Are you looking to retrofit a door intercom with a camera to boost convenience and security in your home? We’ll explain the options available to you.
Video door intercom systems are now almost standard in new builds. They enhance security and provide extra convenience by letting you see who’s at your door without opening it. With a smart video intercom, you can even check via your smartphone when you’re on the go.
But even in older buildings or historic apartments, tenants and homeowners don’t have to miss out on smart door viewers. Doorbells with a camera function can also be retrofitted with ease. From basic intercoms to intelligent solutions, there are plenty of options to choose from.
Our guide explains how to retrofit a door intercom with a camera, even if your wiring is outdated, and what costs to expect.
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Retrofitting wireless doorbells with a camera
In older buildings or apartments where running cables is difficult, retrofitting a wireless video door intercom offers a simple, cable-free, surface-mounted alternative. These systems use a wireless connection between the door station and the indoor unit.
Wireless models with cameras are also available, allowing you to communicate via the intercom and see who’s at the door thanks to integrated video transmission.
In older buildings or apartments where running cables is difficult, retrofitting a wireless video door intercom offers a simple, cable-free, surface-mounted alternative. These systems use a wireless connection between the door station and the indoor unit.
Wireless models with cameras are also available, allowing you to communicate via the intercom and see who’s at the door thanks to integrated video transmission.
Advantages: Wireless doorbells with cameras are particularly popular due to their mobility and easy installation. You can move the intercom system to different locations effortlessly, which is especially practical for rental homes or temporary living situations as no structural changes are required.
Disadvantages: The downside of wireless systems is their reliance on batteries, which need regular replacement. Thick walls, for instance, can also impact signal transmission, reducing reliability in some environments.
Wireless intercom systems are generally suitable for single-family homes or apartments, as they have limited range and are typically designed for one or two indoor units.
Retrofitting wired door intercoms with a camera
Wired intercom systems with video functionality often use 2-wire, 3-wire, or 4-wire technology. The 2-wire video intercom is a particularly popular option for retrofitting, as it enables doorbell functionality, intercom communication, door unlocking, and modern live video transmission—all with just two wires.
Using existing doorbell wiring simplifies installation, particularly when replacing an older intercom system with a modern camera-equipped solution.
Tip: With 2-wire technology, almost any existing doorbell system can be upgraded using Gira solutions. For tailored advice, consult a trusted professional installer.
Advantages: Wired systems provide a more stable connection compared to Wi-Fi-based systems, ensuring secure, uninterrupted communication. This is especially beneficial in environments with poor Wi-Fi coverage.
Additionally, wired intercoms can easily connect multiple apartments in a multi-family building to a central door station.
Disadvantages: The main drawback is the need for wiring, which can be challenging to install in some existing buildings, particularly those with thick walls or multiple floors. Wired systems are therefore more common in new builds.
Smart video door intercoms and their features
Another straightforward retrofitting option is smart doorbells with cameras. These can be easily connected to existing doorbell wiring, seamlessly integrating into your smart home setup.
With advanced features, modern door communication systems set new standards for home security and offer much more than traditional intercoms.
They not only let you monitor your entryway but also enable direct communication with visitors via your smartphone. And that’s just the beginning—discover even more practical features below:
Smart video door intercoms and their features
Another straightforward retrofitting option is smart doorbells with cameras. These can be easily connected to existing doorbell wiring, seamlessly integrating into your smart home setup.
With advanced features, modern door communication systems set new standards for home security and offer much more than traditional intercoms.
They not only let you monitor your entryway but also enable direct communication with visitors via your smartphone. And that’s just the beginning—discover even more practical features below:
Smart home compatibility
The seamless integration into your smart home is a major benefit of intelligent door intercoms. Many models are compatible with smart home systems, allowing you to network devices easily and create automated routines.
For example, your lights can switch on automatically when someone rings the doorbell, or the doorbell can be connected to smart locks or other security systems.
App control and notifications
Smart door intercoms with cameras offer the convenience of app-based control. You’ll receive real-time notifications on your smartphone or tablet whenever the system detects motion or someone rings the bell.
Through the app, you can view live video feeds and communicate directly with visitors—perfect for when you’re not at home. Some systems even allow you to unlock the door via the app or play pre-recorded messages to stay in touch with visitors while you’re away.
Your trusted professional installer will be happy to advise you on the possibilities with Gira products.
Retrofitting a door intercom with a camera: an overview of the costs
The price range for doorbells with cameras varies depending on their features and technical specifications. Both wired, wireless, and smart video door intercom systems are available in budget-friendly entry-level models and high-end premium versions.
Additionally, you should factor in extra costs for installation or subscription fees for cloud storage. The following table provides a rough overview of the potential costs for a door communication system with a video camera:
Wireless door intercoms: Approx. €300–€600
Wired door intercoms: Approx. €150–€500, plus installation costs of around €100–€300
Smart door intercoms: Approx. €400–€800, plus additional costs for integration into your existing smart home system
Smart door communication with Gira: from the doorbell to the app
Do you live in a smart home or plan to upgrade soon? Then your door communication system should be part of it. The modular Gira System 106 not only allows for easy retrofitting but also lets you customise the design to your preferences:
Do you live in a smart home or plan to upgrade soon? Then your door communication system should be part of it. The modular Gira System 106 not only allows for easy retrofitting but also lets you customise the design to your preferences:
Each module in the system measures 106.5 x 106.5 mm. This gives you the flexibility to arrange components vertically, horizontally, or in a square layout—whatever suits your space and style best.
The smart video door intercom can also be integrated into KNX networks via the Gira S1 remote access module. This enables control through the Gira G1 touch display or your smartphone once you’ve upgraded with a camera-equipped doorbell.
With the Gira DCS mobile App (where DCS stands for "door communication system"), you can welcome visitors even when you’re not at home, turn on exterior lights remotely, or unlock the front door.
The data transmission between your smartphone and the TKS-IP gateway is securely encrypted. Additionally, a personal PIN ensures the door opening function is protected from unauthorised access.
Unlock your door without a key: the Gira Keyless In fingerprint module
The smart door intercoms in the Gira System 106 can be upgraded with the Gira Keyless In fingerprint module, allowing you to open your door securely and key-free. Since every fingerprint is unique, this identification method uses advanced technology to read the structures of the innermost skin layers.
The smart door intercoms in the Gira System 106 can be upgraded with the Gira Keyless In fingerprint module, allowing you to open your door securely and key-free. Since every fingerprint is unique, this identification method uses advanced technology to read the structures of the innermost skin layers.
It works even with slightly dirty or injured fingers, age-related skin changes, and for children as young as six. The fingerprint sensor includes a liveness detection feature and can store up to 100 fingerprints. If tampering is attempted, an alarm is triggered.
When installing the Gira Keyless In fingerprint module, you have two options:
Combine the smart fingerprint module with other door station modules, or
Install it separately for ergonomic operation.
Alternatively, the Gira Keyless In fingerprint module can also function as a stand-alone solution without connecting to a door communication system.
