mpcd

Mmm so much to consider. Thse cameras you suggested are not night vison so they are not going to be as good. I would want hi res cameras but where do you start looking? I'm considering a dedicated PC cause it's my area of expertise but a dedicated DVR would be simplier - have some ideas but at this stage I may chat with CCTV specialist as this seems to be a mine field of info and I want to get it right. Having never used CCTV or know if its capabilities or limitations I'm a bit blind!

Lastly, you can see what sort of area I'm trying to film and in what type of light. I will look at the cameras mentioned but wonder what sort of coverage I should be looking for. For example, this system http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=341939&source=1 the cameras only have a 10-12m night vision range, that will bearly reach the kirb stone where the cars park so I'm no sure what type of camera to buy. There are cameras that provide 40-50m of night vision but they are more expensive plus as you can see I do have some light? I'm not under an illusions, I know you get what you pay for, but I don't want to over spend when it's not necessary. Seen this night vision camera - http://www.iviewcameras.co.uk/Professional%5FNightProfessional%5FNight%5FVision%5FDay%2DNight%5F50M%5FInfra%5FRed%5FCAR%2DR550HQ/version.asp?PID=30

Hi zmxtech. Not sure I understand? These picturse showing a mock up of what I had in mind do overlap each other so why would this not be good to identify someone? Is it a legal thing? Remember what I'm trying to cover are my 2 cars. I also want to cover as much of the parking as possible cause I can't always park outside my house.

1. What digicam did you use? Many digicams have sensors that are huge compared to typical CCTV sensors. 2. What shutter speed did you use? Setting a very low shutter speed can produce night images with good detail, but anyone walking across the field of view will be a blur. Best, Christopher Hi cglaeser It was a digital camera not a webcam. I cheated, my camera has a auto feature ISO3200 so I don't know what shutter speed was used? I do know I had to keep my hands very still otherwise picture would easily blur plus a car passed and blurred also so you are right, camera picked up good light but not so good for moving objects. This will mean then that most cameras will produce dark images with current light levels? Heres a photo with car passing...

Hi Soundy, thanks for your detailed reply. Considering all you've said I think a dedicated DVR will be best for my needs. Most DVRs that I've seen have VGA out. My computer is currently using HDMI to my PC. Can a dedicated DVR still connect to my spare VGA port on my monitor and still work or will I need a new seperate monitor? There are plenty to choose from but any tips what to look out for? Maplins are currently doing this http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=341939&source=1

Hello all, I am a complete novice to CCTV. My only experience so far is I've had an initial quote from CCTV installer 2/3 years ago but did not go ahead at that time due to cost/budget. Since then I've continued to find myself a victim to low level vandalism to my 2 business vehicles and am tired of it. So my goal is simple, 1. Prevent further vandalism. 2. If not have good evidence to convict. For the later I know I will need TV quality CCTV that can capture during on street lighting at night. I have no fixed budget as such but was quoted about £1200 to supply/install 1x DVR unit, 2x night vision cameras @480 lines about 2 years ago. All previous vandalism has occurred at night, on a main road at night. I am a computer technician by trade and am willing to consider PC based DVR but I must admit leaving my PC 24/7 in my house makes me very nervous / electric costs etc! The only thing that puts me off dedicated DVR is they are noisy considering it will be in my home somewhere? I think I will need 3 cameras to cover the front of my house to cover probably 20-30m distance. I want the best quality CCTV video for playback so I'm guessing max FPS is required 24/7 and probably 380 lines or higher. The system must produce sharp video to be useful for the police. No good recording grainy video! Here's an example I what I want to achieve from CCTV. Pictures taken with my digi camera with ISO3200 no flash. Hopefully CCTV can be this good? Camera 1 (proposed) Camera 2 (proposed) Camera 3 (proposed)

Hello, My name is Paul and I've just started my research into CCTV after having my business vehicle once again damaged by thugs! I came across this forum after searching Google for CCTV so I'm hoping you guys can teach me a thing or two and help me find the right system for my needs. I'm hungry for information and look forward to conversing with you all. Paul.