Hi MachSnell. Most of your questions have been answered by others, but I'll add a little.
The "generally accepted" limit for video over a network is 328 feet, or 100 meters, between devices. That would be interpreted to be that distance between the camera and a network switch, etc. Once you pass through a switch, or similar device, you get another 328' to the next device.
There are a number of media converters available which extend that 328' distance by converting the data to run over a different type of cable. Some use standard twisted pair, others use coax. Just remember that you'll need a converter on both ends. Also, when selecting a converter, pay attention to its' power requirements. Some need power, some don't. They generally work well, but use good, UNSPLICED, wire, no matter which you use. There are also network extenders, but they work much better for data, than for video.
Yup, AXIS does make great products, and they ( AXIS ) are fantastic with customer/user assistance, but you are correct, their products are more expensive than some others. I worked in designing systems for high risk industrial complexes, refineries, chemical plants, etc., and leaned toward the higher quality images, and more durable equipment, rather than the cheap stuff which required frequent replacement. Also, the better lenses and imagers let me view a scene from a greater distance, which often allowed for using fewer cameras. ( Remember, NObody ever complains about having "too good" quality video, but nobody wants poor quality video, because it usually doesn't do the job. ) At my home, I work the same way....I would rather spend more for a camera, and network recorder, and know that it will last 4 or 5 years, than buy a cheap setup and end up replacing the devices every year. As I get older, the less often that i have to drag out the ladder and climb it to swap out devices, the more I like it. I know that many GJ guys are the opposite, but "to each, his own". How many here drive the least expensive Yugo made?
Another thing to think about, is that the security related video world develops a new generation of devices about every 18 months, or so, and each generation is better than the last. You don't need to replace things every time a new generation is released, but after about 4.5 - 5 years, you should think about upgrading. First, your existing cameras, especially the imaging chips, will be aging and won't provide as good resolution as they did when they were new, so that sort of points toward periodic replacement. Secondly, after about 3 or 4 new generations have come out, the difference between the new devices, and your old stuff, even when it was new, will be dramatic.
If you happen to have any cameras which have built in infrared illumination, the LED's in them will start dying from old age after 3-4 years, so while your daytime images won't degrade as fast, you will lose a lot of your night resolution. The problem with LED's, is that while you can disassemble your camera and replace them, it isn't worth the time. That is IF you can find the correct LED's to use.
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