knobby
Well-known member
getting ready to update my security system and wanting to add some cameras and trying to educate myself before making any purchases does anyone know of any online resources for setting up security cameras
security cameras
- Thread starter knobby
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Teken
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I void warranties
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thinking of getting a couple of these to add to what i have
Foscam FI8918W Wireless/Wired Pan & Tilt IP/Network Camera with 8 Meter Night Vision and 3.6mm Lens
Foscam FI8918W Wireless/Wired Pan & Tilt IP/Network Camera with 8 Meter Night Vision and 3.6mm Lens
2manytoyz
Well-known member
Try SuperCircuits.com Great website. My LEO buddy buys all his gear for his agency through them.
This is a very good camera for the buck:
http://www.supercircuits.com/search?keywords=cd33-2
They also have sales on DVRs. For about $300, you can get a 4 channel DVR with a 1TB HD installed. Cameras are extra. Good customer support there too. No affiliation.
This is a very good camera for the buck:
http://www.supercircuits.com/search?keywords=cd33-2
They also have sales on DVRs. For about $300, you can get a 4 channel DVR with a 1TB HD installed. Cameras are extra. Good customer support there too. No affiliation.
Monoprice (best place to buy a/v & network cables) sells a variety of security cameras.
Some models are used by pros. Do a google search and you can find the ones they use.
http://www.monoprice.com/products/department.asp?c_id=110
Some models are used by pros. Do a google search and you can find the ones they use.
http://www.monoprice.com/products/department.asp?c_id=110
Teken
Well-known member
just trying to get a bit of working knowledge of security camera features,capabilities how to set them up for best coverage things like that so i get the best bang for my buck
1. Determine what your *true* budget is . . . With anything in life the dollar spent is reflective of what you get. If you shop around and really look at the specs you can find great values for security gear.
2. Define the security zone you wish to capture and record. If you want to capture the view of your drive way the best thing you can do is walk up a ladder and stand up there and *truly* see what is being recorded and captured.
Remember, the FOV (field of view) is dependent on many factors such as lens, focal length, distance, IR, cut off filters, etc.
3. Realize that if you purchase a true PTZ (pan - tilt - zoom) camera. That just four of these camera's placed in strategic places can replaced 10-16 cameras. This will save you more time and expense because you don't have run cables, power, and install time.
Keep in mind that you still require (spot) cameras to ensure areas of importance are captured at all times when the PTZ's are in touring mode. Which may allow objects to be missed.
4. Run both types of cabling: Cat 5, and coaxial cabling: This will allow you to future proof your install. IP cameras, and those running POE (Power Over Ethernet) are still expensive.
5. Do not waste your time with camera's providing less than 520 TVL ( TV Lines of resolution. New cameras are giving you 700 TVL. This is very close to HD quality.
6. Do not expect (face / license) plate recognition: Unless you are using PTZ's and those with filters to reduce / remove the glare from head lights which will reduce your ability to ID a person / vehicle.
7. IP rating: This will tell you if the camera is designed for out door weather: A IP of 66 or greater is a sign that this camera can endure extreme cold, wind, dust, rain. Regardless, no camera unless so designed can sustain submersion in water.
8. DVR: If you decide to purchase a recorder do not get anything less than one that supports H.264 encoding. This format allows you to record at near HD quality but yet allows you to record the data and stream it at much smaller file sizes.
Why is this important?? Because if the unit records in the old format MPEG, etc these files are massive. When you have to view these files either live, or recorded it can take a long time to stream across your network, phone, or remote computer.
Lots more, but wanted to chime in
FlameOut
Well-known member
That's some good info Teken. I've been putting off getting some type of security system for my home (2 wireless outdoor cameras w/dvr and able to access w/ smartphone or over Internet)).
We've been having a little trouble in the neighborhood lately, and I'm mostly concerned with my detached garage, with all my tools and my 67 Chevelle.
I guess it's a safe bet to stay away from those systems at Sams Club? I think I have a lot more reading to do
We've been having a little trouble in the neighborhood lately, and I'm mostly concerned with my detached garage, with all my tools and my 67 Chevelle.
I guess it's a safe bet to stay away from those systems at Sams Club? I think I have a lot more reading to do
gatchel
Well-known member
I'm so glad you said this. Most people still don't get that PTZ's alone are guaranteed to miss the "important" thing when it happens. PTZ's are play toys for most installations. Well placed fixed camera's are the best bet, unless monitored live 24/7. Even then things will still be missed with a PTZ.
Teken
Well-known member
I won't broad brush anyones product. Having said that, I am a firm believer in spend your money once!
I spent a 1/3rd of my life replacing, spending more money because it was *Good Enough*Good enough in the long run, is simply cheap . . . It doesn't equate to quality, or actual performance. Keep in mind if you simply want to see *general objects* then you can buy what ever you want. If you want something that can provide you, and the police some semblance of hard data then spend a little more.
Camera's (analog) have dropped in price so much you're really hard pressed to buy a crappy camera. Keep in mind *ANY* camera you decide to buy should be housed in metal body. Don't even entertain any camera that has plastic casings. In extreme hot / cold this will be the weak link and will not serve you well in the long run.
Also, keep in mind heat is the bigger killer for all electronics . . . One of the most important things to keep in mind when dealing with cold weather climates such as I. Do NOT EVER attempt to power up a camera from -25'C to full operating status. Doing so will blow either the camera, power supply, or both.
If you're serious about security, as easy as it is to purchase wireless. Please don't waste your money on these types of systems. The ability to capture and record live events is already hard enough with a hard wired system. Adding the extra level of weakness in wireless tech will only result in a false sense of security. Most if not all systems run on 2.4 ghz which shares the same freq as portable phones.
They are affected by microwaves, CB, etc . . .
Very true, hence why I called this out. PTZ's have a great place in any install but it is not the silver bullet in the primary system. I use them as a complementary service to the main system. The key reason is to allow me to sweep and capture wider views of the property and allows me the ability to zoom in areas which I find important.
One thing to note for those interested in purchasing such camera's. If given the choice of optical zoom vs digital zoom. Optical zoom should always take precedence!
Great optics is what will allow you, and your system to see and capture those objects of interest. Digital zoom is complimentary to a fine optical lens. Don't let people fool you buy stating 100X imaging! When in fact its 10 optical, and 10 digital zoom.
On paper it sounds the same, and sound great. In reality, its a gimmick which won't serve you well to see what you need to.
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Just wanted to say thanks for this thread. Teken, I just purchased this system today:
http://www.samsungsv.com/Model/Detail/10/Samsung-SDE-4001N-8-Channel-DVR-Security-System
It has some of the items you said to look for. I can add two more cameras to it.
http://www.samsungsv.com/Model/Detail/10/Samsung-SDE-4001N-8-Channel-DVR-Security-System
It has some of the items you said to look for. I can add two more cameras to it.
I would amend this to Cat-6 or Cat-6a, mainly for much larger potential bandwidth down the road as cameras and DVRs get better and better. A 1000' spool of shielded Cat-6a is around $450. Considering how long it's going to be there, it probably makes sense to go higher end.
cowboyjosh
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CAT6 isn't necessary for any audio / video distribution; its more for high speed data networks and will be a waste of cash for CCTV now and for years to come. CAT 5 will support full HD video. Along with your CAT5 cable for each camera, run a RG6 and use a BNC connector at the camera and head end to connect to the camera and to the DVR. Use the CAT5 for power for now if you go that route. If your going full IP use the Cat 5, but I like the idea of allot of wire, still run the RG6 coax.
With a CAT5 and RG6, you'll have a gold star installation, as its still common for CCTV contractors to only run a power wire and a RG59.
With a CAT5 and RG6, you'll have a gold star installation, as its still common for CCTV contractors to only run a power wire and a RG59.
Todd.Brock
Well-known member
Skip The Foscam. They ****, PITA to set up, work when they want to and ntworth the money. I speak from experience
slip knot
Well-known member
Check out "Security cameras direct.com" they offer some nice packages. I buy all my employeers products from them. I'd look at IP cameras as well.
My next step is to go to IP cameras in addition to my security sysytem. Ultimately I want to get to the level where I can see who's breaking in and can talk to my security system so I can heckle them over the security system audio system.
I'd love to be able to tell the clown whose stealing my stuff " Hey you, in the blue shirt, that drill don't work. that would really rock their world.
My next step is to go to IP cameras in addition to my security sysytem. Ultimately I want to get to the level where I can see who's breaking in and can talk to my security system so I can heckle them over the security system audio system.
I'd love to be able to tell the clown whose stealing my stuff " Hey you, in the blue shirt, that drill don't work. that would really rock their world.
cowboyjosh
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x2, I also want to be able to remotely control my shotgun from my IPHONE, kind of like PTZ cameras; point and shoot the suspect remotely.
Teken
Well-known member
I am of the opinion if you can afford it install the best cable you can. May that be CAT-5e, CAT-6, what have you. Because I knew my future needs would be more demanding I installed both for some dedicated situations and have simply looped them in the ceiling till they are needed.
This goes for RG59 / RG6, if you know your needs will be higher or have a dual use at some future time install what you can.
Other aspects to keep in mind is to install secondary surge arrestors for the power supplies, network, and coax. You only have to be *one time lucky* to realize this small investment was a sound choice!
Consider the amount of sweat equity, money, and resources you have spent in this endeavor, and you will soon realize that surge protection, and UPS back ups are mandatory and not just a nice to have.
On the same note: Buy the best power supply you can afford, and those that allow you to expand your system. Many use the point of use power bricks to power their camera's. Nothing wrong there as it doesn't allow you to have all your eggs in one basket.
But, using a home run power supply unit that powers all cameras from a single point allows a cleaner install, better wire management, and ease of trouble shooting.
Lastly, always the consider the IPS, FPS, etc and realize there is no need to have the highest setting for all camera's. Setting a lower IPS / FPS will give you more storage space, and on lower bandwidth sites will allow you to stream the content easier.
Teken
Well-known member
The specs for the system all look pretty good. Would you mind doing a review of the system once its been installed and running for about a month. To provide us all your first impressions etc.
Congrats, and know you have added a small measure of safety, security to your property and family.
The specs for the system all look pretty good. Would you mind doing a review of the system once its been installed and running for about a month. To provide us all your first impressions etc.
Congrats, and know you have added a small measure of safety, security to your property and family.
I sure will. Can't wait to get it. I'm going to hook it up on the bench and check it out before installation. I have alot of cables to run.
cbacres
Well-known member
Anyone have experiance with the wireless cameras?
I'm pretty much old school and think hard wire is the best way, but I do have some long runs that wireless might work.
As Teken said, surge suppression is mandatory, one surge, one lighting strike ( does'nt have to be close) and you wiped out a bunch of equipment.
I'll also post what I find.
Thanks
I'm pretty much old school and think hard wire is the best way, but I do have some long runs that wireless might work.
As Teken said, surge suppression is mandatory, one surge, one lighting strike ( does'nt have to be close) and you wiped out a bunch of equipment.
I'll also post what I find.
Thanks
Teken
Well-known member
From personal experience wireless affords you only one benefit. It does not require a home run of coax, power, or ethernet cable. You do how ever require 120 / 12 volt power for the so called *wireless camera*
How many people have 120 / 12 volt power at the ready in each location they want to run a future camera??
If you started from scratch as I did during my home build you planned ahead such as I . . . But, even though I had 120 VAC power in all sides of the roof, ceiling, etc.
Doesn't mean I would even entertain going wireless . . . Unless, you're going to spend a decent amount of coin on these types of cameras the level of quality is so so . . .
Your needs may vary but sooner, rather than later everyone who gets into this game ends up in the exact same spot as the rest of the world.
Home run, hard wired camera systems . . .
