Security light with camera question

[GarageEnvy]

I am having the soffits on my house re-done right now and was looking at security cameras. I noticed one at Lowe's that has a built-in camera that wirelessly broadcasts to a TV. This is real close to ideal for me but what I'd really like is a motion activated security light with a built-in camera that could send to a computer so I could monitor it remotely. I've looked but I haven't found one. Anyone know if such a thing exists?

If not then what type of wire and/or cable should I be running in the soffit for future installation of IP security cameras and do I need to install a separate box in the eave?

 

[O RLY]

Why not get infrared cameras, skip the light, and have them record to an HDD when activated by motion?

That's the set up I have and its awesome!

 

[nehog]

Similar to 'O Rly' I use mostly IR cameras that are recorded (to tape for me).

 

[GarageEnvy]

Sounds good to me if the picture quality is good. I guess I underestimated the quality of those cameras. I always see the video clips from security cameras on the news and most of the time the quality of the picture is so poor nobody could recognize the suspect. Any suggestions on brand/model?

 

[dan76]

Most store video depicting crime in progress is recorded onto a video tape machine....remember those?....if the tape is not overly worn from extended use or the clerks remember to insert a new tape. That's why most tapes shown on TV are low quality. Store owners usually don't upgrade until have a crime has been committed or the forced to by the insurance company.

 

[Teken]

Your budget will dictate the final out put of what you see, and review . . . If you're seeking face recognition plan on spending upwards of $800-2500 per camera.

If you simply want to see basic things, camera's can range from $89.00 - and up for a good valued priced / performance camera . . .

If you intend to wire your house wire it using CAT5e cabling, or CAT6 to future proof your investment . . . I always run both coax, power, and CAT cabling to ensure backwards compatibility to my installs . . .

The DVR you select will play a very big role as to how you perceive the final out put or recorded image . . . There are IPS, FPS, etc along with FOV aspects that need to be taken into account . . .

No matter what gear you decide to purchase, get up on a ladder and pretend you're the camera . . .

All the best gear in the world wont capture or help you see what you intend to see if proper and common sense installation is not applied . . .

If you're looking for the best bang per dollar, save up and purchase a PTZ camera, so as you're able to pan, tilt, zoom multiple area's with just one camera . . .

I have done this to ensure I can see 360', and 180' of the perimeter which I deem important to watch and protect . . .

Keep in mind many camera DVR's can be programmed to sound off, and alert you in many ways to motion . . . Mine are set up to do the following:

Motion is detected in the *free zone* it simply records. Motion is detected in the *out of bounds* zone, picture is taken, e-mail sent, DVR sounds off audible alert - message is sent to 24hr supervised station for processing . . .

PTZ camera's: I have them set for *touring mode* this allows me to sweep, pan, tilt, and zoom based on 32 presets or tours of vantage point I wish to capture during my leave.

This allows the user to see and record greater events as they occur . . . When you're using PTZ camera's its important to note that again proper placement is critical! Just because the camera can pan tilt and zoom 360' 180' doesn't mean jack **** if its view is only of the sky or some random alley . . .

Best Regards

Teken . . .