What is everyone using for exterior security system cameras & DVR?

[Cobra Jet]

I did not see a sub-forum for "Security" (which may be a good idea to add one on such a detailed "Garage Enthusiast" forum...) - so, here's the question:

For those of you who do have exterior camera Survellience Systems - mainly DVR types, can you offer up some advice for a decent DIY system - that is around $500?

What System do you have and what are it's capabilities? Pros/Cons?

OR

Maybe even a good site for reading up on such reviews? I googled Security DVR or even Security Camera DVR and I am getting tons of BS links, not really any "tech" or reviews of System-X, etc.

 

[FlameOut]

Re: What is evertone using for exterior Security system w/ cameras & DVR?

I don't have one, but have thought about it many times. I was checking out the ones at Sams Club and they look like a decent setup (They have a few different ones) I really don't know anything about security systems, but was considering buying this one with 4 cameras, 500GB DVR and remote access through a 3G phone ($250) but I would much rather have wireless cameras

 

[5lima30]

Re: What is evertone using for exterior Security system w/ cameras & DVR?

I don't have a security system per se. I do have an infrared driveway sensor that rings a doorbell in the house (my garage is detached about 100' from my house). I also have motion sensor exterior lights. Works for me, unfortunately deer frequently set off the driveway bell. LOL!

 

[MartyO]

Re: What is evertone using for exterior Security system w/ cameras & DVR?

I have cctv around the shop and my home.

It is accessible to me from the 'net and over my phone (there is an app for that).

***NOT MADE IN USA WARNING** Look here for decent products with a good warranty. This may strain your $500 budget depending on how far you want to go):


www.cctvsecuritypros.com

 

[nehog]

Re: What is evertone using for exterior Security system w/ cameras & DVR?

I have a Pelco system which I hope to upgrade to digital recording (and web access) in the next year or so. The VCR is getting old and needs to be serviced, and I figure that it is about time to make the jump to new technology.

I know that BJs and HF both sell systems (yea, imported) if cost is your main factor. I found that good cameras are vital, and I'm hoping that using my high quality cameras with the less expensive digital recorder and processor will work OK.

 

[Gary S]

Re: What is evertone using for exterior Security system w/ cameras & DVR?

I bought cameras and a video capture pci board and put them on one of my old computers. There is free software to run and do this very cheaply. The computer is running as a web server so it is available on the internet to keep track of things. The hard drive stores over 6 months of video because the software has motion detection and records only when there is movement in front of the camera.

 

[holdover]

Re: What is evertone using for exterior Security system w/ cameras & DVR?

Check these guys out http://www.x10.com/promotions/x10_cat_new.html

I have a detached garage about 100' from my house, the garage has a battery operated wireless alarm that sets off a beeper in my house. I also have interior security lights. And am now installing a recording digital recorder to catch the act. The interior security lights work great because when I drive into the garage at night it lights the place up for a few minutes. If someone was stupid enough to stay in the garage, after the lights come on after breaking in, then their parhway to hell will be well lit..

 

[gabedad]

Re: What is evertone using for exterior Security system w/ cameras & DVR?

The only cameras I could recommend are way too expensive

www.axis.com

 

[nehog]

BTW, with careful buying, there can be some good values in professional grade cameras on eBay...

 

[bgarrett]

Re: What is evertone using for exterior Security system w/ cameras & DVR?

Check these guys out http://www.x10.com/promotions/x10_cat_new.html

..

X10 products are extremely bad
They are a waste of your money

 

[red]

I went with Q-See (QT-528) from Costco. Be very careful what you buy. Good cameras are expensive and if you use crappy cables you get a a lousy picture. Specs to look for are Sony ccd with at least 1/3" sensor and over 500 lines of resolution. CNB Monalisa series have a good rep. For the DVR you want D1 recording capabilities and H264 compression (uses less memory) My system came with 1T WD hard drive. Set to record on motion only. A good site (was recommend by another GJ member) is
http://www.cctvforum.com/

 

[dahur]

Lukwerks
VERY easy to install, no wires, just need an AC plug. It sends the video on the powerline back to your computer, where it USB's into your PC. Viewable from any internet connection in the world from the Wilife site.
Around $275 gets you one camera, the software, the AC to USB unit. I think each additional camera is around $200, up to 6.

I've had it for 4 years, it records motion, can e-mail you the snapshot or video, or text. I bought mine from Amazon.

 

[crewchief888]

fortunately we dont have security issues around my house.

between the neighbor being home all the time, motion lights in my driveway, motion lights around his garage, and his 3 dogs, my dog, (that really dont like strangers). nobody comes around here.

and if they do, they can meet up with the neighbors S&W, my 45, or my winchester 1300.

 

[Vincenthdfan]

Re: What is evertone using for exterior Security system w/ cameras & DVR?

If someone was stupid enough to stay in the garage, after the lights come on after breaking in, then their pathway to hell will be well lit..

Extremely well put...

 

[BHR4CE1]

I have 7 AXIS 215 PTZ cameras mounted inside and 9 AXIS 215 PTZ-E mounted all around the outside of my home/garage. These are networked through my server room and are managed and recorded through exacqVision software on a dedicated camera server with 12 TB of storage. I can also view and manipulate all cameras with my iPhone and iPads, as well as all the touch screens located in my home and garage. In case someone still manages to get in...I'm also a REALLY good shot!

 

[dahur]

I have 7 AXIS 215 PTZ cameras mounted inside and 9 AXIS 215 PTZ-E mounted all around the outside of my home/garage. These are networked through my server room and are managed and recorded through exacqVision software on a dedicated camera server with 12 TB of storage. I can also view and manipulate all cameras with my iPhone and iPads, as well as all the touch screens located in my home and garage. In case someone still manages to get in...I'm also a REALLY good shot!

That sounds pretty much like the ultimate camera system to me.
If they try spray painting one camera, the next one in line gets them.

 

[trythis]

Re: What is evertone using for exterior Security system w/ cameras & DVR?

I bought cameras and a video capture pci board and put them on one of my old computers. There is free software to run and do this very cheaply. The computer is running as a web server so it is available on the internet to keep track of things. The hard drive stores over 6 months of video because the software has motion detection and records only when there is movement in front of the camera.

Wanna give us a hint as to what it is that you are using?

 

[TheShrine]

This is my German made model at time of installation. Very reliable in all conditions at all times as well as being portable. This unit is a low maintenance model with a documented success rate. This particular unit can be audible, pro-active or both. Very little programming required although it can be a bit bulky to handle.

Newer model............

 

[MoToys]

DON'T WASTE YOUR MONEY ON THE SYSTEMS FROM ANY BIG BOX STORE.
Its all nice an dandy until you try and use the footage to catch a thief. The face will be blury at best and don't even try to get a license plate.
Spend some money on good ip cameras and you will not have to spend over $1000 on a good dvr.
If you are stuck on using a dvr look ant ganz, watchdog, and open eye.

 

[palestar]

What would you recommend for a good wireless IP camera? I'd really like to get something setup for my garage which is a ways from the house.

 

[Jazz]

I'm planning on putting cameras up but moreso for keeping an eye on the two teenage boys that are home for a couple hours alone in the afternoon after school. Should be enough to keep them from sneaking any girls in to play "house" while we're not home.

 

[nathank]

Re: What is evertone using for exterior Security system w/ cameras & DVR?

I bought cameras and a video capture pci board and put them on one of my old computers. There is free software to run and do this very cheaply. The computer is running as a web server so it is available on the internet to keep track of things. The hard drive stores over 6 months of video because the software has motion detection and records only when there is movement in front of the camera.

What software are you using.

I've been looking at VitaminD but it's not free.
Also looked at ZoneMinder for Linux. Would love to hear someone's feedback if using either.

 

[SuperSocket]

I bought a system for my parents home from Costco, it was about $500 and included a DVR and four cameras. I upgraded some of the cameras to better ones and it works great.


When there is a problem in the neighborhood, the police always visits them first and ask if they have any footage. We managed to catch thiefs/vandals on 3 occasions thanks to the video. I also caught the girl (young) down the street meeting up with a boyfriend (quite older) unknown to anyone or her parents who would park by our driveway and run over to her house (few houses down) like a ninja so that no one can detect him... man was that awesome, lol.


I plan to get a much higher quality system for my home here pretty soon.



It's amazing what you'll find, and sometimes quite entertaining. Picked up 5 large deer on the back patio too eating on something (I think it was corn for the squirrels).

 

[Cobra Jet]

I bought a system for my parents home from Costco, it was about $500 and included a DVR and four cameras. I upgraded some of the cameras to better ones and it works great... *snip*

Just curious - which system is it that you are referring to?

~~~~

Also, please keep the tech/info coming along, as this is a beneficial thread to many - especially those who have invested alot into their properties, garages & contents of both. Will GJ ever set up a Security sub-forum?

 

[SuperSocket]

Just curious - which system is it that you are referring to?

~~~~

Also, please keep the tech/info coming along, as this is a beneficial thread to many - especially those who have invested alot into their properties, garages & contents of both. Will GJ ever set up a Security sub-forum?

They do not sell it anymore, it was similar to the little clover they have now, ITEM # 519894


Anything will work really well, the only thing you have to keep in mind is -


- The DVR kits will come with sometimes proprietary cable, so extending camera physical range can be a PITA. Some camera systems will use BNC or some combination of BNC/AV but will use non-standard or uncommon power connectors. You can get any cable type basically from places like monoprice.com (cheap as it gets).

- Some cameras are pretty poor in quality, you can still make things out in the pictures, but you may need to place the cameras closer to your intended targets. Another idea is to place a camera bumper height to the road leading to your house, this way you can catch make, model, and perhaps license plates as they come and leave.

- You can replace the camera on just about any unit, when it comes to the proprietary cables you just need to keep in mind your camera options.

- Some camera units are rather large, get as small as you can and hide them. You do not want your thief or vandals to realize you have a camera... because they may come inside looking for the recording device.

- You can get large IR illuminating lights, this will help your camera "see" at night. The IR built into the cameras are not great, you may need to give them a boost.



You can not go wrong with any camera unit as long as it records and you have a method of getting the footage from it easy... just putting a person, car, or description of person in that place at that time will help you with tracking down the crooks.


I plan to install mini-dome and mini bullet cameras at my front door, back door, all sides, back yard, inside garage looking to outside, inside garage looking to front of garage, driveway, front lawn, and want to install camouflaged camera in a tree leading to the road. It is overkill, but if I can catch one ******* it would make the entire system worth the effort... and the more footage you have the better your case is.

 

[Vinko]

Sorry -- this is a thread bumper after nearly 6 years, but I've been looking into Exacqvision software for cameras. And the Axis cameras as well. I noticed BHR4CE1 has used them.

Anyone else? Would love feedback about long term longevity and anyone currently using Exacqvision.

I'm interested in Axis for outside and Hikvision for inside. Obviously a lot of different models for each maker (and different costs).

 

[Vinko]

Re: What is evertone using for exterior Security system w/ cameras & DVR?

The only cameras I could recommend are way too expensive

www.axis.com

Do you have any experience with current models of Axis? Yes expensive, but seem well built. And some of the prices seem reasonable (relatively) for build quality. I'm far from expert though.

 

[padroo]

I bought a cheap Night Owl system last year for $250 with 8 cameras. Very low resolution but very dependable wired system. I had the original Willie system and spent $1200 on for several years but the wired system is more reliable. I use it mostly to check my sump pump and peace of mind when we are away from home. High resolution cameras are nice but you don't need them every where, but you get what you pay for. Check out reviews for tech support before you buy because these systems are not plug and play. Once set up my system has worked flawlessly.

The infrared IR lights work great for short distance inside the house, my sump pump is in a closet in my basement with no light and I get a decent black and white IR picture.. I never mounted one outside but have one inside looking out but it doesn't work, the infra red blinds itself on the reflection from the glass.
I need to move it outside.

 

[Evilunclegrimace]

I have a Lorex system at my house. 8 cameras with IR. 2 terabyte DVR, ability to view from phone anywhere there is internet. I am happy with it.

 

[A**holes Garage]

Hikvision here, inside and out, Hikvision software.
Excellent day and night video, POE, no issues for over a year now.

 

[NitroGarage]

Swann 4MP 4 cam system, 2TB DVR.

 

[ozyborn]

Have a dual woofer system. Runs off of pets, belly rubs, kids playing and dog food. Works great. They will not leave the yard and have free run in and out of the garage 24/7

 

[IronScott]

Hikvision here, inside and out, Hikvision software.
Excellent day and night video, POE, no issues for over a year now.

Another vote for Hikvision. For the price they are hard to beat. Very clear picture and PoE is easier than running power and in some cases video wires if not using wifi.

I also use some Foscam wireless ones that pan and tilt remotely but they require power outlets and aren't weatherproof. Pretty much all the IP cameras have their own software but I use Blue Iris DVR software which can manage dozens of camera brands in one place. It's not super easy to configure but is the best DIY system out there. I also have the cameras connected to my Vera home automation system but the functionality is really limited.

A big struggle for me was using several wifi IP cameras at once suddenly killed my network. The default fps rates were using too much bandwidth, so it took me a while to configure those to play nicely. That's why I prefer PoE wherever possible.

My whole setup is DIY so it's not as easy to setup as the box systems but I also have full control and I can use almost any brand of IP cam. Ease of use is a trade off as is cost in some cases.

 

[kapnkirk]

Another Swann system vote and user, I like the whole Swann system, unlimited tech support that I have used a couple times, I don't play well with computers.

The cameras are 700 TVL, and they are good, probably not the best but the sheriff who once viewed the recording of a prowler stated "good pic's, I can identify that perp if I ever run into him again."

I have had the system now for 4 years recording 24 hrs a day and I have not had any issues as of yet, I can view any of the cameras from computer, iPhone, iPad and even the iPod. I can recommend this company without reservation. I would recommend though to buy a 16 channel system though, I would like a couple more cameras.

Keith

 

[tomralph]

Ubiquiti makes some good camera's, decent software, and good networking gear for SOHO users. Ubnt.com

I use their WiFi access points to get a good coverage in the house for WiFi, slowly adding camera's around the house. My current view with Motion Zones configured to trigger recording when there is motion at certain points on the screen.

 

[Vinko]

Hikvision here, inside and out, Hikvision software.
Excellent day and night video, POE, no issues for over a year now.

I'm looking at the Hikvision PoE cameras for interior. They do seem pretty good (I've had some demos in existing installs using the Exacqvision software).

Can you share what models you have?

Thank you!

 

[Vinko]

Another vote for Hikvision. For the price they are hard to beat. Very clear picture and PoE is easier than running power and in some cases video wires if not using wifi.

I also use some Foscam wireless ones that pan and tilt remotely but they require power outlets and aren't weatherproof. Pretty much all the IP cameras have their own software but I use Blue Iris DVR software which can manage dozens of camera brands in one place. It's not super easy to configure but is the best DIY system out there. I also have the cameras connected to my Vera home automation system but the functionality is really limited.

A big struggle for me was using several wifi IP cameras at once suddenly killed my network. The default fps rates were using too much bandwidth, so it took me a while to configure those to play nicely. That's why I prefer PoE wherever possible.

My whole setup is DIY so it's not as easy to setup as the box systems but I also have full control and I can use almost any brand of IP cam. Ease of use is a trade off as is cost in some cases.

Can you share what Hikvision models you're using specifically and where (interior, exterior -- what are kind of areas are you covering, etc)

 

[A**holes Garage]

I'm looking at the Hikvision PoE cameras for interior. They do seem pretty good (I've had some demos in existing installs using the Exacqvision software).

Can you share what models you have?

Thank you!

I recommend buying Hikvision from a reputable on line CCTV dealer or local dealer. Ebay and Amazon "Hikvision" cameras have been widely, illegally duplicated and do not perform to Hikvision OEM standards.

Your camera selection will be based upon your needs of course. The vari focals are pricier but at the time I was unsure of the focal length and width of the bullets in my front yard and driveway application. Vari focals give me flexibility should I decide to move the angle and re-focus on a different part of the front yard, driveway, down the street, across the street, etc.

I have 5 outdoor cameras,
3) vari focal in front, side yard
2) bullets in backyard
2) inside garage cameras

1) wireless indoor camera

Equipment:
NVR: DS-7600NI-E Series
Hikvision Professional iP 8 Channel HD NVR Recording
Unit / 4 TB hard drive - / Integrated 8 Channel

3) Hikvision 3MP IR Vari Focal Bullet 2.8mm – 12mm
DS-2CD2632F-I


2)= Hikvision 3MP IR Mini Bullet 4mm Fixed Lens
DS-2CD2032-I


2)= Hikvision 3MP IP Mini Dome 2.8mm Wide Angle
DS-2CD2132F-1


1) = Hikvision 4mp Inside WDR Mini Dome – Wireless indoor
DS-2CD2542FWD-WS

I run all cameras 24/7, no motion or triggers. High resolution recording, get 15 days of recording before re-write. Have it hooked up to a local TV monitor, my PC and viewing access from my Android phone.

 

[Vinko]

Great. Thanks for the info!

 

[Falcon67]

I'm using Ubiquity UVC-G3 units and no dedicated DVR yet. If we expand the system, I'll likely get an old PC from work and install Linux on it and add a cheap 1T drive. So far the UniVision software works reasonable on an older Win7 desktop without chewing up a bunch of cycles. The software is OK, works decent. Tried a Samsung 4 camera/8 port 1080P system from Sams - took it back in about 4 hours, software is junk IMHO. Picture is good, record-on-motion works well but still tweaking parameters. Had the record trigger on 0 seconds yesterday for some reason and thanks to the 36 MPH gusts all day came home to 874 10~12 second videos.