Ring doorbell camera - what are the easiest private alternatives?

https://lemmy.world/post/1403456

Ring doorbell camera - what are the easiest private alternatives? - Lemmy.world

Family just got one of these dumb things and I need a quick replacement option to order and return this crap. What is there that works offline and I can set up to work with fruit phones? (Not a fruit phone/fruit salad user)

Reolink or Amcrest
Reolink has had some concerns over privacy, and transparency. You’re required to use their app, even if you’re linked into HomeAssisstant/Frigate. Most of their cameras also don’t offer continuous recording, which has made me really regretting my Reolink E1 Outdoor.

Add others have said you can set these Reolink PoE cameras up on different systems without using their app forever

I for one have set up Reolink cameras on Synology’s Surveillance Station successfully after a one time setup with Reolink’s app. Meaning I used their app to get it connected to my WiFi and then immediately set the camera’s DNS etc. to it’s own IP.

Once that was accomplished I set up the camera on Synology and now I only use their app for access. In no way does Reolink successfully phone home after this. While it isn’t ideal it’s pretty great street this is completed.