Index:
UNIFI by Ubiquiti The most capable
EZVIZ long range WIFI
BLINK very easy to install
Results the winners are in
Starlink internet speeds are in some cases 10-20x faster than their competitors, with more speed comes more options, like running large security/surveillance systems. Many clients have asked what are some good options for their Starlink system. We fortunately have installed a lot of security systems over the years and have already installed multiple on the Starlink system for clients as well as tested on our own. We’ve completed Installations for small and large businesses, residential and remote view systems, So we’ve put together our Top Three Modern Surveillance/Security Systems that are compatible with Starlink. So you’ve received your Starlink, Yeah! Now you're thinking about putting in a better security system into your home/office. We have found a lot of success with a range of (remote view capable) camera systems running on our 1st Gen Starlink internet. We have kept everything original as far as equipment (Router, Power Supply, etc.) To date we have worked with around 10 different camera systems from Hard Wired to Wireless as well as Hybrid Wireless systems, there are a lot to choose from and it can be daunting to find the right fit. So today we are going to jump in to a few of our surveillance favorites, and hopefully guide you in the right direction if you are looking at a setup for your own home or business, but don't know where to begin.
Hard wired (top choice)
Ubiquiti makes some truly impressive scalable cameras, they offer an expansive range of equipment at many different price points and can be utilized anywhere from personal home use to your business (small, medium or large). They are our top choice first and foremost because of the ease of use, and second due to how customizable they are. The shout out to ease of use comes from the highly rated and well thought out app and software that Ubiquiti has created. We have worked with many different brands and manufacturers over the years and it seems like the majority of the budget has gone towards the cameras themselves, which is all well and good until you need to check up on your property while away (done via an app). This is one area where Ubiquiti's Unifi Protect products shine. https://ca.store.ui.com/collections/unifi-protect
The other highlight that we pointed out is the customizability; it is truly second to none (in our experience). I had mentioned earlier that this is a scalable system, when you compare this to a traditional legacy camera kit which saves all of the recordings to a NVR or a DVR and from said recording device you need to have every connection cable run from that point to each individual camera's location. Depending on what kit you purchase it will have a fixed amount of ports on the back of the device and limits you for future expansion (larger NVRs or DVRs can be purchased at an extra cost). This is not to say that the legacy systems are no good but more so to point out the age and the limitations when going this route. The Unifi Protect products have a similar concept but can be achieved (on a large scale) with more ease.
When storing video clips and images one option is the Cloud Key. It is roughly 1/5th the size of a traditional NVR or DVR and is a hybrid of sorts that combines secure cloud storage and backup as well as on board storage with an expandable hard drive. Just like computers have come a long way in processing power and size, so have products such as the Cloud Key. Legacy systems are tried and true and have their place, but the advancements and attention to detail that Ubiquiti brings should set the standard for other security companies and brands (similar to the surge forward that Elon Musk and Starlink has brought). Any of the Ubiquiti cameras can also be seamlessly added into your Unifi Protect network, from small HD indoor cameras to a variety of outdoor cameras in 1080P or 4K quality, small (easy to mount and hide) or larger fixed optical zoom cameras all the way up to a robust pan/tilt/zoom camera that provides a whopping 22x optical zoom. You can mix and match for your needs and have them connected under the same account and viewed through the same clean and easy to use interface. It's kind of like Apple products with all of the polish and appeal they bring, while still delivering a high functioning and well thought out product. All of this excellence does come at a cost though, and you will find yourself spending a fair chunk more (in most cases) compared to a legacy camera kit, that being said the scalability of the Unifi Protect products means you can slowly build your system a few cameras at a time without breaking the bank. Which leads me to perhaps the biggest drawback right now with Unifi products is that they're hard to find. With very limited supply, if you can find them then buy them.
Pros | Cons |
Commercial Grade Equipment | Expensive |
Completely Expandable, there is pretty much nothing you can't do with these systems | Hard to get with all the supply chain interruptions |
The app play back features are the best we've used, love the scrolling feature, | Tech ability needed for installation |
2nd Place Hardwire Choice, Hikvision. These are great systems at half the cost of Unifi, and are extremely rugged and reliable. The main reason it didn’t come first is that Unifi functionally is the best in the industry and the set-up of the Hikvision system is not for the faint of heart.
Hybrid Wireless (top choice)
EZVIZ packs a punch in a small package, with some of the best night vision capabilities on the market (specific models), we certainly have not tested every brand out there but can safely say (of the ones we have tested) the EZVIZ lineup of cameras is one of the best bangs for your buck. Another excellent feature is the onboard storage via an SD card slot, no on site recording device needed as these cameras connect wirelessly to your Wi-Fi which in turn gives you remote access to your clips and recordings (saved on the SD card). The one caveat with these cameras is that they are a Hybrid Wireless system, basically this means you have to have continuous power (110V-120V plug) connected to the camera's power supply. It does not have a battery power option or a POE for power option, and this is why we are referring to it as Hybrid Wireless.
This can be a pro or a con depending on the location of your camera relevant to a power outlet. A pro because you never have to change batteries in the camera or a con because you are limited to the placement of the camera and or having to install power nearby. Aside from the potential power road block you will find an intuitive and easy to use app, as well as a camera that talks to
you and walks you through the installation steps, it really doesn't get much easier than the EZVIZ cameras. Aside from the need for a continuous power source it's hard to find many flaws with these cams, if you are looking for a few individual quick setup cameras then look no further. https://www.ezvizlife.com/
Pros | Cons |
Great camera vision for the price | Needs electrical outlet power |
WiFi Range, it can go a long way out. | Limited Built in Storage |
Alarm System and built in speaker work great |
|
Wireless (top choice)
Blink is the most affordable camera system of the 3, being an Amazon company it often goes on sale and is well priced for the kits. They are a completely wireless system that run on two lithium AAA batteries and can last up to two years before replacement is needed(depending on the settings, we typically see battery replacement needed 1-2 times a year.). They have a bright and crisp picture, are very small and can be hidden easily which is a huge bonus for capturing footage with less chance of being seen and compromised. Another bonus with being an Amazon company is that they have good funding, and have put a lot of thought and money into creating a sleek and functional camera system for the masses.
They also have the most aftermarket mounts of any system that we have seen, including a neat bird house style mount that can attach to your rain gutter, as well as a quick release mount for when you need to change the batteries, just to name a few. When it comes to storage they have two options; you can either pay a monthly fee for a cloud based storage service or you can purchase a micro SD card that inserts into the camera system module (communicates with cameras from inside the house near Wi-Fi). Now the main drawback that sticks out in our minds is motion detecting distance (25' max). Not exactly a deal breaker, but can definitely be an inconvenience for some people trying to cover a large area with cameras. For smaller properties and homes, Blink is an overall excellent choice in the wireless category and that is why it made the list today. https://www.amazon.ca/
Pros | Cons |
The easiest system to install | Batteries needing to be changed |
Great notification system | Limited useful camera range |
Discreet small cameras | Short clip playback |
Surveillance/Security System Breakdown Chart
Brand | Unifi | Ezviz | Blink |
|---|---|---|---|
Useful Vision Range | 75-200FT | 100Ft | 50Ft |
Installation | Moderate | Moderate | Easy |
Pricing | Expensive | Moderate | Moderate |
Camera Power Type | POE | Electrical Outlet | Batteries |
Image Clarity | Excellent | Excellent | Moderate |
In conclusion, all these systems work well with the Starlink system. The one you choose really depends on your needs, budget and tech capability. We feel all these systems are worth the investment. A surveillance/security system helps bring peace of mind, letting you know when and even who is on your property while your away, from catching the delivery guy to scaring away criminals. We hope you have found this article helpful in choosing a camera system to pair with your Starlink internet. We would like to hear about your experiences, with so many systems on the market we know there are other systems that will work well, and some that won't. Join our forums and get in on sharing and learning with other Starlink users. If you have any further questions regarding Starlink and or Camera systems please leave a comment or send us a message and we would be happy to help.