I know someone here bought a unifi g3 and was playing with the NVR software Kinda interested in ...

[G+_Jason Perry]

I know someone here bought a unifi g3 and was playing with the NVR software. Kinda interested in a review.

[G+_Rud Dog]

Sure.

The cameras are a bit expensive but let's just say, for now, work fine.

Details zoomed out OK zoomed in fuzzy.

 

These are POE(power over ethernet) and require 1 hole to pass the cable through and plug into the camera. There is a boot to prevent moisture from entering the housing.

 

Included with the cameras are POE injectors so you can use any switch you have or purchase.

 

Would stay away from the dome camera these are a bit more involved when it comes to mounting. The weather gromet is impossible, for me anyway, to install. You will want to keep a close eye on the mounting screws, I lost mine, and could not get the camera to twist and lockdown. Spent a lot of time mounting the dome version of the G3.

 

The free app really helps set up the cameras and can be used to check the viewing area without a computer.

 

They are equipped with what they call night vision and it works 5 out of 10 IR's. I know this only because when the IR feature on one of the cameras failed it was dark as heck in this area of the house. The tech support, on this reported failure, was also a failure. Future note to self, check on tech support before purchasing. Something I did not do on these units.

 

There is much to be desired on the zone motion triggering included in the software which is free. I am running Ubiquiti Unifi Video program on an old gaming PC under Ubuntu. If you have experience with this OS even on a beginner level it should go well.

The setup, once you become familiar with their software, is pretty useful. Did not play with the windows version.

 

 

As stated before I am middle of the road with these cameras. They are working with a few minor glitches. One such glitch the camera will show a graphic in the lower left corner indicating they are trying to do something but can't. Sort of a hold or something is problematic most of the time this will resolve itself. This is rare but thought I would mention it. When it doesn't self-correct I Teamview into the laptop and reboot.

 

If you have any specific questions let me know also will be willing to send you a sample video and pics of the camera in action.

[G+_Jason Perry]

Thanks for the review,

 

My current cameras are 720p so I get the feeling I won't mind the resolution.

 

How many cameras are you running?

 

Did you ever get the IR working on your camera? If so what was the issue?

 

What settings settings are you using for the triggering?

 

What are the specs on the laptop?

 

Do you know if it is the camera or the NVR that is placing the graphic on the screen?

 

I am kind of curious how their software and app compares to Synology's.

[G+_Rud Dog]

Jason Perry Running 3 cameras.

 

IR on failed camera is still not working thinking of placing it in the backyard where we have lights on overnight, therefore, won't need the IR. NOTE: they do offer a ring to extend the night vision but think there are a bit expensive.

 

The settings are fairly basic you are presented with a shape colored blue that has a transparency detail along the edge are dots you drag the dot to cover the area you wish to have trigger occur. There are sensitivity settings but never played with this part of the motion detection.

 

Do you know if it is the camera or the NVR that is placing the graphic on the screen?

Somewhere I read if you plug the laptop directly into the screen the load on the network is reduced dramatically. If you stream over the network and use web browser it does have an effect on the bandwidth. I have it setup up in the latter of the two and really don't see it affecting bandwidth for other items or the video on the screen. Not sure if that is what you were asking so follow up if not.

 

I have never used Synology but was looking to pick one up when I heard there is a limit of the number of cameras you can connect up after which you are charged a monthly fee or just a one-time fee don't remember which. That was a turn-off.

 

Laptop:

cnet.com - Gateway P-7805u FX Edition Specs

 

 

[G+_Jason Perry]

You get 2 free streams with your NAS and I am looking at CAD$266 for 4 or CAD$492 for 8 streams. Plus if I go with an alternative solution I can run OpenCV on the same box and use it to overlay additional metadata on the screen.

 

Do you know if I can I use a non-unifi camera on their NVR?

[G+_Rud Dog]

Jason Perry don't think so. Their software automatically locates the cameras. Also, the POE voltage is non-standard. Thinking they want to keep you hooked on the hardware by giving you the software.

Sorry, my mind is on other things what does CAD stand for?

[G+_Jason Perry]

Canadian Dollars.

[G+_Rud Dog]

Jason Perry is that lifetime?

[G+_Jason Perry]

Yes. I don't know if it is transferrable, my guess is not. If it was it would be more appealing, I am thinking of getting another NAS and only one would be used for recording. Still, I can see myself getting above 4 streams.

[G+_Jared Twomey]

I use a couple at home with my Synology and about 8 at work with Synology there.

 

I haven't had any issues with the IR lights not working.

 

The watermark on the camera feeds can be turned off in the camera settings.

 

And Synology camera licenses can be transferred. I just bought a 4 bay to replace my 2 bay and Synology support says I should have no problem transferring the licenses. I get the new NAS tomorrow so I will find out for sure.

[G+_Rud Dog]

Jared Twomey How long have they been up and running?

[G+_Jared Twomey]

About a year and a half, but i have moved a couple times and upgraded drives in my synology, so not constantly. Current uptime on all cameras at my house are currently about 3 months.

 

The ones we have at work have been in use to about 2 years now and some of those are on towers on mountain sites, so in pretty harsh environments.

[G+_Rud Dog]

Jared Twomey Thank you. Mine are mounted on the parameter of the house. Will update if any more failures should occur.

[G+_Jason Perry]

Jared Twomey when you transfer the licenses over let me know how it goes.

[G+_Jared Twomey]

Got my new Synology tonight, took a screenshot of my License key then deleted from my old NAS. Yanked the drives and put them in the new NAS. Once it booted I migrated the data and went into Surveillance Station, re-entered my key and it took it with no problem.

I was thrilled it kept all my camera info and settings. Just had to manually transfer the key, and that's it.

[G+_Rud Dog]

Jared Twomey was wondering have had my eye on the 1515 and 1517 but worried they would be approaching EOL? Scrolled up and didn't see which one you picked up?