Outdoor Camera Setup and Subscription Queries

Hello everyone, I’m currently exploring the possibility of setting up outdoor cameras for my home security. I’ve been using Wyze cameras indoors for quite some time now, and they’ve been performing exceptionally well. However, I’m now looking to expand this setup to the outdoors, and I have a few questions and concerns that I’d love to get some advice on.

Firstly, I’m considering upgrading to the Wyze Cam 3 for outdoor use. I’ve heard that it offers significant improvements over the previous models, but I’m curious to know if these enhancements are substantial enough to justify the upgrade from my current Wyze Cam 2. Additionally, I’m wondering if the Wyze Cam 3 is still limited to indoor use or if it’s suitable for outdoor installations. I’ve heard that outdoor cameras often require specific mounts, and I’m not entirely sure about the best way to go about this. Is there a particular mount you’d recommend, and how straightforward is the installation process? I’m also concerned about the camera’s durability in harsh weather conditions like rain and snow. Does the Wyze Cam 3 come with any weatherproofing features, or would I need to purchase additional accessories for that?

Another aspect I’m pondering is the storage solution. I’ve been using a microSD card with my indoor cameras, which has worked well for me, allowing me to review footage up to two weeks back. However, I’m now considering whether switching to a cloud subscription would be more beneficial, especially for outdoor cameras. I understand that cloud storage offers longer retention periods, but I’m not sure if it’s necessary for my needs. Would a microSD card suffice, or would I miss out on some key features by not opting for the cloud service? I’m also curious about the person detection feature. I recall that this was available without a subscription in the past, but I’ve heard rumors that it might now require a paid plan. Could someone confirm if this is the case and if there are any workarounds for using this feature without subscribing?

I’m also thinking about the overall value for money. While the cloud subscription offers extended storage and additional features, I’m trying to weigh this against the cost of a higher-capacity microSD card. Is the convenience of cloud storage worth the recurring expense, or would I be better off sticking with a local storage solution? I’m also wondering if there are any hidden costs or limitations with the cloud service that I should be aware of before making a decision.

Lastly, I’m curious about the community’s experiences with outdoor cameras. Have you found them reliable in various weather conditions? Are there any specific models or brands that you’d recommend over others? I’m particularly interested in hearing about setups that combine both indoor and outdoor cameras, as I’m aiming for a comprehensive security system.

Thank you all in advance for your insights and recommendations. I’m really looking forward to hearing your thoughts and learning from your experiences!