Security Camera pays off

[Skipholiday]

Putrid pilfering pink parka'ed punk pinched purloining personal property!

Thats funny

 

[MossRoad]

Putrid pilfering pink parka'ed punk pinched purloining personal property!

The first thing I thought was "Where did he steal that coat?" the I read your post! Too funny!!!

 

[Savagepike]

Thanks for the info, I think I'm going with a DVR setup too. I don't want to cheapout on security for my home or family.

 

[Timber]

Pink is my favorite color

 

[Willl]

Pink is my favorite color

This comes as no surprise.

 

[woodlandfarms]

Thanks for the info, I think I'm going with a DVR setup too. I don't want to cheapout on security for my home or family.

You can get an OK setup out of Costco for 300 to 400 but it does not allow internet access. I also think the cables are a bit short but it is no reason not to buy the system.

Give me a couple of days as my new stuff arrives on wednesday and I can tell you the quality of more expensive cameras.

 

[woodlandfarms]

Can you give some more details on the setup, I have a spare computer, but not much computer knowledge (very little, I can't even get photos posted yet) Other systems I have looked at start at 1000 dollars, 50 bucks sounds much better. I was interested in a 2 camera setup, if that makes a difference. Thanks.

If you want a two camera there are three choices that hold the costs down. First is getting IP Cameras. They are wired and wireles (wireless cameras are expensive and not really worth it as the signal length is short and they still need power (so they need wires)). These cameras plug into your router and are assigned a specific IP address (this sounds big but it is not, especially if you have a 12 year old). The computer has the video capture software and you can tell it where to look. Problem is these cameras are $200 or so. They are also big. I am enclosing links to a website so you can see what I am talking about, but do NOT take this as a recommendation as a place to buy yet. Also there choices are limited.

IP Camera = KingOfGadgets.com GS4600

The second choice for multiple cameras is a card in your computer. Usually around $90 and you hardwire your cameras in.

Card = GEOVISION GV-600 30 FPS PCI VIDEO CAPTURE CARD

Camera = KingOfGadgets.com GS306

This system works the same, where the software in the computer will look at this card and take the video off of it.

You have to set up the software on these systems if you want the computer to email you or... And you have to select hot spots where if motion happens the computer triggers recording. Again, fairly easy stuff but a lot of trial and error on creating a hotspot that will not trigger to often with trees blowing in the wind an such.

The final system is just buying a dedicated package with DVR. Costco and other retailers start out at around $300 to $400. They are usually not internet capable but with some smart shopping you can get an internet system for nearly the same price

Hope this helps.

Carl

 

[woodlandfarms]

How about a bit on cameras.

So, Like I said before there are two three ways to get a signal to your system. Wireless through and IP, Wired through and IP or hardwire into a video converter card.

But what camera? It really goes to your application (indoor, outdoor, secure, wide angle, night vision...

But for basic consumer selling points here are the things to look for. In no particular order...

Night Vision. The More LED's the better the night vision. Most of the chips in cameras are sensitive to Infra Red so Nightvision is easy if they have an IR source (or you have a strong motion sensor light)

Chip Size and Type. The bigger the chip generally the higher quality image. 1/3" inch is the new large size, 1/4" is general size, and smaller exists on the cheapcameras. CMOS and CCD... Yes, there is a difference, will you really care? Probably not.

Lense size. A lense size is predicated on the chip size (the bigger the chip the lense width changes to see the same angle), but here is my advice. a 3mm to 4mm is wide angle. 70 to 90 degree angles of view. These cameras can up to 12mm (25 degree angle of view and kinda telephoto) so you need to think through it. Lense quality might be important. I feel at this point you get what you pay for.

Connections. You may have to play connector jockey depending on your application. RCA connectors are common with the cheap cameras, BNC is more comon with higher quality. but adapters can be easily had.

Hope this helps

Carl

 

[BruceR]

Great post. Keep us updated on the gear.

Thanks,
Bruce

 

[Savagepike]

Thanks for all the great info, I'll be scouring the internet looking for some good options...