Do I need WiFi and a camera, or is a basic timer better?

It depends on your priorities. Specialist-community consensus leans toward simpler timer feeders for maximum reliability, since WiFi connectivity (often built on the Tuya platform) and built-in cameras are the features reviewers most often report failing. Camera models are valued for remote check-ins and two-way audio, but high-trust outlets and Reddit both flag that the cameras tend to be mediocre and the connection is the weak link.