RResidents in Japan

Door Camera for “Mansion” (condo) – owned

  • August 20, 2025

Hello everyone.

I am looking to upgrade my doorcam as the basic Panasonic one I have is not very good.

Basically teh audio quality is VERY poor (near a busy road so only hear that), it only records when the button is pressed and the camera angle is very narrow (many times I only will see a shoulder of the person pressing the chime).

Due to a few reasons, like more security, better audio quality, and catching my neighbors ankle-biters who keep chewing up all my packages, I am wanting to upgrade.

I am hoping to install one that will fit where the existing one is but will offer more features like constant recording, wider view angle and better audio. As for storage, either to a hard-drive connected to my router or micro-sd cards would be fine. I'll even do online if I absolutely have to, but would prefer to keep things local.

Any suggestions would be welcome as I've never needed anything more than the basic video ones before.

Oh, and I do plan to eventually install 2 indoor cameras as well for added security, but that is a ways off and not a priority right now, but compatibility might be something I need to keep in mind.

by dbcher

3 comments

  1. You should check that that is allowed. The door is often part of the common area and modifying it or the stuff that is “part” of it may require approval from your condo board.

  2. I just posted a battery powered google nest doorbell to my door instead (it doesn’t face anyone else’s door) and blocked my traditional doorbell instead. I’ve got google nest speakers at my home so that’s more convenient to answer

  3. In addition to the aforementioned potential rule problems, changing the door unit may necessitate changing or adapting the screen/control panel in your room. Then, there may be compatibility issues with the auto-lock / intercom panel at the main entrance.

    Best to talk to your building management company, and possibly bring it up at the owners meeting (if that’s upcoming).

    A couple years ago, the entire system was upgraded in my building (from the original 1991 telephone-handset style to an Aiphone camera system). In addition to the main camera at the auto-lock panel, each owner could optionally (at our expense) upgrade to a door unit with a second camera. But this required advance notice / extra coordination with the building management company to make sure the hardware played nicely together.

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