Home Security Cameras

[LarryW]

(I did a search but nothing leaped out at me. I'm not the sharpest knife on the tree, however.)

Problem: One of the little neighborhood turd-eaters vandalized my rural mailbox. Dumped about 6oz of a silicon-type of unknown substance inside. I wiped out what I could and reported it to the local LEO, USPS on-line, etc. Now looking for some sort of video surveillance system to keep an eye out to see if I can find which one of the little bastards is doing it.

Have thought about a couple of game/trail cameras, or a 2-camera system to a DVR. I need (want) IR capability, non-flash, downloadable to a photo chip, etc.

Any suggestions? I'll pay up to $300 for the right system.

Your thoughts are most welcome.

[alelks]

There are some DECENT one and two camera systems out there at close to that price.

Just make sure you get one that has enough IR distance to cover the distance you want. IR is limited but you could purchase a separate IR light to supplement the camera IR if needed.

We're building a house and Ive already purchased 7 of these to put around the perimeter of the house. They are not cheap though and wold need a separate recording device.

http://www.hikvision.com/en/us/Produ...=9125&showid=0

[BoomerUSMC]

I needed cameras for the house and cabin. I went with IP cameras that were wireless capable running off of Blue Iris software on machines local to each location.

My cameras have expanded to 12 at the house and six at the cabin. Mostly Foscam 960p cams with IR to a good 70'. They run about $100- $140 per and the Blue Iris software is about $60. Throw in free DDNS and I can access and monitor both systems from anywhere.

[DIYPatriot]

We use foscam HD cameras. I have a few of these. I found them for $60 on eBay. For the money, they're awesome. The motion sensors detect people walking up to .2 miles away (I had to dial it down a notch). They're quite configurable, allow you to store images locally or remotely, record video loops, only snap photos and/or vids of motion-triggered alarms, etc. The IR sensors work great for me, but you can always buy plug and play IR lights for cheap. Feel free to pm me for any details or questions you may have.

[fred111]

I use Lorex wireless camera hooked up to a Lorex DVR. I can view all the camera on my cell phone, laptop, etc. Works great. Good distance on the cameras. I have added additional IR illumination for two of the cameras to light dead zones.

Given the option, I would buy them again.

[LarryW]

I've come to the notion that a mix of media forms might serve me best. The idea will be to have a 2-camera wireless (at least in the beginning) focused toward the front entrances of the driveway (it's a circular thing) and trail cameras placed at least 2 other locations aimed at various approaches. The thought being to allow for the DVR capability and also for the more simple operation of the trail camera. The plan is to achieve a 360 degree surveillance area with IR and record capability. It's more for the reconstruction of an event rather than as a means to monitor the real time situation. I know me, and if it were real time I'd give up watching TV altogether and sit at the damned PC just hoping for a zombie to show up. I'd be afraid to make a head-call for fear of missing something.

Thanks to all for your comments. They are filed where I can get at them.