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I searched almost everywhere. Here is my issue. I live in an apt. I cannot modify or remove the peephole. I can't add a video doorbells of any kind. I am looking to see how I can put a camera on the inside of the door and have a video or who is outside my apt. I have tried with a smart phone on zoom and it works but I need that smartphone and buying a expensive phone for this is just too expensive. I found several people who used a wyze camera but they modified the camera. How can wyze v3 or any other device I can use to see the view from the peephole? What type of camera would work or a lens or anything you can think of that might work. Thanks!

Green Giant
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4 Answers4

14

You've fallen into a wrong set of assumptions:

  • the only smartphone-like thing with a camera IS a smart phone
  • all smartphones must be 0-2 years old and costly
  • all smartphones need a costly cellular plan to function.

None of these are true.

Tablets have cameras just like phones. (not necessarily flash).

Old cellphones are dirt cheap.

All smart phones can operate on WiFi-only with no contract/plan.

In fact, this is why Apple killed the iPod; there's no difference between the iPod Touch and an old iPhone with no plan. Except the old iPhone can call 911/112/999. (no plan required for that).

So, since you have found a way to make smart phones do the job... you can proceed with any old tablet or smart phone with the plan turned off, and set to WiFi only. People all over have them in drawers. The older Android units even have replaceable batteries!

As far as physically attaching to the door, look into 3M Command strips to hang a frame of your own construction.

Harper - Reinstate Monica
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5

Personally, rather than trusting Android software on obsolete hardware to do this, I'd get a cheap (<£/$10) USB webcam and a Raspberry Pi (similar price for the Pi Zero, plus power supply and case). This is a miniature full Linux computer so can talk to any webcam, process images, and upload over WiFi.

You can test the webcam first using a laptop; even some phones will show an external USB camera with the right adaptors.

This is a common application for the Raspberry Pi. There are plenty of tutorials and even a dedicated security camera operating system (MotionOS). As the Pi outputs to HDMI, with a suitable camera you can directly view the video feed on a monitor or TV when you're at home, as well as taking advantage of its connectivity.

Chris H
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4

You could mount a borescope to the peephole. They can be gotten in USB format, also with their own screen and other configurations. I have seen them for under $25.00. I would guess the other electronics will cost much more then the borescope. I purchased one about two years ago, it works great and the cable is very flexible. I simply plug it into a computer and it displays the image. This would be a good use for an old computer. There is a lot of software available that will record what it picks up, some of it may even trigger with motion. Good Luck.

jsotola
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Gil
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You could remove the peep hole, unscrew it.

You might have to cut the paint around the perimeter using sharp blade and holding it in 45 Dgr angle. No damage done

It is screwed in from both sides.

Insert peephole camera made for this application.

pinhole

Best would be battery operated WiFi camera that works with your phone, no wires.

DIY75
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