sequoia

I have a cabin that I want to add a few 2-5MP IP cams to. It has a pathetically slow (but mostly reliable) DSL connection. Because of infrequent use I don't want to pay for a more expensive DSL option. I presume that video playback of megapixel camera files will be poor over the slow DSL connection, so I would like to have my remote cabin location use FTP or some other service to automatically (unattended) upload the most recent video files to my home on a set schedule. Upload speed is not an issue as I could schedule it to take place overnight when there is no other activity. With the files uploaded onto my home network, I could then do a quick review of the files without the slowdowns involved in viewing remotely. Are there any recommendations on what is the best choice to do this? Some sort of FTP system that includes scheduling capability? Other methods? I can leave a PC running in the location that would be doing the upload, but I don't want to expose my home network to too many security risks from leaving things open and waiting for a connection.

One of my areas of discomfort is the channel strategy by Avigilon. I recognize they have a quality product, and wish to protect it. But after researching it and getting a camera / software quote, I still don't understand how their licensing works. That is *way* uncomfortable when you are considering making something a standard to follow for months and years to come. Can anyone help me understand their "per camera" license? If it doesn't restrict by camera MAC address, how does the "per camera" work?

I currently have 3 separate analog DVR/camera installations in 3 separate locations-- one commercial, two residential. 14 cameras in one location, 8 in another, and 4 in the other. I want to migrate all of it, over time, to IP. When I am done with the changeover I want a quality system with good cameras, good software, and reasonable compatibility between all components. My typical uses are to record activity at each location, view the locations on demand throughout the day, and do a morning review of all "overnight" activity that was identified based on motion or sensor. My budget is to spend what I need to, without getting outrageous on camera and system costs. If I can obtain all my needed equipment and have it average out to about $1,000/camera I am comfortable with that. I am trying to figure out what "standard" to employ regarding my future purchasing, or whether it would be better to forgo any such self-imposed standard and just mix/match equipment to best suit each individual need. For example, I could standardize on Axis cameras and Avigilon CMS, which seems a safe route, but I am unsure if this is truly needed or is truly desirable. What are your thoughts? Finally, if you use the Axis/Avigilon as one possible standard, what are other combinations that should be considered as alternatives? There are so many camera and software possibilities that I find it difficult to come to my own consensus on what to do, yet I do want to get started.

Route ports 2000-2007 to the IP address of the dvr.

Whoops one more thing. Another potential appeal with Axis is that the AVTECH monitor products automatically sense/identify AXIS cameras within the same network, and you can supposedly have the AVTECH device do the "sensing" part of an alarm condition and it would then grab a screen shot from the camera and email it. This separates the decision on whether to email a photo to the logic device instead of relying on motion detect within the camera. If it is simply emailed on camera motion detect, I would always get an image whether I wanted it or needed it or not. If I rely on the AVTECH logic device to figure it out I can cut way way back on how many images would get sent, depending on factors I can program in and control externally.

I'm attacted to this model because it separates the lens from the rest of the camera. Therefore you only need to mount/hide/disguise the lens itself, not the lens and camera body. One application I have is to install a camera within a block wall (filled with concrete and rebar), so trying to put a full size cam in such a location is a non-starter. My money changer is flush with the block wall with a stainless steel face so mounting something the size of a regular camera on the external wall would be prohibitively weird looking. With this model it is my understanding I can hollow out enough of the exterior of the block wall for the lens part, run the cable through the wall to the processing unit, add a discreete looking flush mount cover, and be done. That is appealing compared to making something much larger for a standard camera. Another application is to put a lens in between shelves of a vending machine pointing out through the glass looking at the customer (or vandal!) Again, no room for a standard camera. Right now both of these applications have overhead cameras pointing down, and of course if someone wears a hat in that scenario I have no way to get a good identity shot. Is there any model of Avigilon that offers such a similar capability? I'm not sold on any particular brand, and I know Avigilon has a great reputation, but the small size of this unit will let install it in areas that were not before possible. (I did experiment with some analog covert board cameras but back then the resolution was too poor.) Finally, I'm comfortable at $1,000/camera if I am buying quality. I could push that to $1,500 or so if there are better options to choose from ....

AXIS just introduced their line of covert IP cameras. This is exactly what I have needed for some time. I would pair these with the AVTECH units that can recognize AXIS cameras and cause a still shot to be emailed when a sensor is tripped. Questions- for someone starting out brand new with IP cameras, what would I need or what would you suggest purchasing in addition to the camera? I have a POE device already, but do I need IP camera software, a NVR, or ???? My application is to monitor and capture the identify of each person visiting my business, i.e. similar to capturing a photo of each person using an ATM machine. I would also like the ability to remotely login to the camera to view it and I have DSL or better at each of my locations.

Great responses, thank you. And a great review-- very helpful. Although I want to view what is happening up to 150' away, I would like to do facial recognition within about 50' or closer. If I bumped up to 2MB do you feel this is achievable, or would the 5MP camera be required? Finally I also looked at the AXIS P3384VE. Does this model differ much from the P3364-VE? Thanks!

I currently use Bosch WDR cameras and traditional DVR systems, and they work OK for my needs. I am looking to upgrade to IP cameras, am comfortable with spending about $1,000 per camera, and want functionality to connect over the internet via PC or (ideally) a droid phone also. My two immediate applications are to watch my front yard area which is located in a cul-de-sac. The area to view is about 150' deep by 150' wide. My second application is to watch the rear area of my business. This is a smaller area of maybe 75' deep and 50' wide. I've always consider AXIS a good brand, but I am new to IP cameras and don't know anything about needed NVR's, licenses, etc. Is the AXIS P3364-VE a good starter camera to meet the above needs and get me started into the IP world?

Thanks

The videoiq solution looked ideal for my single IP camera need. I followed directions on the web site regarding "how to buy", which consisted of emailing an employee at videoiq. No response. Are these products really in the channel and for sale?

Any results to share yet?

Looks very interesting-- thanks for posting!

It does look like the camera body of the Arecont would better fit if disguised in a bird house. What is the difference between a Arecont 3130 and a 3135? And, is there any way to compare night performance between the Mobotix and the Arecont? I'm assuming both are excellent during daytime. And, I looked at the VideoIQ site to check out their solution but I didn't really understand their product. When I have more time I will go back and watch their instructional videos.

I would likely disguise it in a bird house. A visible camera and motion floodlight might not be very compatiable with my neighborhood, not to mention that I have a very large front yard that curves around a large cul-de-sac. So getting good coverage, using a floodlight on a motion sensor, might be difficult. I'm more thinking of a high res day/night cam and putting an IR illuminator in a completely different location.