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Hello @NeilO1
Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us and thanks for sharing your question about getting a security camera.
A WiFi security camera can be a great way to monitor your property while you're on holiday, but its effectiveness depends on your internet speed, particularly the upload speed. Most cameras require at least 1-2 Mbps of upload speed for standard-definition streaming and around 4-5 Mbps for HD video. If your connection is slower than this, you may experience buffering, lag, delayed notifications, or the camera dropping offline entirely.
To improve reliability, consider a camera that allows you to adjust the video quality. Lowering the resolution to 480p or even 720p can help reduce bandwidth usage, making the camera more stable on a slow connection. Some models also offer local storage options, such as SD card recording, which allows the camera to save footage without constantly uploading it to the cloud.
Another good option is a camera with motion detection and event-based recording, meaning it only records and sends footage when movement is detected. This reduces the need for constant streaming, saving bandwidth and improving reliability. Some cameras also offer scheduled recording, allowing you to set specific times for monitoring instead of continuous recording.
If your WiFi is too slow or unreliable, a 4G or 5G-enabled security camera with a SIM card may be a better option, as it bypasses the home internet connection entirely. Before purchasing a camera, it’s best to run a speed test to check your upload speed and choose a model that matches your internet capabilities.
I suggest having a look at the Eufy Security 2C - 3 Camera Pack Plus Homebase or the Eufy Security 2C - 4 Camera Pack Plus Homebase. These are excellent security cameras with good reviews.
I also recommend having a look at this guide: How to choose a home security camera by @Nham.
If you have any other question we can help with, please let us know.
Eric
