I've been looking at security camera systems since my fence got jacked up yesterday. They're surprisingly affordable and have tons of whistles and bells. I was looking at the 8-camera DVR system below, which allows you to view the cameras from anywhere via the internet and has iOS and Droid apps. It's $350 shipped from Tiger Direct. <iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/6aZnocOnED0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe> Anyone have any experience with this stuff? Thanks.
Those cameras probably won't be enough to determine someone's identity, unless you already know them and recognize their clothing, walk, etc. Unless you're putting them at eye level, which you probably won't. Quality is decent enough, but not clear enough. Installation is simple enough.
I have these cameras installed in all the bathrooms of my house. They are very discreet. I highly recommend them.
haha... rep... Xero, Let me know how it goes. I'm interested in doing this myself. My brother has similar looking (maybe even same ones) installed by professional and it cost him $2k.
$2k.....wow. I'm doing research, and found a good DIY Security forum: http://www.diysecurityforum.com/index.php?board=20.0 I'll be pulling the trigger in the next day or so, so I will update the thread accordingly.
Is that a good system? Seems pretty damn cheap for 8 cameras and a recorder. I was thinking about doing a wireless system. I haven't researched it much yet, though.
Hmm.. I know a little about security camera systems and those cameras are garbage bro... You always get what you pay for. Those cameras look like they have plastic housing, meaning they aren't sealed properly and truly waterproof and it won't last very long outdoors. Not sure how many TVL's these cameras have, but I highly doubt you will be able to distinguish any identities or faces (if that's the point of your security system). In general, these kits sold online, at target, wal-mart etc are garbage that they assembled together. The DVR, cameras, are probably cheap made in China stuff (no offense) with a 1 year warranty, which they will falter soon after if they even make it that long. Good luck.
You're always going to need some wires... But you could utilize wireless trasmitters so you don't have wires running across the wall/ceiling. But that also limits your range and objects obstructing the signal. Basically this is for same-room applications where you want a "cleaner" look.
Best advice I can give is depending on your application: ie indoor vs outdoor, low/hi light conditions, if you want the IR's (Infrareds) to switch on at night, but the trade off is you lose color and get black/white, or if you want a no IR camera with low lux (lowest level of light needed to show a picture) and day&night color. The best recommendation really depends on the type of application. Like someone said, people can easily pay 2k for a camera system through an installer. Using an example, an installer will quote someone for a 4 camera system job for about 1600. He will go out and buy all the equipment, cameras, mounts, dvrs, wiring, connectors, monitor for about 600-800, so basically the rest is labor.
So can you recommend something in particular? I don't mind paying for quality. All applications- indoor and outdoor, low and good light. Good enough resolution to see facial features. DoD- One of the big things I'm finding in my research is that wireless in anything but the higher price ranges seriously degrades quality. Like snoopy said- you're going to need wires for at least power to each camera. Might as well run the video as well. If you look around, you can get joined 'siamese' dual wires with both.
Cabling isn't a problem for me. I've run data cables on a regular basis for over 10 years in my career in IT. In fact, I'm thinking I will do all CAT5 runs (you can get a converter for power/audio/video over CAT5). I have a 1000ft box sitting in my garage. Found another good forum last night: http://www.cctvforum.com/
I believe Frys has a few set up. You can see what they have , find what you like, and buy something with similar specs online.
Been looking to purchase as well....I know the wireless quality isnt as good, but this is what I have been thinking: http://www.amazon.com/Lorex-Wireles...LG/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1324319642&sr=8-10 Costco has it for 289.99....just need it for front door and the side back yard. Any thoughts on something similar?
If you're wiring for the power, might as well run the video. You can get way better systems for $300. No need to get a monitor- most of the DVRs (in the same price range or cheaper) will allow you to view it via a web browser on any computer and have clients you can view from your iphone or android smartphone or even on a pc monitor. You can get old Tube PC Monitors for free on Craigslist. Also, those cameras only have 12 IR LEDs. You wont be able to see much of anything in low-light situations, and they'll be easy to jump up and snatch down if they're too low. I'm looking at these for my front and back doors: http://www.amazon.com/VideoSecu-Vis...=sr_1_3?s=photo&ie=UTF8&qid=1324316586&sr=1-3 Way more IR LEDs (more illumination) and not as easy to tear off the ceiling (vandal proof). You can get a 4-channel (camera) low-end DVR on ebay for around $100-150. It's the way I think I'm going. Get a DVR and add the cameras I need for each viewing area.
