need camera recommendation

[DavidK]

One of the family just passed on and we apparently are having some
threats of violence from different family factions. I've been out of
the security scene for several years -- so I'm trying to research the
best value in cameras and DVRs.

For the cams, low light/no light performance to 50-75 feet is
important. Motion detection is also important. I have had real
problems in the past with motion detection. I'm thinking motion
triggering by external or internal PIR would probably be the best tech
to eliminate false triggering. Or can you recommend something better?
Most likely need 10 to 12 cameras and was hoping to stay less than 250
per camera unit.

On DVR's, just need a good value item that works without a lot of
bells and whistles.

Sure would appreciate any recommendations.......

 

[Bob La Londe]

There's too many cameras out there and too many different parameters to
say which single camera is the best for which application. For 10 to 12
cameras I'd guess that you would need a few different kinds of cameras for
different field's of view. Even if you get varafocal lens cameras, you
would need to know the distance of your objects for each camera, how much
IR lighting is needed, how much current the cameras draw, how big a power
supply. Is back lighting control needed...... There are too many question
to be answered to try and sort it out in a forum like this. It used to be
that you just had a choice between camera A, B, or C. Nowdays there are
too many choices you have to make about a camera system. It's no longer an
over the counter purchase, if you want to do it right. In my opinion, 12
cameras is a big investment for you to take a chance on trying to wing it
and think that you can get it right by going through the learning curve
necessary. I'd call in a professional and spend your money on getting it
right rather then spending it and getting it just acceptable,..... wrong
.... or ..... never knowing that you could have had it better, ... for the
same amount of money. And you may find out that you don't need as many
cameras as you think you do.

If you still want to take a guess at what you really need and do it
yourself, you can try either one of these:

Security Cameras Direct www.securitycamerasdirect.com ...... or ......
Super circuits www.supercircuits.com. Look at what they have. Narrow it
down to what you "think" you might need then call them and ask what they
would recommend. You'll stand a better chance at getting it ..... at least
closer to right, ... doing it that way. The problem is ..... you don't
know what questions to ask .... because there's just too many of them and
the people who you will ask ... can't see your job to know what to point
out to you as being important or .. not.

And remember that useable IR range is much less than the IR range
advertised.

 

[DavidK]

And remember that useable IR range is much less than the IR range
advertised.

Been there, done that. I dunno how these people get away with such
blatant BS in their infrared specs.

I've been running a homemade PC-based system for about a decade. I'm
looking for a decent hardware-based solution to motion detection
instead of software. Also looking for the best value in quality gear.

Sure could use some recommendations for short range gear -- 50 to 75
foot max.

 

[Bob La Londe]

Been there, done that. I dunno how these people get away with such
blatant BS in their infrared specs.

I've been running a homemade PC-based system for about a decade. I'm
looking for a decent hardware-based solution to motion detection
instead of software. Also looking for the best value in quality gear.

Sure could use some recommendations for short range gear -- 50 to 75
foot max.

Look at Security Cameras Direct as others have said. Their ranges are no
worse than anybody else's, and they probably all buy their cameras in the
same factory in China.

As to recording. Sorry. I have played with Pelco, Dedicated Micros, Geo
Vison, Falcon, and several others. Video motion detection pretty much
sucks. I turn it on and set the recorders to record continuously anyway.
Then I just bump the record rate and camera priority on motion activation.
Then I set sensitivity the best I can. Early morning and later afternoon
will give you false triggers no matter what you do.

My only real criteria is for a recorder is the warranty and if it provides
an evidence quality watermark. Everything else in the spec list is
negotiable based on customer demands and price.

 

[Bob La Londe]

Super Circuits was recommended here. Purchased a lot! including 4
inside/outside cameras BLK-CZT242VH with day/night vision that
automatically comes on when too dark. Focus is short to very long!
1/3 inch CCD, 6-50mm adjust and leave.
Made in Korea - which I trust a bit more.

Probably by Daewoo. LOL. Although they have an assembly plant in Mexico.