Smart Video Doorbell Systems

I heard that some Local Authorities provide such systems to seniors. But, I don’t know much about them, it seems like a good idea.
I gather a camera monitors the entrance, and when there is movement detected, the door bell rung, etc, a message and live video is sent to your mobile. You can choose to talk to the person.
Obviously good for security, but also for deliveries, valid visitors, etc.
Has Choice reviewed these, I couldn’t find anything?
I guess there are a number of components and things/features that require evaluation? Maybe it is potential DIY project to assemble?

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They have been reviewed - ‘Smart Doorbells’ [Member content]

as well as a [open content] buyers guide

I am not aware any agency or government is funding them for seniors. Anyone?

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Thank you. I searched beforehand for security, monitoring, door, but not Smart Doorbell. :slight_smile:
So appreciate you pointing me in the right direction.

My home has a side door, so visitors tend NOT to face the door directly, rather stand sideways. Hence, I wonder how well all of these might operate, as all the functionality is built into the single device pointing directly out from the door. A separate camera, pointing at right angles, to both trigger the motion detection and provide vision might be necessary.

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You don’t have to install the doorbell next to the door. If it is natural for people to walk up the side and continue to face in that direction is it possible to install the doorbell in front of them even on a post sticking up from the ground.

If you have to install next to the door, make sure you buy one with a wide angle lens (heading toward 180 dergrees). You should be able to get a fair idea of who it is at the door.

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Cut & pasted from https://www.choice.com.au/electronics-and-technology/gadgets/tech-gadgets/buying-guides/smart-doorbells

Angle of view can be an important part of the camera performance. The models in our smart doorbell review ranged from around 100 degrees, which is fairly narrow, right up to 180 degrees, which means you can see who’s at your door even if they’re standing off to the side.

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I have purchased one of these through Amazon, which is rechargeable, visual and sound, night vision and takes pictures upon movement, alerts to smart phone, records to memory stick, with a large memory. Works very well $138.

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You are obviously pleased with yours. Would you post the make and model for others?

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PhilT
Brand “COOICO” Battery Powdered Security Camera, 100% wire-free.
Model ZS-GX3S.
Regards Gary

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For anyone who may be interested…

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I wanted to get a similar one for high rise building, ours isn’t working and OC won’t fix it.
All the info I got came with a warning that I could be sued for filming in public. That is, maybe
Anyone walking by. Even in a house close to a footpath the wide angle lens could be a problem.

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I don’t think thats right… IN Australia at least, there is no expectation of privacy if you are on public land, and if someone comes to your door, they are subject to your expectations… At least, that is the case with photography, which is why its OK to take photos in the street, of people, and not OK to take them inside buildings

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It would be better to look to your state or territory government, LGA and Strata Title requirements.

Security cameras | OAIC

For your instance the OC may have the penultimate say, as it has control over the common property areas.

It is worth writing formally to the OC requesting the entrance security camera is reinstated. There are Government supported options for resolving Strata Title issues including maintenance issues, EG https://www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/housing-and-property/strata-and-community-living/strata-schemes/resolving-disputes-and-mediation

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Thanks for all your help and ideas, I hadn’t thought there would be a problem but these days
I don’t have much fight left with OCs. It hasn’t worked for about 4 years, had a specialist in who said
He fixed it, paid him and it worked for a few days.
We’ve been advised to get a recommended person in to decide who is responsible for fixing it us or
OC. I thought the smart. Doorbell could solve the problem.
Once again I’ll renew my efforts for communications.

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