Researching security cameras I’ve discovered this is a muddy scene. Not only do they not know the difference between WiFi and the internet, which might work on a layman level, but is horribly misleading. They have completely mislabelled WiFi as the internet. Talking to representatives it became clear they see WiFi and internet as synonymous.
Searching for security cameras that does not require an internet connection, reveals only security cameras that don’t require wifi (!?!) Google does not seem to know the difference. Bing fare a bit better with results only slightly more aligned with the question.
Then I read that the big income source for them is selling whatever their cameras see. Thus letting you use it without sharing with them is counter productive (I.e. not using an internet connection). I was just reading the agreement (the one so often just clicked past) and it tells me that they, for example, in the case of baby monitor, will track just about everything about the baby, its development eating/sleeping pattern heart rate etc. The same goes for everything they can get hold of, use it any way they want basically.
And you legally agree when you start using it. Not their fault you are (typically) too American to read what you sign. It seems only attorneys read the agreement before signing it.
The only good part is that they are very clear about their invasion IF you read the privacy notes! Basically anything and everything they can get hold on will be used to make money from. The above came from Eufy whose cameras functions a bit better than some.
It is therefore very popular with these companies to offer local storage which could mean on a stick in the camera and/or on a base system. As I the case with Aosu the images you see on your locally connected cameras (WiFi) will stop working the moment the internet connection goes down.
Another one, Lorex, sold me a base system that did not connect to WiFi with my 4 WiFi cameras and would only work with my non-existent wired cameras. Which in all honesty could have been my fault for ordering it. My main issue with Lorex was not the camera, it was excellent with good range, but it had a very archaic interface from decades ago with matching lacking functionality.
The good side is that both companies refunded me promptly with their 30 day return policy.
I also got a couple of doorbells which should be simple enough. And if you want to use them for when you are away, that is very handy. But of course that does rely on the (actual) internet.
Another thing to note, security cameras have been costly and all these around $80-150 cameras must be making short cuts. They offer nice looking feature but are poor on the followup, quality, reliable connections, response time, WiFi range are but a few key areas they fall short in.
I have this insight, I believe, in how to identify good companies. I ask myself is this aligned with customer needs? When someone start a business with the intention on taking advantage of customers rather than serving a good product or service, they fail in the aforementioned. Bad intent = bad product.
What these Chinese companies are doing is creating a tool to make as much money off us as possible with little attention on quality (as that cost money). This is not unique to China, unfortunately, but is present all over the world.
Many, or most, companies that sell security cameras are insecure (to you). They will store your videos of your baby and the rest of your family and the only way you get to see them is if you first share them with them! This is a clever ruse to get you to buy inexpensive security(?) cameras.
China has however become the defacto manufacturer of Earth. As such she enjoys a great position.
Back to security cameras. Further research shows that rather than getting 4-6 cameras for $400-800 you have to pay over $1K for a commercial one. They are immediately separating themselves with metal housing and solid performance. But without the bells and whistles of their cheap counterparts.
They are wired and the typical type of equipment you see in movies and on secure buildings. No nonsense.
Me on the other hand only wish to be able to monitor my chickens while away. Make it easy to leave the state for a short while and have someone else check in on the chickens via a video feed.
An interesting coincident(?) was that both support companies support number led to a person with poor English and an absolutely incomprehensible connection. When I shared that detail she got better and asked me if that was better. Both companies same difficult experience.
Makes me wonder. If you cannot talk to the person you are calling, how many simply give up and hang up? Sounds like a potential ploy to keep returns and support issues down.