I wanted a security camera system just for security for my home. I'm very serious about security but I'm an average budget home owner. I installed the Samsung 8 camera 1080p kit with 2TB DVR from Sams Club for $350 SDH-B74081. All the cameras (SDC-9443BC) are 105 degree wide angle, metal body bullet cameras with a 3.6mm F2.1 lense and a 2MP CMOS. They are capable fof 1080p @ 30 FPS but the DVR only does 15 FPS @ 1080p. It'll do 30 FPS @ 720p.
From what I found, this is the best I could get for the price. I would've preferred to be able to customize the cameras to match the FOV and need for dome/bullet. The amount of cameras helps to mitigate that though because I can put two cameras on tough spots. The cables are 60' two connector BNC/+12v and not POE. I put all of the cameras on the side of the house high up or under the soffets. So all of the cables go into the attic. I'd like the DVR in the basement so I can hook it up to the TV but it was way easier to leave it up there. I just connected a $20 wifi router to it and I can access the images from my Android. The PC interface doesn't work however because my Internet explorer is broken or something. I can just unplug the DVR, bring it downstairs and plug it into the TV if I really need video. I guess it has some FTP capability too if I really need it.
It would've been nice to have some cameras that are slightly less conspicuous but thats really hard to do. At least these look nice but the neighbors have all noticed right away. One neighbor reacted badly and thinks I'm spying on them (across the street) so they installed new blinds on every window that didn't have them. The cameras are pointed down and not directly at their house but yes, I can see their driveway because of the 105' FOV. There's really no way to avoid that unless I put the cameras on poles or in the trees aiming at the house instead of being aimed at the approach/driveway etc. That's not a bad idea with a solar wifi camera but those would be like $300 each.
My other neighbor said she (elderly) feels better knowing there's cameras. Honestly, I think the neighbors are just going to have to get used to it. You're on camera everywhere and any perspective my cameras have is only what I might have looking with my naked eye. The night vision doesn't mean I can see their body heat or through walls and the wide angle means there's basically no detail past 10 feet.
As far as Samsung goes, the cameras are acceptable quality. Better than grainy gas station videos but not as good as my 5 MP smart phone camera. The DVR is Linux based and seems to be super easy to configure and setup. Like I said, the web interface ***** but the Android interface works for now. I have yet to try setting up DDNS, emails, FTP etc. I'm not trying to make this like a burglar alarm. Its pretty much just there in case something happens and also as a deterrent.
The DVR, camera power and router are all hooked up to a small APC BGE70 UPS in case the power is cut by a burglar etc. My house has a CT base meter with an off switch that anybody could just walk up and turn the power off with. I could probably build a fence or something around that side of the house but then the utility would occasionally need access. Eventually, I'd like to have the DVR secured somehow. I don't want to come home and find my house broken into AND all of the video evidence missing.
