Exploring Camera Options and Zigbee Lighting Solutions

Hey everyone! I’m currently in the market for a few more cameras to help cover some blind spots in my home. I’ve been using Foscam and Ring cameras so far, but I’m looking to expand. I’ve narrowed it down to the Blink XT and the Arlo Gen 2 (not the pro version). The Blink is priced at around $129 USD, while the Arlo is a bit pricier at $179 CAD. I’m curious to hear your experiences with either brand—how do they integrate with Home Assistant? Also, I’d love to know if there are any additional features or functionalities I can expect beyond basic surveillance, like motion sensor events or smart automation triggers.

Another area I’m exploring is lighting. I’ve heard great things about Zigbee lights, especially regarding their ability to offer good-looking warm whites and vibrant colors. I’m particularly interested in bulbs and strips that can seamlessly integrate into my smart home setup. If anyone has recommendations on specific models that provide excellent white tones and are compatible with Zigbee, I’d be thrilled to hear about them!

As a side note, I live in a pretty cold climate, so durability and performance in harsh weather conditions are definitely on my radar when considering new devices. I’d appreciate any insights or tips on how to ensure these devices hold up over time.

Thanks in advance for your help and recommendations! :blush: