Suggestions for Surveillance Setup for a New Build

squaredonut on 27/08/2025 - 09:36

We are going through a semi-new build (back of the house is knocked down and rebuilt).

We want to put some surveillance cameras up but wondering what's the recommended system to go with or does each system just have their own downsides?

Also what's a good brand to go for. Do people just run most of the outdoor units via Cat5's over PoE?

Any pointers would be greatly appreciated.

We want external and internal surveilance, not sure how many we would need externally, I am guessing one on each side of the house eaves, one at the back of the house and one at the front, would that suffice?

Home & Garden Security Camera Security System

Comments

  • Duckie2hh on 27/08/2025 - 09:39
    +1

    surveillance cameras up but wondering what's the recommended system to go with
    internal surveilance

    Depends if you it to be concealed or not, as well as whether it is for use in the bathroom or bedroom.

    • tenpercent on 27/08/2025 - 10:17
      +1

      whether it is for use in the bathroom or bedroom

      Depends if it going to be an airbnb rental or not.

  • tenpercent on 27/08/2025 - 09:46

    would that suffice?

    Suffice for what purpose?

    • jv on 27/08/2025 - 10:21
      +2

      To be sufficient.

  • lochstar on 27/08/2025 - 09:50
    +1

    I have a couple of Reolink cameras and they are quite good. Both powered by cat5 POE.

  • sumyungguy on 27/08/2025 - 09:50

    Does your site have mains power and NBN/wifi?

  • iDroid on 27/08/2025 - 10:11
    +1

    I'd just make sure to run Cat-6 everywhere you can - then you can install any system you like after.

    I've been using Dauha NVR with Dauha and various other camera brands.

    Just make sure what ever you "buy into" has support for generic protocols (ONVIF et at) then you can add cameras from most manufacturers and are not locked into a brand.

  • jv on 27/08/2025 - 10:20
    +2

    Do people just run most of the outdoor units via Cat5's over PoE?

    yes….

  • pencilman on 27/08/2025 - 10:22
    +5

    Surveillance versus security.

    For security you want them to be obvious and not accessible.

    For new build plan your locations and try get ethernet cabling to the locations if possible.
    Can power over the ethernet cable.
    But access to power point also helpful for alternative.

    Maybe even power point,

  • tenpercent on 27/08/2025 - 10:23
    +7

    Please ensure the placement of your cameras does not invade the privacy of your neighbours.

    • joka on 27/08/2025 - 10:34

      But ok for the family members inside the house to have their privacy invaded.

    • Benoffie on 27/08/2025 - 11:27

      Modern set ups have digital privacy screens that are implemented to stop overlooking

  • JIMB0 on 27/08/2025 - 10:33
    +3

    Depends how much you want to spend. Hikvision is the go-to choice for surveilling an entire country, but is overkill for keeping tabs on your house.

  • websterp on 27/08/2025 - 11:18
    +9

    These are the brands used by residential installers:

    Premium: Hikvision (not worth the higher cost IMO)
    Best price-performance ratio: Dahua
    Budget: Hilook (budget brand of Hikvision), Uniview, EZip

    For DIY: Reolink

    Stay away from Swann

    New entrant into the budget end: Vigi - great prices(Dahua equivalent features for half the price) and user friendly and feature rich mobile App + from a known brand (TPLink)

    They all provide 3 year warranty except Reolink which is 2yrs - If you are feeling adventurous you can buy Dahua and Hikvision for less than half price from Aliexpress - These are mostly Chinese models flashed with English firmware so if something goes wrong you are on your own)

    Also use Cat6 not Cat5 cables and make sure the installer is using solid copper cables - Almost all fly by night operators use inferior CCA (Copper coated Al) cables and wouldn't say a word about this unless you ask.

    I'd suggest not to use cameras indoors. Considering all modern NVRs are internet connected in some way you really don't want your loved ones to be watched by some creep who managed to find an exploit or a bug in your system no matter how boring your lives are. For indoor security, install an alarm system but if you really want video monitoring indoors just use a wifi camera(tplink, nest, reolink, etc.) only when you need it and leave it switched off when you don't.

    • skillet on 28/08/2025 - 09:34
      +1

      Also use Cat6 not Cat5 cables and make sure the installer is using solid copper cables - Almost all fly by night operators use inferior CCA (Copper coated Al) cables and wouldn't say a word about this unless you ask.

      Actually the cowboys might not even know CCA exists they just order whatever cheapest wire.

  • Benoffie on 27/08/2025 - 11:29

    We have Hilook cameras over ethernet, with a Paradox system. Cameras are more than enough for residential. App is easy to use.

  • cngu0803 on 27/08/2025 - 13:30
    +3

    I personally just have my grandpa sit at the front porch all day.

    • DoctorCalculon on 27/08/2025 - 20:02

      What happens when he falls asleep, or has to answer nature's call?

      • tenpercent on 27/08/2025 - 20:15
        +2

        What happens when he falls asleep

        Deploy the other grandpa.

        or has to answer nature's call?

        Even grandpas have mobiles these days.

  • Far Cough on 27/08/2025 - 21:27
    +1

    hikvision

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