Security Cameras?

Does anyone here have any recommendations for a decent home security camera system? I can't afford to spend too much money but I want the quality to be decent enough that I could actually ID the suspect(s) if they come back. Something with 2-4 cameras would be ideal for my situation. Possibly something with a DVR or Internet access.

Also, I need to be able to see my driveway so I'm wondering if I need a night vision camera or if a normal camera with a spotlight illuminating the area would suffice?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

Just a suggestion, I'm not sure on how much this will be, but, try your security company, call them up and ask for an estimate. I'm pretty sure they know what they are doing, way better than us F-chatters.

 

That's a thought but I already tried that. ADT isn't the cheapest route... After doing some research I guess I'm going to get one of those DVR cards for my PC. They sell complete packages with multiple cameras, the DVR PCI card, the wires & the software for a pretty inexpensive price.

 

Actually, try Fry's Electronics, I remember them selling the package, but not sure how much again. There is one on Parmer and MOPAC, probably one closer to you.

 

Sams and Costco usually have some kits that are reasonable.

Gene

 

you don't need a true night vision camera for the driveway, rather just a low light one. I'll try finding a link for you, I was looking into the same since wife and I are moving into a house and I'm restoring my Rx-7. That and the fact my motorcycle seems to be a favorite for theft attempts, lol. I even priced some on ebay(130) for wireless and 3 cameras with an adapter to record straight to my external hard drive or a vcr.

 

If you just put some flood lights out on the driveway that should be fine. Get some of those motion detectors that have the floodlights on them to really light them up when something comes around.

 

Try Costco they have three different types relatively cheap, colour, night vision, up to 8 cameras I use one of the systems in my nightclub.

 

Thanks Roberto! I'll check those out.
Did you get the Spider yet. I think Franc told me it should be shipping out soon.

 

Almost here it is being picked up on Fri or Sat they still have not confirmed yet but I should know by tomorrow, I should get it by Tue and I can't wait Franck has been a great person to deal with and very helpful with all my silly questions I'm sure I pestered him enough...

 

http://www.youdoitsecurity.com/

http://www.worldeyecam.com/store/PC-Based-DVR-Systems-p-1-c-387.html


No affiliation but have used both

Fred

 

I have been impressed with Axis (axis.com) cameras. Built-in web server that can be viewed from any web browser. They are also powered over ethernet so you don't need to run a separate power line. It can also be setup to store on your harddrive. It's great to be able to have somebody ring the doorbell and whip out your wireless PDA and see who's on your doorstep.

 

check out this one
http://www.amazon.com/SVAT-ISC200-Imitation-Security-Blinking/dp/B0002VO8GE

 

I just bought some of these for our outdoor patio at my clubsomeone kept stealing our patio lights and rope lights and any kind of light they could get there grubby little hands on

they look really good very realistic blinking light and one that was motorized and someone stole them all,

that's all I have to say about that life is like a box of chocolates...

 

for good low light you want a Low Lux rating check the spec sheets...the lower the number for lux rating the better the camera sees in low light also look for a low recovery time...this is the time it takes for the transfer from dark to light to occur.

 

Someone stole the cameras? That is brave!!!

Here is an idea... put REAL cameras inside the fake housings!

They'll be close to the camera while stealing what they think is fake... you'll get a good face ID

 

Good advice but I'm sure the cops are not going to care about kids stealing cameras and have you heard the saying they all look alike I'll leave it at that, what I need to do is catch the MOFO'S

 

I have installed CCTV at my house..so just a few thoughts

- Ive got daytime color/nighttime B/W 480p cameras w/ IR emitters. The cases are all weather. I dont remember the brand..but they are hard wired with RCA cables and use no power. Have yet to have 1 fail after 5 years now.
- I use a 16 channel sony DVR that captures images with jpegs. The player can backup on to memory cards that can transfer to a computer. Has 300gb drive and internet card
- The system uses an interface to be broadcast on all the tvs in the house on certain channels
- DVR's resolution can be adjusted using 6 levels as well as to record only when cameras sense motion.

IMO get the best DVR you can. Its more important than the cameras in alot of ways.

 

I use Axis as well: two 213PTZ and two 221 night and day cameras, all in external protective housing. I added three IR illuminators and dedicated a PC to run the sotware/record all events. Cams, IR, network hub and PC are all on back-up batteries.

 

www.italiasecurity.com

 

I run a 4 channel color system that is on rotation mode. So it is full screen of each camera, but not all the time. I record with a VCR and have it programmed to do that. I have a monitor screen in the vault room where all the cameras feed. Then I output that signal to each TV in the house so you can pull up the cameras whenever you want to. I am thinking about switching to a DVR for the recording vs. the VCR, and I would like a couple of low light cameras too. All of my cameras connect via S-video cable.

Any thoughts on S-video cameras that can do low light OR DVR suggestions would be appreciated. Also wondering how I could output the signal over the web so that I could pull up my security cameras on a iPhone... Sling box? Something else??? Something cheaper??? Something wireless would be best even I think...

Thanks,
James
Austin, TX

 

I just installed a Lorex DVR (with USB out to computer, and included software), and 4 Lorex
high grade (hi-res) cameras with IR lighting. All hard wired. Works GREAT. I like the Lorex
160-gb DVR because unlike many others it has a VGA output, so I use an old 15" flat panel
monitor I had laying around and keep an eye on all 4 cameras. 160 gigs is enough to record
full-frame, 30 FPS from all cameras for almost a week. I use the motion detection mode,
and find it catches everything that moves. Great system!

Jedi

 

Thanks Jedi...btw, I like your name abbreviation, that is AWESOME! Big Star Wars fan here!

Best,
James
Austin, TX

 

Thanks! And no, my real name is NOT Jedediah Isaiah! I think I was Dave #3,742 so
figured we just had too da*m many Dave's on the board

Jedi

 

LOL! That is FUNNY! You could be Jedi Dave... For those of us Star Wars aged folks that would be pretty good...

James