DIY Camera system suggestions

[venturesomerite]

I want to install a DVR camera system in my shop.

My requirements are the following:
1) Records video for play back
2) Can have a monitor attached for play back/ real time viewing
3) Ability to have 4 cameras, 2 of which will be out side
4) Remotely viewable with phone ap (I can easily hardline to internet when I intend to install the dvr and monitor)
5) Self contained kit (aka everything I need to put it in) sans maybe wire, I don't mind buying wire to get it where I need it.
6) MUST be hardwired, not wireless.


I am looking for both suggestions for kits, and suggestions on what I should look for and avoid in these kits. I want to install myself, I do not want a company to install.

Thanks
Brian

 

[Zeke]

I just looked into this. A bundled system will cost less. A good quality camera like a Sony will cost you about 90 bucks. They will last. You can do this for 400 or 700, depends on what level of quality and reliability you want to pay for. If you buy a Uniden 4-camera system for $299 and it dies in a year, you got what you paid for.

Go on Amazon and read reviews. Don't take it from us, you won't find 10 people here that have the same system. Over there you can find lots.

 

[Ross/Kzoo]

I am looking at a system like this:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00F0S0DK4/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Scud67]

You want a system that has cameras that are at LEAST 600tvl - trust me I know - and you need good night vision ones - otherwise the picture quality will not be worth anything if you need to identify someone. Go with brand name cameras, the others just aren't worth it. There are plenty of systems that offer remote viewing as well as "off-site" storage capabilities (they just link up over the internet to another hard drive someplace). This is important - if someone knows your DVR is there, they can take it or destroy it, at least you will have a back-up source to go to.

 

[excavator]

another vote for QSee. Great night cams, great app for phone

 

[dogdog]

I got mine many years ago from these ppl. ussscctv (or other professional CCTV solution providers) then was state of the art with android / iphone access now its just old 480TVL. The quality depends a lot on the camera you used and your viewing angle you desire. It will never be like those TV shows that you can zoom in and see their teeth. or comparable to those casino cameras.
Dependent on your cable runs, if you have a lot of wiring to be done that is not include whatever package you decided to get, you will needed to get some Siamese RG59 cables, BNC connectors, plus the BNC crimper. Never liked those Lorex/Q-see/Swann packaged ones back then when I was looking for the system, probably not now either.

 

[Ross/Kzoo]

Never liked those Lorex/Q-see/Swann packaged ones back then when I was looking for the system, probably not now either.

Why not? Most people don't want to pay $5-10K for a home system.

 

[kingchevy]

I installed a Swann 8 camera system I got from Costco. I could not be happier with it. Their tech line walked me through setting up the remote viewing on our phones. I've had it for about a year and a half and the remote viewing has always worked flawlessly and the 720 cameras are really clear even at night. So nice to be able to pop out your phone and see whats going on at your house.

 

[healey]

Like kingchevy above, I have an 8 camera system from Costco (made by Lorex), which I bought for 399 on sale a while ago. I know they had a 4 camera system as well. It should check all of your boxes.

Camera's work indoors and out
Network access to the DVR
DVR box has HDMI and VGA out for local viewing
Remote control for switching which camera is on screen and setup
Android & iPhone apps

Overall I've been very happy with it. Setting up the cameras isn't easy (running cables), but for a workshop setup it would be great.

 

[dogdog]

It all dependents on what you wanted..... I find those systems are cheaply made. I bought one from each store but they all feel cheap and didn't do I wanted, so returned it. the advertised resolutions is not exactly what I was getting when camera is placed on higher spots. It looked really nice when it is closer as in store display. The FPS (frames per second) was not exactly what they were advertised, choppy videos on playback when recording on all 4 channels. So if your system is 120fps on 4 channels they shared at about 30 fps supposedly that is how the math goes but never happens that way. Then Finally settled for the unit had 240fps 16 channel, back then was the best on market now there are plenty competition. Wiring is the easiest (siamese RGXXX cables, crimpers, connectors, maybe extra CAT cable if you wanted PTZ) just like you were to run your TV antenna cables. Choosing the right camera is the hardest. I wanted modularity, upgrade cameras if I needed, online backups, PTZ (pan tilt zoom)functions, motion detections / alarms, time stamps, dvd backups. remote access. vandal proof. Then again if you are satisfy with the Costco / BJ / Sams club units then by all means. The technology they have probably gone a lot better now....

 

[excavator]

I bought my QSee system also from Cotsco online on sale.
Could not be happier with the nice setup and great software for the PC as well as the smart phones. I too can use the PTZ from my phone on the one PTZ cam that was included. Night vision is perfect with out any lights on from house.

 

[hippie2cams]

I bought a swann system which had four cameras expandable to 8 on the dvr and works on my droid based phone for remote viewing. its all hard wired to my router in the house with the dvr in the detached garage and it works great and was reasonably easy to install. love it.

 

[DIC]

FRYs has several systems and they put them on sale a lot

 

[mooseracing]

Using a spare PC and iSPY as the app to record. Using Wireless Foscam with IR. This keeps the cameras separate from the system.

Packaged deals usually have low quality cameras or high prices to get the cameras. HomeSecurityStore has some options. If you don't want a PC buy cameras and a DVR (basic PC) that have the same outputs. Make sure to get IR since that gives you your night viewing.

 

[excavator]

I catch the post man doing special care delivery

night cam and no lights on

 

[gml1998]

Supercircuits.com is where I purchased my system. Reasonable prices,huge selection and free tech support if you buy from them.

 

[Slowbra]

I have the 16channel Swann from Costco. It came with 8cams that are 3MP each with nite vision. Love every aspect of the system, but the motion detection. It is soo sensitive despite adjusting the sensitivity. I added an extra cam last year and plan to add a few more in the garage soon.

 

[kgorman]

www.dropcam.com

 

[Nortonscustom]

I want to install a DVR camera system in my shop.

My requirements are the following:
1) Records video for play back
2) Can have a monitor attached for play back/ real time viewing
3) Ability to have 4 cameras, 2 of which will be out side
4) Remotely viewable with phone ap (I can easily hardline to internet when I intend to install the dvr and monitor)
5) Self contained kit (aka everything I need to put it in) sans maybe wire, I don't mind buying wire to get it where I need it.
6) MUST be hardwired, not wireless.


I am looking for both suggestions for kits, and suggestions on what I should look for and avoid in these kits. I want to install myself, I do not want a company to install.

Thanks
Brian

That is pretty much exactly the same as my system. I've been using a Night Owl package for two years now a can't say enough good things about it. It was completely turn key and took about a day to install. Love the remote viewing on my phone.

Few days after installing it I got an email notification while at work that there was movement in the shop. Check and sure enough there was couple of junkys robbing the place. Called the cops. Coworkers and I watched from my phone as they got arrested. That was a good day.

http://nightowlsp.com/products/analog-security-systems/4-channel.html


This was another clown I caught stealing batteries out of the tractors. Honestly think a surveillance system is some of the best money I ever spent.

 

[Ross/Kzoo]

Being unfamiliar w/surveillance systems do the cameras run continuously or are they motion activated? With the info stored on the hard drive do you need to erase the footage or is it in a continuous loop? Is your cell phone called when their is action on the cameras?

 

[excavator]

Being unfamiliar w/surveillance systems do the cameras run continuously or are they motion activated? With the info stored on the hard drive do you need to erase the footage or is it in a continuous loop? Is your cell phone called when their is action on the cameras?

The great thing is you can do any of the above.
They are recording 24/7 out of box.
They have motion detection built in each camera that keeps a log for viewing only the alarms which is what I do each morning on important cameras.
They auto delete older files as needed to keep recording.
I normally can view back 3 weeks at any alarm, or specific date and time as needed.
You can make quick back ups of any portion or take a snap shot of any frame and post or print it. You can even have it email you 3 pics to phone if alarm goes off on camers of your choice. My front porch does this and I catch same cat cross my steps every morning lol

 

[gatewaysysop]

I installed a Swann 8 camera system I got from Costco. I could not be happier with it. Their tech line walked me through setting up the remote viewing on our phones. I've had it for about a year and a half and the remote viewing has always worked flawlessly and the 720 cameras are really clear even at night. So nice to be able to pop out your phone and see whats going on at your house.

I bought a swann system which had four cameras expandable to 8 on the dvr and works on my droid based phone for remote viewing. its all hard wired to my router in the house with the dvr in the detached garage and it works great and was reasonably easy to install. love it.

I have the 16channel Swann from Costco. It came with 8cams that are 3MP each with nite vision. Love every aspect of the system, but the motion detection. It is soo sensitive despite adjusting the sensitivity. I added an extra cam last year and plan to add a few more in the garage soon.

Another vote for Swann here. Not all their offerings are good, but the newer systems with the re-branded Hikvision 2mp and 3mp cameras are very good, especially the PoE models. Cameras are suitable for outdoor use, clean install, easy to tie into your home network for viewing over the web or on your phone.

Will agree that motion detection is a bit sensitive, but that has to be about the only issue for me a minor one at best. Absolutely worth the $$$. If you want extra cameras, Costco usually has a deal for 2 for $350 rather than paying $250/each at places like Fry's. Again, they're expensive but worth it.

 

[excavator]

I have another system at my place of business at construction yard and caught a murder scene on my system. Long story short the county prosecutor confiscated my dvr and said it was a crime scene evidence. They did let my buy a much better system with my own money and gave me a check in full for balance. The guy was caught the very next day and is in jail too this day.

 

[Ross/Kzoo]

The guy was caught the very next day and is in jail to this day.

Thanks for the info about the system.

I hope that the murderer is in jail for many more days and years to come.

 

[jsherid1]

I'm looking at these systems as well, what is the cable tyle you need to run for the Swann cameras? My installer was talking about using CAT 5 but those systems are really expensive ($3-4k for an 8 camera system).

 

[gatewaysysop]

I'm looking at these systems as well, what is the cable tyle you need to run for the Swann cameras? My installer was talking about using CAT 5 but those systems are really expensive ($3-4k for an 8 camera system).

Trust me, if it's within budget, cry once, buy the best you can afford and have no regrets. It's worth it.

 

[Slowbra]

I'm looking at these systems as well, what is the cable tyle you need to run for the Swann cameras? My installer was talking about using CAT 5 but those systems are really expensive ($3-4k for an 8 camera system).

Swann IP cameras take Cat 5 cable. I ran Cat 5e. My 8 cam system was under $3K. I would buy it again in a heartbeat.

 

[Robbo]

Anyone have experience/brand recommendations on the more expensive systems that have been referenced?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[gatewaysysop]

Anyone have experience/brand recommendations on the more expensive systems that have been referenced?

I'm running the Swann system, are you asking about that or something more expensive than that?

 

[Will S.]

I have been in the business for 40 years, and everything we have done has been hard-wired, mid-to-upper end equipment, as many of our clients required high detail, night time surveillance. Many of those installations were using cameras and lenses that were matched to the job, and DVR's that cost us thousands of dollars. These are high-dollar installations, and not for a DIY'er for home. SO what should a small business/home-owner buy?

It's already been said; the packaged systems sold at Costco and Sams, cannot compare to what more money will buy, BUT, they can be effective, if done right. These bullet-cams, with their built-in infrared lighting, do a fair to poor job, unless they are monitoring a very small, close-in area to the camera. Outside, they need light; lots of light. So supplemental lighting is very helpful, for outside parking/storage areas.

Better, higher-end cameras, PTZ or fixed, would be something from Speco.com, Nuvico, or Digimerge. Some of those cameras sell for around $1k-2K, for very low lux, high-resolution PTZ. They even sell motion-tracking PTZ cams, which will lock on to a moving target, zoom in, and follow it, for some very impressive video.

So it all depends on what you're willing to pay for. Whatever you do, conceal the wiring, place the DVR in a lock-box or remote location, and power the whole system, cameras and all, with a quality battery back-up standby power system.

 

[Robbo]

Gateway, I was asking about the even higher end stuff. I used to have a friend that worked for a company that housed servers and he would tell me about the cameras there that would automatically track movement. Sounds like the stuff WillS is talking about. Thank you for the info. I have a Lorex system that I will be putting in the barn, but would like something a little more advanced at the house/garage.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[gatewaysysop]

So it all depends on what you're willing to pay for. Whatever you do, conceal the wiring, place the DVR in a lock-box or remote location, and power the whole system, cameras and all, with a quality battery back-up standby power system.

I second this part. Gets expensive especially if you have a lot of cams in addition other network hardware, but worth the peace of mind if you can budget it in.

 

[jhall0712]

I'm in the middle of building my system. I have three IP cameras up so far.

These are the cameras - Amazon

Specs: 1080P IP cameras
POE (power over ethernet)
built in micro sd card slot
IP66 rated (weatherproof)
and most importantly (to my wife) - they are pretty small. You don't really notice them.

I have them all hardwired to my home network over Cat5e. As they are POE, it's the only cable I had to run.

As they are IP cameras they are accessed via a IP address on your web browser. I can access them from any web browser, anywhere. Or on my phone. There is no DVR for them. They make NVRs (network video recorders) but I don't have one yet. At this time they record to built in micro SD cards. Whenever I add the NVR the recordings will go to it instead and be accessed more like a traditional DVR. Or I could setup a always on computer and have them record to it with a software solution.

Quality is really good. I usually only view the lower quality substreams just so my piddly little internet connection can handle it.

Some screenshots -

Back Door Day -



Back Door Night -



Side Door Day -



Side Door Night -



So those are just some quick screenshots. Actual snapshots are a better resolution.

My only complaint is the videos are recorded in a .dav format. Kind of a pain to convert to something more playable if I want to export the video. In fact I can't at all on a mac, and that is what I am on now or I would put up a video or two.

All in all I am happy with them. I think I will be even happier when I get a NVR consolidate all the video recordings.

 

[jsherid1]

Really useful thread, special thanks to the pros who have weighed in.

 

[FiendFX]

My car gets vandalized by low lives at night. Is there an affordable security camera system with decent night vision so I can catch these punks? A quality that I would be able to identy them. Thanks for any help.

 

[redsand187]

I've got a Logitech Alert system, very user friendly. I'd recommend going with an IP cam setup and not CC like Q-See. I have a Q-See system at my house, not blown away with it. Quality and interface leaves a lot to be desired.

The Logitech system isn't cheap, but it's ease of use is great.

Here's a video I caught with the logitech system (at my warehouse in an interesting area)

 

[excavator]

QSEE make quality systems and great night vision camers. \I bought mine from Cotsco and very pleased. I can monitor from my Android phone at any time as well

 

[FiendFX]

Which one is better?

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Q-SEE-Ad...ERCH=RV-_-RV_gm_pip_rr-1-_-NA-_-204601796-_-N

http://www.costco.com/Q-See-4-Chann...D-and-4-700TVL-Cameras.product.100097393.html

 

[kidk]

lots of info and reviews here: http://www.networkcameracritic.com/

 

[FiendFX]

bump....