Home Security/Surveillance systems?

[DeeVeeEight]

I am considering some video cameras for around the house. Not that I have much of value but with the way society is going I feel maybe it's time. Have you any suggestions for a surveillance system that won't break the bank? About 4 cameras should cover my needs.

 

[denpo]

I am considering some video cameras for around the house. Not that I have much of value but with the way society is going I feel maybe it's time. Have you any suggestions for a surveillance system that won't break the bank? About 4 cameras should cover my needs.

According to DealExtreme.com, you can get a 4 cameras systems for 200$(shipped).
There's others similary priced, but this one has reviews.

 

[mrvette]

Had a job here for a short time in the home security business.....and higher up insider/mgr. told me that in FACT the sign out front was about 90% of the job.....NOW I have a sign, BUT, I have a RED LED in my living room wall, it tells me the garage door is closed/when lit up....get a few of them and look at your house layout.....it's a psych warfare gig more than anything....

Decades ago, Radio Shack sold a large RED fire alarm bell, wired into a 12 volt system, with car battery backup, and sensors.....the bell was mounted way up top of the attic vent.....it woke up the burb but GOOD....not some wimpy childish woop woop car sound.....damn bell was nearly 10" diameter.....

no need to pay some outfit 100/month for basically nothing.....:devil:

 

[MYBAD79]

Cameras are a good idea, install them hidden and use a DVR that can handle a few hrs of video..... The cameras and DVR could be triggered by a motion sensor so that you only start recording when something or somebody triggers it...
I really like those systems that you can access via internet so you can check on your house while you're not home......

 

[DeeVeeEight]

Cameras are a good idea, install them hidden and use a DVR that can handle a few hrs of video..... The cameras and DVR could be triggered by a motion sensor so that you only start recording when something or somebody triggers it...
I really like those systems that you can access via internet so you can check on your house while you're not home......

I have looked at these and they are very reasonably priced but the resolution on the cameras seems to be wanting. Many reviews complain of poor facial and license plate picture quality - you can't really ID anything/anyone.

 

[Bullshark]

Hanger Cams

I purchased a couple of internet IP day or night ZyXEL model IPC-2605N for $50 each. They have discontinued for a more capable model IPC-4605N. I have seen them on ebay for around $100.
They are WIFI capable and use IR lights for night vision. You can point them remotely from your PC or smart phone.
So far I am happy with their capability and performance.

Below are a couple of snapshots of our C3 Sharks sharktank Hanger where much pontification and beerdrinking takes place. I have motion detection enabled so I don't miss out on any festivities. :bounce:

 

[pancake]

I have seen the Swann four camera analog systems and they work okay. (http://www.swann.com/s/products/category/?catid=44) It depends on what you're really looking for, though. The cheaper cameras use 840nm ir leds for night illumination that makes them easily visible with a red glow. They also probably only illuminate about 75% of the advertised distance. You also run into issues with IR reflection if you're trying to capture license plates. Also, the angle of the camera, particularly when cause they're always mounted up high, gives a great shot of the top of people's heads and nothing law enforcement can use. Besides, getting a picture of a face doesn't always help. I had an incident earlier this year where two dumb ass skateboarders came through the parking garage at work, slashed tires, damaged the stand pipe for the sprinklers, cost us $10k.. had fantastic pictures of both the little shits and the police could not get them identified.

It really depends on how much you want to spend. I'm currently testing one of Axis Camera's P12 covert cameras. http://www.axis.com/products/p12_series/index.htm

They're not very sensitive in low light so you'd have to supplement them with white light.. but they'll record locally to an SD card and can be setup to be viewed remotely if you can configure port forwarding in your router. My axis rep says they're msrp is $449/piece but you can find them cheaper than that online.

Feel free to hit me up if you have any questions..I'm the security systems lead for an oil & gas company and deal with this stuff daily.