Security Camera System

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snowcruiser

snowcruiser

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Due to some recent neighborhood robberies I am looking for advice on a security camera system for the exterior of our house, barn and driveway. I'd like at least four cameras but eight would be better. I have an old HP laptop with 2GB of RAM that I can use as a controller or I can buy a complete system with hard drive etc. Hoping to spend no more than $600.00 for the system and I will install myself.

I plan to mount one camera on the house facing the barn and one on the barn facing the house which are about 100 feet apart and I'd like another one pointed at the street which is also about 100 feet out so that is the max visible distance required but more is not a problem. Night vision cameras could be nice in at least two of the locations.

I have no idea what to look for and what brands, prices etc. so any and all advice is greatly appreciated.

Thanks!
 
snowcruiser said:
Due to some recent neighborhood robberies I am looking for advice on a security camera system for the exterior of our house, barn and driveway. I'd like at least four cameras but eight would be better. I have an old HP laptop with 2GB of RAM that I can use as a controller or I can buy a complete system with hard drive etc. Hoping to spend no more than $600.00 for the system and I will install myself.

I plan to mount one camera on the house facing the barn and one on the barn facing the house which are about 100 feet apart and I'd like another one pointed at the street which is also about 100 feet out so that is the max visible distance required but more is not a problem. Night vision cameras could be nice in at least two of the locations.

I have no idea what to look for and what brands, prices etc. so any and all advice is greatly appreciated.

Thanks!
Click to expand...

PM me. i can help. (its what we do)
 
BP, I'm interested as well.

It'd be great if you could give us a good summary.
 
If you look at the 2m site, I can sell their products at 10% off.

It's basically that give or take.

Pm me your requirements and I will get a price.

I use an affordable 16 channel dvr that i check from my iPhone.

Here are 2 iPhone screen shots from my office.

Sent from my iPhone using Forum Runner
image-1710719359.webp
 
Last edited:
Good stuff.
I used to sell this stuff too. I still have a bunch of DVR cards and cameras sitting around if anyone needs any. On the cheap for mudders. Just let me know.
There's nothin better than to check on your rig from work.
I've caught some crazy stuff on camera over the years.
 
Brett, you have FB mail :)
 
I bought a Q-See system from Costco for $249 (and great return policy!). The install took the better part of a day to make all the connections and drilling/caulking/snaking lines. Take your time in the design process it will pay out in the long run if you want to add on later:
1. identify viewing angles
2. # of cameras initially and if you want to upgrade (I wish I would have gone with an 8 camera DVR to add to later.
3. secure areas to run/hide the lines
4. covering cameras incase someone tampers with one
5. secure the DVR where the burgler cant take it along with your stuff.

Remote viewing took a little longer due to port-forwarding on the router and setting static IP addresses. I still can't get my iPhone to work, but my wifes Android and her sisters Nokia can :meh:. But it is so worth it when you can check in from everywhere (Internet Explorer works best). Overall I love the system. I did replace a couple cameras for higher quality/viewing angle lenses. The DVR boxes are all about the same. The important part is the cameras quality. Stick with Sony or Sharp based cameras. For the lower priced systems you are not going to get high quality distance viewing. Even with upgrading the camera to a $150 Sony camera I can barely make out a license plate at 15 feet, YMMV.

All in all I think you will be happy with what you get....
 
bigdaddy said:
I bought a Q-See system from Costco for $249 (and great return policy!). The install took the better part of a day to make all the connections and drilling/caulking/snaking lines. Take your time in the design process it will pay out in the long run if you want to add on later:
1. identify viewing angles
2. # of cameras initially and if you want to upgrade (I wish I would have gone with an 8 camera DVR to add to later.
3. secure areas to run/hide the lines
4. covering cameras incase someone tampers with one
5. secure the DVR where the burgler cant take it along with your stuff.

Remote viewing took a little longer due to port-forwarding on the router and setting static IP addresses. I still can't get my iPhone to work, but my wifes Android and her sisters Nokia can :meh:. But it is so worth it when you can check in from everywhere (Internet Explorer works best). Overall I love the system. I did replace a couple cameras for higher quality/viewing angle lenses. The DVR boxes are all about the same. The important part is the cameras quality. Stick with Sony or Sharp based cameras. For the lower priced systems you are not going to get high quality distance viewing. Even with upgrading the camera to a $150 Sony camera I can barely make out a license plate at 15 feet, YMMV.

All in all I think you will be happy with what you get....
Click to expand...

Those Qsee's are so so. You get what you pay for. Im using 12 of the 16 channels available on my current DVR card. You shouldn't have any problems accessing your system from your iphone, try installing TightVNC viewer, or Mocha VNC viewer.
As far as picure quality, the DVR quality is what matters. With the high quality DVR cards I can get smooth recording with great clarity. I really don't like the QSee type all-in-one systems because they lack all the good features like alarm image emailing and texting. I can get images of burglars sent to me even if the take the DVR unit! As far as good cameras; Sony Super HAD series cameras and Sharp cameras are great.
 
I took over an ADT 16 camera system when I moved into my new house, 13 exterior cameras, three door monitor cameras, just got the system back up and running on a home monitor system. Id like to s***can the ADT DVR system box and go to a system thats not locked by the previous owner. Or I go ask the previous owner about his foreclosed system........
 
i didnt want to dick with piecing together a system and wanted one with great picture quality...today, a revo multi camera system went up. great pictures. can't wait to see it at night.

dvr is mounted in a hard to get to secret spot, but still accessable via wireless mouse, which surprised the heck out of all of us

here's a crappy cell phone shot with some of the cameras attached. also, the box has slots to add audible alarm and breakage sensors, started to set it up for the mobile alerts, still have to finish that.

very impressed!
camera 013.webp
 
Chloe Taylor said:
What would i be suggesting about security camera's would be to go and buy ones with Infrared Vision.....
Click to expand...

Usually yes, but if you're trying to be covert (catch a MF messin with your cruiser) than IR emitter cameras are a dead giveaway. In that case use a high end camera, something using Sony Super HAD hardware. They are very light sensitive and clear. But only for short to medium distances, otherwise have a security light to help out.
 
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