Cheap webcam that's not cloud or mobile app based?

rollingmoon

So... eBay and Aliexpress both list dozens of cheap webcams, but most seem to be cloud-based, sending your video to a phone via some dubious server in China. All I need is a camera that can join my LAN, and runs its own web server so I can look at what it's watching from a browser when I want to. I don't need the ability to record either... any suggestions please?

J_B

We have a TP link Tapo - app based (sorry) but works on tablet and phone but not PC

mluton

J_B said:

We have a TP link Tapo - app based (sorry) but works on tablet and phone but not PC

Good call still with the TP LINK Tapo devices as you can turn on RTSP. Initial setup needs to be done through the app still.

I use mine with Contacam.

bob_a_builder

If you have any IT skills/Tinkering interests. Then the ESP32-CAM  Camera module could do what you need + cheap
https://randomnerdtutorials.com/esp32-cam-video-streaming-web-server-camera-home-assistant/

GDB2222

Can you do this with an old phone? 

rollingmoon

bob_a_builder said:

If you have any IT skills/Tinkering interests. Then the ESP32-CAM  Camera module could do what you need + cheap
https://randomnerdtutorials.com/esp32-cam-video-streaming-web-server-camera-home-assistant/

Nice idea... I have a couple of ESP32s lying around, and those camera boards are pennies on Aliexpress! Cheers.

bob_a_builder

OK - Thats good
The ESP32 CAM incudes an ESP32 on board as well as the camera !
Also look out for the little daughter board which you can plug on the back of the ESP32 Cam to provide USB connection for power and programming - makes it much easier saves mucking about with the FTDI board
https://uk.banggood.com/search/esp32-cam-mb-usb-programmer.html