You may want to consider camect for your security camera/video solution if you like "purpose-built" appliances instead of a software solution that requires you to provide the hardware (or VM). It's not inexpensive (starting at $519).
There is a community driver available. The device seems to be very well liked/reviewed.
Disclaimer: I don't have a camect yet. I will probably buy one in the next 30 days or so as a solution for the same function you are looking for, i.e., turning on/up outdoor lights when specific object types are detected. Also, all other things being fairly equal, I always prefer a purpose-built appliance (like HE) over a software solution.
