Security Cameras

[Doug19]

Any chance you have a review on this after a year? Im looking at the below from amazon

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01A...ds=ReoLink&dpPl=1&dpID=41rQvnwSqIL&ref=plSrch

Id love to lut together my own system but I dont think I have the time or knowledge to put together a complete package.

I really like the ReoLink ones on Amazon for the price and quality. I installed them a few months ago. Ran the CAT 5e cable myself which was a pain since we don't have an attic. Well worth it though. They've held up great so far and have a nice picture. This pic was a screen shot of their app from my phone while at work. It's much clearer at full resolution on the NVR.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Frontierajl]

Any chance you have a review on this after a year? Im looking at the below from amazon



https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01A...ds=ReoLink&dpPl=1&dpID=41rQvnwSqIL&ref=plSrch



Id love to lut together my own system but I dont think I have the time or knowledge to put together a complete package.

I don’t have an in depth review but other than a few problems with the mobile app the system has been solid and running non stop. I really like it for the price.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Frontierajl]

Any chance you have a review on this after a year? Im looking at the below from amazon



https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01A...ds=ReoLink&dpPl=1&dpID=41rQvnwSqIL&ref=plSrch



Id love to lut together my own system but I dont think I have the time or knowledge to put together a complete package.

Also, that’s the same system I have. I added a PTZ camera to it also.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[slodat]

I was going to buy the ReoLink system linked above, but I went back and re-read this thread. Ended up buying Hikvision NVR, 4TB drive, and cameras. Can't wait to get this going! Thanks to everyone for sharing the info!

 

[dw1]

Also, that’s the same system I have. I added a PTZ camera to it also.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

X2, I have the same system and also added a PTZ camera. No problems with anything other than I have rebooted it maybe twice in 2 years.

 

[metaj]

Not sure if anybody posted these, but I'm waiting on them to post Black Friday deals and I'll be getting them.

https://blinkforhome.com/collections/outdoor-security-camera

 

[slodat]

First camera arrived today. Looks like really nice stuff for the price point.

 

[Git]

Where did you buy it?

You have to be a little careful with Hiks nowadays. A backdoor has been discovered that makes it pretty easy to hack the camera and gain access. The solution is to update the firmware - but that is where some people run into problems.

In the US, Hikvision will usually only sell to installers and most DIY types end up buying the cameras on Amazon, eBay or directly from China. There are basically three different versions of the camera - China, International and USA.

Some vendors will take a Chinese version camera (all the menus, etc are in Chinese) and hack the firmware so that everything is now in English - but if you try to update the firmware you end up bricking the camera

So first check to see what firmware version the camera is running. You should be able to go to the Hik USA website and see what the latest firmware is for that camera. For example - here is the page for the Hik 2032 bullet (I have a couple of these)

http://www.hikvision.com/us/Products_1_10533_i7696.html

Then look at the serial number of the camera and see if you see the letters CH or WR 8 or 9 digits in from the end. (You don't want to see CH)

More info:
https://threatpost.com/hikvision-patches-backdoor-in-ip-cameras/125522/

 

[smalltown]

Always wondered about camera with that "dome shape" does that mean the camera can be rotated inside the dome with software ?

 

[dneiding]

I bought some cheap ($35.00) Chinese Foscam knock offs from Amazon and use Milestone xProtect Free as my NVR. I have a $250 all-in-one Windows PC that serves as my Plex server and my NVR. Works GREAT. Maintains 5 days worth of recordings.

Just a few problems. First, it took a while to find the right configuration in xProtect to connect to the camera video stream. Since they are not a name brand I had to fool around until I finally found the JPEG stream URL.

Second issue was the cameras would just lock up every few hours. They were still on the network but the JPEG stream would stop and just be black. To solve this, I wrote a Windows service that pings the cameras every few seconds (configurable) and verifies the camera is still on the network and that there is still a picture coming from the JPEG stream. If not, it sends a network command to the camera to reboot the camera. If it tries three times and the camera still won't work it texts me; usually one reboot fixes the problem though.

This also proved useful when one of the kids would go to the pantry to steal a snack, they'd unplug the camera so as not to be recorded. They stopped doing that when I would come walking into the pantry 9 seconds after they unplugged it to ask them what they were doing

 

[klassenl]

Has anyone tried to get support from Hik. I have on 2 occasions tried to talk to tech support and both times I waited and hour to talk to a guy who told me he couldn't help me. Then I had a long email exchange with a guy who told me to call tech support..........

 

[apollo11]

Not sure if anybody posted these, but I'm waiting on them to post Black Friday deals and I'll be getting them.

https://blinkforhome.com/collections/outdoor-security-camera

I like the Arlo Pro over these but they do cost more.

 

[OCD]

I am installing a HIK Vision 4 camera system in the garage...

Two facing each door from the inside, and two facing each way down the driveway and alley...

I didn't want to hang them on the angled soffit, so I made the brackets to mount them on the wall...

I ran Cat6 cable and am going with poe... I still need to get a 25 foot hdmi cable so I can put a monitor for them on my tool box... Then get my IT buddy over to set it all up and get them recording!!

 

[slodat]

Hik 4k NVR and three different dome cameras (2.8mm, 4mm & 2.8-12mm zoom) arrived. It’s pretty nice stuff! Still learning about what camera is best for each location. Looking like I’ll buy the rest from AliExpress. Leaning toward turrets outside and a dome PTZ with IR that is shielded so it works well outside.

 

[slodat]

Where did you buy it?

You have to be a little careful with Hiks nowadays. A backdoor has been discovered that makes it pretty easy to hack the camera and gain access. The solution is to update the firmware - but that is where some people run into problems.

In the US, Hikvision will usually only sell to installers and most DIY types end up buying the cameras on Amazon, eBay or directly from China. There are basically three different versions of the camera - China, International and USA.

Some vendors will take a Chinese version camera (all the menus, etc are in Chinese) and hack the firmware so that everything is now in English - but if you try to update the firmware you end up bricking the camera

So first check to see what firmware version the camera is running. You should be able to go to the Hik USA website and see what the latest firmware is for that camera. For example - here is the page for the Hik 2032 bullet (I have a couple of these)

http://www.hikvision.com/us/Products_1_10533_i7696.html

Then look at the serial number of the camera and see if you see the letters CH or WR 8 or 9 digits in from the end. (You don't want to see CH)

More info:
https://threatpost.com/hikvision-patches-backdoor-in-ip-cameras/125522/

I bought all of it through amazon. All are WR.

 

[jeffmoss26]

Hikvision is good stuff.

 

[metaj]

I like the Arlo Pro over these but they do cost more.

I purchased the Blink XT system on Thursday and will let everyone know how they are.

 

[JohnnieMo]

These on sale now at Costco. Price in CAD. I have the older 1080p version and am happy. 2TB won’t last long with 6 2x1080 cameras



They also have a 4 camera version.

 

[apollo11]

I purchased the Blink XT system on Thursday and will let everyone know how they are.

They are good, my sister has them but they don't have the two-way sound ability. That is the only advantage IMHO

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Hikvision is good stuff.

yup

These on sale now at Costco. Price in CAD. I have the older 1080p version and am happy. 2TB won’t last long with 6 2x1080 cameras



They also have a 4 camera version.

Looks like analog system.

My local costco no longer carries analog camera systems from Lorex. All they have now is Lorex IP camera systems.

 

[apollo11]

I just went for the Blonk XT 5 cam system.
It was on sale for 400.00 with the discount code DRUMSTICK

 

[metaj]

They are good, my sister has them but they don't have the two-way sound ability. That is the only advantage IMHO

That's the only thing I saw that it was lacking, and that doesn't bother me. Mine are coming in on Thursday. Can't wait!

 

[apollo11]

I don't have my ship date yet

 

[metaj]

I don't have my ship date yet

I had to contact them 2 times before they shipped mine. It was delayed until tomorrow.

 

[Dakota00]

Looks like analog system.

My local costco no longer carries analog camera systems from Lorex. All they have now is Lorex IP camera systems.

The AHD 1080p systems, can still produce a really good image. I was quite impressed by the Q-See system I purchased from Costco.

 

[tdott]

They also have a 4 camera version.

My problem with those are they usually have a vary narrow FOV.

I went with two Hikvision 2.8mm cameras with a 106'FOV.


DS-2CD2342WD-I
http://amzn.to/2hNSoA1

 

[Tmart86]

My problem with those are they usually have a vary narrow FOV.

I went with two Hikvision 2.8mm cameras with a 106'FOV.


DS-2CD2342WD-I
http://amzn.to/2hNSoA1

Narrow field of view isnt an issue if setup properly they help you get more pixels on target and increase the ability to identify people. proper lens choice is critical

That said I use 2.8mm lenses in bullets and dome cameras for "general coverage" and tell customers to never expect them to get faces or license plates instead you will just know where people went etc. this of course changes if the area of coverage is small enough that the distance from the camera still allows good pixels on target numbers with a 2.8mm lens.

 

[JohnnieMo]

I usually find the FOV is too wide. My Lorex bullet cams are 90 degrees. I wish they were a bit less. To each his own I guess.

One size fits all usually isn’t great. The lorex kit is nice as you can buy additional cameras to fill it out as you see it. I added a PTZ cam to mine to zoom in on my truck to do facial identification.

 

[tdott]

Yes that is true, depends on the area you are trying to cover. For me I needed a wider field of view to cover my driveway otherwise one camera couldn't cover my driveway from each direction and more than 2 cameras would be needed just to see the driveway.

Indoors I find the wider FOV also useful, but again all depends on usage. I don't have wide open spaces or able to place the cameras far away enough.

 

[KatanaKid]

I purchased this at Sams club Although it will be 2 years ago this christmas . Just have not found time to install it . I still have not opened the box . it was a $750 item BUT they were on sale at the time . Now the same price only has 10 cameras . Id like any comments on just what I have here in the box . If there is any better system for the price point of 600 available at present . I could always return this

 

[IMStuner]

There are so many choices.



I've narrowed it down to stationary 2-4 megapixel POE cameras....probably hikvision or reolink.



Questions and statements:



1) Can you buy an NVR and simply plug it into your router and set it to record from any given camera, even if you have a combination of types and brands? How hard is that to do?

I use a Synology disk station +DS1515+ for my DVR and it’s also a NAS.



2) Should I use a POE switch or an Injector?

Would use a decent POE Switch for easy wiring.



3) I don't really want to buy a complete system. I want to buy one or two pieces at a time so I can test out different brands and types.


There a lot of compatible POE cameras that works with the surveillance station app on the Synology box.


4) These will all be for outdoors.



5) With a POE switch I can simply plug all the cameras into the switch and then I just plug 1 wire into the router. The switch combines all camera feeds into one, yes?

Yes you can and I would recommend you have at least decent Cat5E or 6. All my camera go into a Poe switch which some are powered and some of using the Poe adapter, than it goes into my DVR. The Synology box has 4 ethernet port fail over so if one dies it will automatically switch to the next port.



6) Two of the cameras will be wifi. With an NVR, I can record from wifi cameras and hardwired, correct?

Yes you can but but you better have good WiFi coverage and I don’t mean a pretty WiFi router.



So here is what I envision. 4 POE cameras running into a POE switch, one wire coming out of the switch and plugging into the router, and the NVR hooked to another port on the router. The two wifi cameras will obviously be connected wirelessly to the router but the NVR will record from all cameras.



How will I access the NVR? Do I ignore the apps that come with the cameras themselves and find an NVR with it's viewing software?



Some cameras come with SD cards. Do you recommend these and no NVR?



Thanks....it's jumbled but you should be able to see what I'm getting at.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[apollo11]

That's the only thing I saw that it was lacking, and that doesn't bother me. Mine are coming in on Thursday. Can't wait!

So do you like it?
I just got mine set up but will mount the cams tomorrow.
Quick and easy, good pics

 

[penusai]

I think I'll be picking up some Dahua with the Starlight.

 

[Hpozzuoli]

Anyone ever have this happen. I have a set of cameras at one of my stores. Everything works fine with the exception of mobile viewing. It was fine until they tried to update the app and messed it up. Now they can’t fix it and don’t care. Effectively cancelling my mobile viewing. Is there a third party that allows viewing?

 

[Git]

Anyone ever have this happen. I have a set of cameras at one of my stores. Everything works fine with the exception of mobile viewing. It was fine until they tried to update the app and messed it up. Now they can’t fix it and don’t care. Effectively cancelling my mobile viewing. Is there a third party that allows viewing?

If they are Hikvision cameras - they have a problem with their app, and the suggested work around (which you don't want to do) is port forwarding. Hik cameras have been known to have some security flaws that make them pretty easy to hack. You need to be running the latest firmware if you have one on this list

This link is to Homeland Security:
https://ics-cert.us-cert.gov/advisories/ICSA-17-124-01


For you guys who want to play around with Field Of View, IPVM has a pretty cool calculator where you can look up your address and place cameras to see the coverage

https://calculator.ipvm.com/

 

[checkthisout]

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I think I made this post over a year ago!

7 cameras up and running. Went with the Reolinks. Couldn't beat their prices on Amazon when they go on sale from time to time.

And, I couldn't ever get the Hik setup so I could view it outside my network. Nice little cameras but not for laypeople like me. Its also difficult to get their cameras consistently, at least with the way I like to buy stuff which is Amazon and Ebay. Too many non USA models etc.

Reolinks are plug and play along with good prices and what I believe is good video quality.

 

[The_Auto_Tech]

Just wanted to add in my bit. I use a 4 camera Arlo Pro system.

 

[Capt Chrysler]

FYI:

Make sure if you get outside cameras, headlights do not wash out the picture.

Here is why. Last Sunday AM a buddy had a pick up drive through his fence. The cameras caught the action, but the headlights wash out the image so bad we couldn't ID the pu.

New cameras are on order.


Capt. Chrysler

 

[apollo11]

I just went for the Blonk XT 5 cam system.
It was on sale for 400.00 with the discount code DRUMSTICK

Mine are coming in on Thursday. Can't wait!

Update:
Use the NOX Android emulator and you can watch the video on your computer.

 

[Tmart86]

FYI:

Make sure if you get outside cameras, headlights do not wash out the picture.

Here is why. Last Sunday AM a buddy had a pick up drive through his fence. The cameras caught the action, but the headlights wash out the image so bad we couldn't ID the pu.

New cameras are on order.


Capt. Chrysler

This is a camera adjustment issue.