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Security Camera/Server Question


ForeverMaker

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I have been researching security cameras and trying to figure out the best route. There seems to be a ton of options and I am getting a little lost. Any ideas from CR?

 

What I want to do is have 1 or more cameras (add as I go) that do the following:

 

  • record when there is motion
  • log in remotely to view cameras from any location
  • outdoor camera would be nice but not necessary

 

I was thinking about building a linux box and running ZoneMinder - http://www.zoneminder.com/

 

Then add these cameras - http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0054TW1WC/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pd_S_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=1VCHLXRBMAJKQ&coliid=I2R7VHAJRYZZCJ

 

http://i.imgur.com/TZyI3tnl.jpg

 

OR do I just get a DRV system with all the cameras included? Something like this... http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DWFFC94/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=1VCHLXRBMAJKQ&coliid=I3NP4LHTOBEROV

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I got the Logitech indoor/outdoor cameras and they're great. Both are IR with night vision and record based on motion and even time schedules. It's all backed up to a local PC or on Micro SD cards that are actually in the cameras if the local machine is destroyed. I get alerts of motion straight to my phone, and a nice app that lets me access live streaming from the cameras remotely from my iPhone.
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Yup, the 750 models... I have one of each- Indoor and Outdoor.

 

I got them off Amazon second hand "used" but I couldn't tell they had been used at all. Seems their criteria for "used" is simply open box. You just need one Master camera and then you can just add on 4 or 5 additional cameras. No need to make each one a Master. If you look through their menus, you'll find Masters and Add-ons.

 

FWIW they're extremely simple to setup and maintain and do everything I need. Not overkill at all and they work great.

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I have been researching security cameras and trying to figure out the best route. There seems to be a ton of options and I am getting a little lost. Any ideas from CR?

 

What I want to do is have 1 or more cameras (add as I go) that do the following:

 

  • record when there is motion
  • log in remotely to view cameras from any location
  • outdoor camera would be nice but not necessary

 

I was thinking about building a linux box and running ZoneMinder - http://www.zoneminder.com/

 

Then add these cameras - http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0054TW1WC/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pd_S_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=1VCHLXRBMAJKQ&coliid=I2R7VHAJRYZZCJ

 

http://i.imgur.com/TZyI3tnl.jpg

 

OR do I just get a DRV system with all the cameras included? Something like this... http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DWFFC94/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=1VCHLXRBMAJKQ&coliid=I3NP4LHTOBEROV

 

I would go with the first option, although i have no experience with this. I think the cameras in the 2nd option are lacking. My dad has a system like that and its not the greatest picture quality. you'd be hard pressed to get a license plate number from a car if its more than 30 ft away. I also like the ability to get notifications and view the cameras on your phone. Not sure the 2nd option would be easy to do that with.

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fuck those cameras, the visual qualtiy is crap. Go with ONVIF 720p or 1080p cams. They do the encoding on the cam so cpu utilization is light. I'm not suire if zone minder supports onvif cams yet but you can watch them using VLC and some of them will record to a server on motion detect.
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http://www.ebay.com/itm/CCTV-IR-1080X720P-1-0MP-HD-P2P-outdoor-3-6mm-Onvif-network-Security-IP-Camera-/111245655784?pt=US_Security_Cameras&hash=item19e6c1fee8

 

 

If you only wanted a single camera I've considered release my visodence load for Raspberry pi.

Edited by Thorne
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Hmm those do look good. I like the Logitech stuff Farkas posted but it seems pricey for something that somebody might rip down, and, you have to use their software (I think).

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Hmm those do look good. I like the Logitech stuff Farkas posted but it seems pricey for something that somebody might rip down, and, you have to use their software (I think).

 

I agree with the cost and unfortunately you run the risk of having your equipment vandalized regardless of which system you go with, but the fact that the data is backed up on both the camera and the computer you set it up on, is a plus IMO. I think in most cases vandalism isn't such a big deal if it's up and out of the reach of any intruders, or possibly hidden or out of sight. I don't think either of mine can really be reached, and I have them setup so they're "blackout" with no emitting lights unless they're recording, which I feel would deter people if they could obviously tell they're being recorded. Also, I do believe their software is proprietary, but it works well enough, I'm not sure why you'd want to try and use anything else.

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been doing a bit more research. as far as cameras if you want wifi the price goes up. if you want good picture quality (720p, nightvision, etc) the price goes up. So really those logitech prices aren't TOO bad. seems their software is very user friendly vs. some of the others. will probably pull the trigger on something this week.
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I also have the Logitech System and your computer does not have to be on if you prefer that.... It only requires a PC or laptop to set the Ip's up on the Net. Then when you do turn on your computer, it automatically downloads the recordings to your Hard drive..... What most here are not taking into consideration is durability...... I have had my systems for over 3.5 years and have had NO problems at all. Even in the extreme cold that we have just had. The cameras are not cheap plastics like most of them and they are reliable! One other thing about them is that they record audio also..... That's a BIG plus over some of the cheaper systems. You will record what is being said and voices are unique. But just remember, you get what you pay for. Cheap = Toy that will break.
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  • 2 weeks later...

http://www.amazon.com/Foscam-FI8918W-Wireless-Network-Viewing/dp/B0046710G6/ref=sr_1_12?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1394381775&sr=1-12&keywords=ptz+camera

 

We use these. They mix night vision with a color overlay. So instead of the shitty night picture, it looks like you are watching daytime feeds at night. They are great. Im actually getting ready to get a few more to change some cameras out.

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How do you like it so far?

 

Once you start adding multiple cameras (esp if they are HD) it REALLY works your CPU. You will need to turn off the software if you are doing anything else intensive. You can tweak the motion sensitivity but you will still get lots of false hits or the wind blowing or whatever.

 

Since I have my main rig on 24/7 saving to a card on the camera isn't a concern, but might be if you don't have a dedicated machine.

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