Home Security Webcams

inspiredsports

I'm thinking about installing a couple of webcams to monitor my driveway and entry doorways and don't know the ins and outs of how to set up multiple remote panning cameras and have lots of questions.

On the "would be nice" list:
- Color
- Wireless
- Ability to pan multiple cameras from my computer

If I use wired (USB cable?) instead of wireless, what's the maximum wire length?
Can wired be powered by the USB bus or does it still require a nearby power brick?

If I use wireless, how does the sending unit get power? Power brick?

For multiple panning cameras, does the software allow to easily select each camera for viewing/panning?

Any help from someone who has installed would be great.

Drenis

I can;t offer you squat for residential applications. I've been using and have knowledge with commercial applications. Therefore all I can recommend is anything by Panasonic or Pelco.

dkg999

I'm planning to use the new Logitech security cameras. I don't need anything really high-tech, however the phone app to be able to view the video seems to be a good thing.

PerfectCreature

I would not use wireless cameras. If you are going to do this I would not skimp. If this is for protection reasons, then someone could easily find a way to interfere with the wireless.
Hard wired to the system would be the best way to go. I would choose a color that blends well with your house or wherever you placing them.
It is is hard wired, you will tend to get more control I would assume.

inspiredsports

I should have also mentioned that at this point in time I will only be using the cameras on my local home network.

No images will be broadcast outside of my network firewall.

Jstas

Check local ordinances. I know a few towns in NJ don't allow security cameras on a residence because "it could be used for spying on your neighbors".

Although I thought that was the whole intent.

You could always get one...or a few of these: http://www.paintballsentry.com/

They have cameras on them. For targeting that is. But you can tap the feed and record what the camera sees with a DVR or TV capture card.

inspiredsports

Jstas wrote: »

Check local ordinances. I know a few towns in NJ don't allow security cameras on a residence because "it could be used for spying on your neighbors".

Although I thought that was the whole intent.

You could always get one...or a few of these: http://www.paintballsentry.com/

They have cameras on them. For targeting that is. But you can tap the feed and record what the camera sees with a DVR or TV capture card.

That's a valid point, but I don't really care about an unconstitutional ordinance that would keep me from protecting myself. I carried long before Ohio passed CCW, and being on the right track with that now, I'm guessing cameras will be permitted at some point if they aren't now. My penalty standards are a bit harsher than the paint ball sentry's

I'm also on 9 treed acres and don't generally see much offsite.

PerfectCreature

The issue with the cameras being on your home network, is they are suseptible to anyone with intent.
Wires are more secure because they will be hard wired to a device in your home.
However, you mentioned 9 acres. Are you planning on securing all 9 acres? In that case you would need a wireless repeater, maybe even several of them to carry the signal through that large of an area.

unc2701

1)Get a security DVR- nearly all modern ones let you connect via a web app or iphone/android
2)Don't get a package with cameras included- they're crap
3)TVL and good IR flooding are key for night time viewing
4)Do you really need panning cameras? They're going to cost as much as about 4 cameras
5)CCTV baluns are cheap and effective- you can run power+video over cat5 ... I think I've seen some that do audio and control wires, too.

All the above can be purchased at monoprice.

inspiredsports

PerfectCreature wrote: »

The issue with the cameras being on your home network, is they are suseptible to anyone with intent.
Wires are more secure because they will be hard wired to a device in your home.
However, you mentioned 9 acres. Are you planning on securing all 9 acres? In that case you would need a wireless repeater, maybe even several of them to carry the signal through that large of an area.

My biggest problem is that when I have music on, which is between 6 and 9 hourrs a day, I miss shipments that require signature confirmation or my kids who are in and out that I enlist to run errands.

I need 1 for garage door/driveway and 1 each for front door and 1 to monitor two back doors that a single angle will catch.

Thinking ahead though, making sure it is secure is what I want to do.

BeefJerky

I recommend mounting a few of these:

Just make sure you have your flood lights mounted properly for night-time recording.

inspiredsports

I had one that size up until about a decade and a half ago

exalted512

On the subject, does anyone have recommendations for INTERIOR cameras? Some that are discreet preferred.

Something like this:
http://www.buy.com/pr/product.aspx?sku=218016436&sellerid=25193060
-Cody

BeefJerky

inspiredsports wrote: »

I had one that size up until about a decade and a half ago

Funny thing is, I actually have a beta camcorder right next to me on a shelf. However, it is the BMC-1000K Betamove Pro rather than the one in the picture I found on the interwebz. It came as part of a package deal with a beta VCR (SL-HF750) that I needed to transfer some home videos that were recorded on a beta camcorder that I used to own awhile back. They actually took pretty good videos as long as there was good light available.

Oh, and that whole purchase above was part of a hard lesson in backing up my hard drives. I already had them transferred to my computer prior to selling of the prior beta VCR and camcorder, but lost them in a hard drive crash since I didn't back them up. I'm just glad I was smart enough to keep the original beta cassettes with the videos on them!

However, I don't really have much experience in the area of network cameras. I know that when I did IT we did an install with some Sony cameras. They worked well, but the software it came with was finicky as can be.

PerfectCreature

Monoprice,newegg even amazon could give you some decent deals.
With that small of a range, you will get a more cost effective camera system by going wires. Wireless is a "perk" and you will pay accordingly. It is like buying "X" brand for 10 times more just for the label.
Anyway, compare prices and functions. Overall READ REVIEWS.
Have you asked local places? Maybe a compies like ADT or whatever can provide you with a good setup for cheap? They sometimes run good deals.
I would say the most cost effective way would be to buy a "bundle" pack, but the most user and application friendly would be to buy separate cameras and interfaces.
For example: Lighted cameras for the rear, not for the front because you have a garage light I would assume.
Maybe a smaller camera for the door due to space. See where I am going with this?

disneyjoe7

I know nothing about home camera systems which are on the market. But will add this don't go to cheap, I do feel you get what you pay for.


Steve

unc2701

Again, the cameras in the bundles are almost always crap... but on the other hand, if you only need to see if there's someone there, then 350TVL will tell you that.

I use an indoor one as a baby cam and have one to keep an eye on the dogs when they're outside- you need 550+TVL to tell if the kid has lost her pacifier or if the dogs are eating rabbit ****.

tonyb

How about for that small pencil hole in the guest shower ?:eek:

unc2701

Depends on the guest. :cheesygrin:

pitdogg2

most communities do not allow recording sound. Parts express sell packages with hard drives for not too much money.

do your due diligence and check all codes and your states attorney for clarification it could save thousands of dollars in fines and attorney fees.

pitdogg2

Jstas wrote: »

Check local ordinances. I know a few towns in NJ don't allow security cameras on a residence because "it could be used for spying on your neighbors".

In Illinois they cannot point at any neighbors property.

inspiredsports

unc2701 wrote: »

. . . do you really need panning cameras? . . .

No, but it would be nice. I do get the $5 versus $90 per each argument though.

Polkersince85

Take a look at the X-10 stuff if you want simplicity for not a lot of money.
For example this app along with cameras and internet connection can do a lot.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/X10-iWatch-Mobile-Pro-Activehome-Smart-Phone-App-SW47A-/380350134990?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item588ea27ace