[ducktapeguy]

Anybody have any experience with a home security cameras. Or know of any good websites, forums, or even books to learn about them? I'm looking at installing a few around the house as added protection against vandals and thieves. We've had some problems with taggers every once in a while, I know cameras won't do anything to stop them but I'm afraid they might get a little more bold and try and break in.

There are so many options out there, it's hard to know where to begin. I'm not looking for a high end industrial type system, but not something cheap. I've seen some pre-packaged systems at Fry's for $400-$2000, but I'm not sure what the difference is.

What I'm looking at is this:

1) 3-4 outdoor cameras. Short-Medium range. The property isn't that big, so 10-50 ft is probably the distance it would have to cover

2) Workable in low light, or have IR illuminators with decent resolution. Some of the areas I want to cover are pretty dark.

3) B&W is fine, unless there's a good reason to go color

4) DVR recording, preferably motion activated. I'm not even sure if I need a monitor, as it wouldn't be used for active monitoring, more for recording only.

For anyone that has a system installed, what kind do you have, are you satisfied or what would you have done differently?

[lx450landcruiser]

just bought the set at costco cant say how they are yet since we just got them but they look to be a good buy. there hard drive type which is also linkable to the internet in case you wanna check up on the house when your out of town.

[ducktapeguy]

Did you get the Q-see or Lorex? And are they motion activated?

[FJ40_owner]

I am looking to purchase a home CCTV / DVR system. I have been on Ebay, Fry's and Costco websites. There is a ton of stuff. It all looks like its from China. I want something that works out of the box and not something I have to call tech support to translate. I want a DVR monitorless system that can also be accessed via the Internet.

Suggestions?

[bpassmore]

Security Cameras Video Surveillance CCTV Systems & Security Camera Systems


Thye are great. This stuff is easy, dont get intimidated.

[97 FZJ80]

The Q-see system is a very typical consumer-grade system. Good color camera with night vision decent optics and weather-proof housing. The DVR has the usual low-end DVD player type UI (i.e. not very user friendly), but it gets the job done and it is inexpensive.

[blueticker17]

I am currently using a GeoVision card in a computer. Works great. I have 12 motion activated cameras and store 10 days of video. Can be accessed remotely.
Cameras....thats another story. I have tried several and learned you get what you pay for. Cheap ass cameras are cheap ass cameras.
I have had years of experience with video survelance at my resturant. The GeoVision is by far the greatest CCTV system I have ever used.
Local PD said my video system was better than any banks system in my town, and this is a fair sized town with lots of banks. They have acctually used our video to help catch a bank robber and a Subway robber.