I need advice...camera survelliance systems

_RaT_ · Aug 5, 2009

Anyone with knowledge about camera surveillance systems? Specifically about a 4 to 8 camera type system that I suppose would be of the digital recording type (like your home DVR) I need to protect a clubhouse where I live from those who would otherwise do something they would not do if they thought there was a slim chance of getting caught. My take on it anyway. I have been to a electronics superstore that sells a couple of brands. Just hoping for some advice on what to do and not to do, what some specifics I might want to consider. Thanks in advance... RaT...

Airsafety · Aug 5, 2009

I don't know much about them, but I can add a couple of datapoints from my experience.

I have a couple of cameras from Trendnet (trendnet.com). This website has links to a number of online retailers.

They have both wired (using network cables) or wireless (using wi-fi) cameras, both require a power source for the camera. Easy to set up and the included software handles up to 16 cameras and records to a hard drive. I use an old PC - doesn't take much processor horsepower to run the cameras. A 250 gig HDD records for 3 or 4 days then overwrites. A slower frame rate could extend that to a couple of weeks.

The non-IR cameras are worthless at night, even with my motion detector floodlights. Most of the trendnet cameras have a similar IR model for use at night.

Frankly, I've figured out that I really don't care to take a picture of someone stealing my stuff. <G> IMHO, deterrence is better and signs and very visible dummy cameras are probably more effective than the real thing. Amazon has dummy cameras that use the same enclosures as the high-dollar cameras and run about $26 each. They have a couple of D cell batteries that run a flashing LED. These dummy enclosures would easily fit the more expensive real camera enclosures for outdoor mounting.

I figure if someone wants my stuff they'll get it - and being off the road our house is probably rather inviting. However, with a 5 strand hotwire fence, locked gates, motion detector floodlights and chimes around the house, very visible cameras plus the standard house alarm system, there are more inviting targets in the neighborhood. At least I'll have pictures to remember them by.

_RaT_ · Aug 5, 2009

Points well taken Airsafety. I agree. I do plan to have dummy cameras in place. I plan to have IR cameras for those that are not dummies, relatively powerful Ir's at that. I am installing some 400 watt HID lighting as well. Thanks for your 2 Cents.

skipro3 · Aug 5, 2009

I recommend you start your search with google and adding the word, "reviews". You will find plenty of professional as well as customer reviews on just about anything including security camera systems.

Good luck and don't forget to let us know how it all works out.

dmccarty · Aug 6, 2009

The wire cameras are either Cat 5/6 using ethernet or coax.

We have wired the house to install security cameras but we used coax. We should have run Cat 5/6 as well.

The more I researched so did the prices of the cameras.

Do you get a fixed camera or Pan Tilt Zoom ones? Or a mixture? And of course the better camera cost more money.

With some of the cameras you can have "lights" outside that are not visible to humans. The "lights" light up the night for the cameras. And the bad guy can't see the "lights" but he is lighted up.

I think getting a PC based system is the way to go. You can upgrade to more storage cheaply if needed and you can remotely view what the camera's are seeing.

At our old house I just put up stickers saying the house was protected by a system. Never had a problem against the house.

Could have been luck. Could have been the stickers.

Twas cheap.

Later,
Dan

Slice · Aug 6, 2009

i have a 4 camera honeywell DVR and cameras on my house, When i built i pre wired for them. I have three outside two in front and one back and one inside in main entry as you have to pass this to get anywhere in house. It is worth having living in a rural area. It recordes all motion if it detects it. this way your not burning hard drive... You can hook this one into your home network and view on different PC's. i hooked my dvr up to a wireless transmitter and put wireless receivers on tv's and can flip to aux input and see all cameras and whats outside....

there are other DVR's that cost more and hook up more cameras and are internet ready ( it has its own IP address) you can log in to them and see whats happening from any PC with internet connections.

I manage commercial building all over town and can see whats happeing at any location....

willywildes · Aug 6, 2009

Costco has decent systems and constantly rotates them on sale.

Beltzington · Aug 6, 2009

The Pelco brand offers commercial quality solutions although I do not know if they would be affordable for an individual. You could look at their website and get some idea of what is available. At work we recently purchase a system, and I a have been impressed with the quality of video, ease of access and customer support.
Good Luck.

Pelco

tommu56 · Aug 6, 2009

We have a system at work that uses cat 5 wire for signal and power (same cable different pairs) to dvr that has window and only records when something in the window moves.

I'll check tomorrow on the brand but it is a good system.

tom