Wired Outdoor Security Cameras - Recommendations

staffsuk

Hi all

Well I know this has been covered umpteen times, but the technology improves so rapidly with security cameras that I thought I would ask what's currently recommended with regards my particular application.

I'm looking for some outdoor security cameras, but have been bamboozled by what's on offer. There seem to be two distinct groups, one being the stand-alone cameras like the Hive, Nest etc and then there are systems from the likes of Swann & Hikvision with a base / recorder which come with multiple cameras.

I am in a bungalow and DIY competent, so very happy to drill holes through walls etc for wired cameras. I would prefer powered cameras so no batteries to keep charging, and cameras that are securely fitted (I've seen some of the stand-alone cameras are secured merely by a magnetic bracket?!!).

I'm initially looking at 2 - 3 cameras and would prefer at least 1080p, that said I understand it's more to do with the actual camera sensor specification & lens quality than megapixel count.

What are the pros / cons for each group? What do the stand-alone units offer by way of features / quality that the hard-wired systems with a base don't?

This is all new to me so any pointers / recommendations etc would be grateful received

that

i would look here https://ipcamtalk.com/ and there are also some comparisons there.

there is a new very nice sony starvis sensor that was release about 2 months ago, probably still expensive, youtube imx226

Frozen_up_north

I have a Swann network setup, it involves drilling, but everything is powered from the recorder. The cameras are 4M pixel with a 4 channel recorder. I did have one camera fail under warranty, but otherwise it has been a solid performer.

The cameras that power over Ethernet have the big advantages of not needing separate power connections and also means you can run everything from a UPS, such as an APC BE700G (cost around £80). The cameras/recorder can have problems with settings changing due to glitches in mains power, as well as the obvious lack of camera coverage in the event of a mains outage.

The cables supplied with the Swann kits aren’t outdoor grade, neither do they supply a junction box. The latter is easily sourced from Screwfix and outdoor grade network cable is widely available if you need it.

My recorder has a noisy cooling fan, not an issue for me as it’s in a spare room. I don’t know if it’s a common issue with recorders.

Spiders lover IR lights on cameras, you will need to be able to reach them with a cobweb brush.

stator

I hate IP cameras.


I would stick to AHD 1080p cameras with an AHD 1080p DVR and you can't go wrong.

googler

I/we use Arlo. Use the Panasonic Industrial range batteries, and they can last up to 14 months or so, depending on usage.

Although the Arlo package comes with the magnetic mounts, there's a host of third-party screw-fit alternatives through Amazon and such, which we selected

Helpfulmum

We have one of the LUTEC secury'lights and we've recommended them to everyone. We have the ELARA which provides a nice glow at the front door because we were more interested in the live streaming and being able to communicate with anyone who approaches from our phones even if we're not in but the neighbour has one of the floodlights of theirs which comes on by motion sensor.
They're super affordable and do the job perfectly!

arciere

stator wrote: »

I hate IP cameras.

Can I ask why? I am the opposite, I find them much easier to manage.

bengalknights

How many cameras do you think you will need upto 4 go with a basic system more than this and go for a professional system.

AHD/Analog you can now get upto 8mp from Hikvision, Dahua and the generic Sony Image Sensor cameras.

IP is far easier to get up and running and more future proof however and supports upto 20MP on some systems.

that

bengalknights wrote: »

AHD you can now get 5mp from Hikvision, Dahua and the generic Sony Image Sensor cameras

Er, you can get 12mp, and very good low level light sensitivity too using imx226, and Dahua already have some out.

I am after one, but currently do not have the time attempt to implement it into a YOLO system. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4eIBisqx9_g