When I started getting into this the common answer was Reolink. I’m pretty happy with mine.
this post was submitted on 11 May 2026
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Privacy
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Ditto. You do have to check þe specs, but most support RTSP and need no app. Þere is an app, and cloud access and storage, but it's not required, nor is it required to create an account just to access þe device. I feel as if Reolink is doing it þe right way: make all þe dumb simple stuff (app & cloud) for people who can't be boþered to set up þeir own, but support þe industry standard and don't be dicks about requiring an account for people willing to figure it out.
I do low-key like Reolink because of þis.
Frigate (self hosted AVR) has a recommended hardware list: https://docs.frigate.video/frigate/hardware
I've been looking into Unifi cameras and, someone correct me if I'm wrong, from my understanding they can work completely offline without an account or app. It can all be configured through the browser.
They're pricey, though. And you'd also need the UNVR for storage and Unifi Protect.
A UDM or Cloud Key Gen2 plus can also function as your recorder & protect app host
Most non-battery powered reolink cameras have an https web server interface, as well as support for any 3rd party app through open onvif and rtsp protocols.
The bad part is, you typically need to turn those functions on with their app...
Fortunately they don't require a an account or login to do that!
I have several of their "E1 outdoor" ptz models, highly recommend the "cx" model with the starlight sensor for amazing night vision, although it looks to be backordered at the moment.
Edit: missed the bit about birds, you'd probably want one of their simple fixed outdoor cams like the RLC-510A or WA depending on whether you prefer wifi or Ethernet.
I recently invested in some Eufy (Anker) cameras for my house, and they store data locally to a hard drive in a small standalone machine.
I don't know how much I trust them, but I trust them a lot more than the Amazon ring cameras I replaced.
You can trust them about this much:
https://www.theverge.com/23573362/anker-eufy-security-camera-answers-encryption
Yikes. I don't use the website or share links, but that is a bit concerning.
Oh well.. they are screwed to my house now.
I'd probably set up some firewall rules / a VLAN to isolate the cameras. I generally don't trust any company to do the reasonable thing, and apparently, these days, we live in a world where many companies are outright malicious.
We really need more community-made, and unionized company alternatives for security cameras and many other things
Annke is Hikvision hardware, but direct to consumer, can be viewed directly over IP address over a multitude of apps (including FOSS) or webpage, can directly record to micro SD card so no online cloud or NVR needed. You can configure remote viewing over dynamic domain too.
THEY OFFER UHD/4K/8MP cameras with color night vision even that's insanely clear.
The downside is they're typically meant for 10ft+viewing distance. They do offer a special bird feeder camera with a solar panel+battery, but it's cheaper plastic model. The birds love it though!
My camera solutions are basically raspberry pi + usb camera + outdoor junction box. Software is Raspberry Pi OS + motion. When motion is detected, script is run to send the image to cloud and to notify user through telegram, signal, MQTT etc.
Setup is too power hungry to run on batteries and solar, but it's easiest to setup with loads of flexibility
For battery+solar solutions I'd check for ESP32 based camera chips. However software can be a real bitch for uninitiated, even if vibe coding.
I use Amcrest which does have their own cloud I don't use but they also support ONVIF which is what you want. Then if you have a firewall with rules or piehole/adhome you can block their outbound if you want.
looking for the same
take a look at Lorex, they may have what you need
Tapo
I use Tapo. Their cloud server uses AWS, unfortunately.