With our local neighbourhood being targeted by break and enters over the past week, im thinking some security cameras are needed.
I'm wondering if anyone has gone down this path before a can share some tips.
A quick search leads me to think of the following config:
NVR
8 channels
POE support
Smartphone access
Motion detection with email alerts
Our home is already Cat5E cabled but am prepared to run more as needed.
Appreciate all replies.
Cheers
Sounds like a good setup.
I recommend Foscam as a really good IP camera that won't set you back too much. http://www.foscamaustralia.com.au/All-Foscam-IP-Cameras/
I use mine with a Synology / XPenology NAS setup on a HP N54L microserver and it is fantastic. Full remote access, push notifications, and as a bonus it serves as a kickass torrent-box, backup and media server.
I use this list as quick a guide to the specs on various camera models: https://www.synology.com/en-us/support/camera
I would just buy an NVR with PoE built in (in fact I have). One thing though try and get an NVR with a high bit rate. 1Mp cameras need to be able to run at a bit rate of about 2Mbps as a guide. Also get an NVR with ONVIF protocol. This allows you to add cameras from other vendors also when they start breaking down.
If you need a proper quote let me know the company I work for does security cameras.
Lakers suggestion is also fine if you go the want to use the microserver, but personally I think the size of the microserver is awkward to put in say the top of a pantry or wardrobe (NVRs are generally small and flat) and I'm not a big fan of TP-Link and would suggest something like the Netgear Prosafe range instead. Lifetime warranty and better quality.
Recently (after another guy at work used a similar setup) installed 4 Hikvision PoE cameras on our property, hooked up to an 8 channel Hikvision NVR/PoE injector. All bought from a vendor, I think it was "CCTVchina" on aliexpress. Don't forget you can specify the type of lens on the cameras.
Up and running for a mth now with no drop outs and impressive reliability. Accessible via smartphone all "iVMS-4500" - you can install the app and view their demo live cameras if you want to see how it all works.
Heaps better than my previous (crap!!) Logitech system.
Records to a 2TB sata drive (sold separately) in the NVR, but even with the 4 cameras running, consumes 1.5kWh less over a 24hr period as compared with a 3 camera Logitech alert system.
Local community centre here newly built has also installed Hikvision cameras - looks like they're catching on!
I would like to know what other OzBargainers recommend. Based on my own research I'm leaning towards
$130. 8 port POE TP-LINK switch from MSY
~$100 each Hikvision Camera http://www.aliexpress.com/category/301102/cctv-cameras.html
rather than using NVR, I'll run a HP N54L microserver as that lets my run Sighthound software and get smart live notifications on iOS or Android device
https://www.sighthound.com/