Security Cams - Outside Building, Inside or Both

[allanc]

For those members here who currently have security cameras ....
Do you have them outside the building, inside or both?
Is a system that is professionally installed for $3,500 really any better than a system that is $1,500 from Costco?
Lastly, do the WebCams that act as motion sensors and sends pics to the Internet work properly and provide good quality images? Which hardware/software is recommended.

Thank you in advance.

[vdub12]

I have installed a few Lorex systems they work great.

[Benchtech]

I'm going to be installing an IP based PVR 4 cameras:

1 outside back door
1 in tech room
1 in lobby
1 at front door

There was a good one on newegg for $299

[allanc]

Originally Posted by Benchtech

I'm going to be installing an IP based PVR 4 cameras:

1 outside back door
1 in tech room
1 in lobby
1 at front door

There was a good one on newegg for $299

Link, please ...............?

[PhantomTS]

Check out http://www.homesecuritystore.com/ - That's where I usually buy my cameras from. :-\

We have cameras inside and outside.

There is some quality that you pay for but security pricing in general is all over the map. You can get a great system without spending thousands of dollars. The best thing you can do is read as many reviews as you can find or find a brand you trust.

I've been happy with Nuvico, LTS, Kaltech, and lorex.

Hope that helps.

[PR Tech]

I purchased a 4 camera system (Q-See) from TigerDirect. The cameras are located only in the shop with one pointed at the front door. However, I wish I had a couple outside. If you are not looking to dump a lot of money, this kind of system will do the job. I can access my cameras from the Ineternet or my Droid X phone. Tech support has been pretty sparce though.

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...&Sku=Q300-2780

[allanc]

Originally Posted by PhantomTS

Check out http://www.homesecuritystore.com/ - That's where I usually buy my cameras from. :-\

We have cameras inside and outside.

There is some quality that you pay for but security pricing in general is all over the map. You can get a great system without spending thousands of dollars. The best thing you can do is read as many reviews as you can find or find a brand you trust.

I've been happy with Nuvico, LTS, Kaltech, and lorex.

Hope that helps.

I am not very familiar with what to look for in terms of features, etc.
Can you please 1 or more models that you would recommend as a starting point for my reading and research?
Thank you in advance.

[Benchtech]

Originally Posted by allanc

Link, please ...............?

they no longer carry it that is why I said "there was" sorry

[allanc]

Originally Posted by Benchtech

they no longer carry it that is why I said "there was" sorry

Any suggestions as to a set of features and/or specs to look for would be very much appreciated.

[Alan22]

For those members here who currently have security cameras ....
Do you have them outside the building, inside or both?Both, but it depends on the location and what the client wants to record.

Is a system that is professionally installed for $3,500 really any better than a system that is $1,500 from Costco?
Yes and no. In my opinion it all depends on the end user, what they're looking to accomplish with it and what type of environment it's going into.

I've installed the cheap 4 channel Q-See & Night Owl DVR's that sell for under $200 as well as more expensive brands that cost $1,500-$3,000+ for the DVR alone. I've used PC based and embedded. I've also used cheap $30 cameras and cameras that cost in the hundreds. Is there a difference? Absolutely. However, I will say (in my experience) that some of the cheap DVR's these days can produce some decent video quality if used with decent cameras. The inexpensive DVR's also lack many features, but you may or may not be interested in them.

allanc, you also mentioned that you're not very familiar with what to look for in terms of features. The best advice I can give is to start looking at the spec sheets of different brands & models, then create a spreadsheet with the features that are important to you. Once the sheet is created you can start comparing systems to each other. Also, become familiar with the different types of compression technologies (H.264, MJPEG, etc.), framerates, and what CIF, 2CIF, HD1, 4CIF and D1 means. Note: HD1 does not mean high definition

Also do some research and learn what the specs mean with the different cameras that are available. There's some real overpriced crap out there, as well as alot of low priced crap. Lately I've purchased a couple dozen cameras made by CNB and have been very happy with them.

Take a look at Avermedia DVR's. They recently came out with a couple of value DVR's that I'm going to purchase within the next week or two. They look perfect for an upcoming project I have. Avermedia EH1004H (4 channel) & EH1008H (8channel).