DIY security cameras

[TheSasquatch]

Looking into getting security cameras for my house and shop/garage. I live in a small rural community, and while crime here is somewhat rare I’m not the kind to wait for something to happen. Ive been looking online and in some of the big box stores at different styles whether hard wired or wireless, and I’m not sure what would be best for my situation. I’m aware that in the long run a full wired system would be better, but with my home being over 100y old running the wiring would be very troublesome. Aswell as my garage is detached from the house and I would very much prefer 1 system rather that 2. The other thing I was thinking about is I do not want to run the wiring for 1 brand of system only to have 5 years go by a camera drops dead and either the old system is no longer available or the newer uses a “new and improved” wiring. I will as that I do have fiber internet services with the fastest speed available, and dual Wifi bands so I would be able to dedicate 1 directly to them. Does anyone that’s been down this road have any advice?


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[jeffmattero76]

I don't have one yet, but SimpliSafe seems to be a great system. As I understand it, no wires, no Internet needed.

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[climb.on]

I'm starting to do the same thing. Get ready to be overwhelmed with options. You can do some hardwired and some wireless. It doesn't have to be one or the other. Get quality over quantity. With so many choices it's easy to go with a proprietary system like SimpliSafe or others, but like most things it's usually better to get quality standard components. That's what I will be doing, but haven't decided which cameras yet. It will likely be some combination of Hikvision, Dahua and Axis components.

 

[w33b8t1]

I use Blue Iris Software which I find pretty well written.

You can add just about any ip camera to it.

 

[Bretny]

The arlo systems are prety cheap and wifi. You do loose quite a bit of range with the wifi if you go through and floors or walls. I couldn't make one work that had to go through 3 walls and 1 floor. This was on a 1 family double story house, no more than 2,000sqft.


I have a old BNC connector wired system it works. Its not super clear video by any means but it works and some of those connectors have been out in the weather for years.

If i was to do it again i would do a IP based system. Wire is cheap and alot better video quality from what i hear.

With the wifi or BNC system dont expect to read license plates or anything. Not sure on the IP system.

 

[eastbaysubaru]

Another recommendation for the Blue Iris software. I've been running it for about a year with some Amcrest cameras I picked up on Amazon. It's been a great and ultra reliable setup. The software has an amazing level of customization possible but it's also fairly easy to setup.

-Brian

 

[yukon65006]

Built my own system but it wasnt cheap compared to buying a prepackaged kit.

1. Computer I5 processer, 16GB ram, 256G M2 hard drive for OS and software, 2TB hard drive for storage.
2. POE switch to avoid power at the cameras. Ended up using 2 based off camera locations and easier to run one cable between the switches instead of multiple runs across a vaulted ceiling area, easier to hide.
3. Better selection of camera choices able to match the camera for the coverage area.
4. Will need network crimping tools if you don't have them already.
5. Lowest cable category I would pull is Cat 6a, not needed but I tend to error with the higher specs.
6. Expansion is easier. If you buy a 8 camera NVR that's all you get and all 8 are the same came specs.

I went a little overboard on the computer but plan on using it at the house we are building next year. The new place will have about 12 cameras and runs for about 24. Easier to make the runs when the walls are open so going over board, cable is cheaper than opening walls down the road..

 

[glider]

I run Hikvision POE cameras with a 3 TB HDD NVR hard drive system. I did run a lot of wires. The whole set up was under $1000 three years ago. Last weekend I cleaned the lenses on the cameras. Never a problem.

 

[rharman]

Anyone have experience with battery operated WiFi cameras? We're thinking about adding surveillance but some preferred mount locations are inaccessible for wiring.

 

[glider]

Have no experience with the wireless cameras. But I do like game cameras.

 

[WhiffySpark]

I don't have one yet, but SimpliSafe seems to be a great system. As I understand it, no wires, no Internet needed.

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Been looking at that as well

 

[blake101]

I run Hikvision POE cameras with a 3 TB HDD NVR hard drive system. I did run a lot of wires. The whole set up was under $1000 three years ago. Last weekend I cleaned the lenses on the cameras. Never a problem.

How many cameras are you running?

 

[glider]

How many cameras are you running?

Run four cameras on the 780P setting. That gives me one month of recording before it starts recording over.

 

[Tmart86]

Run four cameras on the 780P setting. That gives me one month of recording before it starts recording over.

How many cameras. You should get several weeks oh 1080p video with 3tb. I get about 7-10 days depending on the scene with 1080p and 64gb sd. Cards.

The whole point of ip cameras is to take advantage of the pixle resolution available. Storage is cheap use all of your cameras ability.

 

[glider]

How many cameras. You should get several weeks oh 1080p video with 3tb. I get about 7-10 days depending on the scene with 1080p and 64gb sd. Cards.

The whole point of ip cameras is to take advantage of the pixle resolution available. Storage is cheap use all of your cameras ability.

In the process of adding one camera with more storage. I do like the idea of having a month back. Just playing with the settings.

 

[ford33]

I have the 3 camera Blink system. It is wireless and runs on batteries. The are small.

Installed it 7 months ago and not one problem. I set it to turn on the camera when motion is detected. It also has a built in thermometer which will tell you the temperature of the room which is useful to check the AC or heat.

They make indoor and outdoor model cameras.

 

[Tmart86]

In the process of adding one camera with more storage. I do like the idea of having a month back. Just playing with the settings.

Switch to 1080p at least adjust frame rate down to 12-15fps in areas that are just being watched. You should see a increase in storage and not a big change in video smoothness. Higher frame rates are good for moving objects ie driveways or doors that people would be walking hp to. Shutter speed and exposure adjustments will be needed to truly try and get a visual license plate read.

 

[fnbadaz06]

I use the Arlo Pro 2 setup with 5 cameras. I'm very pleased with their functionality and video quality. THey also have two way audio, which worked out great when the guys who ransacked a car in my driveway that had unlocked doors...the thieves were talking while they went thru the car which the police could hear in the video, including their names

 

[Planenutz]

Any preferences or recommendations on 2-way doorbell type cameras?
Will they also work with Blue Iris?

 

[A**holes Garage]

Hikvision POE here, a few years old. Good quality, good service and support.
8 Hikvison cameras
Hikvision software
4TB NVR
Battery back up

If you choose Hikvision, DO NOT buy the cameras off Amazon or EBay. Use an on line CCTV Hikvision dealer.

 

[TE2]

Have no experience with the wireless cameras. But I do like game cameras.

I'm glad I'm not the only one who's does this!

 

[James-W]

My opinions is a bit different and most likely isn't what you will want to hear, but here goes anyway.

If I wanted to install a security system, I would want it to be monitored not only by myself, but also by a reliable company who would be calling the police for me. The wife and I aren't always at home, we sometimes leave for a day or several days at a time. During the times we are gone, if someone breaks in, what good does a bunch of video cameras do? Possibly they are also recording the thieves, but what if the thieves steal the recording equipment?

I doubt there is a foolproof method of protecting your stuff, but having someone at least being able to monitor your system while you are away would be a plus as far as I am concerned. Once the police are called, depending on where the closest squad car is located, the police COULD be there quite quickly. Who knows, they MAY be able to catch the thieves in the act. But if they aren't called there isn't much chance of them catching the thieves in the act.

 

[Tmart86]

My opinions is a bit different and most likely isn't what you will want to hear, but here goes anyway.

If I wanted to install a security system, I would want it to be monitored not only by myself, but also by a reliable company who would be calling the police for me. The wife and I aren't always at home, we sometimes leave for a day or several days at a time. During the times we are gone, if someone breaks in, what good does a bunch of video cameras do? Possibly they are also recording the thieves, but what if the thieves steal the recording equipment?

I doubt there is a foolproof method of protecting your stuff, but having someone at least being able to monitor your system while you are away would be a plus as far as I am concerned. Once the police are called, depending on where the closest squad car is located, the police COULD be there quite quickly. Who knows, they MAY be able to catch the thieves in the act. But if they aren't called there isn't much chance of them catching the thieves in the act.

Ive done several installs that are combined with traditional alarm systems. We used a IP input/output device at the alarm panel to trigger different zones from the cameras. At the cameras we used magnetic door sensors to send a trigger back to one of the outputs. And trip an alarm as well as send a text/email with a screen shot of whatever triggered the alarm. Yes you need cameras with digital inputs on them and then a way to trigger the alarm panel but its all easily tied together. Video and audio proof is the only way to catch someone. Most alarms have a 30-60 second entry delay then calls are made to the home owner and then to the authorities. So police don’t get their quickly.

 

[jade97]

Just a caution to those going the wifi camera route....

Friends of ours have wireless cameras. One day, during the short time their daughter was home alone, someone came banging on the front door. She called her parents and they looked at the camera and the picture was just snowy until the girl hit the panic alarm & the perp ran off. It appears they had some kind of rf jammer.

 

[madwi]

I don't have one yet, but SimpliSafe seems to be a great system. As I understand it, no wires, no Internet needed.

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Be careful with those all wireless systems.

 

[ChaseDE]

Wyze cameras on Amazon are cheap and good quality. Easy to setup, wireless (just need a power wire), good quality, nice features, great app, no monthly charges.

I have a regular little cam in the house and a "pan" cam watching the driveway.

 

[labhaven]

Hikvision POE cameras with the Hikvision NVR here as well. I've had them running for a few years now. No issues at all.

Be sure they are not grey market cameras.

Whatever brand you buy, be sure to change the built-in administrator account immediately.

 

[Innovate1]

Ive done several installs that are combined with traditional alarm systems. We used a IP input/output device at the alarm panel to trigger different zones from the cameras. At the cameras we used magnetic door sensors to send a trigger back to one of the outputs. And trip an alarm as well as send a text/email with a screen shot of whatever triggered the alarm. Yes you need cameras with digital inputs on them and then a way to trigger the alarm panel but its all easily tied together. Video and audio proof is the only way to catch someone. Most alarms have a 30-60 second entry delay then calls are made to the home owner and then to the authorities. So police don’t get their quickly.

Any specific make/model of equipment you can share?

Zoneminder is similar to BlueIris - free and runs under Linux but not as user friendly from what I have read. Haven't used either myself.

 

[dcs13]

Arlo systems are great. Easy to install, upgradeable.

 

[justinmariano]

I use the Nest cam, they are pricey but built well and the software is great. As far as range goes, you can cheaply boost your wifi out to shop using an outdoor range extender like a TP-Link CPE510.

They cost about $50, and can boost a signal up to 15km. At my old house, I had a shed workshop about 500ft in the rear of my yard and used one of these to send wifi out there. Worked great and a hell of a lot easier than burying an ethernet cable.

 

[Bigbandguy]

One of these as a test and proof of concept. Works fairly well but can interfere with WiFi.
Central box should be in middle of house to keep range to cameras fairly short. For the price it isn't bad.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01H5CNI1I/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Bigbandguy]

One of these as a test and proof of concept. Works fairly well but can interfere with WiFi.
Central box should be in middle of house to keep range to cameras fairly short. For the price it isn't bad.


https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01H5CNI1I/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Edit since I was just getting a toe in the water I did not set up the web part. It works fine as a local setup if you don't want the web connection.

 

[BlueChip]

i have Arlo and LOVE them. Looking to add a few more for better coverage

 

[dlake]

I use the Nest cams as well. Only issue is that the outside cameras can be juuuuust far enough from the router to not provide a smooth video feed. Supposedly the more expensive IQ versions have MIMO WiFi which helps that.

 

[Tmart86]

Any specific make/model of equipment you can share?

Zoneminder is similar to BlueIris - free and runs under Linux but not as user friendly from what I have read. Haven't used either myself.

Most of the equipment i used cameras with I/O were axis p1425 mk2 but they offer alot of models with I/O that can be setup to do alot with just the camera no special recording software needed. Also have used american dynamics and lots of over manufacturers offer on board I/O

 

[buzzworth]

Arlo systems are great. Easy to install, upgradeable.

Arlo also. 5 camera setup was about $700 when Costco ran it on sale. Picked up the 3 camera unit for my son for $380 there.

 

[2Busy]

Just installed an Arlo Pro 2, 4 camera system, recently on sale at Best Buy for $549. It does everything I need it to do. There are pluses and minuses to wi-fi systems, just as there are for the POE versions, you just have to choose. I like the Arlo Pro 2 because the features are robust without forking out any subscription fee. I did opt to wire in the power (access to a source was pretty easy for each camera) b/c I don’t want to deal with the hassle of getting on a ladder to change/recharge batteries every 2-3 months (I have plenty on my maintenance checklist already!).

As for the concern about wi-fi cameras and rf signal blockers, my house also has a security system. My thinking is that any crook smart enough to use an rf blocker is also smart enough to stay away from a home with monitored security.

 

[chilow]

Might've missed it, but what's your budget? I'm assuming you just need to monitor the exterior and maybe add a few interior cameras that focus on entry points. If you're worried about a wired setup, the wireless ones are easy to setup, but require an external battery source. Depending on video quality and motion settings, the average battery life of non-wired cameras seem to be 1-3 months. Most outdoor rated WiFi cameras also have add-on options to include a small solar panel that connects to each individual camera to help keep the battery topped off.

 

[ddurrett896]

Just installed an Arlo Pro 2, 4 camera system, recently on sale at Best Buy for $549. It does everything I need it to do. There are pluses and minuses to wi-fi systems, just as there are for the POE versions, you just have to choose. I like the Arlo Pro 2 because the features are robust without forking out any subscription fee. I did opt to wire in the power (access to a source was pretty easy for each camera) b/c I don’t want to deal with the hassle of getting on a ladder to change/recharge batteries every 2-3 months (I have plenty on my maintenance checklist already!).

As for the concern about wi-fi cameras and rf signal blockers, my house also has a security system. My thinking is that any crook smart enough to use an rf blocker is also smart enough to stay away from a home with monitored security.

I'm looking at cameras now and my neighbors swear by Nest. My only objection is the monthly fee of like $5/camera to remote view and save to the cloud.

What is the deal with Arlo Pro 2?
What is needed to run power so they don't need to be charged?

Thanks!

 

[PWC Repair]

We have 2 Night Owl four camera systems, wired cams. They're less than $300, easy to setup, easy to use, and will send realtime video to an app on the smartphone through wifi if you want it to. I just set it up in the spare room which is pretty central in the house. Ran straight up into the attic then out all 4 corners of the house. The nightvision is very grainy so I suggest motion lighting and the cams pick it up just fine. It's great when you're out of town cause you can see the neighbors damn dog ******* on your porch, then screenshot it and watch the look on their face when you show it to them!