Different ways of adding a video surveiilance system without monthly payments.

I was asked by a friend for advice on how to add surveillance to home without monthly payments. I have iSmartAlarm and well as Smarthings and so 2 levels of security without monthly payment. You can read my blogs about them.

I suggested 3 approaches in addition to the conventional set of video cameras and a recorder.

1. Smarthings hub, motion sensor and Dropcam. Total cost $550.

You can start with this kit. The add this Dropcam.
There are many videos on youtube on Smarthings.
This link shows how Dropcam works with Smarthings.
If you want to know more about IFTTT read here.

This link shows how you can detect motion using smarthings sensor and take picture. You may have to monthly fee for some features but not all.

Note that Nest which was bought by Google now bought dropcam
http://support.dropcam.com/entries/87199006

2. Smarthings hub, motion sensor and Samsung Smartcom.
With this, you can use smartthings motion sensor to send you email using IFTTT and then you can watch live while recording and make phone calls. You can use IFTTT to call cell phones based on this trigger. I like that level of control without monthly payment.

I personally favor this.

3. iSmartAlarm system with a camera added.

Basic system is under $400. Main thing is this is proprietary vs the zigbee and zwave device support of smarthings.