Doorbell Cameras

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JudyM

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Someone knocked on my door at 9:40pm tonight. Was a very light knock. I was near the door at the time and cannot look out the peephole in the door because I am in a wheelchair. I know I should not have opened the door but did not open the storm door. There was a tall man, 40 to 50 years old, light salt and pepper hair. Was wearing a light pea green polo shirt, no jacket (it is raining here). He also had a backpack on. I asked him who he was, he said something (muttered), waved his hand and turned around and left. My neighbor has him on her Ring doorbell as coming from the main street and walking towards my apartment. I called Non-Emergency at the County Sheriff and talked to a dispatcher. Bad attitude because no crime was committed and I didn't see a weapon on him.

I really need a doorbell camera operated like RING, but one that I can see who is there. My next-door neighbor's fiancée can install it for me. I have heard light knocking on my door, but usually very early in the morning. What kind can I buy from Amazon that I do not have to pay monthly fees? I don't live in Portland, (close to Clackamas) and sometimes the crimey people wander to my 'hood.
 
I use BLINK cameras from Amazon, very good and easy to set up and affordable, mine are 6-7yrs old so there is probably better versions now. They record, have audio and can be adjusted to your needs and mounting locations.
 
We use ring, and got one for the kids house also. Easy to set up and use. The subscription fee is to store video, about $110 as I recall. We pay, the kids don't use that.
 
JudyM said:
Someone knocked on my door at 9:40pm tonight. Was a very light knock. I was near the door at the time and cannot look out the peephole in the door because I am in a wheelchair. I know I should not have opened the door but did not open the storm door. There was a tall man, 40 to 50 years old, light salt and pepper hair. Was wearing a light pea green polo shirt, no jacket (it is raining here). He also had a backpack on. I asked him who he was, he said something (muttered), waved his hand and turned around and left. My neighbor has him on her Ring doorbell as coming from the main street and walking towards my apartment. I called Non-Emergency at the County Sheriff and talked to a dispatcher. Bad attitude because no crime was committed and I didn't see a weapon on him.

I really need a doorbell camera operated like RING, but one that I can see who is there. My next-door neighbor's fiancée can install it for me. I have heard light knocking on my door, but usually very early in the morning. What kind can I buy from Amazon that I do not have to pay monthly fees? I don't live in Portland, (close to Clackamas) and sometimes the crimey people wander to my 'hood.
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What about having a peep hole installed at a height that works for you?
 
Blink, currently on sale at Amazon is rated as the best budget such.
Also make sure you have a good deadbolt on your door besides a handle lock. If not, ask the landlord to either install one or allow you to have one installed.
Sorry you have to deal with creeps.
 
I was really scared to find someone at my door at that time of night. Have a deadbolt as well regular door lock. Door is always locked unless I am expecting my daughter or caretaker. Caretaker does not have my phone number, so cannot call (Her company's rules). Good Luck getting the Landlord to install anything, he is slacking in upkeep. He is older than I am with medical problems, too. My next-door neighbor is a real sweetheart, and our front doors face each other. She was here when I moved in. Flybill, that is a hilarious suggestion! :LOL:Maybe just buy some oversized work boots and park them next to the door on the outside. My porch light is always on when it is dark. I am thankful for really good neighbors, just wish Portland would keep their creepy people on their side of the county line.
 
As a single woman living alone, DO NOT EVER open the door unless you are absolutely sure who it is, especially at night. Get a camera or have the neighbor install a door viewing hole at your level. If your landlord is that old and irresponsible for upkeep, they will never notice. Creepy, opportunistic jerks exist everywhere. We need to use our own common sense and vigilance to stay safe. Good luck and be safe.
 
Cameras might give you an early alert of a malevolent prowler or worst case home invasion, but IMO it makes sense to first strengthen exterior door frames, hinges, and a deadbolt upgrade. Outdoor lighting upgrades and tree shrub trimming also exposes any intruders. Then maybe consider a camera (nonsubscrition) to see who's coming without giving up too much of your own privacy.

PS - More sophisticated prowlers now bring jamming devices to scramble security cameras.
 
DimeBrite said:
Cameras might give you an early alert of a malevolent prowler or worst case home invasion, but IMO it makes sense to first strengthen exterior door frames, hinges, and a deadbolt upgrade. Outdoor lighting upgrades and tree shrub trimming also exposes any intruders. Then maybe consider a camera (nonsubscrition) to see who's coming without giving up too much of your own privacy.
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That is what I am looking for in a camera/doorbell. I want something that will show who it is in real time on my smartphone.
 
The most popular ones with optional subscriptions are Ring, Wyze, Google Nest and Eufy. I know people that have variety of them and they all like theirs. I have Google Nest myself hardwired to my doorbell, it does not require subscription (subscription saved the recordings in the cloud) and I can see live who's at the door on my phone. I would probably lean toward Wyze since you can install an SD card to save events, I have a couple of these in my garage and like them a lot due to their fast responses and reliability. If I were to install a new doorbell I would likely go with Wyze.
 
I'll chime in here. The OP was about doorbell cameras. I will let the more knowledgeable people here steer her in the right direction for a security camera system. However I will add...Motion sensor floodlights are very cheap, effective and makes the video (if any) much more clear. Far superior to a porch light. "Darkness is the criminals best friend."
Additionally, things like a "beware of dog" sign over a huge dog bowl is often recommended.
Also, most experts would recommend to NEVER OPEN THE DOOR. Not even a crack.
Having your cell phone on you at all times is also advised. You don't want to have to go find it in the middle of the night to call police.
Personal sirens, might be worth considering. Think of a marine airhorn right by your side.. now that's gunna wake up the neighbors at 10:00 PM....And the criminal will leave.
 
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I've actually been meaning to pick up a Ring camera, all joking aside! On sale at Amazon. I'll look into the other options as well!

The above link is to a Ring camera on sale at Amazon, but it doesn't display how I intended...
 
We have a Simplisafe system. Doorbell works great and is hardwired for power. Ring has a rechargeable built-in battery.

I prefer hardwired or removable batteries.
 
Don’t answer your door until May 21st JudyM!! I’m no killer but I’ve concealed carried for 40+ years….a 12 gauge shotgun is by far the best home defense! First who’s stupid enough to argue with a barrel the size of a quarter and you won’t shoot through your walls injuring a neighbor. No permit needed, I have trap load in mine. Cameras are probably good enough…but if somebody got into your house…….stay safe JudyM……you always have my back with Seahawk posts!
 
Bambooflyguy said:
Don’t answer your door until May 21st JudyM!! I’m no killer but I’ve concealed carried for 40+ years….a 12 gauge shotgun is by far the best home defense! First who’s stupid enough to argue with a barrel the size of a quarter and you won’t shoot through your walls injuring a neighbor. No permit needed, I have trap load in mine. Cameras are probably good enough…but if somebody got into your house…….stay safe JudyM……you always have my back with Seahawk posts!
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No worries, I have my concealed permit, too. Nobody is going to argue with a Bulldog .44 Special loaded with hollow points. But I'd rather not shoot anyone unless my life is threatened. I took the handgun classes, too.
 
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