Security Camera recommendation

http://cdn.brownstoner.com/4dff82fb9179e-

Anyone recommend a certain brand/model? We are thinking about buying the QSee cameras at Costco but not sure what the video quality is like. Any info would be greatly appreciated.

namahs

in Security 13 years and 10 months ago

12

Please log in, in order to post replies!

12 replies

Newest Oldest

mozeeatupu | 9 years ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5120 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#4944 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "176749"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(10) "mozeeatupu"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BHO3bQekVGtCrXmPMzpkzkalt5eAQl/"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(10) "mozeeatupu"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(17) "grandzu@yahoo.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(25) "/forums/users/mozeeatupu/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 14:25:47"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(10) "mozeeatupu"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(176749)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

Get an PoE camera setup. Just one cable to run.
Dahua cameras are the best and get the highest megapixel you can. There’s a place in Queens that sells them, can’t recall the name.

Guest User | 9 years ago

string(1) "3"
string(6) "196325"

This is the cheapest mini dome IP cam I bought till now, I am very happy for what I choose,
this IP camera I in-ceiling at my house entrance, super clear image at day time, night time it also
can view clearly too.
I use the one below: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KA4QCKI
Cheers!

Goatcrapp | 13 years and 10 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5121 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5122 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "108904"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(9) "Goatcrapp"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BBIwBZIbwf8MzD0m6gSVz3ZtnIqVUW0"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(9) "goatcrapp"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(17) "goatcrapp@aol.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(24) "/forums/users/goatcrapp/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 14:33:02"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(9) "Goatcrapp"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(108904)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

qsee is pretty damn bad.

For my hallway security cameras – I chose axis IP cameras – the m1054POE –  720p and does the video processing on board, so you get 24-30fps even with a slow network connection to the dvr..   They have very good optics, and are pretty amazing with low lux situations.  They also have a bright LED for illumination in 0 lux conditions.

For a DVR – you can literally use any old spare PC (should be at least a p4, with 1GB of ram.  Aim for 500gb disk space for one week’s worth of motion triggered recording (with a 5 second lead-time set in the dvr)

Use a computer with a Dual core or better processor if you’re running 4 or more cameras and need to live-view them, and plan on 1tb or better hard drive space for greater than 1 week record time) – Axis includes a basic DVR software, for free, and there are other packages ranging from free to 50.00 that would fit most needs excellently.  The cameras are programmable to react to certain triggers such as light, sound, or motion.

The cameras aren’t cheap – 350 each, or so…  but the quality, is impressive.

You’ll need
– a spare computer (or a cheap new one if starting from scratch) – 0-300.00
– the cameras (350 ea.   200 ea if you opt for the low-def ones (640×480)
– a personal POE router/switch.  I use the cisco SRW208P – about 300, but there are cheaper options out there from netgear and linksys (owned by cisco) if you don’t need a managed switch.
– ethernet cable (cat5e or cat6)  for  installation.  buy a spool for 150 or so.

2020audiovisual | 13 years and 10 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5123 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5124 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "179394"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(15) "2020audiovisual"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BzQfGN234CO3ul8IyHHxWzZw6jSxHA0"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(15) "2020audiovisual"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(27) "jeffrey@2020audiovisual.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(57) "http://bstoner.wpengine.com/forums/users/2020audiovisual/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 14:41:10"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(15) "2020audiovisual"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(179394)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

Cameras are a sensitive subject. It all depends on what you want to achieve. If you want a deterrent, Costco cameras make sense but if you are looking for the ability to see faces clearly from a distance, you must step up to a better system. I personally use Panasonic IP cameras. They cost more than the average camera, but you have the ability to directly access the camera online. Adding a DVR would be an option that you could add on at a later time. We typically charge $1500 for a 4 camera installation that is not IP based. The Panasonic systems we install typically run $4000\. The difference is quality and accessibility.

If those prices are out of your range, look for cameras with resolutions above 520 lines for something that is decent. 700 lines is really good. Then look to pair those cameras with a DVR that can support the lines of the camera. DVRs vary in price because of the features they offer. Triplex, quadriplex and pentaplex are words you will see in your search. These are fancy ways of saying the DVR can do 3, 4, and 5 things at the same time. An example of a pentaplex DVR is one that has the ability to record live video, pause live video, navigate through recorded video, view live video and record live video while burning/offloading recored video all at the same time. 

There are many other things to consider like distance from camera to target area, covertness of the camera, size of the camera, size of the hard drive in the DVR/how long would you like to keep recorded information in the DVR, infrared which is ability to see in the dark. It boils down to how much do you care about security. If you care a lot, there are many options. If you don’t care much, go with your cheapest option.

It is not worth heavily investing in a security camera system if it is not very important to you. It is important to make sure the wiring is done correctly so that if it does become important, you may change your mind freely and not pay a hefty financial penalty.

If you have any questions about Audio, Video, Lighting, Shades, Sound, Security or anything Audio VIsual, please do not hesitate to ask.

**20/20 Audio Visual Inc.
www.2020AudioVisual.com
            …we make it simple.
**

housepoor | 13 years and 10 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5114 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5130 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(5) "71781"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(9) "housepoor"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BZnN5ER9y5nTOH3g4Irm1FYCyvGA2Z1"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(9) "housepoor"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(25) "jonathanscooper@gmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(24) "/forums/users/housepoor/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 14:30:00"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(45) "1728671304:$P$Bek7XOwNZX.3S.lAqmzW5.6CejI0ah/"
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(9) "housepoor"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(71781)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

My Nuvico “Easyview Lite” Dome Camera (CV-HD21N-L) has both zoom (2.8 mm – 11mm) and focus control (http://www.nuvico.com/product_detail.htm?id=174) as well as a remote controller that plugs into the unit to control all the function menus. Maybe they have different models with different features or they updated features after you bought yours. I have to say, I’ve had several different cameras for various applications and the Nuvico blew all the others away. And no, I have no connection to the manufacturer, store, or installer…..

northofditmas | 13 years and 10 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5121 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5125 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(5) "41958"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(13) "northofditmas"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(13) "northofditmas"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(21) "olgierd@babypanda.org"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(31) "/forums/users/limestone_cowboy/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 13:51:20"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(13) "northofditmas"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(41958)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

The more lines the camera sees the better.  Cheap QSee cameras have 420 TV lines.  The QSee DVR can record 700 lines if you get better cameras.  420 lines is enough if you have the camera right by a door or window. For clarity 6 or more feet from the camera you need better quality.

housepoor | 13 years and 10 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5123 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5131 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(5) "71781"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(9) "housepoor"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BZnN5ER9y5nTOH3g4Irm1FYCyvGA2Z1"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(9) "housepoor"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(25) "jonathanscooper@gmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(24) "/forums/users/housepoor/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 14:30:00"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(45) "1728671304:$P$Bek7XOwNZX.3S.lAqmzW5.6CejI0ah/"
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(9) "housepoor"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(71781)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

I just bought a Nuvico “Easyview Lite” after my 15 year old camera died. I had been recommended the brand over others for being well made and durable. It has infra-red lights that kick in at night. Both the night and day pictures are amazingly clear. One word of caution: make sure the transformer can handle 1amp. On the old unit that failed the transformer was smaller (500 mA). The unit worked during the day, but went wonky at night when the infra-red drew more power. I am very pleased with the unit. It cost about $160 at Canal Alarms (Canal & 6th Avenue).

shahnandersen

in Security 13 years and 10 months ago

string(1) "2"
object(WP_User)#137596 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5133 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(1) "6"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(13) "shahnandersen"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(13) "shahnandersen"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(31) "brownstoner@brownstoner.com.old"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(27) "brownstoner.com/renovation1"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2006-09-08 20:12:54"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(6)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(0) {
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(0) {
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(0) {
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

The biggest problem you will encounter with that set from Costco is that you cannot adjust your focus. The view is what it is and that can very aggravating. Additionally that Qsee DVR really is crap. You definitely get what you pay for when it comes to CCTV. The only “discount” outfit I’d recommend is monoprice see link below.

http://www.monoprice.com/products/subdepartment.asp?c_id=110&cp_id=11006

stevecym | 13 years and 10 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#137598 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#137599 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(5) "21525"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(8) "stevecym"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(8) "stevecym"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(24) "stevecymbalsky@yahoo.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(30) "/forums/users/thetinkerswagon/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 14:05:31"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(20) "xLyD4JX1CSeJzFu7zs4j"
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(8) "stevecym"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(21525)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

I am not sure if you are looking for interior or exterior cameras, but i have a pair of brand new Intellinet Network IP cameras (interior) here that I have listed on Ebay now.  The pair of them could be yours for the cost of one ($160).  Let me know if you are interested.  Steve http://brownstoner.staging.wpengine.com/tinkerswagon

ITWorks | 13 years and 10 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#137597 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#137600 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(5) "95592"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(7) "ITWorks"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BEHrbN4sb54LnomLlMIz0IdaxknmkZ1"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(7) "itworks"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(15) "Gabe@itworks.fm"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(27) "/forums/users/itworksdotfm/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 14:32:55"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(7) "ITWorks"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(95592)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

I use EverFocus for the DVR (http://www.everfocus.com/categories.cfm?categoryid=1), it’s good quality, good web interface and free iPhone app that works very well.  I picked one up (with all the cameras and an in-person consult) at Grants Supply in LIC (http://www.grantep.com/location.html).

masterbuilder | 13 years and 10 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#137596 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#137601 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(5) "26835"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(13) "masterbuilder"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BEhqCCOZrWesH0da.UZzi2Nb1a4B.R/"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(13) "masterbuilder"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(17) "salemfilm@mac.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(28) "/forums/users/masterbuilder/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 14:15:50"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(13) "masterbuilder"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(26835)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

I agree that DVR quality is critical.  If it is cheap, there is a good chance the software is pirated and unstable.  Do your homework and buy a quality solution.

levicapland | 13 years and 10 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#137598 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#137602 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(5) "55581"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(11) "levicapland"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(11) "levicapland"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(18) "lcapland@gmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(26) "/forums/users/levicapland/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2010-06-10 20:49:58"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(11) "levicapland"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(55581)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

Costco cameras are crap. The quality of the video is not simply in the camera but also in the dvr that is recording the videos. Samsung makes great dvr’s. Also depending what you are trying to capture will dictate what type of camera you need. How many cameras are you looking to buy? The number of cameras will dictate how large the hard drive needs to be on the dvr. Are you looking to store footage for 7 days or for 30 days? Call me if you need me to walk you through this Levi  SoHo Appliances 347-276-6528