Need Help with Security Cameras

[dcyrilc]

The cameras with the built-in IR emitters all have the problem that there is too much bleed over in the glass covering the front. So the night-vision view is always hazy. You want to get a camera and a separate IR illuminator if you want to "no light" ability.

I just ordered a DVR from the same people you're looking at (CCTV Security Pros), I'll let you know how it goes.

Around here, I got cameras from Super Circuits. They have some small high resolution bullet cameras (their PC337HR) that do OK. For the IR illuminators I used the IR23 and the bigger one (IR75?). Like tractors, bigger is better. I did not like the DVRs at Super Circuits.

Looking at all this stuff on the web is maddening. Incomplete specs, not all sites have the manuals available for download, different terminology, incorrect terminology. It takes a lot of time and then questions on the phone to know what capabilities you will actually be getting.

Finally, if you're really looking at just one or two cameras and have a computer at the station, the IP cameras (run on cat 5) that use the PC for the DVR might be a good bet. I have no direct experience with them, but have heard others say they got it going.

Pete

Pete said it very well.

When you want to get out of the cheap end stuff, the price goes up in a hurry. This is the DVR I use on the farm: Pelco DX7016 Series 16 Camera Digital Recorder Not something you jump out and buy without having a good reason.

...and this was the last camera body I bought: Pelco CCC1390H-6 Day/Night WDR <br>CCD Compact Camera Again, not cheap equipment.

 

[zzvyb6]

I have a 4 camera Q-See system from Costco (online order- on special) $299. Works nice. Internet viewing. A typo in the manual causes some confusion in the internet setup, but a computer geek can solve it easily.

Even some dummy signs and cameras should be considered as well as a Game cam. You really need 2 game cams: 1 el-cheapo to be 'seen and found' and one to do the high def job.

Post a Craigslist Wanted ad looking for a larger than average US flag. Then reel them in.

 

[dcyrilc]

This video Security cam video 1 - Tractor Videos - Kubota, John Deere, New Holland and More was taken from 200 feet with this camera Pelco CC3751H-2 Digital Color Security Camera<BR>High Resolution, Lowlight, DSS Technology and fair to moderate lighting.

This was my first recording and I was focused inside the gate expecting someone to cut the lock and drive in. After I refocused the camera to view past the gate we got the license number on the next theft about 6 months later.

 

[dcyrilc]

Same camera body in a different mount with better lighting. Security cam video 2 - Tractor Videos - Kubota, John Deere, New Holland and More Same theft.

Same theft and area with a cheaper camera body. Security cam video 3 - Tractor Videos - Kubota, John Deere, New Holland and More

You can easily see the difference in the quality of the cameras.

 

[eepete]

Interesting that it lists it as having a 1/4" CCD in one area and a 1/3" CCD right below it??? Those types of things tend to make me nervous.

Those are the problems with a lot of sites/companies. They have different specs listed for different cameras. Sometimes they tell you the current draw, sometimes they don't. Sometimes they tell you the CCD size, but not always. :mur:

Imagine looking at tractors and see that sometimes they tell you the GPM of the steering pump, sometimes they don't. Sometimes they tell you the PTO HP, sometimes just the engine HP.

There is also a random approach to the focal length. Sometimes it's in mm, sometimes it's a viewing angle. Sometimes none at all. My most expensive camera is one where I bought a high resolution, low lux color and then had to buy the lens separately so I could get a zoom lens. It is inside the house, but zooms out to a section of the driveway so you get a good look at who is coming. The camera has a cable to the lens so it can adjust the iris. It all totaled out at about $250, but great results, completely undetectable and very secure. Again, more money when you buy the camera and the lens separately, but better results and more options than an all in one.

It takes looking at a lot of sites to "divine" the jargon and possible features. Just about everyone in the 'bidness needs to be taken out and flogged.

Cyril, that DVR is so sweet that it ought to come with a buddy seat!

Pete

 

[wrooster]

there is an immense thread over on ar15.com which has details on every aspect of security cameras and associated recording equipment, wiring, etc. -- including tons of pictures comparing resolution, light sensitivity, and so on.

CCTV cameras 101: **Table of Contents in OP** Updated 26 Jan - AR15.COM

wrooster

 

[dcyrilc]

Those are the problems with a lot of sites/companies. They have different specs listed for different cameras. Sometimes they tell you the current draw, sometimes they don't. Sometimes they tell you the CCD size, but not always. :mur:

Imagine looking at tractors and see that sometimes they tell you the GPM of the steering pump, sometimes they don't. Sometimes they tell you the PTO HP, sometimes just the engine HP.

There is also a random approach to the focal length. Sometimes it's in mm, sometimes it's a viewing angle. Sometimes none at all. My most expensive camera is one where I bought a high resolution, low lux color and then had to buy the lens separately so I could get a zoom lens. It is inside the house, but zooms out to a section of the driveway so you get a good look at who is coming. The camera has a cable to the lens so it can adjust the iris. It all totaled out at about $250, but great results, completely undetectable and very secure.

It takes looking at a lot of site to "divine" the jargon and possible features. Just about everyone in the 'bidness needs to be taken out and flogged.

Pete

Quite true. A lot has changed since I put my system together as well.

 

[Wesdor]

A very nice piece of software is EvoCam. It runs less than $50 and can be triggered by motion in a definable field in the camera. It even can be set to record several seconds before the motion is detected. Once running it records to your hard drive. There are some reasonably good USB web cameras for about $100.
I'm not sure if EvoCam is available for PC but I own it for the Mac. Assuming you have a Mac already you could get into a solution for under $200

 

[BruceWard]

I recently installed an 8 camera Night Owl system from New Egg in a friends store. The kit included 50' of cable for each camera, a 16 channel DVR that records for about 2 weeks before looping in their busy store and the 8 camers for $700. I suggest you look at these Newegg.com - Night Owl

 

[firefighter9208]

I may have messed up, but I ordered this system "PRO SERIES" 2 Camera Complete Outdoor/Indoor Color Sony Super HAD CCD 480 Lines Infrared Bullet Security Camera System with H.264 DVR, HDMI High Definition, Internet (IE, MAC) and Cell Phone Remote Viewing (Blackberry, iPhone, Droid, 3G, Windows CE, . From the front of our building to the road is only about 75 feet. We have this sign Holly Springs Volunteer Fire Department on top of the building (it has 8 10' T8 bulbs in it) that lights the parking lot.

We are going to put the other camera on the back of the building pointing toward a walk in door. There is a security light beside the door, so that area is lit up pretty well too.

The system I bought can be set to notify my cell phone if there is motion in front of the camera.

We also can add 2 more cameras (it's a 4 channel dvr) later. If we need better quality cameras I can buy them then.

I'm about to order another 6x10 flag and we'll put that up after the camera system is installed. :thumbsup:

Thanks for all the help and recommendations!!!

Chris