Synology Surveillance Station Camera Compatibility (ONVIF)
Synology maintains an official camera compatibility list for Surveillance Station — over 4,000 models from about 90 brands, searchable on synology.com. Cameras on the list get verified, full-featured integration. Cameras not on the list frequently still connect via generic ONVIF, which the community relies on heavily, but Synology's support commitment covers listed models.
How to add a third-party camera
- Search the model in Synology's official camera support list first — listed models get plug-and-play integration with full features.
- Not listed? Add it as a generic ONVIF camera: enable ONVIF on the camera, create the ONVIF account.
- In Surveillance Station: Network Camera → Add → Edit as generic ONVIF-compatible, enter IP/port/credentials.
- Test stream and motion; fine-tune the video profile to the camera's actual capabilities.
What works vs what breaks on third-party cameras
- Listed cameras: verified integration incl. vendor-specific events where implemented
- Generic ONVIF cameras: live view, recording, motion detection
- RTSP fallback for many non-ONVIF cameras
- Vendor smart analytics on unlisted cameras
- Guaranteed support for models outside the compatibility list
Common questions
Start with Synology's official support list — 4,000+ models from ~90 brands are verified. Cameras not on the list often still work through generic ONVIF or RTSP, but fall outside Synology's supported set.
Usually yes — add it as a generic ONVIF-compatible camera with the camera's ONVIF credentials. Community experience is broadly positive for mainstream brands, but feature depth varies and support is unofficial.
Surveillance Station includes licenses with the NAS and sells additional packs; every connected camera — listed or ONVIF — consumes one license channel. Check your NAS bundle before planning a mixed fleet.
Sources — Synology Surveillance Station's own documentation
Policies change with firmware generations — always confirm against the vendor's current documentation before buying hardware for a mixed fleet. Check any camera's ONVIF certification record in our database.