WIRED or WIRELESS camera setup.

[jb666]

I'm curious if anyone here has a setup they can recommend? I'm looking for a reliable (1-3 camera) security setup. A buddy of mine has a system that sees in the dark, it's nice.. But I don't want to spend $1 million on this.

Thanks, in advance!!

[Todd Wilson]

I've got a wireless camera from Radio Shack. It does all right. Picture isnt bad. Doesnt do too bad in the dark short range. Probably not gonna produce images that would hold up in court. The wireless portion has its days.  Its probably 50 feet from me now outside. Has to pass thru the house wall to get to the receiver. It does get interferance from other wireless devices. It can affect wireless networks,cordless phones and other peoples wireless camera's. The microwave will knock it out while cooking. I've had it a few years now and it keeps working. It if you buy enough camera's the base unit will scan 4 camera's. Best bet is to get wired camera's and hook them into a DVR of some kind. VCR tapes only record so many times before they and the head unit wear out.


Todd

[jb666]

I don't know which way I'll go. 5 years ago I had a 4 camera "wireless" setup. It sucked. The picture was horrible, the reception and interference was worse, and the reliability just wasn't there. I want a system that's going to capture everything. I'd like one that has a "record only motion" setting, and I'd like to be sure that at 3AM in a dark area it's there watching when I can't be...

I'm leaning towards a system like this, right now...

http://www.amazon.com/SVAT-CV0204DVR-Web-Ready-High-Resolution-Surveillance/dp/B000NTK73S/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

My question is, these systems come with 60' cables.. Obviously these can be extended???

Never mind... Just found my answer:

http://www.amazon.com/SVAT-CVW62-60ft-Camera-Extension/dp/B000W45766/ref=pd_bxgy_p_text_b

[Todd Wilson]

Bottom line is you have to spend $$$$ on a camera that will see good and at any distance in the dark. My wireless allows me to see whats going on in the dark but I could not ID anyone that was prowling about. The distance isnt that good in the dark either before it gets grainy. If you had my camera right at your door and someone walked up to go in you could probably ID them but anyfurther out you would just see someone goingin the door. Thing about wireless is any jiggle or wavy line from interferance will trip the motion detection of a recording device.


Todd

[jb666]

Bottom line is you have to spend $$$$ on a camera that will see good and at any distance in the dark. My wireless allows me to see whats going on in the dark but I could not ID anyone that was prowling about. The distance isnt that good in the dark either before it gets grainy. If you had my camera right at your door and someone walked up to go in you could probably ID them but anyfurther out you would just see someone goingin the door. Thing about wireless is any jiggle or wavy line from interferance will trip the motion detection of a recording device.


Todd

Very true, Todd. I'll keep those points in mind, thanks! 

[mikepmcs]

Just use a spring gun set up, no camera needed to take pictures because the intruder will be most likely on the ground and should be easily identifiable. You better have 911 on speed dial.

Be careful though, you don't want another Katko vs. Briney

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spring_gun

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Katko_v._Briney

On another note I don't have any problems with people come up my driveway even on a bright sunny day.  It's awesome!!!

[jb666]

Just use a spring gun set up, no camera needed to take pictures because the intruder will be most likely on the ground and should be easily identifiable. You better have 911 on speed dial.

Be careful though, you don't want another Katko vs. Briney

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spring_gun

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Katko_v._Briney

On another note I don't have any problems with people come up my driveway even on a bright sunny day.  It's awesome!!!

I'm in the City, I don't think it'd go over too well Mike!!!