Security Cameras For Outside

[carlson1]

We have decided we need to place at least two security cameras on the outside of our home. I am not a technology minded man so please use easy terms to define.

Looking for:
2 cameras
very clear for daytime and nighttime use
able to view from our TV or computer inside the house
prefer something wireless and easy to install
easy on the budget

Anything thoughts, suggestions, helps, do's and don'ts are very appreciated.

[jimlongley]

We have decided we need to place at least two security cameras on the outside of our home. I am not a technology minded man so please use easy terms to define.

Looking for:
2 cameras
very clear for daytime and nighttime use
able to view from our TV or computer inside the house
prefer something wireless and easy to install
easy on the budget

Anything thoughts, suggestions, helps, do's and don'ts are very appreciated.

Avoid wireless if at all possible. Contention with other wireless devices leads to less than satisfactory results.

[TomsTXCHL]

The simplest wireless cams that are cheap/inexpensive are Foscam. If you want HD quality I recommend you look at HIKVISION (awful name, incredible image quality).

I disagree that wireless is to be avoided. I have numerous WiFi cams and gizmos and they all play fine together. If course, if you live in a tight neighborhood, which I do not, you want to make sure your WiFi is securely set-up.

You will also want to have one computer that runs 24/7 to accept alarms/recordings from your cams.

[mtnthundr2]

While at First Monday last month we stumbled across a booth in the 4500 building ( i hope this doesn't violate any rules here!!) that had amazing security cameras and gear....all kinds of it....it appeared to be great quality and was fairly reasonably priced. The guy has a security and investigation business so this is what he does daily.
We didn't have the funds at the time so I picked up his card. We plan on heading back there this Friday (7-4-14) to scope out a system that will work for us. I really don't want to violate any rules here so won't post his info unless I get permission.

[cb1000rider]

To start with, you'll need to decide if you're willing to drop wires. If not, you'll still need power where the camera are.
There are largely two types of systems - DVR based systems that are typically wired. These systems record on what is essentially a VCR. They're typical in convenience stores, etc.

There are also IP based cameras. This is what we have at home. Ours are all wireless. 4 of them are powered by plugs, with one at a remote location that uses a deep cycle battery and a solar panel.

The IP cameras require some knowledge of basic home networking. They are typically setup to record video when they detect movement. You need a location - typically a PC or some sort of storage device to keep the video.

Foscams are entry level. They've actually got a new outdoor cam that is 720p. When you buy a camera, pay attention to the view angle of the lens. Ourdoor foscams are also IR, so they can "see" in the dark subject to some limitations. They're not bad cameras, they're not great either, we've had one out of 4 fail in 2 years and have replaced a power adapter.

Expect to pay ~$100-$120 for IP cameras.

The cameras are just like having another wireless device in your home, they don't necessarily cause problems with anything.

IP cameras can also be setup to be monitored from your smart phone (if you have one). They can alert you via text message, email, etc.

[ELB]

Amazon's Gold Box Deal of the Day (today 7/2 only) is "Over 40% Off Select Top Security Cameras".

[VMI77]

Depending on where your computer is in relation to the two cameras, you can get two cheap web cams, connected to your computer via USB, and then run a cable from your computer's video output to your TV. You can get web cams on Amazon for less than $10, USB extension cables (with audio) for $5 (10 feet) to $15 (32 feet), a VGA splitter for $7, and 25 feet of RCA cable for $6. For the computer you'll still need something like Blue Iris software....about $50. I had four webcams hooked up like this where we used to live and they worked just fine. The cheap ones are only 640x480 but they worked fine for security and were cheap to replace (never had to replace one though). They don't need a separate power source but you do have to run the USB cable inside.

The Blue Iris software also allows remote viewing and monitoring via internet or smart phone.

[cb1000rider]

That's good for observation.. What do you do about recording a break-in, assuming the PC gets nabbed too?

[MechAg94]

Does anyone make outdoor wireless cameras that can be paired or built in with outdoor lights? That way power is already there.

I had actually wondered if someone could build an entry way light fixture that had a camera built in (hopefully somewhat hidden). I just think that would be the easiest to install and set up. I haven't searched a great deal, but I have never seen one like that. It seems like something people would want though.

[VMI77]

That's good for observation.. What do you do about recording a break-in, assuming the PC gets nabbed too?

You talkin' to me? I have multiple DVRs and computers (two of each) backing each other up, in multiple locations and in two different buildings. Well, I should say I will have, as since moving I've only set up one system. One recorder will also be in a gun safe. I also have a wireless camera looking down our very long driveway that plays directly to TV's in both buildings, and is observation only, along with a driveway motion alert sensor. Soon I will have a double gate system, so that to get to our place you'll have to go through a barbed wire property line fence with a locked gate, and a smaller game fence with a locked gate (enclosing a couple acres to give the dogs running room). Then, to actually enter the house you'd have to climb over a chain link fence or cut the lock on the gate. At which time, if it's dark, you'd be well illuminated. By which time, if someone's home and you're an intruder, you should be prepared to be greeted by three big dogs (140 lbs, 125lbs, and only 85 pounds but extremely fast and agile), and at least one well armed man or woman.

[VMI77]

Does anyone make outdoor wireless cameras that can be paired or built in with outdoor lights? That way power is already there.

I had actually wondered if someone could build an entry way light fixture that had a camera built in (hopefully somewhat hidden). I just think that would be the easiest to install and set up. I haven't searched a great deal, but I have never seen one like that. It seems like something people would want though.

Well, you could get camera separately and use a socket like this.

http://www.amazon.com/Leviton-Watt-125V ... ocket+plug

I'm using a camera like this to monitor my driveway. It's very small and not discernible from a distance, but it would be easy to hide or camouflage it. You wouldn't be able to see it at night anyway unless you got up under the lights.

http://www.amazon.com/HDE-Pinhole-Wirel ... ess+camera

The picture quality isn't great, but it does have a built-in mic and is good enough for observation. I have one looking down my driveway.

[CowboyEngineer]

I have had 2 Logitech outdoor cameras under my beach house for about 2 years now. They have worked great, with no problems. They use power over Ethernet so no need to run coax wires. You will need a 120 vac power source for each. I just plug mine into outlets on my decks. Video signal is sent over the power wiring to an adapter that plugs into a wall socket and your wireless router. My videos are recorded to a laptop. When the laptop is off the videos are recorded on memory cards internal to the camera. The cameras came with 2 gig memory cards that I replaced with 30 gig cards. The 30 gig cards can record about a months worth of videos for when I'm on vacation. The outdoor camera has IR LED's for night vision illumination. Picture quality is very good with an effective range of about 50 - 60 feet. You can set up alert over email and view the cameras over a smart phone or tablet from anywhere. I checked on my house from Italy last year. You can find them on amazon or Logitechs site or at Fry''s. If you have the power source available, installation is easy peasy.

[cb1000rider]

They use power over Ethernet so no need to run coax wires. You will need a 120 vac power source for each.

I thought POE (Power over ethernet) was wiring on the RJ-45 (phone looking connector) - you need a POE injector or switch to use it.
Or you're saying that they use a 120 vac adapter to provide power on the Ethernet port, but work over wireless?

[CowboyEngineer]

Sorry if I wasn't clear. There is a single Ethernet cable for each camera that serves as both the power cable and the signal cable. the video signal is then sent over the house power wiring to the router.