Looking into security cameras for my under new construction home.

I would like to setup some cameras for viewing from any remote site via the internet.

I have noticed many infrared cameras, what is a good infrared camera?

I have noticed many brands. Which brands hold the best reliability and resolution and is least expensive.
I have noticed many models. Such as CCTV, Y-CAM, IP, . I thought the IP cameras were better.

Most cameras run off either a 12 volt or 24 volt supply.


I thought of tackling the installation myself. pro and cons?
Problem is getting all the cameras to communicate to one central location and setup.

Or
Most companies like to do the wiring and installation.

 

We've had a bad rash of vandalism, here at my HOA. From cars getting scratched up, to windows being shot at with bb guns. So, I've been looking at a bunch of options to help us catch the miserable little sneaks.

The cameras with infrared.... The best I could find, had like 27 infra red lights on each camera. They'll shine like a flashlight for out to about 45 feet max. So, if you have it elevated... count that too. These are also a wireless set, but they only transmit from 150-300 feet to the receiver...depending on how many walls they have to transmit through. The visibility is not good, unless you have additional lighting in the area being watched.

You may be able to buy a really expensive set, with wire leads, that may give better pictures. I don't know. I've given up on security cams for outside, until we get more lights put up. Hopefully, the lights themselves, will scare a few of the idiots away. Either that or give them better targets to aim at. I, also, put up a bigger light on the front of my house, shining out into the tennis court, where we figure they're shooting from.

Lord have mercy on their souls, if Kevin or I catch them in the act.

 

These kids think its a big game and don't know any better.
I hope no one gets hurt, let the law deal with them culprits.

Check into these remote cameras " All in One, Compact Color motion activated mini DVR camera" or http://www.raidentech.com/miwispyca.html (least expensive) can be setup almost any where. Then you'll have the evidence to put these kids in jail and maybe collect some money from them.

Try a search on "mini wireless cameras", will have bunches of options, might work for you.

 

You would have to have a computer with internet connection and video capture cards at your building site in order for this to work how you want.

 

I was thinking on using an external hard drive to save clips.

What cameras and systems work best? and is the most bang for the buck.

 

At my house I have 4 speco tech in/outdoor dome cameras w/ 6mm lenses and auto irises. They are hooked up to a speco dvr which networks to 2 flat screen hdtvs and 1 computer. I went w/ this company cause each camra was only $250 and I used this type camera cause of the 80 deg field of view.

 

Look at Costco online, they have the systems, one of which we installed ourselves at my friends shop...I don't know which one it was but I think it was 1800.00 total and works great and can be viewed from a remote location, the one at where I work has 17 cameras and can be viewed from any computer with the software installed over the internet...and several of the cameras are controlable through the remote site as to zoom and pan... the work awesome...at night close-up details are a little sketchy without outside light to aid them. It would be a breeze IMHO to set it up while building your house, but other wise no a big deal unless its two story and already bulit; making it a little tougher on inside wiring.

 

Also I think Costco offere installation via online purchases through autorized dealers...that they contract through...its worth looking into I think.

 

Costco system looks good, with 4, 8, and 16 cameras possibilities, price looks good too.

Any other good cameras out there?

 

With my luck the cameras would be stolen.

 

If stolen, you'll still have their mug shot or mug video.

Any other suggestions.

 

How's the resolution of the video or picture?

 

The video is great. I've zoomed 0ut to around 73% before the capture started to pixel. I'll work on posting some captures. I dont know if the forums codex will do them any justice or if it'll matter any.
Sorry for the delay in response. My machine got a trojan a very nasty one I might add. Took me a few days to battle it. I do all my work manually and with out reinstalling windows. Thats why I dont go ahead and post a snapshot right now. I dont have everything back online just yet.

 

BTW the new Costco coupon book came today with a coupon for one of the systems they sell.

 

A friend of mine had a system installed (I think he did some too) But I do know the vast majority of his cameras have the photo-eye switch to kick into night vision mode. and 3 or 4 have a thermal imaging capability. I think I remember seeing "Sharp" or a brand close to that spelling on the body of one of the cameras while installing his external mics. All hardwired of course..

I think his words were..."There's no point in having'em if you can't see'em"