dave89iroc
Well-known member
I'm looking to buy a Swann system, 8 channel DVR, 4 cameras in the kit,(I will add more) wired system, anyone use the Swann stuff?
security camera systems
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Kaizen
Well-known member
I've had a few of their cameras. lower end stuff works fine up to ten or 20 feet. don't expect to zoom in on a license plate 50 feet away. they are about the same as all of my other cameras.
Bib Overalls
Well-known member
Cruised through the electronics department at the local Sam's Club today. They had four different home security camera systems for sale. The top of the line system had ten hard wire cameras and the option to add six more. All kinds of connectivity options. $550 I think, which seems reasonable. Excellent video quality. I think the cheapest system was $250 with four cameras. If you have a Sam's club in your area taking a look could be helpful.
atty5420
Active member
Selecting a security camera system today, or even the various components that go with it can be a daunting task. I just spent the last week researching what was available to replace the one we have at our store, and before long my eyes were rolling. There's analog, digital, HD-SDI, HD-CVI, HD-AHD, HD-TVI.........what is all that?
I finally found one site that gives a logical explanation, and the expected future, of all those formats. Hopefully, it will help with the decision.
http://www.security-camera-warehouse.com/knowledge-base/hd-sdi/
I finally found one site that gives a logical explanation, and the expected future, of all those formats. Hopefully, it will help with the decision.
http://www.security-camera-warehouse.com/knowledge-base/hd-sdi/
engineer2
Well-known member
Old, thread, but thanks for the tips. Swann seems to have poor reviews of their software. Looks like you get what you pay for.
Petty crime is increasing in our neighborhood, so it's time to look into one. Mostly theft from unlocked cars (not wise!), but it will probably escalate.
We have dogs, but after barking like crazy, they would probably lick a burglar to death.
Petty crime is increasing in our neighborhood, so it's time to look into one. Mostly theft from unlocked cars (not wise!), but it will probably escalate.
We have dogs, but after barking like crazy, they would probably lick a burglar to death.
Beemer533
Well-known member
A post I made previously about my camera system:
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=4192168&postcount=28
Not quite as easy as a boxed system, but IMO, better results...
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=4192168&postcount=28
Not quite as easy as a boxed system, but IMO, better results...
The problem with most of the 'package' systems is it really what you need?
There are different types of cameras - bullets, turrets, domes etc and a lot depends on how you plan on mounting them
As previously mentioned, it does take a little work figuring on what would work best for your situation.
There is a great forum dedicated to this > https://www.ipcamtalk.com
Most of the DIY's are using some sort of Hikvision/branded camera in conjunction with a Hikvision DVR or a dedicated computer running BlueIris software.
Another new player on the market which is getting really popular is Huisun which has a pretty cool PZT camera with a 10x zoom
Whatever you do, don't go wireless!
There are different types of cameras - bullets, turrets, domes etc and a lot depends on how you plan on mounting them
As previously mentioned, it does take a little work figuring on what would work best for your situation.
There is a great forum dedicated to this > https://www.ipcamtalk.com
Most of the DIY's are using some sort of Hikvision/branded camera in conjunction with a Hikvision DVR or a dedicated computer running BlueIris software.
Another new player on the market which is getting really popular is Huisun which has a pretty cool PZT camera with a 10x zoom
Whatever you do, don't go wireless!
Kaizen
Well-known member
I read your post in my switch to IP cameras. They are a lot clearer but a pita to get working as I want. I would highly suggest finding an nvr and only get one type of camera that they suggest. I got a mix of cheapo's up to hikavision and dhaua and some don't even work while some that do won't do just motion detection.....etc .
I have an nvr with 2 poe switches.
airmech252
New member
- Joined
- May 20, 2015
- Messages
- 1
I bought a 4 camera Samsung at Sam's to keep a watch on my driveway and storage shed. I've had it about 5 months and really like it. Very clear both day and night. If somebody like me can set it up without any problems, anyone can.
Evilunclegrimace
Well-known member
Have a look a Lorex. I installed a 8 camera LH030 system a my home and am pleased with the performance. It records all 8 cameras 24/7 has night vision that is good for more than 50 feet at night ( in the winter with snow on the ground the distance jumps to 90'+) It will automatically over write the drive every 35 days and has a maximum of 4TB of storage that you can down load to a USB drive. It also has the ability to notify you if some one breaks a programmable area of two cameras vision.
It also is able to be accessed from two mobile phones and two laptops simultaneously any where there is internet access and remote play back is also possible You can add more users to the system to allow friends or neighbors to watch you home while you are away without giving them access to your entire system. There is far to much info to list here if you have any specific questions I will do my best to answer them if you like.
It also is able to be accessed from two mobile phones and two laptops simultaneously any where there is internet access and remote play back is also possible You can add more users to the system to allow friends or neighbors to watch you home while you are away without giving them access to your entire system. There is far to much info to list here if you have any specific questions I will do my best to answer them if you like.
rburke65
Well-known member
jgorm....you have the same kit.....same kit as whom?
Sharx...goggle em. A bit pricey...but the best system, support and equipment.
I was going to the package route...then research lead me to thier stuff...use it indoors and outside...and remotely via internet at my place in the mountains to keep an eye on that too....
I was going to the package route...then research lead me to thier stuff...use it indoors and outside...and remotely via internet at my place in the mountains to keep an eye on that too....
Rocky98Formula
Active member
I Googled them and see some pretty good reviews. Can you explain some of the advantages of the Sharx setup vs multi-cam NVR package system? Or maybe just some more details about what you liked about their setup. Their website doesn't have very much info. Thank you.
7th Kahuna
Well-known member
After a string of break-ins, my dad finally decided to install cameras. We went with Swan as it seemed to be the best of what was available locally that week ( a surprising number were out of stock). The kit included the 8 channel DVR and 4 cameras, two each 720p and 1080p. It is a wired system and I believe he paid about $500. Overall, I am pretty impressed with the system. My only comparison however is the neighbor's Harbor Freight system. That one is pretty bad, but I don't know its specs.
If I were to purchase one myself I would have no problem going with Swan again but I would prefer to go with 4 1080p cameras. The 720p cameras are fine but not as flexible in use. Dad's are basically only useful at 6 to 10 feet. Zooming in across the yard in harsh light is out of the question. The 1080p on the other hand are great and easily zoomed in on faces within the 40 to 50 foot deep area they are operating in.
In my opinion, the software could be more user friendly but again I have nothing to really compare it to. It works well enough once you get the hang of it. Of course the time to get the hang of it is not with a police officer standing over your shoulder, as happened in my case
. But that really leads me to the absolutely best feature of the cameras 
. Once the police let the neighborhood troublemakers know there were cameras, and passed around the photo of the guy we caught, it seems they decided there were easier targets. I have had little need to fool with the software since then.
I did have one cable fail during the summer but Swan sent me a new one. It was a pain to replace but Swan tech support didn't present any issues.
I did find a good use for one of the 720p cameras. This one is head level at the entrance to the shed:
Only problem, it glows red at night. Of course by the time they get close enough to notice, it's going to be too late.
If I were to purchase one myself I would have no problem going with Swan again but I would prefer to go with 4 1080p cameras. The 720p cameras are fine but not as flexible in use. Dad's are basically only useful at 6 to 10 feet. Zooming in across the yard in harsh light is out of the question. The 1080p on the other hand are great and easily zoomed in on faces within the 40 to 50 foot deep area they are operating in.
In my opinion, the software could be more user friendly but again I have nothing to really compare it to. It works well enough once you get the hang of it. Of course the time to get the hang of it is not with a police officer standing over your shoulder, as happened in my case
. But that really leads me to the absolutely best feature of the cameras . Once the police let the neighborhood troublemakers know there were cameras, and passed around the photo of the guy we caught, it seems they decided there were easier targets. I have had little need to fool with the software since then.I did have one cable fail during the summer but Swan sent me a new one. It was a pain to replace but Swan tech support didn't present any issues.
I did find a good use for one of the 720p cameras. This one is head level at the entrance to the shed:
Only problem, it glows red at night. Of course by the time they get close enough to notice, it's going to be too late.
Jeeper75
Well-known member
I have also been looking at some security cameras. Found this one at a sams club. Seems to be a pretty good setup from what I have read and is on sale.
http://www.samsclub.com/sams/8ch-1080p-nvr-8x4/prod16050413.ip?navAction=
http://www.samsclub.com/sams/8ch-1080p-nvr-8x4/prod16050413.ip?navAction=
They store two weeks worth of video in the camera...they feed the same data to a server if you want...email activity warnings...adjustable activity sensitivity quadrants of each view...you name it and they can do it.
I also feed the cloud a constant update so if they steal the actual camera or the hard drive on site there is a third copy I can access...remotely if needed. The big item is their support.
You can call them and they speak english, will work on your system and have great tips and advice for set up...
Like I said...in this instance you do get crystal clear video, service and excellent
equipment...but they are not cheap...