Home Security Cameras

zx10guy · 05-21-2017, 05:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by djsaad1

We are moving into a new house and I am looking to put up 4-5 exterior cameras. What is the benefit of using an NVR from Dahua or Hikvision?

I currently use blue iris, with a poe switch, and have the cameras recording to a dedicated synology diskstation. In the new house I was thinking of doing the same. I could use the synology surveillance as well, but I like the blue iris interface.

Is there a benefit in getting an nvr over this setup?

The Hikvision NVR I'm using combines a 8 port PoE switch. You select the hard drive you want to put in it. I put in a 4TB WD Blue drive. The nice thing about going with this solution is it's all in inclusive. I can connect to the NVR and see both recorded and live view video from all the attached cameras. The same mobile client used to view the cameras will work with the NVR in pulling up live view and recorded video. It just simplifies managing the environment as I can also adjust the settings of the cameras from the NVR. The minus is it appears depending on which NVR you get, you might have problems using newer cameras from when the NVR was introduced. I tested using my current NVR with the newer 4MP Hikvision cameras and it didn't work. It seems my NVR will only support up to the 3MP cameras.

P1 · 05-21-2017, 05:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by djsaad1

We are moving into a new house and I am looking to put up 4-5 exterior cameras. What is the benefit of using an NVR from Dahua or Hikvision?

I currently use blue iris, with a poe switch, and have the cameras recording to a dedicated synology diskstation. In the new house I was thinking of doing the same. I could use the synology surveillance as well, but I like the blue iris interface.

Is there a benefit in getting an nvr over this setup?

If you want "set it and forget it", go with an NVR and stuff it full with WD Purple drives. It'll record 24/7, and you really don't need to think about it.

Software packages, on the other hand, can provide AI. Mine alerts me when humans are detected, for example, but will ignore cars.

Since you already have the POE switch and the Synology, just keep using that...

zx10guy · 05-21-2017, 11:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by P1et

If you want "set it and forget it", go with an NVR and stuff it full with WD Purple drives. It'll record 24/7, and you really don't need to think about it.

Software packages, on the other hand, can provide AI. Mine alerts me when humans are detected, for example, but will ignore cars.

Since you already have the POE switch and the Synology, just keep using that...

What software are you using?

P1 · 06-14-2017, 05:16 PM

Just ordered two more security cameras, but going with the 4MP variants now with True WDR technology.

dsad1 · 06-14-2017, 05:24 PM

Where are you ordering from?

I need to get a few outdoor bullets, but can't decide between the smart series and value series.

P1 · 06-14-2017, 05:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by djsaad1

Where are you ordering from?

I need to get a few outdoor bullets, but can't decide between the smart series and value series.

I order everything from LTS in New Jersey... Commercial outfitter (nationwide) but will sell to individuals. More than happy to give you the guy's information I deal with. He's excellent.

P1 · 06-21-2017, 11:56 PM

Two quick photos of the new 4.1MP bullet I bought. Impressive for sure. The images I'm showing below is already a compressed version of the live stream, so the quality suffered a bit, plus I reduced the resolution to 1440p.

zx10guy · 06-22-2017, 07:45 AM

Nice. I've been meaning to set aside time to visit the LTS showroom "nearby" me. Still trying to figure out if I want varifocal and trying to pick an outdoor camera with audio capability.

P1 · 08-01-2017, 08:36 PM

Installed another 4MP camera the other day. Quite happy with it!

M_Six · 08-01-2017, 11:02 PM

Nice. How's the night vision?

P1 · 08-02-2017, 12:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M_Six

Nice. How's the night vision?

This particular camera isn't exactly known for its stellar night vision qualities (I have other cameras that do), but I needed something that was discrete enough to fit where I wanted to install it. In any regard, this is what it looks like:

M_Six · 08-02-2017, 11:25 AM

^^^That's not bad at all. What's the camera model? I've been thinking about one for our front walkway.

P1 · 08-02-2017, 12:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M_Six

^^^That's not bad at all. What's the camera model? I've been thinking about one for our front walkway.

This a Hikvision dome camera. Their model numbers could possibly be the most confusing thing in the world, but I think it's a Hikvision DS-2CD2142FWD-IS.

bosstones · 11-07-2017, 08:43 AM

Finally about to pull the trigger. Seems that the 5+MP Hikvision bullets aren't as well liked as the 3MP then 4MP cams. Likely going to settle on:

1. DS-2CD2042WD-I for bullets for front and side yard SA; mix of 4mm & 6mm
2. DS-2CD2142FWD-IS domes for front & rear doors + inside the garage (mix of 4mm & 6mm)

Any other suggestions before I support the economy?

Likewise, undecided on NVR vs using my old PC (~5yrs old)+PoE switch. Anyone have experience using both?

P1 · 11-07-2017, 09:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bosstones

Finally about to pull the trigger. Seems that the 5+MP Hikvision bullets aren't as well liked as the 3MP then 4MP cams. Likely going to settle on:

1. DS-2CD2042WD-I for bullets for front and side yard SA; mix of 4mm & 6mm
2. DS-2CD2142FWD-IS domes for front & rear doors + inside the garage (mix of 4mm & 6mm)

Any other suggestions before I support the economy?

Likewise, undecided on NVR vs using my old PC (~5yrs old)+PoE switch. Anyone have experience using both?

I think you'll be OK using 4mm cams outside (are you using 6mm because you want to monitor something in the distance?). However, 4mm amd 6mm is too much for front and rear doors. It won't work in the garage. I have a 4mm watching my rear door and deck. The rest is all 2.8mm.

te37 · 11-07-2017, 10:15 AM

Are you guys setting up a separate network for just your cameras? I would not want those camera bogging down my main internet connected network.

Also I like the idea of a complete system like Lorex that has everything committed to a single box (although I would like 2 drives with redundancy) and I would think reliability would be a lot better for power outages or things of the sort where everything gets reset.

P1 · 11-07-2017, 10:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by te37

Are you guys setting up a separate network for just your cameras? I would not want those camera bogging down my main internet connected network.

Also I like the idea of a complete system like Lorex that has everything committed to a single box (although I would like 2 drives with redundancy) and I would think reliability would be a lot better for power outages or things of the sort where everything gets reset.

I have a 9 camera system and even with two professionals working from home, I see zero end-user impact.

zx10guy · 11-07-2017, 10:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by te37

Are you guys setting up a separate network for just your cameras? I would not want those camera bogging down my main internet connected network.

Also I like the idea of a complete system like Lorex that has everything committed to a single box (although I would like 2 drives with redundancy) and I would think reliability would be a lot better for power outages or things of the sort where everything gets reset.

Quote:

Originally Posted by P1et

I have a 9 camera system and even with two professionals working from home, I see zero end-user impact.

I second what P1et said. With the cameras wired, even the lowliest consumer grade switch will be able to keep up with the network load. If you're doing things wirelessly, it gets more complicated and you can see an impact.

But with my system, I do have the IP camera system isolated from other parts of my network. It's not because it was necessary. It's because I can and have the expertise to do so. The IP camera system is on a specific VLAN. It allows me the ability to set firewall policies to control traffic flow. Again, this would be overkill for any home user, and I do this because I can and am extensive experience as a network engineer.

bosstones · 11-07-2017, 03:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by P1et

I think you'll be OK using 4mm cams outside (are you using 6mm because you want to monitor something in the distance?). However, 4mm amd 6mm is too much for front and rear doors. It won't work in the garage. I have a 4mm watching my rear door and deck. The rest is all 2.8mm.

Thanks. On the front, right corner of the garage, I have 2 runs of Eth. One was for monitoring one-ish side of the front (depending on camera FOV) and the other was for the other side, but also to focus on the drive way which runs up the left side of the side load garage. The latter was intended to be a 6mm dome (ie catch license plate #'s and such of people that drive up). The other 6mm was for the rear house doors but to capture the deck stairs. I was on the fence about this one.

I have no issue going to f2.8 on the others. I switched to 4mm minimum based on the inputs if others. In some cases, potential ingress points are further from the camera so I figured from a personnel ID standpoint, higher focal length might be better.

bosstones · 11-12-2017, 09:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by P1et

This particular camera isn't exactly known for its stellar night vision qualities (I have other cameras that do)...

Curious, but what camera(s) do you speak of (re: better NV)?

P1 · 11-12-2017, 09:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bosstones

Curious, but what camera(s) do you speak of (re: better NV)?

The camera in post #141...

bosstones · 11-12-2017, 10:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by P1et

The camera in post #141...

Sorry, meant model.

I'm needy.

06-14-2017, 05:16 PM	#136
P1 Lieutenant General 11727 Rep 11,191 Posts Drives: 2004 3/4 ton Duramax Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: United States iTrader: (1)	Just ordered two more security cameras, but going with the 4MP variants now with True WDR technology.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-14-2017, 05:24 PM	#137
dsad1 Colonel 1215 Rep 2,404 Posts Drives: car Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: United States iTrader: (0)	Where are you ordering from? I need to get a few outdoor bullets, but can't decide between the smart series and value series.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-21-2017, 11:56 PM	#139
P1 Lieutenant General 11727 Rep 11,191 Posts Drives: 2004 3/4 ton Duramax Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: United States iTrader: (1)	Two quick photos of the new 4.1MP bullet I bought. Impressive for sure. The images I'm showing below is already a compressed version of the live stream, so the quality suffered a bit, plus I reduced the resolution to 1440p.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-01-2017, 08:36 PM	#141
P1 Lieutenant General 11727 Rep 11,191 Posts Drives: 2004 3/4 ton Duramax Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: United States iTrader: (1)	Installed another 4MP camera the other day. Quite happy with it!
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-01-2017, 11:02 PM	#142
M_Six Free Thinker 19183 Rep 7,540 Posts Drives: 2016 MB GLC300 4matic Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Foothills of Mt Level iTrader: (0)	Nice. How's the night vision? __________________ Mark markj.pics "Life is uncertain, eat bacon now." -UncleWede
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-02-2017, 11:25 AM	#144
M_Six Free Thinker 19183 Rep 7,540 Posts Drives: 2016 MB GLC300 4matic Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Foothills of Mt Level iTrader: (0)	^^^That's not bad at all. What's the camera model? I've been thinking about one for our front walkway. __________________ Mark markj.pics "Life is uncertain, eat bacon now." -UncleWede
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-07-2017, 08:43 AM	#146
bosstones Lieutenant Colonel 1244 Rep 1,593 Posts Drives: o_0 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Suburbia iTrader: (0)	Finally about to pull the trigger. Seems that the 5+MP Hikvision bullets aren't as well liked as the 3MP then 4MP cams. Likely going to settle on: 1. DS-2CD2042WD-I for bullets for front and side yard SA; mix of 4mm & 6mm 2. DS-2CD2142FWD-IS domes for front & rear doors + inside the garage (mix of 4mm & 6mm) Any other suggestions before I support the economy? Likewise, undecided on NVR vs using my old PC (~5yrs old)+PoE switch. Anyone have experience using both? __________________ - Jeff bosstones' flickr
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-07-2017, 10:15 AM	#148
te37 Major 548 Rep 1,131 Posts Drives: F80 SS/SO 6MT Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: ATL iTrader: (3)	Are you guys setting up a separate network for just your cameras? I would not want those camera bogging down my main internet connected network. Also I like the idea of a complete system like Lorex that has everything committed to a single box (although I would like 2 drives with redundancy) and I would think reliability would be a lot better for power outages or things of the sort where everything gets reset.
	Appreciate 0 Quote