If you're serious about security wire your system with CAT5e, or CAT6 UTP cabling. To ensure future proofing your investment wire in coax and power cable also. Having both sets allows you to have one or both types of systems of old school analog camera's to the ever fast approaching IP camera's that are dropping in price finally.
Almost all of the units these days offer remote viewing via a internal server. What seperates the OK to the best is what the software can do for you.
Regardless of the DVR, NVR, or even a cheap 24hr VHS system it comes down to correct placement of the camera system.
1. What are you trying to protect? If you place the camera in the location (will) it capture 100% of the FOV (field of view) you're trying to obtain?
2. Is the area going to be 50/50 well lit, other times will it be completely dark? This determines wether you require a good quality IR camera system. More IR LED's allow you to see more and farther. One with 12 LED's will give you less than 15 feet, 21-36 LED's will give you aprox 50-75 feet distance. One thing to keep in mind that the night time view will always be B&W, unless you have spent serious $$$ for a camera lens that is true day and night.
3. Weather rating or IP rating. If this camera is to be installed out doors ensure the said camera's IP rating is suited to your needs. Some camera's work OK in the rain, some work like **** when it hits -10'c so make sure you read all the specs of the camera system to ensure its weather and out door rated. The IP rating also indicates how well the camera is against physical damage like rocks, hammers, etc.
4. If IR (infared) is required please keep in mind that anything in the 850 nM spectrim will give off a red / pinkish hue, or glow from the LED's. Only very expensive systems that are in the 900 nM will be completely invisable to the human eye.
5. Mounting, where ever you decide to mount the camera always ensure it is situated high enough to do its job, and also be out of reach of common threat's. Some camera's have limited focus, and sharpness adjustments. Its worth the extra cash for this simple but important feature. As you could be mounting the said camera in a spot you feel is great, but when you get on the other end to view the image everything is too small or not sharp. So like a wood cutter measure twice cut once. ie buy it right the first time, and not waste your time, and hard earned cash on junk that will only disappoint.
6. Is style important to you? There are lots of styles from bullet, dome, cannon, mini spy types. Each have there place, and uses.
Speaking from personal experience go with a vendor that will let you try out a few camera's and their DVR systems. Play with the software, see what it can and cant do for you. Some have alot of bells and whistles, some have even more but they do the famous analogy of: Jack of all trades, master of none!!
Meaning they offer alot, but they dont do one thing very well . . . If this is a investment and it is . . Budget around $1000.00 for a good system. Spend under, well you get what you paid for.
Just my $0.00000000000000000000000 cents . . .
Regards
EVIL Teken . . .
