[REQUEST] IP Security Camera Suggestions

[Menaice]

Sup guys, So i picked up a new client, did an initial discussion going over what he wants and taking notes. He wants ALOT. Going this coming week to document his current equipment, map the network, and record some general info about his current setup. Its not a large network. Then going to determine a upgrade path if needed on current equipment. This is an RV park which is 14 acres. He wants for me to setup some Security cameras for him, some inside some outside. Along with a ton of other things. I am going to break this project down into sections, so it don't get out of hand.

First i will do the documentation of initial equipment and configurations and invoice.
If needed upgrade current computers ect. Invoice

He wants nice IP cameras installed on the main building, storage units behind the main building, then more at the bathhouse (not inside bath house), Which is about a foot ball field away from main building/office. Cause its a high traffic area. He wants Night vision, Full HD, PTZ the whole nine yards. But it needs to be Scale-able.

He don't need a full on server since really only 4 workstations and only 3 are being used. So i am thinking a Nice QNAP TVS-471-i3 with 16gb of ram and installed Two 6tb ironwolf drives for centralized backup of workstations and could act as an NVR.

Probably going to be between 6 to 8 POE IP cameras on the main building and storage. Then i will need to install a wireless bridge to shoot a wifi signal to the bathhouse. Was thinking something like this but open to suggestions if someone knows of anything better or more realiable https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004RSHLGW/ref=psdc_1194486_t3_B002K683V0

Any Suggestions or experience on quality POE IP security cameras that would be suited for this situation. Trying to avoid 400 dollar cameras per each one. I was looking at some of the Amcrest stuff but not to sure.

 

[Pixelated Tech]

Take a look at Ubiquiti. They offer much of what you're looking for with a streamlined single dashboard thats very scalable and intuitive. APs, IP cameras, etc. The UniFi line is incredible. The G3 IP cameras are pretty decent and at a price that you cant beat for 1080p. (Indoor/Outdoor)

https://www.ubnt.com/

 

[Matthew Bradley]

Depends on the distance and line of site but I would go with Ubiquiti products for your wireless link. A litebeam would be more than enough. You could even do two nanostations (or even the smaller loco models if the distance is less than say, 100 yards). I'd say they're easy to set up, but we've also been using them for the better part of 10 years. You can't beat the reliability.

As far as cameras go, your options here are vast with pricing all across the board. We've been strictly a Hikvision and Dahua shop but lately I've had some vendors turn me on to some cheaper units on Amazon that I've been really impressed by. Look up Sunba PTZ cams on Amazon. They come across as cheap but I was surprised at their build quality and you can't beat the price point. I can't confirm their reliability (never had issues with Hikvision cameras but they're also a good bit more expensive)

Keep us updated on this project, however. I'd love to hear how everything goes. Whatever you do, work up a maintenance plan going forward with this. I'm not sure if you're still under a break/fix or MSP business model but I can assure you, this will be something you'll be getting a lot of calls about, especially starting out. They'll need help with all this new technology and you don't want to be providing "free" support or worse, have them guilt you into providing support (we paid you a lot of money!). A maintenance plan solves a lot of those issues and both you and the customer benefit from it.

 

[trevm999]

Ubiquiti for the bridge, the cameras are great for the price, but there are better (and more expensive) out there. Wait until last to do the camera quote, and he might be ready to go cheaper and drop his PTZ requirement.

 

[Mercenary Roadie]

First, you need to decide if you are going to go with consumer grade CCTV system which is what I would consider the Amcrest to be or commercial grade CCTV system.

Your client wants Night vision, Full HD, PTZ and the whole nine yards. That's a lot of generalized words there so let's look at what they might really want.

Night vision: options can be Active Infrared, Passive Infrared or FLIR. Visible or invisible IR LEDS?

Full HD: What is HD? 1080P, 720P or something else. Good cameras are rated in megapixels and the higher number the better but with that higher number come increased storage requirements and cost.

PTZ: This is rather simple in itself but is PTZ needed in every camera? We are again dealing with increased cost for the PTZ option

DVR/NVR: Which to use? This will greatly depend on the cameras you choose and the number of supported inputs can be limited even for IP cameras.

IP Cameras: these are the latest thing and everyone wants them even though they cost a lot more than Analog cameras and are limited on cable length. I personally don't care for IP cameras as they have a viewing lag when selecting one to view, analog cameras can support the same resolutions that IP cameras can, and you don;t have to worry about the IP cameras that use a non-standard POE voltage like Unifi does on all of their cameras except one.

Second, you need to hook up with a real distributor if you are looking for a good price. You can find good pricing on Amazon or eBay but what are you going to do for warranty repair or a replacement camera when one gets damaged?

As a client, there is nothing worse than having a camera system installed and finding out the recording are useless because of the low-quality image or some other factor that the cheap or consumer grade systems provide.

Just my thoughts

 

[Menaice]

All great suggestions, much appreciated.
And your right not every single camera needs PTZ, i wouldn't think. 1080p for sure. He wants to be able to check on cameras when he is away to florida where is he going to retire, which is soon.
Also i do plan on setting them up on a maintenance contract, Once the majority of what he wants is done and in place i figure i will draw up a contract of xxx amount per month for maintenance which would cover service calls and or replacement of equipment if needed, up to a certain amount.

I was thinking that Qnap would be more then sufficient to handle 3 workstations being backed up to it and act as the cameras NVR.
The TVS-471 has a maximum support of 72 cameras, he will not need no where near that many. Just ball-parking it at the moment, total will be between 15 to 20 max.

I will look into Ubiquiti, and maybe give them a call.

Again since this is going to be a large project, it will be done in sections that i break it down into.

He also wants a camera mounted at the end of a 300 foot pier that people can view via the web to check the water conditions. Also he is building an arcade/gaming shack for the kids.

Another objective on the list is to re-visit his security gates and upgrade them with new tech with programmable key cards for access. I will need to do physical security inspection as well, walk the fence and note any areas that need to be repaired.

I don't have my notes in front of me but another thing... he wants a system to measure air quality around the RV park to possibly help prevent people from burning salt treated wood.

And some sort of animal deterant for a few dogs that have been giving him issues from another property. Figured some kind of ultra sonic sound sensor would probably do the trick, solar powered. Apparently 1 resident got bite by a dog awhile back.

 

[Mercenary Roadie]

You don't need IP cameras to view them remotely, you can remotely view analog cameras too.

 

[Markverhyden]

Make sure to check about licensing in your jurisdiction. In some places cameras fall under security equipment which requires it's own license, over and above any others.

 

[Diggs]

I'v seen CCTV use drop like a rock around here. Nobody uses them anymore accept the old installers that refuse/can't change. Everything is IP based around here these days. So many advantages not the least is that you can use WiFi if needed in tough spots and you can group cameras with a switch before long runs. I'm not sure about the delay that is mentioned. Never seen anything more than a few milliseconds delay on an IP cam.

 

[YeOldeStonecat]

We use Ubiquiti for interior use, and for clients that need more robust exterior cameras and such, Hikvision. Ubiquiti has "decent" cameras at a low price, and one of the best NVR softwares I've seen, especially the remote viewer for smart phones. It's a free download you can install on your own hardware, or purchase their little NVR hardware. Hikvision has, IMO, one of the best quality cameras at a decent price, their NVR software is "OK". We also work with Honeywell..but that's pricey high high end.

I prefer to stay "same brand" across products, use their technology stack when I can. So regarding cameras, I'd use the camera brands NVR system.

I'd separate the NVR from the workgroup file server.

I haven't worked with EZ Bridges in a while, but I'd definitely want higher than a 100 meg connection if you're doing to have multiple cameras on the other end of those longshot runs. For wireless we're all Ubiquiti, they have some 450 meg airmax products.

You said he wants "a lot"....so do your homework if you want a truly scale able system. Do your math on storage size and needs. And maybe if you feel you shouldn't take such a big project as your first camera setup, refer this to someone else and shadow them for the project so you can learn for the next time.

I highly, highly recommend you spend some time over in these forums reading posts..
http://www.cctvforum.com/
specifically this sub forum...they have a good sticky thread there "ultimate IP camera guide" that lists a lot of brands, and you see which brand actually make other brands that just relabel. (Although to sum up, basically Hikvision and Dahua make a high percentage of cameras that others relabel as their own)
http://www.cctvforum.com/viewforum.php?f=19&sid=37386bbaf209113aa5ea1a55665a3961

Think about outdoor weatherproof housing for certain cameras, if your region needs it climate wise. And if below freezing areas, think about certain cameras good to use in those, versus others. (heat).