Why Amcrest?
Amcrest cameras are our top recommendation for LocalNanny. They offer reliable ONVIF support, excellent image quality, and straightforward setup at a reasonable price. We’ve extensively tested Amcrest cameras and they work great with LocalNanny’s auto-discovery feature.
Recommended Amcrest Models
Amcrest 5MP PoE Camera — Our #1 pick. 5MP resolution, reliable PoE, excellent night vision. Single Ethernet cable for power and data. Works perfectly with LocalNanny auto-discovery.
Browse all Amcrest PoE cameras — All Amcrest PoE cameras with ONVIF support work with LocalNanny. Choose based on your resolution, form factor, and budget preferences.
Initial Camera Setup
Before connecting with LocalNanny, you’ll need to do one-time setup through Amcrest’s web interface.
1. Connect the Camera to Your Network
PoE cameras: Plug an Ethernet cable from the camera into your PoE switch or PoE injector. The camera will power on and get an IP address from your router automatically.
WiFi cameras: Use the Amcrest View Pro app to connect the camera to your WiFi network during initial setup.
2. Find the Camera’s IP Address
You can find the camera’s IP address in several ways:
- Check your router’s admin page for connected devices
- Use the Amcrest IP Config Tool (download from Amcrest’s website)
- LocalNanny will find it for you when you add a camera
3. Access the Web Interface
Open a web browser and go to http://<camera-ip-address>. Log in with:
- Default username:
admin - Default password:
admin(you’ll be prompted to change this on first login)
Important: Change the default password during initial setup. You’ll use these credentials in LocalNanny.
4. Enable ONVIF (If Needed)
Most Amcrest cameras have ONVIF enabled by default. If LocalNanny can’t discover your camera:
- Log into the camera’s web interface
- Go to Setup → Network → ONVIF
- Make sure ONVIF is enabled
- Note the ONVIF port (usually 80)
Connect with LocalNanny
- Open LocalNanny on your iPhone
- Tap Add Camera
- LocalNanny will automatically discover your Amcrest camera via ONVIF
- Select the camera from the list
- Enter your username and password (the ones you set in the web interface)
- You should see your camera’s live stream immediately
RTSP Paths for Manual Setup
If auto-discovery doesn’t work, you can manually add your Amcrest camera using its RTSP URL. Common Amcrest RTSP paths:
- Main stream (high quality):
rtsp://username:password@camera-ip:554/cam/realmonitor?channel=1&subtype=0 - Sub stream (lower bandwidth):
rtsp://username:password@camera-ip:554/cam/realmonitor?channel=1&subtype=1
The sub stream uses less bandwidth and is often sufficient for baby monitoring. Use the main stream if you want the highest resolution.
Tips for Baby Monitor Use
- Night vision: Amcrest cameras have excellent IR night vision. No configuration needed — it activates automatically in low light.
- Audio: Most Amcrest cameras have a built-in microphone. Audio works automatically with LocalNanny.
- Resolution: The sub stream (720p or 1080p depending on model) is usually the best choice for baby monitoring — smoother streaming with less network load.
- Placement: Mount the camera where it has a clear view of the crib. Amcrest cameras come with mounting hardware and most support ceiling or wall mounting.
Troubleshooting
Camera not discovered
- Verify ONVIF is enabled in the camera’s web interface
- Make sure your iPhone and camera are on the same network
- Try restarting the camera by unplugging and re-plugging the Ethernet cable
Wrong credentials error
- Double-check your username and password in the camera’s web interface
- Amcrest cameras use separate ONVIF credentials in some firmware versions — check Setup → Network → ONVIF for ONVIF-specific user settings
Video stuttering
- Switch from main stream to sub stream for lower bandwidth
- If using WiFi, check signal strength and consider switching to a PoE connection
Note: Links to Amcrest products are affiliate links that support LocalNanny development at no extra cost to you.
Next: LocalNanny Setup Guide · Network Basics · All Compatible Cameras