re: General security camera discussion (was "Unifi Protect security cameras")

So yeah a typical Protect setup will have either a cloud key or NVR to record, a standalone PoE switch, and of course your cameras. You are correct in that the UDMSE has built in PoE ports to power 8 cameras, a hard drive bay to store video, and it does indeed run Protect, so it will function as you are asking. However IMO that's quite pricey as a drop-in replacement for your existing system. The UDMSE is also a router, though, so it will replace that as well. If you were starting your whole network over from scratch and also wanted cameras, it might be cost-effective. But if you just want to replace the camera system you have I would probably recommend something else.

If UI/UX is important to you then I would still recommend Protect, but for smaller systems with existing router I would probably go with the cloud key and a cheap PoE switch (it doesn't have to be Ubiquiti). I like that the cloud key itself can also be powered via PoE so it plugs into a port just like the cameras.

Or if you want something with more camera options then Reolink is good on the budget end, and I like Uniview for a bit more quality. Assuming your existing system is ONVIF compatible you could swap out for a Uniview NVR and a camera or two and continue using your other existing cameras, and then swap them out as budget allows.