would like to get your humble opinions and recommendations on which is as better choice and why you think so?

Context-wise, the house I'm renting out got broken into, so I was thinking maybe its time to install an outdoor CCTV to give my tenant some peace of mind

The most common ones that I hear of are the ones from Xiaomi, Tapo and EZVIZ. Any thoughts on these?

Hi , im a cctv seller for 6 years in the market already . You can just go ahead with ezviz, tapo or xiaomi for a peace of mind .

If you are looking for brands other than the above , avoid brands with apps like V360 , V380 . These are product from low cost manufacturers.

Means their factory priorities on cheapest material and will add alot of fancy functions to attract consumer . Cause average consumer dont understand functions are just codings . Hence low grade chipset + fancy coding = disaster , low life span , frequent errors .

If you are t20 , go for ezviz , m40 go for tapo , b40 go for xiaomi .

Personal experience... Xiaomi IP-CCTV quality is decent for its price but the CCTV footage requires you to store it at their own cloud storage if you want a full recording. The ones in the micro SDcard only holds like 15-30 seconds footage.

Not sure about other brands.

WDYM ezviz is for T20? Their prices are more or less the same as Tapo and Xiaomi.

Please get your facts in check.

I have 26 days worth of recordings way back, offline.

True.

T20 is reolink and vigi

True.

How big is your sdcard? I can only store about a week for 64GB sdcard on always-recording mode.

They reduced their price by alot . Im arranging it based on tbe grade of their cctv . Ezviz is best among the three .

Bought and used several Ezviz and Xiaomi. Price wise, almost the same as I bought within my budget and price range. Quality and app interface, I prefer Ezviz. I always need to power reboot Xiaomi camera after a period of time as it will lost its connection to the router. Ezviz never had this problem.

these need to do drilling or plug n play ya?

xiaomi c300

Hi this is wrong and misleading. I have 11 xiaomi cctvs and been using since 2010. They all can record full recordings in your SD card and will delete the oldest one once full, just like car dashcam.

The 15-30 secs us the cloud home surveilance event function recoding. There is no need to subscribe to cloud if you have sdcard. I suggest you check your xiaomi cctv settings or your sdcard for any wrong settings or card problem.

This post has been edited by dest9116: May 7 2024, 09:48 AM

Need pull the wire either DC wire or micro USB wire. You can let it sit on something if you dowan drill. Or online got sell stand with double sided tape. How strong I dunno depends on the surface you're sticking I guess.

xiaomi sudah out liao... features are minimal.

Xiaomi works well for me!

64GB around a week is common for older models, newer models need at least 128GB.

I use REOLINK complete with REOLINK NVR.
Last year some snatch thief incident on road nearby. Policemen came and checked my CCTV. They're impressed with the clarity.

Depends on where you want to put it. For indoor I just put it somewhere above bookshelf. For outdoor, I just used strong adhesive for the mount as I don't want to drill, still stay strong until now, few years already. The camera is not that heavy, mine is indoor type, but I put outdoor under covered area.

This post has been edited by suri: May 7 2024, 03:07 PM

the wire how u tarik? thru window? usually if xiaomi ones use usb cable right . do shop sell extended usb cable ?

For outdoor I used 10m USB cable, pulled under my door, got gap. Lined up nicely along the floor corner with tape.

Previously contemplating to use battery-powered with solar, but for apartment front door, no sunlight thus no go.

2025 update, bought srihome SH070 RM158... more wide




comparison both CCTV at same location
SH070 RM158


SP028 RM67


This post has been edited by croydon: Oct 28 2025, 10:33 AM

Which model?

I want to buy

I'm using Xiaomi C200 for quite sometimes. Problem is memory card always corrupted after sometimes and you can't even format using the apps. I have no problem reading the same cards using PC. I think the firmware got bugs which Xiaomi didnt fix until now. So I have no choice but to subscribe to their cloud storages.

Any feedback on imou?

Btw does anyone know if ezviz can use rstp/onvif protocol and link to home assistant?

For those who change outdoor cams often (within housing compound), you can just use wall fan plates and brackets/sofa interlock instead of drilling holes on the wall/awning, then hide the setup with junction box.

Brah gotta be careful, cable ties can loosen and brittle overtime

I bought REOLINK E1 OUTDOOR SMART 5MP PTZ WIFI

which nvr? nvr direct poe?

I use both Reolink & Vigi for many years. So far - zero failure. Just make sure you get that high endurance SD card.

Which model?

Here's my active CCTVs

2 units Reolink C1 Pro (no longer available)
3 units Reolink E1 Pro
2 units Reolink E1
1 unit Reolink RLC-410W (outdoor)

1 unit TP-Link Vigi C340

3 units TP-Link Tapo C225
1 unit TP-Link Tapo C325WB (outdoor)

1 unit TP-Link Vigi 8 channel NVR (outdoor)

Installed at my houses and my parents' house.

FYI, I like Tapo App is the best (Android). Quick to load and stream the video feed. Slowest app load is Reolink one. Vigi app - in between.

I'm slowly changing to Tapo when it's due. Single app.

This post has been edited by haturaya: May 7 2024, 06:49 PM

So even use SD, tapo also load faster?

POE Vs WiFi. Which one load faster?

Is your TP-Link Tapo C325WB using Poe or WiFi? Poe direct from router or Poe from vigi NVR ?


I want to buy TP-Link Tapo C325WB but it's not PTZ.

Using Xiaomi dafang for many years. No issue. Have newer models also no issue.

They have an outdoor model running on battery. Can install anywhere without need for power plug and with WiFi range.
So far 2 weeks 70 % battery left.

Yup. Tapo always load & stream video faster (Android).

I didn't use PoE. Just plain WiFi.

TP-Link Tapo C325WB - use WiFi too.

Vigi NVR sits on my wired network + TP-Link Deco Mesh WiFi.

Very simple setups, nothing fancy. Primary goal to keep track of my cats (my house) and keep track of my 80++ years old parents.

This post has been edited by haturaya: May 7 2024, 07:21 PM

Bro have photo how u do it
I drill my wall damn tick wall until drill holes big and small

I have many xiaomi from 1080 to 2K for several years
sometime wifi no issue but can't view the camera
Good thing is micro USB, can buy long cable to connect for outdoor

TP-Link Tapo C210 2K (newer is C220 more clearer I think)
load faster, fast track any movement
Must use their own short cable, it's pin port not micro USB or Type C

Recently have Ezviz 3K quality camera but haven't tested it out

Maybe this week I go back home I'll show photo

nice

based on your experience, i purchase c325wb just for testing

its good deal

rm185 after discount with 128gb card some more



This post has been edited by vapanel: May 7 2024, 08:09 PM

unfortunately xiaomi is crap cctv
everything also trigger including plant movement
Tapo/Vigi only trigger on human or car

This post has been edited by vapanel: May 7 2024, 08:11 PM

I know right.. xiaomi cctv was my very years back purchase
Recently thinking to install ipcam from TP-Link or Hikvision since I have all LAN cable pulled
And install existing wifi cctv my parents house

Cable still the most reliable
But still waiting for price quotation

it become useless
you receive notification also you wont go see it

I wonder ezviz or xiaomi if under hot sun /rain will rosak cepat... Backlane not shaded anything

Sorry I don't understand, if using fan plates sofa interlock no need to drill? How it stick to the wall then? Got sample pics?

This post has been edited by dest9116: May 7 2024, 09:01 PM

Didn't know Reolink have 4K camera
When look at the price it's real T20 price

How many channels and how much including installation

HKVISION??

What's your opinion on imou under dahua brand?

One plate drill to wall, another plate (hook) screw on the camera hole, so just snap together. So in case you need to replace new cam, just remove the the plate from old cam and attach it to new one

If I got go back home I'll share some pics

EC5 user for 3 years, still working fine. My backlane is shaded, but the cam is not covered since I attached it to lamp pole outside.

Ezviz and dahua both are top brand in the world . Cant go wrong with either .

Grateful for all the comments and opinions, if my budget is less than RM200, what would you all recommend? Or is RM200 not even good enough?

This post has been edited by vanguard_15: May 8 2024, 12:29 AM

Ooh ok I understand your point. Thanks

Don't get the xiaomi aw300 super crap I already spoiled one during slightly heavy rain even when it's supposed to be outdoor cctv ip67 etc. Another the lights are dead, when it trigger lights during intruder alert it will trip and restart itself damn stupid and because it's water damage I can't claim warranty.

Like some said better get the imilab ec5, that one is outdoor and can rotate. I've been using for half year so far so good except for the lack of free clouds storage. Imilab is subsidiary of xiaomi

If not exposed under rain, can get those cheapo xiaomi ones during sales maybe can get about 100 including sdcard I think. So can get 2 of it.

Bought 3 Ezviz C6N 1080p for my parent's house. Less than RM100 each, for camera only. With SD card might need to add another RM30 I think.

This post has been edited by suri: May 8 2024, 10:25 AM

Won't go wrong with this model. Reasonably priced.


Tapi / VIGI AI detection is better / more accurate than Xiaomi. Less false alarm.

Maybe newer Xiaomi have better AI?

Anyway, false alarm will rendered CCTV useless.

That's why now they use human detection instead of old school motion detection to reduce false alarm

Just don't get Xiaomi, their server is super slow these days. Can take quite a while to get the stream loading on a bad day

I have one unit tapo c320ws outdoor literally kena blasting by sun,rain, dust probably over heating damage the device hardware after 11 month, got power but reed indicator keep blinking slowly, tried swap memory card,swap power adapter,hard reset everything is no longer work , now on the way to tp link service center for warranty 😂😂

Which outdoor model would you recommend if its EZVIZ for less than RM200?

Really? But they are so cheap

model for outdoor, from my perspective;

- weatherproof
- wireless network
- wireless cable / power - optional battery / solar
- intrusion alert with sound and flashing light
- 340-360 Degree tracking / rotate
- 2 ways communication


* why all need wireless?
example. once thieve cut power of your home, cut your home internet, ur camera no power function. nahhhh.. gone case. this is where, smart home not going smart. only offline alert.
with battery type, recording still filming, intrusion alert scare them. best case they run.


im chosing this Ezviz for first time, CB8 , it price Rm5xx. remark as 2xx Days of battery life, depend on power mode option.

- apps usage are very good in ezviz. setup, setting friendly.
- with cloud, or sdcard , retriving recording video very quick.
- setting home guard, can enable intrusion alert with sound and flashing light.
- it totally wireless connection, and wireless power cable.

- battery usage will be high with . tracking on, and longer recording in time of event.
- when tracking of human/animal out of range, camera rotate position will reset. dont know why ezviz like this.
- not type C. normal usb. must remember with wireless cable, if put in higher ground, how easy fo u to recharge this camera back. if put lower, someone can grab it
- price very high.

if u having wide sight of view, u NOT need 340/360 rotation camera. normal high resolution definition is much enough. yes, i do have porch car park camera that useless to rotate/tracking function. wide camera enough to record surrounding. likely a camera claim 2K recording very sharp, more details, yes this true.

https://www.ezviz.com/product/CB8/42368

tumpang thread! any e27 type camera recommendation for outdoor? Thanks

Ezviz is budget hikvision
tapo is budget vigi.
wireless camera setting with app
POE ip camera setting with pc software / nvr
ip camera safe from wi-fi jammer

outdoor get the one with optical zoom, storage memory, face ai. easy to hide.
the best cccv is the one bad people dont know it exist
Have to setup normal cctv and back-up hidden cctv

Is there anyone using Dahua CCTV?

This one seems to be charge through solar panel. Are you a salesman for this?

I want to install a wifi-based CCTV for inner courtyard. Looking for one that can be installed DIY (beginner level), can trigger notification to handphone apps, waterproof and has motion sensor. Already have a power socket for it and want to point it upwards towards opening at the roof. Any recommendation or suggestion? Thank you

normal user only. not salesman.

i hang in my hall, medium recording of event, with no solar panel, full charge test it can work 25days more.

all function as is. tracking, intrusion alert, rotate.

..

This post has been edited by WhatMan: Oct 15 2024, 11:38 AM

so every 25days more need to take down to charge?

likely yes.

for me, as mention earlier, this is full wireless. if power cut, if no internet, recording still function.
optional, the best u can still plug usb charge, or full outdoor with solar.

why you dun pt for plug usb charge? When power down, still got battery as backup then no need to every 25 days more take down to charge

benefit of battery cctv, solar. u can put in place anywhere. where there no power plug, or cable to reach. im not having power plug at ceiling level.

it mean for outdoor. usable indoor.

garden, porch, tie at light post..

Anyone tried with tplink 8mp outdoor cctv? how clear the image is?

Would like to ask regarding the storage for the CCTVs data. If I am using the R5C storage. Is it compatible with other CCTV brands?

Side topic... do you install glass windows/grill at the inner courtyard? my house has inner courtyard, plan to put washing machine there but need to cover it up to prevent rain water. i do not know what to do.

Most of my neighbours close it up. I prefer to let it open as want sunlight and wind. There are 2 rooms with window opening up to the courtyard. That's why I plan to install one CCTV here.

chupapi_munyayo

I got went back to my shop but forgot to take photos, so here's one in my home

Using wall fan hooks, i used the bottom screw hole and it can be slightly higher. Outdoor ones like CW400, CW300, EC5 installation also similar except I use pillar bracket and basin holders for those.



This post has been edited by JonSpark: Dec 21 2024, 01:30 PM

sorry if commenting on old thread

anyone using PoE CCTV, how you guys do the wiring?
if can, please provide some photos so i can get the idea.

For landed house use, indoor and outdoor, is it recommended to get NVR?

And what is the recommended resolution for cctv if I need face and car plate recognition in case of robbery? 4mp?

Having an NVR is not about indoor / outdoor, it's about having a recorded footage copy outside of your CCTV. Your needs may vary. It's to safeguard the recording when you need it. One copy in CCTV, one copy in NVR.

As for resolution, 4mp is good enough, but it also depends on camera angle and distance. You have to test. For example, my outdoor one, looking out from first floor towards road in front of my house. Can't see the car plate, too small. It's far away.

I hope that's gives you some insight.

Oh, meaning if I have NVR, I still need to get sd card for the cctv so footage can be stored in both NVR and cctv?

I am looking to buy a nvr + 4 biji cctv bundle. So far recommendations is tapo/vigi? I don't see ezviz offering a bundle with NVR based on shopee mall.

Is this consider ok for home usage? I totally newbie in this.
https://my.shp.ee/vdm1gyB

VIGI - it's for commercial use. The one you're looking for is wired setup. You have to do the wirings.

No need SD card. The recording will go direct to wired NVR. No harm to have both.

Tapo - consumer grade from TP-Link
Vigi - commercial grade from TP-Link, slightly more expensive.

I've use both. Need different apps to manage Tapo & Vigi.

At the moment I use 7 Tapo CCTVs (3 outdoors, 4 indoors). I've ditch Vigi one. Sticking to one app. I have unused VIGI NVR1008H (8-Channels NVR) sitting doing nothing.

Regardless it's for commercial or consumer use, once it involves NVR, wiring is needed right? And wiring normally is ethernet cable?

I think tapo don't have 4mp camera based on what I check in the shopee mall. NVR is using 3.5 hdd sata? Just need to get a better one as it always overwrite right?

NVR can be both wireless and wired. I used VIGI NVR1008H before. 7 CCTV, all wireless. Go with wireless. easier to relocate.

As for wired. a CAT5E is more than enough. Normally CCTV needs only 100bmps speed only.

Tapo C225 - 2K QHD 4MP (2688×1520 px)
Tapo C520WS and Tapo C325WB - 2K QHD 4MP (2560 × 1440 px)

NVR - 3.5 SATA hdd. Can use NAS hdd or CCTV hdd. Should be okay for 24 x 7 operation. No issue. Overwrite is no issue. It will take months to be overwritten. Huge storage. HDD - no issue with overwriting data. No degradation like SSD.

This post has been edited by haturaya: Oct 28 2025, 11:44 AM

Alright, thanks a lot for those info, learned a lot. Let me try to research more and see which one to buy.

tapo is wireless cctv
need power supply
some have built-in memory card slot
control with app

vigi is ip camera
good for live monitoring
some have built-in memory card slot
dual power soket or POE from LAN cable. Make sure cooper LAN not fake CCA cable
control with app or pc or NVR box

yes ip camera need some wire.

Most cheap skate IP Camera difficult to capture car no plate at night due to mouse trail effects due aka motion blur. It has nothing to do with resolution.

What is the recommend camera to capture those details?

https://www.tp-link.com/my/home-networking/...-hub/tapo-h500/

I was recently made aware of this product, which allows existing Tapo cameras to record to it wirelessly.
Does VIGI NVR1008H also support wireless recording from tapo cameras, and can you playback from the recordings remotely?

Tapo hubs - need 2.5" hdd. No cheap NAS / CCTV grade hard disk available. But can always use good SSD.

VIGI NVR1008H is for wireless only. No direct UTP connection to the CCTV. You need to have a network switch / router. I've use it before. Can playback any recording remotely. No issue.