Security camera advice

C4Ranch · Jul 4, 2016

Unfortunately I need to set up cameras on my property.

I don't have Internet and the distances will be spread out.

Any advice for easy concealment, long battery life and maybe something will loop so I don't have to clear the cards every couple months? I have wildgame innovations game cameras on my deer feeders but wanted to see if there was something better for this purpose.

Thanks!

TractorGuy · Jul 4, 2016

If you want to get creative and try to make something on the cheap you could try the cameras sold here. Sales of Mobius Cameras, #16 Cameras, parts, and accessories. – BuyMobius.com Both the #16 720P and the Mobius 1080P cameras can be set to loop. For longer battery life you would need to set up a 12V battery with a power outlet and a USB adaptor. Then you would have to put it in something clear and ventilated to prevent water damage.

I use the #16 cameras as dash cams. Here is some recent footage from one of those. LMSC at Road Atlanta - YouTube

I read a little about these 3g/4g cell phone type cameras. Didn't see any info on how water proof or anything else they are but it might warrant some study.
Remote Security Cameras | Cam.ly™ - Wireless Security Cameras

Sysop · Jul 4, 2016

I like Vivotek. The are enterprise grade, can do everything you listed, and if you're the creative type, can be powered by a small 12V battery setup with a solar panel. Many options, main obstacle for most is the price.

TractorGuy · Jul 5, 2016

Was thinking more about my top suggestion and realized it wouldn't be a good night time option. Haven't looked into them but trail cameras might be your best option.

Tomtint · Jul 5, 2016

I did not see this thread and just posted .. Basically the same question.

nybirdman · Jul 5, 2016

I use Browning and Bushnell game cameras;mostly for wild life but they could do a good job of security monitoring.Good battery life on both(Lithium's),I have mine set on video all the time(20 seconds),the Brownings a little better day time the Bushnell's are better at night.

STx · Jul 5, 2016

I sell both Covert and HCO cellular cameras. We used Covert cameras on our place before we moved here and got a felony conviction on someone with the evidence they provided. Right now, I think the HCO Spartan is the better camera, Covert recently forced everything to come through their app and while they're making great strides in it's development, it just isn't as mature as it should be. Either will give you about 6 months of battery life if you use lithium batteries. Monthly cost is about $10 for the Covert for 1,000 pictures, the HCO is $25 for 3 months with enough data for about 15,000 pictures. There is an additional $3/mo charge for access to the HCO app, theirs is pretty good and worth the $3 so the HCO runs about $11/mo. These are for AT&T service, if you can't use AT&T where you are, Verizon is offered by both and HCO has Sprint, the prices for those are a little more.

If I can answer any other questions about the cameras, let me know. If you'd like a price, send me an email at bernie @ texashogtraps.com. I sell them for less than the minimum advertised price so I'm not technically allowed to post it. I don't mean this to be a sales pitch, just trying to give helpful information.

C4Ranch · Jul 5, 2016

STx said:
I sell both Covert and HCO cellular cameras. We used Covert cameras on our place before we moved here and got a felony conviction on someone with the evidence they provided. Right now, I think the HCO Spartan is the better camera, Covert recently forced everything to come through their app and while they're making great strides in it's development, it just isn't as mature as it should be. Either will give you about 6 months of battery life if you use lithium batteries. Monthly cost is about $10 for the Covert for 1,000 pictures, the HCO is $25 for 3 months with enough data for about 15,000 pictures. There is an additional $3/mo charge for access to the HCO app, theirs is pretty good and worth the $3 so the HCO runs about $11/mo. These are for AT&T service, if you can't use AT&T where you are, Verizon is offered by both and HCO has Sprint, the prices for those are a little more.

If I can answer any other questions about the cameras, let me know. If you'd like a price, send me an email at bernie @ texashogtraps.com. I sell them for less than the minimum advertised price so I'm not technically allowed to post it. I don't mean this to be a sales pitch, just trying to give helpful information.

Thanks! Appreciate the post. Will send you an email. Are these easy to conceal? I'm worried about them being spotted and then needing a camera for the camera!

Can you bundle the plans or will I pay same for each camera?

STx · Jul 5, 2016

They're like any other game camera as far as concealment. What I found worked best was to put the cameras up in a tree at about 9 to 10 feet and angle it down. This gets it above where people would be looking for it and even if they were to find it, they'd have a hard time getting it down. You get a picture on your phone about 1 minute after it's taken so you'd know something was going on and could react accordingly. We did setup the cell camera hidden up in a tree or further back in the brush to watch a cheap old game camera that was setup visible for bait.

If you use the HCO AT&T cameras and have AT&T as your cell provider, you can add the camera to your account for $10/mo and use your shared data. It's cheaper to just do the prepaid though, even though you need to keep up with it. Each camera does need it's own data plan.