We have the numbers to resist effectively, but we need to get used to going out and organizing and working with each other. A coordinated campaign of disabling cameras should be a relatively easy thing to get going.

Alexa is also the linchpin of Amazon Sidewalk which is opt-out and potentially gives a way for devices in your home (like smart appliances) to connect to the internet whether you give them wifi access or not. Pretty handy surveillance tool.

But don't worry, we've only made Jeff Bezo's powerful enough to rent Venice for his wedding.

Try whatever plus into homeassistant, if anything.

Reolink is what I use. Fairly similar in utility and options. Prices are ok but they go on sale pretty often. Poe, solar, and battery options for power.

This looked like the most solid path, when I researched about 10 months ago.

https://thingino.com/

Open-source Firmware for Ingenic SoC IP Cameras

Intro Video

I use Wyze but they have their own issues....

I don’t know if they are any better, but I use Tapo/tplink cameras. No subscription required if you use it with an sd card, but they have a subscription plan for cloud storage.

The only drawbacks to having actual security cameras is when you trust your data to a 3rd party known to use your data for evil.

If you record things locally, there's really zero drawbacks.

Raspberry pi + pi camera + camera case connected to wifi is way better anyway and doesn‘t steal your data

i need them inside for my cats i like to look at them. but im using chinese cameras with a home server. there's hours of me wacking off saved on there by now

But they let me see who is at the door without coming up from the basement.

Surprising nobody, as in nobody really cares if they are unaware of being spied on. If the utility does what it says on the tin, that's as far as the thought process goes. They don't even know these things can be hacked or be part of state surveillance. People that go "hmm… wait it must be connected to the internet?" are really tiny part of the market.

As people are accustomed to think having the password/account, means one else can have access to it. It never crosses their mind.

It's like how much Chinese network devices are prevalent in the market. It kinda does what it says, but also sends your data to the mother ship.

Authoritarian governments think alike.

Don't worry, they have plenty of interest in you, like it or not.

"Just for educational purposes"

I've never used them so you'd need to research a bit as I only have experience with their gateways, but Unifi makes security equipment that I believe can run locally or be hosted to devices from your network

Maybe someone more knowledgeable than me can chime in if they have experience with their security ecosystem and how complex it is to use as you would a ring

BlueIris (software) is a good option, and I loke Amcrest cameras. Thats what I run for our ranch.

Its not to difficult to setup.

Yes. It's not cheap, but you also don't need to absolutely break the bank. It is well worth it.