[jyl]

Update after 4 months with the Blink cameras.

I now have seven cameras organized in two systems (inside and outside). Cameras outside every exterior door, a camera in the garage, and cameras on the ground floor (foyer looking at front door, kitchen looking at back door, living room.) I can arm/disarm and schedule the inside and outside systems independently, and view them all from the same Blink app.

After a bit of experimenting, I've left three cameras visible (although inconspicuous), and concealed the others (nothing that would fool anyone who was looking closely). My logic is that in most cases, it's preferable that visitors and guests not feel weird about an overt camera. But I don't feel the same way about someone at my back door or entering my garage.

Haven't had to replace any batteries yet and the app still reports full battery for each camera. It appears that, for my usage, 2 AA batteries will power a camera for at least a year. Half of my cameras live outside, under an eave or otherwise protected from direct rain, but exposed to temps of (lately) 28-34F. Doesn't seem to be hurting battery life.

Blink has a waterproof outdoor camera with infrared nightcam now. I might buy one just to try it out.

For the current trip we have a young lady house sitting for us. So I've no need to arm the inside cameras, but the outside cameras are armed.