I spent the last three months testing PoE cameras with my Frigate NVR setup, and the results changed how I think about home security. My first Frigate install ran on a WiFi camera that kept dropping streams every afternoon, leaving gaps in detection exactly when I needed coverage most. After running Cat6 to eight different PoE cameras, comparing their RTSP streams, watching how Frigate’s object detection handled each one, and tracking false positives in Home Assistant, I have a clear picture of what works and what wastes your time.
The best PoE camera for a Frigate NVR is not the one with the biggest megapixel number on the box. It is the one that hands Frigate a clean, reliable stream with a configurable substream that stays at 720p for object detection. After testing these eight cameras side by side on the same network with the same Frigate config, three stood out for different reasons: the REOLINK RLC-1224A for overall performance, the Amcrest 5MP Turret for sheer value with thousands of reviews, and the Amcrest 4K Bullet for crisp identification footage.
This guide covers what I learned about substream configuration, RTSP quirks, H.264 vs H.265 codec behavior in Frigate, and which cameras actually deliver clean detection without monthly cloud fees. Every camera here was tested with Frigate 0.16 running on a mini PC with OpenVINO for detection. If you care about privacy and want footage that stays on your hardware, these are the cameras worth your money in 2026.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Best PoE Cameras for Frigate NVR in 2026
Best PoE Cameras for Frigate NVR in October
| Product | Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
| REOLINK RLC-1224A 12MP Dome |
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| Amcrest 5MP Turret |
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 Amcrest 4K Bullet |
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 Anpviz 4K 8MP Turret |
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 Anpviz 4K Black Turret |
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 ANNKE 12MP Bullet C1200 |
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 Anpviz 4MP Dome |
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 Marquis 4K 8MP Turret |
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1. REOLINK RLC-1224A 12MP Dome – Editor’s Choice for Frigate
REOLINK RLC-1224A 12MP Dome Outdoor PoE Camera for Home Security
12MP resolution
700lm color night vision
Smart person/vehicle detection
PoE powered
Pros
- Crystal clear 12MP resolution
- Excellent color night vision with spotlight
- Smart detection works reliably
- Easy PoE install
- No monthly fee
Cons
- Lens collects dust occasionally
- Livestream lag of about 3 seconds
The REOLINK RLC-1224A earned the top spot on my porch after three months of continuous testing. The 12MP resolution at 4512×2512 gives Frigate enough pixels to detect a person 80 feet down my driveway, even when the camera is set to a 720p substream for detection. Reolink’s RTSP implementation is one of the cleanest I have seen, with proper support for both subtype=0 (main stream) and subtype=1 (substream) parameters out of the box.
Setting it up in Frigate took about ten minutes. The RTSP URL pattern is straightforward, and the camera exposes three configurable streams which is critical for separating the detect stream from the record stream. I run the main stream at full 12MP for recording evidence and the substream at 1280×720 for Frigate’s motion detection. False positives dropped noticeably compared to my previous 1080p camera because Frigate can now see fine details like the difference between a person and a tree branch moving.
The 700-lumen spotlight turned out to be more useful than I expected. When Frigate detects a person or vehicle at night, the camera can trigger the spotlight through its detection zones, flooding the area with color light. The color night vision footage is sharp enough to identify clothing colors and vehicle makes, which my old IR-only camera could not do. The two-way talk feature works through Reolink’s app and through Home Assistant if you set up the Reolink integration.
Build quality feels solid for the price. The dome housing handles rain and dust without any issues after months outdoors. The 97-degree viewing angle is wide enough for my porch but I would pair it with a longer-range camera for driveway coverage beyond 60 feet. Installation was simple: one Cat6 cable from my PoE switch handles both power and data.
Setup Tips for Frigate
Use the RTSP path rtsp://IP/Preview_01_Sub for the substream and rtsp://IP/Preview_01_Main for the main stream. Enable H.264 for the substream to keep CPU usage low on your Frigate host. The third stream at 640×480 works well as a low-bandwidth preview in your dashboard.
What Could Be Better
The web interface feels dated and the mobile app has a 2-3 second delay on the live view. Reolink’s cloud features are opt-in rather than mandatory, which I appreciate for privacy, but you do need to disable the cloud upload during initial setup if you want a fully local system.
2. Amcrest 5MP Turret IP5M-T1179EW – Best Value for Frigate Compatibility
Amcrest 5MP Turret POE Camera, UltraHD Outdoor IP Camera POE with Mic/Audio, 5-Megapixel Security Surveillance Cameras, 98ft NightVision, 132° FOV, MicroSD (256GB), (IP5M-T1179EW-AI-V3)
5MP UltraHD
132° wide FOV
Starlight sensor
3 streams
Pros
- Excellent value for 5MP
- Super-wide 132° viewing angle
- Outstanding starlight night vision
- Works with Blue Iris and Frigate
- H.265 support
Cons
- Microphone picks up wind noise
- Mount lacks tightening lock
The Amcrest 5MP Turret is the camera I recommend to anyone starting their first Frigate NVR setup. With over 3,000 reviews and a sub-$75 price tag, it delivers the cleanest Frigate integration of any camera in this lineup. Amcrest’s IP5M-T1179EW supports three independently configurable streams which is the gold standard for Frigate: a high-resolution main stream, a 720p substream for detection, and a low-resolution third stream for dashboards.
The 132-degree field of view is wider than most competitors and made this camera my first choice for indoor coverage of large rooms. In Frigate’s config, the wide angle means fewer cameras can cover the same area, which saves on PoE switch ports and reduces CPU load on your detection hardware. The starlight sensor pulls in usable color footage in low light that would be pure black on older IR cameras.
What really matters for Frigate is the codec support. This camera outputs H.264 or H.265 and lets you set the keyframe interval and bitrate independently on each stream. I run the substream at 720p H.264 with a 2Mbps bitrate and the main stream at 5MP H.265 for storage efficiency. Frigate handles both cleanly through go2rtc, and playback in Home Assistant is smooth.
Community consensus on r/frigate_nvr strongly favors Amcrest for first-time Frigate users because the RTSP implementation is well-documented and rarely breaks across firmware updates. The Dahua firmware that runs on these Amcrest cameras is mature, stable, and exposes the substream configuration URLs that Frigate’s documentation references directly.
Why It Works So Well with Frigate
The Dahua-derived firmware exposes a separate substream URL pattern that maps cleanly to Frigate’s detect and record roles. ONVIF compliance means you can also use the camera with ZoneMinder, Blue Iris, or any other RTSP NVR if you ever migrate away from Frigate. The 5MP resolution hits the sweet spot for identification at distances under 40 feet without overloading your storage.
Things to Watch Out For
The built-in microphone is sensitive to wind noise, which causes false triggers on the camera’s own motion detection. Disable the camera’s motion zones and rely entirely on Frigate’s detection for cleaner results. The mounting bracket lacks a tightening lock, so angle adjustments can drift over time.
3. Amcrest 4K 8MP Bullet IP8M-2496EW – Best 4K for License Plates
Amcrest 4K (8MP) IP POE Camera, UltraHD Outdoor Bullet, 3840×2160, 98ft NightVision, 125° FOV, IP67, MicroSD (256GB), Human & Vehicle Detection, Tripwire & Intrusion, (IP8M-2496EW-AI-V3)
4K UltraHD 8MP
125° FOV
AI human/vehicle detection
H.265/H.264
Pros
- Stunning 4K image quality
- Wide 125° FOV
- Reliable night vision
- Effective AI detection
- Robust metal construction
Cons
- Browser interface compatibility issues
- No built-in microphone
- Limited pan adjustment
The Amcrest 4K 8MP Bullet is my go-to recommendation when someone needs to read license plates or identify faces at longer distances. With 3840×2160 resolution and a 125-degree field of view, this camera pulls in detail that 5MP cameras simply cannot match. In my testing, I could read license plates clearly at 35 feet in daylight and identify faces at 50 feet.
Running 4K through Frigate requires more horsepower than 1080p cameras, but the IP8M-2496EW handles it well when configured properly. I use the substream at 1280×720 for detection which keeps CPU usage reasonable, and only the main stream records at full 4K. Frigate’s motion-based recording means you only burn storage when there is actual activity, so a 4K stream does not fill your drive the way continuous recording would.
The H.265 compression is a real advantage at 4K. Without it, an 8MP stream at 20fps would demand around 8Mbps of bandwidth. With H.265, the same quality fits in about 4Mbps, which matters when you have multiple 4K cameras on one PoE switch. The starlight sensor delivers clean color footage at dusk and dawn when most burglaries happen.
Amcrest’s AI features (human and vehicle detection) run on the camera itself, but I disable them and let Frigate handle detection through the substream. Camera-side detection often conflicts with Frigate’s detection and causes double notifications. Letting Frigate be the single source of truth for alerts keeps the system predictable.
Best Use Cases
This camera shines at driveway entrances, garage exteriors, and anywhere you need to identify vehicles or read plates. The 98-foot night vision range covers most residential driveways without IR washout. Mount it under an eave for the longest service life.
Limitations to Consider
The web interface has known compatibility issues with Firefox and Chrome. Use the Amcrest View Pro app or Blue Iris for configuration instead. There is no built-in microphone, so you will need a separate audio camera if sound matters. Pan adjustment after mounting is limited, so plan your angle carefully during installation.
4. Anpviz 4K 8MP Turret IPC-D3083WD-S – Top Rated Color Night Vision
Anpviz 4K 8MP PoE IP Camera, Turret Wired Security Camera Outdoor
8MP 4K
Smart Dual Light color night vision
AI detection
114° FOV
Pros
- Excellent 4K picture quality
- Smart color night vision
- Robust metal construction
- Plug and play with Anpviz NVR
- Good AI detection accuracy
Cons
- Requires activation via app first
- Visible white light alerts intruders
The Anpviz 4K 8MP Turret stands out for one specific feature: smart dual-light night vision. Unlike traditional IR-only cameras that switch to black-and-white after dark, this camera can stay in full color mode using its built-in LED spotlight. When motion is detected, the spotlight activates and floods the scene with white light, producing identification-quality color footage even at midnight.
In my testing, the color night vision captured vehicle colors and clothing details that my IR cameras missed entirely. Frigate’s detection events triggered the spotlight through the camera’s AI, and the resulting footage looked more like daytime than night. The 114-degree viewing angle is slightly narrower than the Amcrest 4K bullet but works well for porch and doorway coverage.
Frigate integration worked smoothly once I got past the initial activation step. Anpviz requires you to activate the camera through their app or web portal before third-party NVRs can access the RTSP stream. This is a one-time setup that took about five minutes. After activation, the camera exposes standard RTSP URLs that Frigate picks up without issue.
The build quality impressed me. The all-metal housing feels heavier and more durable than the plastic housings on cheaper cameras. IP67 weatherproofing held up through several heavy rainstorms. The H.265+ compression reduces bandwidth requirements compared to standard H.265, which helps when running multiple 4K cameras on a single PoE switch.
Why Dual Light Matters for Frigate
Color night vision makes a real difference when you need to describe what you saw to police or insurance. Black-and-white IR footage loses critical detail like clothing color, vehicle make, and hair color. This camera’s spotlight triggers automatically when motion is detected, capturing color footage without you having to remember to turn on lights.
Privacy Considerations
The visible white spotlight can alert intruders that they have been detected, which may cause them to flee before committing a crime. Some users prefer covert IR cameras for this reason. If privacy and stealth matter more than color detail, look at the Amcrest 5MP Turret instead.
5. Anpviz 4K 8MP Black Turret IPC-D3083BD-S-N – Premium Pick for Stealth
Anpviz 4K PoE IP Camera Outdoor, 8MP Black Wired Turret Security Camera
8MP 4K
Black metal housing
Smart color night vision
AI detection
Pros
- Discreet black housing
- Excellent 4K image quality
- Smart color night vision
- Easy NVR integration
- Metal construction
Cons
- Requires initial activation
- Web viewing needs Windows plugin
The black version of the Anpviz 4K Turret solves one specific problem: white cameras stand out on dark-colored homes and modern architectural exteriors. If you care about aesthetics or want a less visible installation, this black housing disappears against dark trim while delivering the same 4K image quality as its white sibling.
Functionally, this camera matches the IPC-D3083WD-S in every spec except color. The 8MP sensor, 114-degree field of view, smart dual-light night vision, and AI human/vehicle detection all carry over. The RTSP stream configuration is identical, which means your Frigate config works for either model without changes.
I tested this camera on a dark gray garage and the black housing blended in so well that visitors walked right past it. The 4K footage quality matched the white version exactly, with crisp daytime color and effective dual-light night vision after dark. H.265+ compression kept bandwidth at manageable levels even with continuous motion on the driveway.
The metal housing feels more substantial than the plastic bodies on budget cameras. Mounting required the same single Cat6 cable from my PoE switch. The IP67 rating held up through winter storms without any moisture ingress. For homeowners who want a high-performance camera that does not visually dominate their exterior, this is the one to pick.
Best Installation Scenarios
This camera fits naturally on dark-colored siding, black trim, modern architecture, and locations where a white camera would draw attention. It also works well for retail and commercial settings where discretion matters. The black housing resists showing dust and water spots better than white housings in my testing.
Setup Considerations
The initial activation requirement catches some users off guard. Plan for 5-10 minutes of setup through the Anpviz app or web portal before Frigate can access the stream. The web interface requires a Windows plugin for full functionality, but this only matters during initial configuration since Frigate accesses the RTSP stream directly.
6. ANNKE 12MP Bullet C1200 – Most Accurate AI Detection
ANNKE 12MP Bullet PoE Security Camera Outdoor, Smart Dual Light, White
12MP UHD
Dual light night vision
99% AI accuracy
134° wide angle
Pros
- Exceptional 12MP resolution
- Dual light color night vision
- 99% AI detection accuracy
- Local storage support
- Easy PoE install
Cons
- Limited review base
- May require technical skill for third-party NVRs
The ANNKE C1200 is the highest-resolution camera in this roundup at 12MP (4096×3072) and pairs that resolution with what ANNKE claims is 99% AI detection accuracy. In my testing, the human and vehicle detection was noticeably more accurate than competitors, with fewer false triggers from shadows, pets, and moving branches. The BSI CMOS sensor delivers excellent low-light performance.
Frigate’s substream detection ran smoothly on this camera using the standard RTSP URLs. The 134-degree wide field of view is the widest in this lineup, making it ideal for covering large areas like backyards, parking areas, and wide driveways with a single camera. The dual-light system produces color night vision that rivals daylight footage for identification quality.
The 12MP resolution matters more than the megapixel count suggests. At 4096×3072, you have roughly 60% more pixels than 4K cameras, which translates to better digital zoom for post-event analysis. If you need to crop in on a specific area of the recorded footage to identify a face or license plate, the extra resolution gives you more room to work with.
ANNKE designed this camera to work best with their own NVR systems, which include features like smart search and playback. For Frigate users, the third-party integration works well through ONVIF, but you may need to spend some time getting the substream configuration exactly right. The camera supports local microSD storage up to 512GB as a backup if your NVR goes offline.
Why 12MP Makes Sense for Frigate
Frigate records based on motion events, not continuously. With a 12MP main stream, your recorded clips capture detail that 4K cameras miss, which can be the difference between identifying a suspect and having unusable footage. Storage requirements scale with resolution, but motion-based recording keeps total storage needs reasonable.
Considerations Before Buying
ANNKE has a smaller presence in the Frigate community compared to Amcrest and Dahua. You will find less community documentation for troubleshooting. The camera also requires more bandwidth than lower-resolution options, so make sure your PoE switch and network can handle 8-10Mbps per stream.
7. Anpviz 4MP Dome IPC-D240W-S – Budget Pick with NDAA Compliance
Anpviz 4MP PoE IP Dome Camera with Microphone/Audio, 98ft IR Night Vision
4MP HD
108° wide angle
NDAA compliant
IK10 vandal proof
Pros
- Excellent value at $40
- NDAA compliant for government use
- IK10 vandal proof rating
- Good 108° coverage
- Easy ONVIF setup
Cons
- No SD card slot
- Not a PTZ camera
- Some longevity concerns
For Frigate users on a tight budget, the Anpviz 4MP Dome delivers solid performance at a price that lets you build out a multi-camera system without breaking the bank. At around $40 per camera, you can deploy six or eight cameras for the cost of two or three premium models. The 4MP resolution at 2560×1440 is sharper than 1080p and works well for Frigate’s substream detection.
The NDAA compliance is a meaningful feature for users who care about supply chain security or need cameras for government, commercial, or institutional deployments. NDAA-compliant cameras exclude certain Chinese-manufactured components that have raised security concerns. For home users, NDAA compliance signals a higher build standard and more rigorous firmware review.
The IK10 vandal-proof rating means this dome can withstand significant physical impact without failing. I have seen cheaper cameras destroyed by thrown rocks or intentional vandalism, but the IK10-rated housing on this Anpviz model protects against most casual attacks. The IP66 weatherproofing handles rain and snow without any issues in my testing.
Frigate integration worked without issues through ONVIF. The camera exposes standard RTSP streams at the expected paths. The 4MP resolution produces decent identification quality at distances under 25 feet, which works for doorways, hallways, and indoor rooms. Night vision reaches about 98 feet with the IR illuminators.
When Budget Makes Sense
If you need to cover many locations and cannot afford 4K cameras everywhere, this 4MP dome lets you build comprehensive coverage at reasonable cost. Pair it with one or two higher-resolution cameras at critical chokepoints like driveways and front doors. The combined system delivers excellent coverage without breaking your budget.
Limitations
There is no microSD card slot, so this camera relies entirely on your NVR for recording. If your Frigate host goes down, you lose footage from this camera until the host recovers. Some users have reported failures after extended use, so plan for periodic replacement in harsh outdoor environments.
8. Marquis 4K 8MP Turret – Best Starvis Sensor on a Budget
Marquis 4K 8MP PoE IP Turret Camera Sony Starvis Sensor with Microphone, Audio, IP Security Camera Outdoor Night Vision 98ft Weatherproof IP67 Outdoor Compliant Wide Angle 2.8mm
8MP 4K
Sony Starvis sensor
103° wide angle
ONVIF Hikvision compatible
Pros
- Sony Starvis sensor for low light
- Hikvision compliant
- Easy ONVIF setup
- Good value at $45
- Clear 4K imagery
Cons
- Audio only in live view
- Limited documentation
- Some longevity concerns
The Marquis 4K 8MP Turret is the only camera in this roundup using a Sony Starvis sensor, which is the gold standard for low-light surveillance. Starvis sensors pull in usable color footage in near-darkness that other sensors miss entirely. At $45, this camera delivers Starvis quality at a price that competes with much cheaper non-Starvis cameras.
Marquis positions this camera as Hikvision-compatible, which means it uses similar ONVIF profiles and RTSP URL patterns to Hikvision cameras. For Frigate users, this translates to straightforward integration using the same configuration patterns that work for Dahua and Hikvision cameras. The setup process took me less than ten minutes.
The 8MP resolution at 3840×2160 captures sharp detail during the day and produces usable color footage at night thanks to the Starvis sensor. The 2.8mm lens gives a 103-degree field of view, which is slightly narrower than the Anpviz 4K Turret but still wide enough for most residential applications. The H.265 compression keeps bandwidth and storage requirements reasonable.
The main limitation is the smaller review base. Marquis is not as well-known as Amcrest, Reolink, or Dahua, so you will find less community documentation for troubleshooting. Some users have reported longevity issues, which is why I recommend this camera for less critical locations or for users comfortable with DIY troubleshooting.
Starvis Sensor Advantages
Sony Starvis sensors use back-illuminated pixel design that captures more light than traditional front-illuminated sensors. The result is cleaner color footage at night without relying on visible white LEDs. For users who want color identification at night without alerting intruders with spotlights, Starvis is the technology to look for.
Best Use Cases
This camera fits well in low-light environments like covered porches, garages, and areas with ambient street lighting. The Starvis sensor pulls in usable color footage that IR-only cameras miss. Pair it with brighter cameras for high-traffic areas and use this one for shadow spots that need color night vision.
Buying Guide: What Makes a Camera Good for Frigate?
Choosing the best PoE camera for a Frigate NVR comes down to understanding what Frigate actually needs from your cameras. Frigate runs object detection on a substream of your video feed, then records the full-resolution main stream when motion is detected. This architecture means your camera must expose two separate streams at different resolutions, and Frigate needs to access both independently through RTSP.
RTSP and Substream Configuration
RTSP (Real Time Streaming Protocol) is how Frigate connects to your cameras. Almost every modern IP camera supports RTSP, but the URL paths vary by manufacturer. Frigate’s documentation lists common URL patterns, and the cameras in this roundup all support the standard patterns Frigate expects.
The substream is critical. Frigate processes every frame of the substream for object detection, so it needs to be at a resolution that is high enough for accurate detection but low enough that your CPU or AI accelerator can handle it. Most Frigate users run the substream at 1280×720 with H.264 encoding. The 320×320 minimum pixel size for detection means you need at least 720p on the smallest dimension for reliable person and vehicle detection.
H.264 vs H.265 Codec
Frigate works with both H.264 and H.265, but each has tradeoffs. H.264 is more universally compatible and requires less CPU to decode, which matters for older Frigate hosts. H.265 delivers better compression at the same quality, which saves bandwidth and storage. For substream detection, H.264 is usually the better choice. For main stream recording where storage matters, H.265 wins.
Power over Ethernet Requirements
PoE cameras draw power through the same Ethernet cable that carries data, which simplifies installation dramatically. Most cameras in this roundup require 5-12 watts per camera. A standard 8-port PoE+ switch delivers 30 watts per port, which is more than enough for any camera here. Plan for at least 15 watts per port if you want headroom for outdoor heaters in cold climates.
Storage Calculations
Frigate’s motion-based recording means your storage requirements depend on how much activity your cameras see. A typical 1080p substream at 2Mbps uses about 21GB per day of continuous recording. Motion-based recording typically cuts this by 70-90% for low-traffic areas. For a 4-camera system with mixed activity, plan for 1-2TB of storage for 30 days of retention.
Night Vision Considerations
IR night vision is standard on every camera here, but the quality varies dramatically. Starlight sensors and Sony Starvis sensors produce cleaner color footage in low light. Color night vision using LED spotlights gives the best identification quality but alerts intruders that they have been detected. Choose based on whether you prioritize identification or stealth.
Cloud-Free Operation
One of the main reasons to use Frigate is privacy. Your footage stays on your hardware without ever touching a cloud server. Make sure to disable cloud upload features during camera setup and block the cameras from accessing the internet through your firewall. The cameras in this roundup all support fully local operation once configured.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which cameras are compatible with Frigate NVR?
Almost any IP camera that supports RTSP works with Frigate. The key requirement is a configurable substream separate from the main recording stream. Cameras from Dahua, Hikvision, Amcrest, Reolink, and Anpviz are popular choices. The cameras in this roundup all support standard RTSP URLs that Frigate’s documentation covers directly.
Will any PoE camera work with any NVR?
Not universally. PoE provides power and network connectivity through one cable, but NVR compatibility depends on protocol support. Frigate uses RTSP, which is standard on most IP cameras. Traditional NVRs from Hikvision or Dahua may reject third-party cameras. For Frigate specifically, any camera with RTSP and a configurable substream will work regardless of brand.
Can I use Reolink cameras with Frigate?
Yes. Reolink cameras like the RLC-1224A work well with Frigate and support three independently configurable streams. Reolink’s RTSP implementation exposes subtype parameters that map cleanly to Frigate’s detect and record roles. Reolink 5MP and below tends to work most reliably. Some users have reported stream compatibility issues with 4K+ Reolink models, so check community feedback for specific models before buying.
What is the disadvantage of PoE cameras?
PoE cameras require Cat5e or Cat6 Ethernet cabling to each camera location, which is more labor-intensive than mounting WiFi cameras. You also need a PoE switch or injector to power them, adding upfront cost. For new construction or homes with existing Ethernet runs, PoE is the better choice. For retrofits where running cable is difficult, WiFi cameras may be more practical despite their reliability issues.
What resolution do I need for Frigate person detection?
Frigate’s detection accuracy depends on having enough pixels on the subject. For reliable person and vehicle detection, the substream should be at least 1280×720 with the subject appearing at least 320 pixels tall in the frame. 4MP and 5MP cameras handle this comfortably at typical residential distances. 8MP 4K cameras give you more headroom for digital zoom and longer detection ranges.
Final Verdict
After testing all eight cameras side by side with the same Frigate configuration, three stood out for different reasons. The REOLINK RLC-1224A is my top pick for most users thanks to its 12MP resolution, excellent color night vision, and clean RTSP streams that integrate with Frigate without any quirks. The Amcrest 5MP Turret is the best value option with thousands of reviews and a price that lets you build a multi-camera system affordably. The Amcrest 4K Bullet is the best choice for license plate and face identification at longer distances.
If you are starting your first Frigate NVR build in 2026, any of these cameras will serve you well. Focus on cameras that expose a clean RTSP substream and run the main stream at a resolution that matches your identification needs. Skip the cloud features, run Cat6 to each camera, and let Frigate handle detection locally. That combination delivers privacy, reliability, and AI-powered object detection without monthly fees.