vsector

Hello, I'm trying to replace a terrible resolution security camera. The camera is situated about 10 feet away from the door, but the image captured is not clear enough to identify a person. I just need it for capturing faces as they walk through the door. Are there cameras that can are zoom-adjustable so they record the zoomed in image only? Does anyone have a recommendation for a high resolution camera? What else affects the resolution of the final image from a security camera? I'm not sure what brand the camera is but here's my original: Uploaded with ImageShack.us

I have a MP416 dvr system (super expensive, terrible system). I'm looking to replace it with a dvr system that supports networked access, actual dvd burning (the mp416 does burning but doesn't finalize! So, no one but the security dvr can play it!), and clearer pictures (h.264 instead of mpeg4). Is there any suggestions? Thank you.

Sorry, must have missed that rule. Thank you for your help so far. Isn't there a difference in between picture quality and file compression between those two formats? In other words, wouldn't I get a better picture quality to file compression ratio with h264? Any recc's would be appreciated.

Not quite sure what you mean but if you are talking about an auto-zoom feature or remote zoom feature then I personally dont think you need one for this scenario. My recommendation would be to get a good analog camera with an vari-focal lens on it so you can adjust the zoom to your liking upon installation. From only 10' away, you should be able to use a camera with a typical 3.5-8mm lens (or thereabouts) and zoom in on the general area where there will be a face walking through the door and get a very crisp picture. Dont know if you still need an IR illuminated camera or not but if you never need this camera to see when the lights are out then you can forego that feature and just use a typical auto-iris lens or even a manual iris lens if the lights remain the same during viewing. Huh, so any generic camera would be better? I mean, the person is still unidentifiable even after looking at them in real time off of that camera. It's true though. The image quality after recording takes a huge nosedive.

I'm using a cost-me-a-whole-lotta-of-money-but-is-actually-a-total-ripoff-... Ahem. I mean I'm using MP416, a taiwanese manufactured system. It was difficult just finding that model. Funny that the person who sold it to me disappeared after selling it. Here's a link: http://www.yoko-tech.com/pictures/download/9309.pdf [edit by mod] I'm still quite upset that the disc burning capabilities don't finalize the disc.

So mpeg-4 is clearer than h.264? This is for playback right? I mean, the image quality is terrible compared to real time video play on the system. Is there a way to improve that? The resolution is already set to super-duper-high.