I would be most grateful.
Search FR for ‘Frigate’
I use Eufy. No cloud subscription.
Off topic - in addition to cam networks get a power backup for your router so you can still see the cams from anywhere. Also consider motion detector solar-powered floodlights if your property is conducive to this, no worries ever.
but in this case the first hit was
Title: Cloud
My security is all Amcrest..
I use an NVR for controlling the cameras (and recording on a 3 TB HDD internally in the NVR).
No cloud, all internal.
I’m USING REOLink poe cameras, very pleased. No cloud service required.
Chances are your WiFi router has a configurable firewall that can block any node on your network — including the cameras — from reaching the Internet.
Real-Time Streaming Protocol (RTSP) is a network protocol just like HTTP or HTTPS. Cameras that broadcast in RTSP can have their video feed played on any browser on any computer that’s receiving the signal.
What Is an NVR - Network Video Recorder Explained
Aug 14, 2026
by eufy team
Key Takeaways:
What Does NVR Stand For?
Network Video Recorder (NVR) records digital footage from IP cameras and saves it locally for later playback or review. Unlike traditional Digital Video Recorders (DVRs), which use analog cameras, NVRs work seamlessly with digital or IP cameras, offering advanced capabilities in video processing and storage.
The primary function of an NVR is to act as a central hub for video management in a surveillance setup. It receives, processes, and stores digital video feeds from connected IP cameras. NVRs are equipped with robust processing power, allowing them to handle high-resolution video streams and support various advanced features.
I bought a bunch of cheap’ones from Amazon, Hisee I think is the name. You can use them with SD memory cards or, if you are wealthy, have them upload to the cloud. I think I paid $15 each. I can view them with my phone but you have to be on the cloud subscription if you want to view remotely. I think all camera companies require a subscription to view remotely.
Garde Pro....once you buy it and set it up, all free. No ongoing fees/subscriptions and they work like Swiss watch.
This might be it:
https://freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/4395489/posts
Search engines can be a friend...
Depends, what is your budget? What are you trying to do? Constant video stream to an inside monitor? Or just record cam video to an SD card and watch later? Or ?
As mentioned upthread the expensive professional solution is a commercial “NVR” type camera recording system you control and maintain in your residence (like 7-Eleven uses in store):
https://www.lorex.com/collections/wired-ip-nvr-security-cameras-and-systems
The cheapo way is get something like a “Wyze” camera with an SD memory card and never hook it up to the Internet...just watch the videos from the SD memory card.
https://www.howtogeek.com/smart-security-cameras-without-subscriptions-or-cloud-storage/
https://www.wyze.com/products/wyze-cam
Did a Gemini Search (Didn’t post last table because it doesn’t format well here - but question was: “outdoor security cameras that don’t use the cloud to store data”
Response:
Several leading outdoor security camera brands offer local storage options to bypass monthly cloud subscription fees.
Depending on whether you prefer standalone Wi-Fi cameras or dedicated NVR (Network Video Recorder) systems, here are the top options:
1. Standalone / Plug-and-Play Local StorageThese cameras connect directly to your home Wi-Fi and save footage onto an on-board microSD card. Reolink Duo 3 PoE / Reolink Argus Series: Reolink is a top choice for subscription-free monitoring. Their cameras feature microSD card slots (up to 512GB) and support direct FTP or NAS recording. The Duo 3 PoE offers a 180° ultra-wide 4K field of view. TP-Link Tapo (e.g., Tapo C120 or C420S1 Solar): Highly rated for budget local storage. Tapo cameras feature microSD card slots for local recording alongside free built-in AI alerts (person, vehicle, and pet detection) without requiring a cloud plan. Wyze Cam v4: An affordable, weather-resistant option with full-color night vision. Storing footage continuously or via motion events to a local microSD card requires no monthly subscription.
2. Hub-Based SystemsThese wireless cameras stream their footage over your local network to an indoor base station hub that houses a hard drive or microSD card. eufy Security (eufyCam S340 / Cam 3): eufy’s system centers around the HomeBase 3, which includes expandable local hard drive storage (up to 16TB). It uses local AI processing for facial and vehicle recognition without uploading video to cloud servers.Lorex Wi-Fi Cameras with Fusion Hub: Lorex focuses heavily on privacy and local storage. Their wireless outdoor setups save footage directly to an indoor local hub or internal SD card.
3. Wired NVR / PoE Systems (Best for Maximum Privacy)If you want to completely isolate your camera network from the internet:Reolink or Lorex PoE Systems: A wired Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) kit connects multiple outdoor cameras back to a central NVR with a built-in hard drive. You can run these entirely offline on a local network without any cloud connection or external internet access.
Back in 2019, we had some individuals (near by squaters, it turns out) constantly coming to our door in the wee hours of the morning. It was when we wouldn’t provide them free stuff anymore that they smashed beer bottles on our driveway knowing we have dogs that we walked every day. I wanted proof of the harassment so bought a NVR system, Reolink with 4 POE cameras and could add 4 more cameras. The hubs ran the cables through the attic which was a task that he’ll not do again, LOL, we’re old people, teeheehee. I then added 4 wifi cameras for monitoring different areas of house while we’re gone to keep an eye on the critters and at one time we had some fellow try to get into our house via the sunroom sliders. The cameras have two way audio which helps, LOL. And this setup has saved us a few times, like catching a fellow who crashed into our mailbox (turns out it was a kid in the neighborhood). Knock on wood, the system has been running strong since then. No cloud involved though there is a Reolink app I use on the phone and desktop, but I don’t use their cloud storage which comes now at a cost anyway. Yeah, the cost up front was about $500 for the NVR but it was worth it in the long run.