Interior or Exterior Cameras

Other Devices & Integrations Door Locks & Sensors
1

I am thinking of adding a couple camera to my veralite. Since I haven’t really played around with IP cameras before perhaps someone with a bit more knowledge could help me out. I have scanned the forums but still have a few questions.

  1. Do cheap outdoor IP cameras ($100ea) really survive in the elements for long? The areas I have in mind are covered but temps can range from 15-100 F and it rains a lot.

  2. Is there a cleaner/more secure way to power them than adding a outlet next to the camera? If not, couldn’t someone just unplug an outdoor camera?

  3. Does vera have a way to alert you if an IP camera is not responding?

  4. Does anyone have any warnings or guidelines that I may be forgetting as a novice?

Thanks!