Surveillance Systems

[n2ize]

I am looking for a good quality surveillance system. I need something that has at least 3 or 4 cameras, and which can be expanded with additional cameras as the need arises. The system must have night vision and must be easily interfaced with a recording system (DVR, Computer, etc.) that can capture several days worth of video from all the cameras for easy review. I don't want cheap junk. I want something good... professional / commercial grade systems prefered. Cameras must be entirely waterproof and weatherproof so that they can function outdoors in heavy rain, snow, extreme head, sun, bitter cold, etc.Any suggestions ? I have seen some systems that provide both software and hardware so the system wilkl work with a computer tp provide monitoring, recording, etc. I have also seen other systems that come with a dedicated monitor and recording device such as a DVR.Any suggestions are more than welcome. I need to implement this surveillance system ASAP !

[NQ6U]

I recommend this one (https://www.google.com/shopping/product/17838241606795090126?q=video%20camera%20for%20chil dren&hl=en&client=firefox-a&hs=zI&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&prmd=imvns&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_qf.&fp=2c50514654581f59&bpcl=35277026&biw=1436&bih=747&tch=1&ech=1&psi=sg97UOvmGsTg2QXfmYHQDQ.1350242227239.3&sa=X&ei=vQ97UPwZh_jZBaOagMgG&ved=0CIACEPMCMAs):

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/public/HwomzIUhLd6u9QcCNyRuora7glpGdMWONwFdNSZP8xD-NwL-m_ypJJWQnH62Txw8EgJBNMsn4kaYGOdeS2sLo4lKNdLHC6wTRi eqDkkUkAicDTBDG4QVCwmUA82uXJwP_bp1b8LHdP6YO7C2CJyW bDO6fTTWQg6j7DWPwHci8a2UTByu=s220-c

[NY3V]

Maybe this will help.

http://www.supercircuits.com/learn/Video-Security-Camera-System-Technology/choose-video-security-system?banner=cat-systems

[K7SGJ]

I can tell you from experience that any of the cameras that will be in temperature extremes, (snow/freezing) they will need to be in an environmental enclosure. There are some reasonably priced 4 camera systems around, and some even wireless. Most generally enclosures are an added expense. If it were me, I'd likely go with the units that record to a memory card in each camera, and eliminate the recorder. That way, if there are any issues, you can just look at the necessary camera mem device. It can be as simple (inexpensive) or as sophisticated (expensive) as you want it to be. The nice thing about each camera having it's own mem device, is you can have as many cameras as you wish. If one fails, no big deal, but with a multi camera, switcher recorder system, if it goes down, the whole system is down.

[n2ize]

I can tell you from experience that any of the cameras that will be in temperature extremes, (snow/freezing) they will need to be in an environmental enclosure. There are some reasonably priced 4 camera systems around, and some even wireless. Most generally enclosures are an added expense. If it were me, I'd likely go with the units that record to a memory card in each camera, and eliminate the recorder. That way, if there are any issues, you can just look at the necessary camera mem device. It can be as simple (inexpensive) or as sophisticated (expensive) as you want it to be. The nice thing about each camera having it's own mem device, is you can have as many cameras as you wish. If one fails, no big deal, but with a multi camera, switcher recorder system, if it goes down, the whole system is down.

Hmmmm... Makes a lot of sense and sounds like a good point to consider. I will definitely take that into consideration. Any particular brands of camera that have these features. ? I was thinking the same thing. If the cameras are concealed but they all record to a central device then all a perp needs to do is to seize the device., But if the cameras are well concealed or beyond access and they can each record their own "footage" it makes the perps job a heck of a lot harder, if not impossible. Thank you for raising this point.

[n2ize]

Maybe this will help.

http://www.supercircuits.com/learn/Video-Security-Camera-System-Technology/choose-video-security-system?banner=cat-systems
Thank you. Looks interesting and informative.

[n2ize]

I recommend this one (https://www.google.com/shopping/product/17838241606795090126?q=video%20camera%20for%20chil dren&hl=en&client=firefox-a&hs=zI&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&prmd=imvns&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_qf.&fp=2c50514654581f59&bpcl=35277026&biw=1436&bih=747&tch=1&ech=1&psi=sg97UOvmGsTg2QXfmYHQDQ.1350242227239.3&sa=X&ei=vQ97UPwZh_jZBaOagMgG&ved=0CIACEPMCMAs):

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/public/HwomzIUhLd6u9QcCNyRuora7glpGdMWONwFdNSZP8xD-NwL-m_ypJJWQnH62Txw8EgJBNMsn4kaYGOdeS2sLo4lKNdLHC6wTRi eqDkkUkAicDTBDG4QVCwmUA82uXJwP_bp1b8LHdP6YO7C2CJyW bDO6fTTWQg6j7DWPwHci8a2UTByu=s220-c

Thanks but "kitty cat" already lives in the downstairs apartment with Mom & Dad. Biiggest complaint Mom has is that Kitty wakes her up at 5:00 am because he wants a late night snack. .Kitty already has a built in surveillance system.

[NY3V]

You also might wish to power your wireless internet cameras (if wi-fi is available) with a small solar panel charging a battery for each camera.

[KC2UGV]

ZoneMinder + PC + Video Input card for the DVR. Expandable as you see fit. I'd stear clear of the cheap 4 port cards, although, they will work well enough. But, I'd go with a card like this one: http://www.ebay.com/itm/4Ch-120fps-Real-time-H-264-Network-3G-PCI-CCTV-Security-Video-Capture-DVR-Card-/150919548759?pt=US_Surveillance_Digital_Video_Reco rders_Cards&hash=item2323818f57

Remember: If they specify a single FPS, it's usually split among all of the channels. Unless they explicitly state X FPS/channel.

For cameras, go with something like this: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Genie-CCTV-GSDNR-5358-DV-Day-Night-Camera-With-SDNR-Security-Camera-/140866071367?pt=UK_CCTV&hash=item20cc45ab47

Note the doohickey on the front of the lense? That's a filter to prevent whiteout/redout of the camera. Without it, if the camera is in shade, pointed at a sunny spot, it'll whiteout. If it's in the sun, pointed to shade, it'll red out.

[W4GPL]

This type of technology is something I've always wanted to invest in -- not so much for relief of paranoia or fear of crime, but the pure gadgetry is a lot of fun. There's a lot of variables and tweaking and implementations. It's great nerd stuff. [/random_babbling_two_cents]

I'd also like to get an RFID entry system.. and some home automation stuff kickin'. So many toys, so little time & money.