This is crazy just want to select the best affordable security cameras for my home and yet each t...

[G+_Rud Dog]

This is crazy just want to select the best affordable security cameras for my home and yet each time a search begins my tiny brain is overwhelmed. Please help.

[G+_Jason Perry]

I went with a TP link unit. It's over 3 years old now and no issues after I updated the firmware. That being said I wasn't after much, my requirements were PoE. The audio isn't great when I turn it up all the way and the picture is only 720p.

[G+_Rud Dog]

Jason Perry what kind of detail can I expect for example can you read a license number from a car? Do use motion detection? DVR usage or not? Software used?

Thank you in advance.

[G+_Eddie Foy]

Roll your own. One of my DVR's (BIG name) has an open telnet server with a default for root PW of

Then a simple strings command and see ALL of the web creds are clear text. I was able to create a DoS script that kept the unit in constant reboot. (aka: no recording)

 

But then a $1 laser pointer disables any cam.

[G+_Scott W]

I have a mix match of cameras, but I would recommend Blue Iris. http://blueirissoftware.com/

[G+_Rud Dog]

Not sure what all the DoS and constantly rebooting means but then again haks are not meant to be easily found by a majority of us suffering from "my brain hurts". But it does sound interesting.

 

As for laser taking out the camera it would be a good idea to make the camera stealth rather then simply mounting it on the outside of the house saying "hey look at me I am a camera".

[G+_Rud Dog]

Scott W Looks affordable and guess I could setup a low power consumption mini-computer. Not sure if this combo can handle higher resolutions and if it does will a lightweight PC handle the load of 4-10 cameras? Lightweight I mean the small footprint PCs you see advertised.

[G+_Tony Martin]

Define affordable, if you are looking for the best resolution possible than digital is what you are looking for. However, digital systems are more expensive than analog systems. I started off with a cheap night Owl system and quickly upgraded to something about 4* as expensive, if that helps any.

[G+_Jason Perry]

So I just got home looked up and realized it's a TrendNet. It comes with its own software if you choose to use it. There is a motion detection feature and if I remember correctly there is a DVR function in the software. I have been using it with my Synology NAS. As for can you see a licence plate, it depends. My camera is 3 years old so picture quality should be better, it also depends on the distance you are putting the camera. My camera is also an indoor camera.

 

I am not going to tell you this is the be all and end all of cameras, but it is a good value camera. I also I don't think rolling your own DVR is an issue, look at the software that comes with the camera.

[G+_Rud Dog]

Jason Perry thank you for taking the time after a day at work and answering my questions just want to show my appreciation for your time.

[G+_Jason Perry]

Since you are looking for a camera this might be a good view.

[G+_Rud Dog]

Jason Perry That was interesting will have to go back and slow the playback down as she seemed to be behind her allotted time.

 

Guessing the industry has not caught up to the needs and requirements of the end user from what I gleaned.

 

Also having problems with specs when it comes to POE camera and switches. For example, one vendor called out the switch as 30 watts per port of which there were four. Now had to search for cameras and their power requirements and that turned out to be something buried or non existent.

Then came back to the switch specs and did some additional reading only to find this glaring contradiction, turns out yes 30 watts per port but max of 70 watts for the entire switch. Glad I went back and read the fine print.

This really should not be this difficult and not sure buying a bundled package is the way to go especially after listening to the defcon clip.

 

Onward.

[G+_Rud Dog]

Looking at the UVC-G3 Ubiquiti, expensive but seems to have some nice features and the software is a Free download and found tutorial on how to use an old laptop as a server.

[G+_Jason Perry]

I am interested on what you think of it after you get it up and running

[G+_Rud Dog]

Jason Perry It is currently up and running. The POE makes this EZ install, as I add cameras (budget limits) will see about PTZ camera. The first camera is stationary and will need a slight adjustment to its view angle.

The other remaining deep dive is the adjustment to the settings so the change from shaded and sunny areas doesn't cause wash out in the sunny section.

[G+_Jason Perry]

Is it the same management software as the APs?

[G+_Jason Perry]

I would love to hear your feelings on the camera 3 months out.

[G+_Rud Dog]

Jason Perry will try and post some video links and pics later. Sure will keep you posted. Like the idea of using Ubuntu so scripts can be written to move video files off the server to remote location.

[G+_Jason Perry]

Are you using their NVR?

[G+_Rud Dog]

No broke out an old laptop and downloaded their Unifi-Video software along with Ubuntu 14.04. So far only into this for the camera and cabling. The cabling made using connectors and cable.

[G+_Rud Dog]

Follow up on Camera setup.

Love the software. There are some features which found on other software packages that are missing. First the ability to set multiple zones as far as I can tell, only one zone can be set.

The picture is clear until the sun hits the structures near by the brightness of the sun washes out the details. Near items on surfaces getting less reflection not so much. Still playing with the adjustments.

 

There is a neat timeline which marks in red when the camera detected motion allowing you to start the running if timeline skipping to motion detection recordings with out doing anything but starting the video in the time line.

 

Installing the camera was a breeze getting familiar with the software takes some exploration but not a deal breaker.

[G+_Rud Dog]

Update: if you are planing on using the Cameras from Ubiquiti be aware as far as I can find, Unifi-Video software only finds and works with their cameras. Currently researching other video recording software.

[G+_Rud Dog]

Scott W this looks interesting but wish they had a trial version so I could test out with my camera before buying.

[G+_Rud Dog]

Jason Perry The current search for video recording software returned me to your replay concerning TrendNet unfortunately a visit to their site yielded the following message for the software:

 

The VIP-P36 has been discontinued.

The VIP-L8 has been discontinued.

 

After seeing this after the third search, stopped looking at their software. This is one concern when trying to locate software of hardware the manufacturer will stop supported or selling the product.

[G+_Jason Perry]

Rud Dog?, yeah I got a Synology NAS shortly after I got the camera so I just use their software. Haven't had an issue with it yet.