I would like to use iCloud only for pictures synchronization, but not for storage (Privacy concerns + too large pictures library - I don't know if Apple's security for pictures storage is that good, plus no desire to pay for additional iCloud storage.).
Currently, most pictures appear to be stored locally on the MBP (not in iCloud), though new pictures snapped on iOS do appear in this list (not reliably, though).
The requirements:
- All the iOS devices should show the complete library, and only download a larger resolution picture on-demand, so as to always keep the maximum amount of storage available.
- A picture snapped using any iOS device must be synced to all other devices, without waiting for a manual synchronization through iTunes.
- Only MacBook Pro should be storing the full, high-resolution pictures and videos locally, but I wouldn't mind if the MacBook also had one. Just wanted to avoid having this older computer having to periodically download such a large amount of data.
The setup: iOS devices:
- iPhone 3GS, iOS 6.1.3
- iPhone 5c, iOS 10.3.3
- iPad 2, iOS 9.3.5
- iPhone 6, iOS 12
Macs:
- MacBook, Mac OS OX 10.11.6
- MacBook Pro, Mac OS X 10.11.6
NASes:
- Synology NAS for backups. HDD-based, it's noisy, so not usually powered on. I would prefer not to leave it open to the Internet for security reasons.
- LaCie Cloudbox, fvdw-sl firmware. Usually powered on. Can take OwnCloud / NextCloud, but seems too low-powered for this purpose.
Others:
- LibreELEC media player based on Raspberry Pi 3. Currently stores a local copy of iTunes songs on an external SSD. Issue: since it's only 100Mbps connectivity, it is painfully slow to list all files.
- Shared web hosting with NextCloud installed.
How do I achieve this goal, considering my setup? For some reason Apple's terminology in regards to iCloud settings for photos isn't crystal clear to me.
Edited for clarity