Security Camera Recommendation?

[neotechnet]

Hi all, can anyone recommend a reliable but not overly expensive security camera system for a restaurant setting?

Would to watch the cash registers (dome cam), front door, etc. Be viewable from mobile phones and of course record on motion, color recording.

I was thinking about Ubiquit cameras but not so good reviews on amazon and they aren't that good recording in the dark it seems.

 

[lima]

How many cameras? What kind of picture quality you are looking to have?

Ip cameras? regular cctv?

http://www.samsclub.com/sams/16-ch-dvr-12-cameras-sds-p5122n-us/prod12720075.ip?navAction=

This is simple setup cameras with easy installation, mobile viewing etc...

Right now im installing some DW IP cameras where one camera is priced as whole set above...

http://digital-watchdog.com/products/?route=product/product&path=93_106&product_id=868

 

[neotechnet]

Maybe about a dozen cameras. Is IP cameras the way to go, does that make things simpler?

Will need to have a few dome cameras. Picture should be decent, I don't think it has to be great.

 

[lima]

IP cameras is my way to go, but only for customers that understand that if they want HD picture quality they need to pay the price.
for dozen IP cameras with NVR its 4k $ and up...

My restaurant customers usually go with Samsung set above...
You can add dome cameras or whichever you like...

If you go with cheap set, that kind of quality you will get...
Make sure customer understands that...

I require payment before installation bcs after you install then customer starts complaining that the picture is not like he expected... but he didn't want to add couple hundred extra for better set

 

[neotechnet]

Does anyone have any hands on experience with Ubiquiti cameras in terms of recording quality and do the cameras break easily?

 

[YeOldeStonecat]

Does anyone have any hands on experience with Ubiquiti cameras in terms of recording quality and do the cameras break easily?

This is their new lineup, the latest generation ones just coming out.
Different than the Airvision cams on their website right now.
http://uv.ubnt.com/

I have not worked with them yet, plan on getting them for my own home though.

 

[doubleohalex]

I use a website called cctvgadgets.com for your standard SDI CCTV cameras. They offer 1000tvl cameras (which they consider to be 720p) for a sub $100 price point. Based out of the Long Island area of New York. If you sign up to become a dealer, you get a good discount on their gear, sometimes almost 50%.

These are the indoor domes I normally use:
http://www.cctvgadgets.com/CCTV_DAY_Night_Cameras-1_3_SONY_1_3_Megapixel_Sensor_720P_1000TVL.html

Bullets:
http://www.cctvgadgets.com/CCTV_DAY...700TVL_1_3_Sony_WDR_DAY_NIGHT_2_8-12mm_1.html

These are by far the best you're going to get for the price in your standard CCTV line. HD-SDI or IP will obviously yield better quality. I generally don't bother with HD-SDI and use GrandStream for IP cams. Ubiquiti's new line with IR seems to be very hard to come by right now.

 

[neotechnet]

@doublo

Just wanted to say thank you very much. The company cctvgadgets was very helpful in not only providing a quote but also giving advice and guidance on what systems buy.

 

[doubleohalex]

@doublo

Just wanted to say thank you very much. The company cctvgadgets was very helpful in not only providing a quote but also giving advice and guidance on what systems buy.

No Problem! I have had many conversations with them in the past, incredibly helpful each time. I hope you like the quality!

 

[marley1]

You should only be considering ip camera in this stage m. Look at hikvision. Contact me if you want pricing

 

[fergeeks]

You should only be considering ip camera in this stage m. Look at hikvision. Contact me if you want pricing

For a cheap IP camera system you can build your own NVR and use the free Acti NVR Software (http://acti.com/nvr3 get some decent Acti Cameras from ebay or buy from another authorized dealer.

FLIR makes a decent IP NVR that comes with 8 IP cameras for a little over $1000. We installed one a couple weeks ago and it came out really nice.

Lorex (owned by Flir) analog systems are pretty nice too; If I were kitting out my shop right now with Analog cameras then I would choose Lorex over honeywell, Digital watchdog etc.

Right now we are in the middle of installing an Exacq IP Camera system in a hotel (what a nightmare) 23 cameras through out the place.

 

[alex32165]

I setup a Zmodo system before. It was inexpensive, but i am very impressed with the quality. My particular system was a 4 camera DVR, but they have different systems that allow your to hook up 6 or 8 channels.

 

[mazter]

I don't know about your budget but if you are considering to spend around $1000, these might be good low budget options.

$999 Swann 4 camera 1080p IP Security System

or
$799 Messoa 4 Camera IP Security System

If you like the DIY option, what @fergeeks suggested also makes sense. There are free VMS (video management software) options available in the market. If you decide to build your own system. you should put together a solid computer and buy some indoor and outdoor IP cameras. Main difference between IP cameras and CCTV cameras. IP cameras are fairly easy to install and configure mainly because network cables and network equipment is cheaper. With CCTV cameras, you would need to run coax cables and buy DVR card to convert analog to digital on the computer.

The only down side with DIY is the tech support. When you run into any problem, you would end up spending time and money to get it fixed. I like DIYs when I have sometime and competency on the subject but I stay away from doing that for business related items as most of those things are not my strength and cost-benefit of doing it yourself will not be worth the time you will spend when things happen.

 

[fergeeks]

I don't know about your budget but if you are considering to spend around $1000, these might be good low budget options.

$999 Swann 4 camera 1080p IP Security System

or
$799 Messoa 4 Camera IP Security System

If you like the DIY option, what @fergeeks suggested also makes sense. There are free VMS (video management software) options available in the market. If you decide to build your own system. you should put together a solid computer and buy some indoor and outdoor IP cameras. Main difference between IP cameras and CCTV cameras. IP cameras are fairly easy to install and configure mainly because network cables and network equipment is cheaper. With CCTV cameras, you would need to run coax cables and buy DVR card to convert analog to digital on the computer.

The only down side with DIY is the tech support. When you run into any problem, you would end up spending time and money to get it fixed. I like DIYs when I have sometime and competency on the subject but I stay away from doing that for business related items as most of those things are not my strength and cost-benefit of doing it yourself will not be worth the time you will spend when things happen.

I've done done some work with that $999 Swann system. Its not IP; its high def analog over coax and they are junk.

The following Flir system on Amazon is awesome; its $900 and comes with 4 IP cameras and the NVR is tiny. http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00K8EXFG4?pc_redir=1405522438&robot_redir=1
We installed one yesterday and I'm very happy with the results.